COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Wake Forest celebrates centennial

by Molly Cinquemani

Wake Forest will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2009 with a series of celebrations throughout the year. To commemorate its past, this oak-shaded town continues to honor the deep community roots that have nurtured it for the past century.

The town’s history is so intertwined in the history of Wake Forest College that both can trace their roots to 1820 when Dr. Calvin Jones, a founder of the North Carolina Medical Society, purchased 615 acres in Wake Forest Township. In 1832, his home and plantation were purchased by the North Carolina Baptist Convention. In 1834, the Wake Forest Institute was formed and opened its doors to 16 male students. By the end of the first year, enrollment grew to 72 students. The increase led to development of the campus and construction of the buildings that would house the college until 1956.

The Raleigh Gaston Railroad charged through Wake Forest in 1840, bringing with it a boon to the institute, which changed its name to Wake Forest College. As the campus continued to expand, so did the town.

The expansion of the college resulted in rapid growth throughout the late 1800s, which enabled the town to draft its first charter. On March 26, 1880, the town became incorporated as the Town of Wake Forest College. In 1909, the charter was amended and the town’s name was changed to Wake Forest.

Wake Forest College relocated to Winston-Salem in 1956 and became a university in 1967. The college’s original campus was sold to the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, which currently has more than 2,600 enrolled students.

Forming an identity
The charm of the seminary campus’ historic brick buildings is matched in appeal by the more than 120 businesses that occupy the downtown district.

“We have a vital downtown, we’ve struggled with that, but we have kept it going,” says Vivian Jones, the town’s mayor.

“It’s something that lets you have an identity in your own right, rather than being a suburb of someplace else,” she adds. “Our historical beginnings are reflected downtown. We’ve done a lot in restoring our historical buildings and keeping true to our heritage.”

“Wake Forest is growing by leaps and bounds,” says Tina Archer, executive director of the Wake Forest Downtown Revitalization Corp.

“People move here and say, ‘I love living in Wake Forest, the downtown really attracted me, it’s so quaint, it has a lot of potential,’ and we’re working on the potential,” she adds.

Community involvement in activities such as the Wake Forest Farmers Market and Wake Forest HerbFest keeps vital foot traffic moving through downtown. Many of these events are made possible by the volunteers who staff them.

As an example, more than 110 Franklin Academy students volunteer with the Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment, according to Bob Johnson, who founded the organization in honor of his son. The endowment hosts the Wake Forest HerbFest, as well as various concerts and events at Festival Park and the Cotton Company, a downtown marketplace.

“We heard over and over that festivals and entertainment are what the town wanted,” Johnson says.
“It’s helping revitalize downtown, and it helps groups get up and running and get to the point that they’re self-sufficient,” he adds. “It’s also a building stone to give folks confidence.”

Birthday bash
Wake Forest’s family-friendly atmosphere and unique history will converge during various upcoming centennial celebrations. The town’s first New Year’s Eve celebration, First Light, will mark the beginning of a yearlong celebration of the town. It will be followed by the Party of the Century on Feb. 20, the town’s charter date.

“It will be held at the seminary campus and will display artifacts from the town, things that have happened over the past 100 years,” Jones says.

“Civic groups are invited to show their history, many of which have been around for a long time,” she adds. “There also will be children’s activities and lots of birthday cake.”

Other annual events will be revamped to include a centennial theme. Each May, the Wake Forest Cultural Arts Association presents Six Sundays in Spring, a series of six concerts that now will be presented at the 1,000-seat amphitheatre at Joyner Park. The annual Independence Day celebration also will feature a special tribute to Wake Forest’s history.

In the meantime, history buffs can read up on Wake Forest’s history by purchasing a copy of “Connections: 100 Years of Wake Forest History.” The book will be on sale at Town Hall, and will be available at various community events.

In August, town officials will have another reason to celebrate as the new Town Hall opens. A grand-opening celebration will be held during the formal Christmas Gala in December.

“We’re really excited. It’s going to be a really fun event, a formal event, and a fun way to cap off the 100 years and kick off the next 100 years,” says Kara Louise, events coordinator.

