CRAVEN COUNTY, NC - History - Cove City History ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: M. White Apr 2000 ========================================================================== (Newspaper name & date not preserved with clipping) Some Cove City History is Reviewed Editor: The somewhat recent dedication of the town hall of Cove City was of course in some ways another milestone in the history for the village. I like to refer to our little town as being a village. To me, "village" reflects a neighborly warm and Christian atmosphere. I feel this reflection has been more or less a reality from the beginning of our village about 1859 at which time it was known as Cove Creek. Our village first being incorporated in 1907 was in a day and age people had to depend on each other an awful lot. This is still the case and always will be to an extent, because no one is an island unto themselves. Even though times have changed the neighborliness in our village, has not when it comes to a positive reponse by the people when sickness, tragedy or a true need arises. The erection of the village hall, was in part made possible by a wonderful neighbor of mine, Charles McCoy and who was until about a year ago our Mayor. It is with sorrow he departed this life in 1978 and therefore could not be present for the dedication. I feel if he could have sent a message it would read something like this: "As your Mayor, I done my best as your neighbor, I tried to live by the Gold Rule." Could those of us who remain ask more? I think not. I would like to share the picture of H.T. White, who brought to our village the first cotton gin. This must have been a real blessing to the farmers, cotton still being king of the crops in 1907. H.T. White was the first person to develope the section of our village which lies south of the railroad. He had the section surveyed and laid off in lots, and his cotton gin was also located in the area of development. He opened a large store and according to some of his mementoes he must have had a thriving business. A copy of a section of his store wrapping paper reflects the following H.T. White, Dealer in Dry Good, Clothing, Shoes. Hats, etc, Staple and Fancy Groceries, Cove City, N.C.--Thank you please call again" A copy of one of his checks was on the "Peoples Bank" of New Bern and dated March 18,1913 check number 1614. The check was made out to Armstrong Grocery Company of New Bern. H.T. White gave some real property for various needs to the village. He was one of the first town commissioners. I am informed by a member of the Masonic organization that the uniform worn by Mr. White in the accompanying picture was one worn by members of a high order of the masons. I feel he was among some of the forefathers of our village who should be a part of our history. So far as I know he was not related to yours truly in any way. It is a pity his store was lost by fire about 1917-1918 and I am informed he moved from our village in 1918. I feel sure this was a considerable loss in a number of ways to the people of the village in that day. Our village does not parrallel our county seat in history by any means. However there is considerable history worthy of record and appreciation, relative to the village of Cove City. Hazel Riggs White Cove City Note: Charles McCoy and H.T.White were cousins.