Raleigh,
NC, the state capital and second largest city, and Raleigh County, WV, are named
after Sir Walter Raleigh (1554–1618), an English gentleman, writer, poet,
soldier, politician, courtier, spy, and explorer. His mother was the niece of
Elizabeth I’s governess. Without the Queen’s permission, he secretly married
Elizabeth Throckmorton, a lady-in-waiting, and both were imprisoned in the
Tower of London for the offense. Raleigh searched for a golden city of El
Dorado in South America and sent others to establish Roanoke, which became
known as “the Lost Colony.” While imprisoned for treason, he wrote a History of the World.
When he was stationed at Myrtle Beach, my cousin
Brian discovered Scott’s Bar-B-Que, located in Hemingway, SC. Featured on the
Food Network, Scott’s was founded by Ella and Roosevelt “Rosie” Scott in 1972.
It continues under their guidance with their son Rodney now serving as
Pitmaster. Just behind the store and restaurant are the wood-burning pits where
whole hogs are roasted. Rodney gave us a tour. Each spring, the Scott family
celebrates its success by offering a free picnic to the community. Rodney says
the family’s barbecue secret is “we put a whole lot of love into what we do.”
While in the Air
Force, my cousin Brian Okes was stationed at Myrtle Beach. The base was
established in 1940 as a World War II training facility and location for
coastal patrols. It became a front-line USAF operation during the Cold War,
Vietnam War, and the 1990 Persian Gulf War. Although the base closed in 1993,
Warbird Park commemorates the men and women who served there with distinction.
Many names are inscribed on the memorial wall. In addition to a walking trail,
a F-100D, A-7D, and an A-10A, formerly assigned to the
354th Tactical Fighter Wing, are preserved and displayed.
Raleigh,
NC, the state capital and second largest city, and Raleigh County, WV, are named
after Sir Walter Raleigh (1554–1618), an English gentleman, writer, poet,
soldier, politician, courtier, spy, and explorer. His mother was the niece of
Elizabeth I’s governess. Without the Queen’s permission, he secretly married
Elizabeth Throckmorton, a lady-in-waiting, and both were imprisoned in the
Tower of London for the offense. Raleigh searched for a golden city of El
Dorado in South America and sent others to establish Roanoke, which became
known as “the Lost Colony.” While imprisoned for treason, he wrote a History of the World.
