Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo of 1992 ribbon-cutting provided by the Cary YMCA.

Cary, NC- Hard to believe, but this year the Cary Family YMCA turned 20 years old. I met with Executive Director, Diane Hillsgrove to talk about the past and future of this powerful community organization.

A Brief History of the Cary Y

I had heard the Cary Y began as a walking club, and Diane confirmed that. The club met at Cary Towne Center (at the time called the Cary Village Mall). But even before that, in 1987, the first fitness classes were offered at East Cary Middle School. That year Tracy Howe was hired (he still works for the YMCA).  Then real fundraising began to build a permanent home, beginning  with the Santa Claus Booth in the mall.

From the walking club, the organization then began children’s camp programs.  Camp Outer Limits was the first summer camp located at West Cary Middle School.

A key part of the plans came together when the land and pool was donated in 1987. The existing main pool was built originally as a neighborhood pool. The pool and 15 acres (current Y location) were donated to the project by Parkway Developers. The Finley Y was also instrumental in assisting. Without that initial vision and donation, perhaps the Y would never have been built.

The building officially opened on January 6, 1992, when this area of Cary was almost a wilderness. The town had 60,000 residents. Cary’s population has more than doubled to 141,000 since then, causing organizers to need to expand, and finally to build the more recent Kraft Y in southern Cary, to accomodate the need for more facilities, camps, and members.

We Build People: Helping Those in Need

One of the most important programs that the Y provides has nothing to do with folks getting their daily workout. The annual We Build People campaign funds outreach programs for kids.

This program was launched in 1993 with a goal of raising $50,000. Diane proudly explained that this year’s campaign beat their goal of $435,000- topping $490,500!! (what recession?) The money raised does not go to capital funds, or Y operating costs – it is 100% invested into Y Learning programs during the school year and summer camps scholarships.

The program is effective. Even during the summer camps, the students get tutoring, as well as swim lessons and weeks at Camp Seafarer. Children that participate achieve better EOG scores than their peers in similar circumstances. More money raised, means more kids able to participate. The aim is to make the Y accessible to all.

We Build People: By The Numbers

• 95 Year round and traditional school and preschool scholarship participants
• 70 Day campers
• 100 Y Learning Tutorial participants
• 160 Camp High Hope campers- fully subsidized

Cary YMCA Milestones

Leaders at the Cary Y weren’t done once the building was put up. Every year, they look at what can be improved. Membership currently tops 5100 units-  families or individuals which could mean as many as 20,000 Cary residents!

• 1997: Expansion- built Gym 3
• 1997: Built lower Oasis Pool
• 2001: Completed the Spray Ground
• 2007: Built the Slide
• 2009: Renovated the Inside, expanding workout areas
• Planning future Expansion- Indoor Aquatics Facility

Diane told me that Dick Ladd, who was an early and instrumental leader, believed Cary needed a Y because of the part a YMCA played in his life growing up. “If not for the vision of these early promoters, there would not be this wonderful facility that has impacted the lives of so many.”  I can vouch for that – my first and longest known friends have come from my 13 years as a Y member. My youngest’s earliest memories are as a Bumble Bee club member in their childcare program.

Our very first story on CaryCitizen (7/28/2009): YMCA Blood Drive.

I call myself a “Lifer” and don’t know what would fill that part of my life if the Y did not exist. Thanks to those who had the vision to build 20 years ago.

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Lindsey Chester has been a member of the Cary YMCA for 13 years.

Editor’s Note: If like knowing about the history of Cary, you’ll enjoy this free program on Tuesday, January 24, from The Friends of Page-Walker:

Where will you find a mural depicting the Town of Cary and its citizens both past and present? Join the Friends of the Page-Walker in welcoming local artist, Val Fox, who will solve this mystery and share her story of creating the “Cary Then and Now” mural.

Val will take us on a journey of the local places and people depicted in the famous mural and share the role each has played in our Town’s history.

This free program is offered as part of the Friends of the Page-Walker’s Historic Preservation Series.

• Preservation Speaker Series: “Who Is That Guy? The Story Behind the Cary Mural”
• Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Main Gallery
• Date: Tuesday, 24 Jan 2012 7:30 PM

More information and online registration: Preservation Speaker Series: “Who Is That Guy? The Story Behind the Cary Mural”

Story by Lindsey Chester. Illustration by Jerry Miller.

