The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1958-07-18
PICNIC
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tradition of hospitality by attend
ing with a picnic dinner for the
visitors.
Chairman Cahoon said reports
from many sections of the county
indicate that numerous citizens eX~
meet to attend with evidence of the
ability of the womenfolks of their
household when it comes to per-
pairing good food. For many years
the picnics. at Fort Raleigh had
been famous ones.
With the old custom being re-
newed, it is now expected that more
than ever before will attend, since
the county has become united by
roads, bridges, and good ferry
service. The invitation to take
part in the festivities is extended
to the citizens of all adjoining
counties, and many people from
these other counties have an
nounced they will attend.
The program will begin at about
1890 on Thursday morning, July
81, which is the S0th birthday of
Mr.. Etheridge. This program will
consist of speaking in the Lost
Colony Theatre, where awnings
will be provided for the comfort of
the visitors. Prominent visitors
will be recognized and short
speeches made. The program will
be followed by picnic dinner on
the grounds.
A. w. Drinkwater, S3 years old,
who is honorary Chairman of
Bruce Etheridge Day, will be en-
tertained by his family at the us
ual party later in the day, of which
further announcement is to be
made. Mr.. Drinkwater, on his re-
tirement from the Coast Guard
service Is years ago, received a
similar ovation from his neighbors,
when he and Mrs. Drinkwater
were guests of honor at a party
held by his neighbors in the Man.
teo school.
Robert Bruce Etheridge, whose
career as a public servant dates
back to that bleak January day in
1903 when he, at "a, went to Ra-
leigh as Dare County's represent
ative in the 1903 General Assem-
bly,.
A. w. Drinkwater, another ia
nous figure in historic Dare Coun-
ty annals and the man who ran a
telegraph office here when Orville
and Wilbur Wright made their
first powered flight, is honorary
chairman of the committee being
formed to honor the Etheridges.
The public is invited.
1t so happens that Mr.. Drink
water will be So himself on July
81. He and Mr.. Etheridge have
done much to help perpetuate the
glorious history of Dare County
where on August 10, 1887, was
born the first white child of Eng
lish parentage in what was then
known as "The New World" She
was the tabled Virginia Dare.
Fort Raleigh, where the colo
nists built homes and a fort in
1886 and disappeared later into the
unknown mists of history, will be
the site of the celebration honor
ing "The Duke, who is also known
widely as "Uncle Bruce" and by
many as "Cousin Bruce"
There will be a special section
reserved at the Waterside Theatre
for all persons 80 or over who wish
to attend the celebration honoring
man whose name is as synono-
nous with Dare County as is that
of Virginia Dare, the Wright
brothers, or any others who have
helped make Dare County famous
as pleasure resort and as COM
mercial fishing center.
Born in Dare County at Manteo,
Bruce Etheridge is the son of the
late Van Buren, and Matilda Eth
eridge. He attended Manteo public
schools, Atlantic Collegiate Insti-
tute at Elizabeth City, and won his
Bachelor of Arts degree at Trinity
College, now Duke University, in
1899.
He was cashier of the Bank of
Manteo from 1907 to 1888. He sold
insurance. He was clerk of Dare
Superior Court and superintendent
of schools. He was also postmas-
ter of Manteo from 1914 to 1922.
He was a member of the State
Democratic executive committee
from 1923 to 1862. He also served
as county Democratic chairman in
Dare.
Veteran Legislator
He was Dare Countv's represeut-