By Beth Robertson
The early morning fog silently fell away unveiling a Garden of Eden of ripe and ripening blackberries destined to sweeten the palate as dessert wine, grace tables as blackberry pies or simply stand alone as a single delicacy.
Seven days a week workers are in the field harvesting the 7.5-acre vineyard at Cole Berry Farm, plucking the plump sweet blackberries and leaving the rosy red and crimson ones to ripen.
The towering vines constantly beckon during the three-month summer harvest, at times demanding 20-hour days from the vineyard's owners.
"This particular variety produces 10 tons to the acre," said Joey Cole as he walked down one double wire row of vines.
In addition to their own vineyard, two local growers produce an additional four acres for the Coles.
The brothers Cole, Joey and Jeff, head the Vernon Hill operation and are the only commercial blackberry shippers in Halifax County.
Their harvest arrives several days a week at the Washington D.C. produce terminal, in Maryland, and is distributed in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Richmond-based Ukrop's is one of their best customers. "Super people to work with," added Joey, the vineyard's marketing agent.
Producing grapes, however, is not for the faint of heart.
It is a labor-intensive harvest and demands a substantial initial capital investment. "And there is no return until the third year," added Joey.
"From green tint to red berry means two weeks to harvest," explained Joey. "When they turn crimson, it is only a few days until harvest."
Growing and harvesting is Jeff's domain in the Vernon Hill operation, although lines blur during the peak season. Then both brothers find themselves in the vineyard as well as at the loading ramp as they speed their harvest on its way.
"It is a very fine line for berries," explained Joey. "From 24 to 36 hours that fruit is ripe enough to ship, but not too ripe."
The action continues at a fast pace from harvest to shipping.
"No more than 20 minutes off the vine we bring them in and knock them down to 30-35 degrees, which seals the fruit and gives it a longer life," explained Joey as he walked into the vineyard's refrigerated barn.
"Fans suck cool air through the barn and after 15 to 20 minutes the temperature drops and they are packed," added the marketer.
Unless the vineyard temperature soars into the nineties. "Then it may take up to 45 minutes to cool the berries down for packing," added Joey.
The vineyard usually faces three heavy shipping days, but does ship daily when the harvest is heavy, as it is now.
"On a typical day we pack from 200 to 400 flats, which is about 1,200 to 1,800 quarts. A mess of berries," said Joey.
Blackberries - the Cole's also produce some raspberries as well as blackberries for two wineries - are sold locally by the Coles at their berry farm on Route 676. The blackberries are sold by the quart and gallon for $1.50 and $5.00 respectively.
This year the Cole Berry Farm celebrates its 10th anniversary as a blackberry producer.
A discussion of the school system's proposed alternative education site at the empty Craddock-Terry Building in Halifax and setting a date for a public hearing on a town meals tax are expected to dominate Halifax Town Council's agenda Tuesday night.
Council meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Administration Building on Main Street.
Council members will meet with Halifax County Superintendent of Schools Dennis Witt and school board member Alan Gravitt to discuss the Craddock-Terry Building's use.
Town administrator Robert Greene said the request to meet with council "is to have the zoning changed to allow schools in an industrial zone."
The administrator said Council is also expected to set a date for a public hearing on a meals tax for the Town of Halifax. Greene said the tax could add up to $40,000 annually to the town's treasury with a three percent meals tax.
The Association for Better Government has accused South Boston Town Council and Mayor Glen Abernathy of a "railroad job" in selecting Richard Pond to serve an unexpired term on the governing body.
Pond was named June 29 to fill the unexpired term of Debbie Morris who resigned last month.
Mike Armstrong, ACG's chairman, made the charge in a letter to the editor and one to Abernathy last week.
Armstrong said that Pond was chosen just four days after the resignation of Mrs. Morris while it waited until the June 25 to name a replacement for Bill Starke who resigned effective May 5.