Cary,NC – Are you a long time Cary resident? By that I mean, have you lived here longer than 30 years? If so you may have some documents that could be of interest to the Town of Cary and the Friends of Page-Walker.

The Friends of Page-Walker Preservation Committee, in partnership with the Town of Cary, is hunting for plans and architectural drawings of subdivisions and homes from the 1950′s and 1960′s. That’s a time when Cary counted our residents at less than 10,000!

In particular they seek plans drawn by the hand of long time resident Jerry Miller (story). Miller is known to have designed homes in the Greenwood, Pine Valley and Meadowmont subdivisions, among others.

Town Funded Project

These plans and drawings will become part of the inventory collected for the Town of Cary-funded Historic Resources Survey and Inventory Update project. Thirty thousand dollars has been allocated to complete this project.

The project goals are to 1) update information about Cary properties listed in the existing Wake County Architectural and Historic Inventory, and 2) add additional Cary properties to the Inventory by surveying and identifying important properties throughout the town that are over 50 years old and have never been documented.

Basically, the Preservation Committee is looking to identify properties that may be of historical or architectural importance. These will be added to the Town’s Historic Preservation Master Plan which provides a road map for preservation policies and activities over the next 10 years through a series of goals, objectives and recommended actions.

The project began in August 2011 and will be completed in late spring of 2012. The Town has retained Circa, Inc., a Raleigh cultural resources consulting firm, to perform the survey and inventory update.

Who to Contact

Citizens who have or know about the requested plans and drawings can contact:

Ellen Turco at Circa, Inc. at
(919) 219-1489
eturco@circa-inc.com.

Now, go search through your attics and closets to see if you possess any of these antique treasures!

Story by Matt Young. Photos courtesy of the Ritter Family.

Cary, NC – One of Cary’s most unique traditions is the Lochmere Christmas Flotilla, started by Former Mayor Harold Ritter in 2005. It’s this Sunday night and we’ll tell you where to go to watch.

Former Mayor Launches a Tradition

Mayor Ritter (served Cary from 1983 – 1987) and his wife Gerry told me about starting the Lochmere Christmas Flotilla in 2005. “It started with two boats and a canoe with a flashlight,” the former Mayor quipped.

Now, it’s a big event with dozens of boats and hundreds of spectators.

There will be lots of sailboats, jon boats, pontoon party boats and even full size skiffs with lots of beautiful lights.

The flotilla (led by the Ritters’ grandchildren, I am told) sing carols as the boats make the voyage around both sides of the lake. Neighbors come and watch from docks all around the lake.

Join the Flotilla

If you’ve got a boat on Lake Lochmere and want to join the flotilla, decorate your vessel and assemble at the Ritter’s dock around 5:15 pm.

Mayor Ritter has even designed a schematic for running Christmas lights on your boat using a car battery and a power inverter. If you’re in need of advice, the flyer says “Ask the Pro – Call Harold Ritter, Flotilla organizer and handyman at 919-851-5444. You have questions, he has answers.”

Event Details for Spectators

Lochmere Christmas Flotilla
Sunday, December 18, 2011
6:00-8:00 PM

Spectators can watch from the dam over Lake Lochmere on Lochmere Drive (Map). Parking may be tight – try Lochmere Swim & Tennis just up the road. Bring some folding chairs, blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate. Or whatever floats your boat.

Story from staff reports. Above, recent Yates Mill D.A.R. luncheon at Page-Walker.

Cary, NC – The Yates Mill Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosts a Wreaths Across America ceremony at noon, Saturday, Dec. 10, at Hillcrest Cemetery (off Page Street) in Cary. Attending will be Bianca Strzalkowski of Fuquay-Varina, the 2011 Military Spouse of the Year (named by Military Spouse magazine) with a color guard of U.S. Naval Cadets.

Event Details

Wreaths Across America
Saturday December 10, 2011
12 Noon
Hillcrest Cemetery
Cary, NC

Story and photos by Lindsey Chester

Cary, N C- Tucked away at the end of a cul de sac in a modern day neighborhood stands White Plains Cemetery.  Within it are the grave sites of some of Cary’s earliest residents, Nathaniel Jones (1749 – 1815), his second wife and at least  nine other descendents. Saturday, restoration of the graveyard complete, The Friends of Page-Walker along with the Town of Cary marked the dedication with Remembrance Day.

