Tommy the Hertle ..um...Hertford Turtle

I posted these over at my personal journal site as well, but since Tommy IS a Hertford turtle, found in the cemetery over on King Street - obviously descended from the courageous turtles who guard the tributary off of the Perquimans River that slides under the old "S" bridge winding into town, I thought it was fitting if he had his day in the sun -- so to speak -- here at The Great Dismal Swamp Gazette.

Click here and you can see Tommy's great "escape" move -- performed when he runs across humans

And finally I wanted to mention that on Saturday, 24 June, I'll be signing copies of my novel, "The Mote in Andrea's Eye," at M. James Booksellers on Market Street in Hertford, right across the street (basically) from the drugstore. Come on down and mett us.

DNW

Eerie Haste's Hardware Store

Sorry it's been a while since I posted anything here...been a hectic spring, including my first real bout with allergies. Pollen and I, apparently, don't mix well...and if there is one thing Hertford North Carolina has in abundance (and at the oddest times of year) it's pollen. Anyway, I thought it was time I brought in one of Hertford's coolest attractions.

Once you drive in over the curved road and cross the ancient "S" bridge into Hertford, you pass by a few old homes, and roll into the short, one block "downtown" area. The first thing you'll see when you reach this point (There's a light there, and the speed limit is SLOW - if you break that speed limit, and don't have NC plates -- and maybe even then - they WILL pull you over).

When you reach that light Eerie Haste's "Hertford Hardware" store is on your left. The wall facing you sports a mural that has been, at times, controversial, but that seems loved by all members of Hertford society. It depicts many bits and pieces of Hertford history, the most controversial piece being the larger-than-life rebel flag.

Eerie keeps an interesting shop. He has a shelf around the top of the inside wall that sports memorabilia from the store's long history. There is a short, squat Coke machine near the counter where -- if you hand over your money to whoever is in charge, they will retrieve a small gree bottle of Co'cola for you to enjoy. It's one of the oldest working machines of its type I've ever seen.

Eerie sells everything from paint to power tools, big screen TVs to fishing licenses. He used to be the town's gun shop as well. If you need a lawn mower or have one that needs fixed, Eerie is your man. If you need tools, appliances, or a Christmas tree, he can hook you up.

It's a quaint little shop in a quaint little town, and Eerie Haste, the proprietor, has been more helpful to us since we moved into our big old house in need of LOTS of work than most others in town. We got our dishwasher from Eerie, and the paint that covers our walls and porch. I also got my fishing license there, and if I buy a boat - I'll get the license through the same window.

In Hertford, very little changes....