He asked Abernathy why "the urgency of filling this seat (Morris) on June 29?"
In questions that appeared accusatory in nature, Armstrong asked why council did not wait until newly elected member Tom Raab could take his seat before selecting a replacement member.
Raab apparently was considered an ally of Councilmen Buddy Wilborn and Ed Owens.
The ACG also asked why Abernathy arranged to have the vote scheduled while outgoing council member Josephone Marshall was serving her final days.
Marshall joined C.W. Rorrer and Radford Trent in forging a 3 to 2 vote to name Pond to council.
The complete text of Armstrong's letter follows:
"The Association for Better Government has given the newly elected South Boston Town Council the opportunity to provide leadership for the town, which we had been accused of interfering with, but after the railroad job that was done on June 29, 1998, we have many questions. WE direct our questions to Mayor Abernathy since he is the mayor and is supposed to be providing leadership.
"We are concerned with the process in which they filled Councilwoman Debbie Morris' seat. On May 5,1998, Bill Starke resigned from the council and they did not fill his seat until June 29, 1998. Mrs. Morris' seat was filled only four days after announcing her resignation on June 25, 1998. What was the urgency of filling this seat on June 29, 1998?
"1. Was it because you didn't want the newly elected council members to vote?
"2. Was it because you wanted Josephine Marshall, who was voted out by the people, to vote?
"3. Why did Mayor Abernathy let council members vote when two council members did not know the candidate?
"4. Why didn't Mayor Abernathy agree with Councilman Wilborn when asked to postpone the appointment until the July 13, 1998 meeting so that he and Councilman Owens would be able to meet Mr. Pond for the first time?
"5. Why not let newly ELECTED Mr. Raab vote instead of lame duck Mrs. Marshall?
"6. Would you vote for someone that you had never met?
"7. Who is the real Mr. Pond, not the list of previous qualifications?
"8. Mayor Abernathy, why would you ask Dick Pond to serve on the counsel when it was not a unanimous vote and had two dissenting votes?
"This appears to be an attempt to ignore the voter's voice and we know the people of South Boston deserve and expect more. The citizens of South Boston deserve a public answer to these questions."
Sincerely, Mike Armstrong Chairman
It may be the doldrums of summer, but youngsters who are looking for academic stimulation mixed with a whole lot of fun have many local opportunities.
Take, for instance, a recent day at the Continuing Education Center's "Kids' Kollege". At the conclusion of a week-long course entitled "Ahoy Matie!" there were enough little pirates to outfit the "Queen Anne's Revenge."
Fifteen local children aged five to eight dressed up as their favorite pirates on the last day of the week-long course. Blackbeard, of course, was the favorite choice and some kids even had the historical accuracy of wearing braided black beards, as was Blackbeard's custom whenever he went into battle.
"My son just loves reading about pirates and when he heard about this course, you can just imagine his excitement!" commented Kathy Bane, one of the many local parents who have utilized "Kids Kollege" to further their children's education during the summer months.
"The Ahoy Matie course is a splendid way to instill a sense of history in kids," Bane pointed out. "Not only are they learning things, but it's done in a fun manner which makes kids what to learn even more."
Suzie Robbins teaches the course which blends history and geography with the fascination that so many young children have with pirates. She will hold "Ahoy Matie! II" from July 20-24 for kids from eight years old to 11.
For children who have a great interest of what goes on under the sea, Robbins teaches another class, appropriately entitled "Under the Sea." Starting today, the class allows kids from eight to 11 to explore the ocean and learn about its inhabitants.
A colorful and expressive instructor, Robbins teaches the marine biology course in a hands-on fashion involving scientific experiments, activities, songs, and art projects.
Such instruction is the style of the wide range of course offerings of Kids' Kollege. Topics include learning how to operate computers, the All American Dolls series, horses, arts and crafts, first aid for babysitters, French, learning sign language, and crayon quilting.