Tucked between 2 homes, the obelisk of Nathaniel Jones’ gravestone stands today next to the grave box of his second wife. The Friends, with help from the town, righted the towering stone, and recreated the lid of the wife’s grave that had been destroyed by vandals. Archeologists discovered 9 unmarked graves, which have been given new headstones. A wrought iron fence surrounds the cemetery and a gate welcomes visitors to come inside. An historical plaque has been installed to one side.

On Saturday, under a glorious sky, Ed Yerha, president of the Friends of Page-Walker, presided over an uplifting ceremony. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht gave an introduction. He was followed by three members of Page-Walker.  Peggy Van Scoyoc, attired in colonial dress, bore a sprig of cotton to symbolize the agriculture that took place here centuries ago.

Nathaniel Jones

Brent Miller appeared in a top hat and discussed the importance of not only the site, but the man, Nathaniel Jones himself and his place in Cary’s history. Jones owned one of the largest farms in the state, which included over 100,000 acres. He put forth with 3 others a bid for the State Capital to be located here, but as we know that went to what is now known as Raleigh.

Bob Myers spoke of Jones’ conscience which would not allow him to die and leave this earth still owning slaves. He freed them before his death.

Jones was married twice, one wife bearing 9 children, and the other 7. Many of his descendents were in the audience that day. John Brooks, an attorney for the  NC Industrial Commission, spoke about his family’s continuing legacy.

Through the Eyes of Newcomers

Irene Kittinger remarked that “sometimes it takes newcomers for us to see the importance and value of what we have taken for granted”.

She talked about how many years ago she was trying to find this cemetery in what was at that time dense woods. When she and her friend Anne Kratzer came upon it, the obelisk was leaning to one side and the cover to the grave box of the wife was broken.

Fortunately, she had the presence of mind to take a rubbing of the grave marker. Upon a later visit, it had been completely destroyed.

Saturday was a day of remembrance, and a day to remember.

Story by Lisa Englert, photos by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC- For many of us, Cary is a modern place, with newcomers from across the country. But the town’s cemeteries tell a story, and one of those places will be dedicated this Saturday. Just in time for the Halloween season, the Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel will present two free programs uncovering the mysteries and secrets of some of Cary’s family cemeteries, as well as the contribution these historic gravesites make in educating the public about the community in which they live.

Remembrance Day

First, on Saturday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m., the public is invited to “Remembrance Day at the White Plains Cemetery. A program celebrates the completion of the restoration of the historic White Plains Cemetery, burial place of Nathaniel Jones and his family.

The cemetery, located in Cary’s Maynard Oaks subdivision at 100 Tolliver Court, is one of the oldest historic sites that links our present day community to its 18th century settlement. “Remembrance Day at the White Plains Cemetery” will feature a program that reveals the contributions of Nathaniel Jones and his family and the efforts of those who worked to restore the historic site.  Light refreshments will follow.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel in partnership with the Town of Cary.  The rain date for this event is Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 p.m.

More Mysteries and Secrets

Then, on Tuesday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m., the Friends will present “More Mysteries and Secrets:  Exploring Cary-Area Family Cemeteries.” a second sequel to their popular Preservation Speakers Series program.

“Historic cemeteries serve as almanacs of early residents and reflect the cultural influences that helped shape our communities,” said Bob Myers of the Friends’ Historic Preservation Committee. “The objective of White Plains Cemetery Remembrance Day and the Friends’ annual cemeteries program is to bring attention to these community treasures and the importance of their preservation.”

In what promises to be an intriguing and enlightening evening, members of the Friends’ Historic Preservation Committee will highlight significant facts related to some family cemeteries located in the Cary area.

The event will be held at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, on the Town Hall Campus.  Light refreshments will be served following the program.  Attendees are encouraged to stay to continue the conversation and make new friends.

Hillcrest Cemetery, Cary NC

Story by Hal Goodtree. Maps adapted from Wake County GIS.

Cary, NC – Green Level, White Oak, St. Matthew’s and Marks Creek – they are all Wake County townships. Do you know where they are?

Municipalities vs. Townships

Here’s a hint: Wake County has 12 municipalities. Cary, Morrisville, Raleigh and Wake Forest are all municipalities.

Townships date from the 1800. They divide the entire county, underlying the municipalities.