“We want everyone to be involved throughout the year,” she adds. “That’s why we’re having so many events. We want there to be something for everyone. We hope that everyone will participate in some way.”

Molly Cinquemani is a freelance writer based in Raleigh.

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WAKE COUNTY TREASURE:
HIGHER LEARNING
Shaw University has deep roots in downtown Raleigh

by Sandra Simpson

One of the state’s newest highway markers is situated on the Shaw University campus in downtown Raleigh. Sitting beside the busy four-lane Wilmington Street across from its namesake, the plaque conveys a powerful message: “Leonard Medical School, nation’s first four-year medical school. Trained 400 African-American physicians. Operated here from 1882 to 1918.”

For those aware of the history of Shaw University, rising to the challenge of being the first in its field is one of the school’s repeated accomplishments. Shaw is the first African-American institute of higher learning in the South and one of the first in the country; it also is the first to establish housing for female African-American college students. In essence, the university has had a profound impact on Wake County’s history.

A brief account
In 1865, the Rev. Dr. Henry Tupper, a white Baptist missionary from Massachusetts, organized a theology class to teach emancipated slaves how to read and interpret the Bible. In 1866, Tupper and his students constructed a two-story building. One story served as a church, while the other became the Raleigh Institute. In 1870, the school was renamed Shaw Collegiate Institute after Baptist affiliate and chief contributor Elijah Shaw.

Due to rapidly increasing enrollment, Shaw Hall was erected in 1871. Constructed with funds from Shaw, the General Assembly chartered Shaw University in 1875.

The erection of Estey Hall in 1873 signified the first building in the U.S. designated for African-American women attaining a higher education. It also was the first building on a co-educational campus dedicated solely to housing women. Estey Hall, the oldest surviving building on campus, is registered as a Raleigh Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nearby Leonard Hall, part of Raleigh’s East Raleigh-South Park Historic District, shares dual legacies at Shaw. It is the first-four year medical school in the U.S. and the first four-year African-American medical school in North Carolina. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the structure was built in 1881 with continued support from the American Baptist Home Mission and other Massachusetts philanthropists, including Tupper’s brother-in-law, Judson Wade Leonard.

Unfortunately, Leonard Medical School students quickly found life academically, financially and physically challenging. As families struggled to raise the $60 annual tuition, students supplemented fees by building their own dormitories, sometimes hand-making bricks. Plowing through worn books and charts, however, the students made no excuses. In fact, they often tested higher on board exams than their better-equipped white peers.

In 1885 — considered a watershed year by some historians — the school added an adjacent 25-bed hospital. Professors and students at Leonard Hospital treated patients arriving from throughout North Carolina and surrounding areas. Once the much-needed doctors began practicing medicine, they found themselves working long hours — even when patients could not pay — to meet the enormous medical needs of the previously underserved African-American community. At the turn of the century, funds began to dwindle as the costs of adding more courses to the curriculum increased. In 1918, after financially struggling to graduate 400 much-needed African-American physicians, expenses outpaced donations and the school closed its doors.

After the medical school closed, Shaw retained its university status but functioned as a liberal arts college. To continue growing its curriculum and enhance its presence in downtown Raleigh, in 1931 Shaw elected its first African-American president, Dr. William Stuart, who served until 1936.

Still going strong
Continuing to meet the needs of a diverse population of students — which currently totals more than 3,500 — Shaw has grown its academics from a small classroom focused solely on religious studies to one that provides a diverse curriculum, including bachelor’s degrees in natural science, computer science, education, religion, philosophy, business, and accounting. Its graduate programs include a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religious Education and Master of Science in Early Childhood Development, while its campus includes 33 buildings with additional plans to expand.

Today, Shaw is a private university, one where its graduates are credited with the formation of other predominantly African-American universities in the state. Shaw graduate Dr. James Sheppard is the founder and past president of North Carolina Central University; Dr. E. E. Smith, a graduate of Leonard Medical School, was instrumental in launching Fayetteville State University; and the first president of Elizabeth City Normal College — currently Elizabeth City State University — was Shaw alumni Peter Wedderick Moore.

