This week in history we look back 10, 25 and 50 years to see what was happening in eastern Wake County.
In 2005, one 20-something tried to introduce a coffee shop to downtown Wendell. In 1990, the conflict in the Middle East picked up and every soldier was on alert. In 1965, Zebulon completed its first golf course.
2005
Ten years ago, one young woman tried her hand at filling a need – both then and now – in the eastern Wake area.
Courtnie Logue had a hankering for sweets and coffee. So, she thought a small business catering to the sucrose-inclined and caffeine junkies might be just the thing to satiate her appetite.
The 26-year-old recently opened Sweet Cravings on Main Street, hoping to attract more people downtown.
"I wanted to see a place in this town where people could hang out," Logue said. "I want to see the younger generation enjoying this beautiful downtown. Starting a business is scary, but I was born here and I think I'll have a good chance."
Logue's fears aren't unfounded. There is much worry about how Wendell will fare after the state Department of Transportation opened the U.S. 64/264 Knightdale Bypass. Several prominent businesses have already closed. But many are hopeful that the new road will bring traffic and customers back to quiet streets.
"The biggest challenge is getting people in here," she said. "The other challenge is being a single mom and spending a lot of time in here. I really want to make this business work, but it's challenge. I want people to see there's a place to hang out after five. When I see a new face walk through those doors, it's all worth it."
1990
Twenty-five years ago, soldiers in the eastern Wake area braced themselves for a call to duty.
Merchants in Zebulon have begun to sport their patriotic colors – red, white and blue – or have displayed yellow ribbons, all in support (and the safe return) of U.S. troops serving in the Mideast crisis.
Local soldiers – reservists, guardsmen and the like – are awaiting the word on whether they will be called to duty. A reserve unit in Morrisville was called into action on Monday.
“If we have to go, we are ready,” said Sgt. Rick Cox, the officer in charge of the National Guard Armory in Zebulon. “Some are even eager to go.”
Whether the Zebulon group – a field artillery unit – will be activated is anybody’s guess.
“At this point in time, we don’t have any idea,” Cox related. “The news from the Mideast changes daily. We’ve trained hard and done well in all our training. We are ready to go if needed.”
1965
Fifty years ago, Zebulon opened up the golf course!
After three years of planning and construction, Zebulon is proud to have its own golf course.
Hal Perry, owner and developer, along with Maurice Brackett, Raleigh Golf Association Professional who designed the course, watched happily Sunday as its members tested the course.
Several members excitedly expressed how happy they were with the excellent condition of the course. Players were pleased with the wide fairways and large greens.
More than 100 golfers teed off on the fairways Sunday, perry said. There were more than 500 spectators who came to watch.
...The course, as it is now, cost more than Perry had intended to spend, but he maintains, “I didn’t cut any corners because I wanted to make this a good course.” A tour of the spread bears him out.
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