The most popular course in the Kids' Kollege curriculum just completed its annual run. Entitled "Weird Science" the class is taught by Grant Carey and allows kids to study the mysteries of science through exciting classroom experiments. That class also contained a field trip to the Roanoke Science Museum.
In addition to Robbins and Carey, instructors for the Kids Kollege are Meri Drake, Pearlean Crawley, Susan Perkins, Krista Skelton, Carolyn Young, Catherine Harvey, Virginia Jones, Pam Eakes, Melissa Peacock, Percy Richardson, and Sandy Slayton.
Most of the classes cost $40, though ones with field trips within Halifax County are $45. For classes with field trips outside the county, the courses are $50. The classes generally run from 9 a.m. to noon from Mondays through Fridays.
For further information about Kids' Kollege, call the CEC at 575-0292.
A September 12 celebration has been set for the 50th anniversary of William M. Tuck Airport.
The celebration will be free and open to the public and will include airplanes, antique cars, activities for the children and of course food.
The celebration will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the main program set for 1 p.m.
The airport was established on April 15, 1948 when the town of South Boston and Halifax County agreed to develop a public airport.
The first airport committee members were L.P. Bailey, George R. Walden, F.N. Crews Jr., R.C. Edmunds, John R. Booth, J.S. McRae, Dr. J.D. Hagood, E.A. Beck and J.L. Hardy.
The committee in October of 1949 voted to change the named to the William M. Tuck Airport because of the assistance by Gov. Tuck in the construction of airports throughout the state.
James O. Compton was the first fulltime operator beginning in July, 1955.
Those planning the celebration are seeking financial assistance.
Those wishing to contribute are asked to mail donations to the Wm. M. Tuck Airport Association, 1226 Blane Road, Alton, VA 24520.
For more information or to participate contact Ronnie Vaughan, 753-1260 (H), 572-6991 (W); Mark Stevens 575-5588 (H), 572-8901 (W);
Tommy Epps, 572-4721 or Tom West, 252-2400 (H), 572-2080 (W).
Gable Jackson Hupp Sr. of 1003 Third Street, South Boston died Friday, July 10, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 90.
Mr. Hupp was born in Halifax County on October 7, 1907, the son of Robert Samuel and Victoria Clay Hupp and was married to Evelyn Copley Hupp. He was a member of First Baptist Church of South Boston and was part owner and operator of the South Boston Livestock Market. He was a Real Estate Broker and Auctioneer.
Survivors include his wife; one daughter: Elaine Hupp Motley of Virgilina; four sons: Gable Jackson Hupp Jr. of South Boston, Norman Clayton Hupp of Garner, NC, Douglas Copley Hupp and Dale Samuel Hupp, both of Richmond; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters: Louise Hupp Talbott of South Boston and Effie Hupp Elam of Clinton, MD.
He was preceded in death by one son, Robert Charles Hupp.
Funeral services were held Sunday, July 12 at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Frank Riley and Bob Fox conducting the service. Burial was in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider First Baptist Church Elevator Fund.
Lottie Bell Anderson Lewis of 6120 Oak Level Road, Halifax died Fri., July 10, 1998 at her home at the age of 77.
Mrs. Lewis was the daughter of Junius and Hallie Clay Anderson and was married to Herman O. Lewis, Sr. She attended Pleasant Grove United Church of Christ.
Her survivors include her husband; daughter: Ann Lewis Moser of Halifax; son: Herman O. Lewis, Jr. of Halifax; two grandchildren: Sammy Todd Moser and Thomas Owen Lewis of Halifax; one great-grandchild: Samantha Paige Moser of Halifax and a brother: J.R. Anderson of Halifax.
Funeral services will be held today, July 13 at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Grove United Church of Christ with the Rev. Don Fox conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
Florence L. Clay of 157 Broad St., Danville died Friday, July 10, 1998 at Danville Regional Hospital at the age of 69.
Miss Clay was the daughter of George Robert and Mary McKinney Clay.