Wake County has 20 Townships.

Wake County Townships

1. Barton’s Creek
2. Buckhorn
3. Cary
4. Cedar Fork
5. Holly Springs
6. House Creek
7. Leesville
8. Little River
9. Marks Creek
10. Meredith
11. Middle Creek
12. Neuse
13. New Light
14. Panther Branch
15. Raleigh
16. Saint Mary’s
17. Saint Matthew’s
18. Swift Creek
19. Wake Forest
20. White Oak

See a current map of Wake County municipalities and townships to get a clear picture of what towns lie in which townships.

Just for the record, St. Matthews is the township which contains Knightdale.

The History of Townships

Here’s where it gets really interesting.

Following the Civil War, Republicans (then known as the party of Lincoln) controlled the State legislature. A new State Constitution was adopted in 1868, authorizing, among other things, the creation of townships.

According to the NorthCarolinaRoom, the purpose of creating townships was to undermine the traditional power of landowners (Confederates). Townships had three officials – two justices of the peace on one clerk.

“These officials served two-year terms as the governing body for each township, regulating roads and bridges, as well as managing taxation and property assessment under the supervision of the county commissioner. Each township also had a school board (3 members) and at least one constable. This system resembles the townships of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Power shifted from the Republican Party to the newly-formed Conservative party (mostly former Confederates) around 1875. The constitution was amended to permit the North Carolina General Assembly to change the system created in 1868, and townships were stripped of their government system in 1877. Township titles were maintained as informal county subdivisions (sometimes for the census and infrastructure maintenance) but townships would no longer have any official government function.” - NorthCarolinaRoom

The Power of Townships

Today, townships have no power. Townships have no elected officials and no active government function.

But you can still find Townships on the current Wake County map. The reason is data collection. Unlike municipalities, which grow and change in size and shape, townships have remained fairly constant since the mid-1800′s.

Echoes of the Past

Townships may be long gone as a political institution, but their echo lives on in maps, roads, place names and schools.

Sometimes, it seems like our region has been ripped from the wilderness in a matter of just a few years. Au contraire.

Townships are another reminder of the rich history of Wake County and North Carolina.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Wake County Commissioner Erv Portman and Wake County GIS Director Charles Friddle for help in researching this article.

Story and photographs by Hal Goodtree

Morrisville, NC – Civil War History came to life on Saturday as the Cedar Fork Rifles reenacted their 1861 ceremony of commission.

Morrisville in the Early Civil War

According to an 1892 speech by Fanny Lyon Lowe, a participant in the events, the ladies of Cedar Fork presented a flag to cadets and volunteers from Cedar Fork Military Academy on June 1, 1861, at Morrisville Station, commissioning them as part of the North Carolina 6th Confederate Army.

The unit was over 100 strong and was also called the Morrisville Grays.

The Reenactment at Morrisville Station

The participants employed period costume of great detail, down to folding spectacles and quill pens. Some of the ladies wore red, white and blue aprons typical of the time and a precursor to the Stars and Bars.

The words from 1861 were read and the ceremony enacted as it had been done 150 years earlier in front of the Page Plantation in Morrisville Station.

See more photos at Citizen-Photo.com/cedarforkrifles.

Story from staff reports. Photo from Cedar Fork Rifles. Left, Duncan Parrish, right Edward Parrish, circa 1861.

Morrisville Historic Exhibit Grand Opening and Documentary Premier

The Town of Morrisville will unveil new historic exhibits and two video documentaries that feature the history of the town.

The exhibits will tell the story of Morrisville from the first Native Americans to the present. In addition, a new documentary on the history of the town entitled,  Jeremiah’s Dream: The Story of Morrisville, will bring this story to life. In addition, a second documentary of the 1865 Civil War battle in Morrisville, Twilight of Sabers, will also be premiered.

The exhibit opening will take place on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in Town Hall followed by the premier of the video premier in the Council Chambers.

For more information contact, Ben Hitchings, Planning Director, bhitchings@townofmorrisville.org

Reenacting History

Members of the North Carolina Grays/Cedar Fork Rifles will bring history to life with period costume, morning and afternoon company drill and a flag ceremony at Page House in Morrisville on  Saturday, June 25, 2011, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Period civilian dress encouraged. Sponsored by the Cedar Fork Rifles Preservation Society.

For more information contact: wgo6regnc@aol.com