Sandra Simpson is a freelance writer based in Holly Springs.

HOTEL HOPPING
Celebrate in style — and in town — this holiday season

by Darcie Dearth

With rising gas prices and the current state of the economy, the 2008 holiday season is shaping up to be one of the most expensive ever to travel. Fortunately, Triangle residents don’t have to skip town to celebrate the season. The area’s full-service hotels offer a getaway alternative to traveling, hosting holiday events and serving exceptional fine dining throughout the season.

“Holiday travel may be down this year, but we are not expecting a significant drop in guests,” says Richard Brooks, director of sales and marketing at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary.

“Even though most people are cutting back on travel, they still want to relax and celebrate but are keeping it local.”

Since opening its doors in late 2006, the Umstead has gained favor for its tranquil interior setting and lush natural surroundings on its 12-acre site. The hotel conveys the calmness of a serene sanctuary, making it an ideal option for those looking to de-stress over the holidays.

“This year, most people will be looking at that close getaway within 200 to 250 miles from home,” says Melissa Crane, director of sales and marketing at The Franklin Hotel in downtown Chapel Hill.

The Franklin aims to delight holiday travelers and residents this season with its simple elegance and modern flair. Guests can stop in for a gourmet breakfast at Windows, its signature restaurant, and afterward can stroll to nearby boutiques for some holiday shopping.

“Our hotel is really becoming a getaway for locals,” Crane notes. “With complimentary parking, guests find that they can really enjoy the walking experience with everything in such close proximity.”

The Siena Hotel, also in Chapel Hill, will host many events this year, from a gingerbread house-making contest to a traditional Italian wine tasting. The boutique hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Il Palio, will serve Hanukkah fare such as latkes, brisket and kugel during the holidays as well.

“It’s a wonderful feeling of community,” says Anthony Carey, the hotel’s general manager. “You’ll see that some of your neighbors are here.”

If not for the food, wine or comfort, Triangle residents can hit the area’s top hotels and inns to view exquisite holiday decorations. Pittsboro’s Fearrington Village decks its halls each season with elegant grapevine balls adorned with fairy lights, twinkling Christmas trees, and custom-designed wreaths and garlands.

“A stay at The Fearrington House is a tradition for many families,” says Phoebe Fox of Fearrington Village.
“Our commitment is to take care of every little detail to ensure that guests can escape, relax and enjoy the season.”

For the past 17 holiday seasons, Fearrington has drawn a crowd for its signature event, Holiday Storytelling with Donald Davis. A world-renowned storyteller, Davis has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution and the World’s Fair, and has appeared as a guest host on National Public Radio’s “Good Evening.”

Affordable luxury
Those opting to stay in town this holiday season can enjoy an award-winning dinner, indulge in an in-room spa treatment, or choose from hundreds of fine wine selections while taking in spectacular views and artistic surroundings. Fortunately, these premium services and luxuries don’t necessarily come at a premium price.

Because many hotels predict fewer travelers this season, many plan on boosting their offerings and incentives to provide affordable package options that guests and area residents alike can enjoy.

The new Raleigh Marriott City Center has assembled several package options to attract guests, including a theater-night package that includes overnight accommodations; dinner at the hotel’s authentic Italian restaurant, Posta Tuscan Grille; valet parking; and tickets to a performance just a few steps away at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

The hotel, which opened in July, offers a central location to area museums, restaurants and attractions. With an open, fresh and modern interior, the Marriott reveals a smart design that even the most discerning traveler can appreciate.

Special room rates also are available at The Umstead, which has prepared a New Year’s Eve package featuring a bottle of Biltmore Champagne with two stemmed, Roost-etched botanical glasses and breakfast for two at Herons, its signature restaurant. Guests also can plan to sleep in on New Year’s Day, as the hotel will extend its checkout time to 3 p.m.

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, located on the grounds of Duke University’s Durham campus, will offer special holiday room rates as well.

“We see families joining us for the holidays that have done so for 20 years,” says Jim Bressler, director of marketing.