Her survivors include five sisters: Willie C. Murphy, Pearlie C. Barber, Fleecy C. Clay of Gretna, Chanie C. Mann of Chatham and Margaret C. Childrey of Halifax; and brothers: Gene D. Clay of Hillsboro, NC.
Graveside services will be held today, Monday at 11 a.m. at the Mulberry Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Jordan officiating.
Andrew William (Drew) Carter of Halifax died July 7, 1998 at the Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC at the age of 40.
Mr. Carter was born in Halifax County on June 10, 1958 to Mr. and Mrs. William Luster Carter. He was married to Helen Womack Carter.
His survivors include his wife; son: Joseph Brandon of Halifax; devoted friend: Sarah Pumphrey; sister: Elizabeth (Patsy) Carter of South Boston; brother: Jack Carter of Landover, MD; father-in-law: Willie B. Womack of Woodview Nursing Home; and mother-in-law: Bertha Womack of Halifax.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 13 at 3 p.m. at the New Mt. Olive Apostolic Church with the Rev. Leona Palmer conducting the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Sandee Lee Huff Lewis of Knightdale, NC died Friday, July 10, 1998 at Wake Medical Center at the age of 44.
Mrs. Lewis was born in Columbus, OH on August 3, 1953, the daughter of Charles and Betty Huff. She was married to Ricky Earl Lewis.
Her survivors include her husband; her parents of Greensboro, NC; sisters and brothers-in-law: Carol Sue and Richard Hankeison and Patty and Dale Showalter of Greensboro.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 14 at 2 p.m. at Arbor Baptist Church with the Rev. Averette Witcher officiating. Burial will be held in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home on Monday, July 13 from 7-9 p.m. and other times at the home of Reva Lewis, 1081 Lewis Ferrell Rd., South Boston.
Mattie Shotwell Hudson of 2147 Murphy Grove Rd., Halifax died Sunday, July 12, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 81.
Mrs. Hudson was born in Halifax County on July 4, 1917 to Joel Hubbard and Mamie Davis Shotwell. She was married to Robert Watkins Hudson and was a member of the McKendree United Methodist Church.
Her survivors include her son: Robert Charles Hudson of Halifax; sister: Lillian S. Johnson of Richmond; grandson: Robert Watkins Hudson II of Halifax.
She was preceded in death by her daughter: Martha Watkins Hudson; brothers: Joel, Emmett, and Ralph Shotwell and sisters: Mabel Long and Cecil Ferguson.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 14 at 2 p.m. at McKendree United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tim Earnhart officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home Monday night from 7-8:00 and at other times at the home.
Mr. Woodrow Valentine Ellixson of Virgilina died Friday July 10, 1998 at New Hanover Regional Medical Ctr., Wilmington, NC after a lengthy illness.
Mr. Ellixson was born on February 14, 1912 in Granville County, NC, the son of Cornelious S. and Nellie Kidd Ellixson. He was married to Beryl Dixon Ellixson.
Survivors include his wife; sons: Woodrow Ellixson, Jr. and Ray Ellixson of Southport, NC, Ronnie Ellixson and Gene Ellixson of Virgilina; daughters: Kay E. Smith of Graham, NC and Glenda Lassiter of Virgilina; brother: Joseph K. Ellixson of Ridley Park, PA; sisters: Jane Ellixson of Montgomery, AL, and Mrs. Paris Gravitt of South Boston, 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild.
Mr. Ellixson was a farmer and a pioneer of the area in house-moving.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 13 at 11 a.m. at Florence Avenue Baptist Church, Virgilina, where he recently received honors for his life-time membership, faithful service, and dedication, with Rev. Bill Keen and retired Rev. Clarence Bishop officiating. Burial will take place in the Virgilina Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at his home in Virgilina. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Florence Avenue Baptist Church or Virgilina Volunteer Fire Department First Responders, Virgilina or the charity of your choice.