According to Bressler, the hotel’s restaurant and banquet rooms are bustling with celebrations this time of year. He expects a full house this holiday season.

“The holidays mean different things to different people, but they always result in a festive celebration,” he says.

Celebration and giving
Guests attending select hotel venues this season also can help carry out a philanthropic mission.
“We feel very strongly about giving back to our community and try to include a charitable component into our key signature events,” says Mark Nelson of The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill.

Last year, the hotel’s “Fete de Trois Rois — New Orleans Style 12th Night Banquet” donated 25 percent of its proceeds to the American Red Cross Katrina Relief Fund.

The Raleigh Marriott City Center will kick off its first community outreach initiative to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Beginning in late November, the hotel’s Bar Posta is serving three new holiday cocktails to celebrate the season — donating $1 from each drink purchased — while a giving tree in the lobby holds ornaments for sale to benefit the organization.

“Marriott holds a strong commitment to its ‘Spirit to Serve’ program in the community,” says Heather Freeman, hotel spokeswoman.

Through its global community initiative, the Marriott strongly encourages its hotels to give back to the communities in which their associates live and work. Now that’s the holiday spirit.

Darcie Dearth is a freelance writer based in Cary.

HURRICANE TRACKER
For the long haul

by Mike Sundheim

The National Hockey League’s 2002-2003 season was a very long one for the Carolina Hurricanes. After coming so close to reaching the pinnacle of the sport with a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in June 2002, the team found itself at the very bottom of the league’s standings the following April.

But, as time would tell, sometimes you truly do have to fall all the way down before you can reach the highest summit. By finishing last in 2003, the team was rewarded with the highest draft pick in the history of the franchise: the second overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford used that pick on a tall, lanky kid raised on a sod farm in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

That kid’s name was Eric Staal, and he would go on to become the first Carolina Hurricanes player to score 100 points in a season. The first Hurricane to lead the NHL playoffs in scoring, helping the team capture its first Stanley Cup. The first Hurricane to win the Most Valuable Player Award at the NHL All-Star Game.

The first true Hurricanes superstar.

And now, with a seven-year contract extension signed in September, that superstar will be in Raleigh for a long time. Staal feels that Raleigh is his home, and with his new deal, he has committed to remain in the Triangle until 2016. A superstar athlete who chooses to remain with a smaller-market franchise throughout his career is a rare thing in professional sports these days, but Staal sounds like a man who might do just that.

“Since the minute I got here at 18 years old, it’s been unbelievable,” he says. “My wife and I love the area. We love Raleigh, it’s a great place to live. We just feel so comfortable here.”

That’s music to the ears of those who work with the Hurricanes, as well as to all fans of hockey in North Carolina. No other Hurricanes player has earned the kind of recognition that Staal has had in his relatively short career. Since his arrival in the fall of 2003, he’s been profiled and featured in publications from USA Today to Sports Illustrated and The New York Times. He’s done photo shoots with GQ and FHM magazines. He’s even been on the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 08 videogame.

But beyond his on-ice abilities and the national attention he draws for the Hurricanes and the area, Staal represents everything that is right in a professional athlete. He is amazingly grounded, considering his stature in the hockey world. He’s a stand-up guy and a natural leader in the locker room who one day most certainly will serve as team captain. He is a tremendous spokesperson for the growth of hockey in the state, and he never hesitates to stop to say hello or sign an autograph for a young fan. He is a committed member of the Triangle community, with charity involvement that will only continue to grow as his roots here grow deeper.

The team had no way of knowing during that bumpy ride in 2002-2003 that short-term pain would lead to such long-term joy: the ability to watch a young man grow from a skinny, 18-year-old draft pick into a superstar athlete who would remain with the team, making an impact in the community into his 30s. Looking back, though, it seems worth it, as if it all happened for a reason for both the franchise and the athlete.

The Triangle has a hockey star to call its own. And that hockey star has a home that suits him perfectly.

Mike Sundheim is director of media relations for the Carolina Hurricanes. Check out his blog on the team’s official Web site at www.carolinahurricanes.com.