East Carolina University, located in Greenville, traces its origins to the East Carolina Teachers Training School, which came into existence amid substantial controversy in 1907. After competing with seven other localities, Greenville was chosen as the site for the campus, largely because of Pitt County's offer of 243 acres and $100,000 for a new facility.
All by Jane Phillips
Jane Phillips: Kinston’s Bleak December of 1862
At the beginning of the Civil War Kinston was a sedate little town with its churches and industrious people. After the war was declared, Confederate soldiers began to occupy Kinston, change was in the air as military training camps sprung up around the county. First, soldiers came by the hundreds and then the thousands.
Wyse Fork Battlefield preservation needs your support
The Wyse Fork Battlefield is endangered because of planned highway construction. The NC Depart of Transportation wants to run the new highway 70 bypass with interchange through the heart of the battlefield where the heat of the battle took place. There is another route that could be used that is much cheaper and .2 mile shorter. Please help support a change in the route and the preservation of the Wyse Fork Battlefield.
Jane Phillips: Kinston and the Spanish Flu pandemic - 1918-1919
I’ve read that 1918 was one of the worst years throughout recorded history. The First World War was raging in Europe while an unseen enemy, the Spanish Flu, was spreading across the earth. The illness began in the spring and seemed to subside during the summer months. It lasted until late 1919 and consisted of “waves” of varying intensity.
The first victim of the Spanish Flu Pandemic I have found in Kinston was in late summer 1918. The victim was State Sen. William Durward Pollock. In October the height of the Spanish Flu Pandemic was in full swing in Kinston. Three died that first week. There were some days when 15 to 20 victims died.
Jane Phillips: People who once walked the streets of Kinston - The Claude Casey Story
Claude Casey is part of an elite group of early country and western performers associated with the Charlotte, NC, broadcasting scene and singing cowboy movies. Kinston was one of his stepping stones to success.
Jane Phillips: Meet Alfred Cheney, a Kinston legend
Alfred Cheney was a memorable Kinstonian who lived in town the first part of the last century.
Jane Phillips: People who once walked the streets of Kinston: A talented actor and dedicated teacher
Young Ed Grady was born to Eddie and Maude Grady in Kinston, North Carolina on August 31, 1923. As a boy he played with his brother Robert on the streets and school yards of Kinston. He attended Grainger High School where he was a star football player as one of the Red Devils.
Jane Phillips: Was Kinston the first city to offer fast food breakfast?
Neuse News historical columnist Jane Phillips takes a look at the impact Kinston has had on restaurants through the years.
Jane Phillips: The return of the Tuscarora Indians
Neuse News historical columnist Jane Phillips recalls the return of an Indian tribe to ENC.
Jane Phillips: Meet the 'Spanish Lady'
Neuse News Historical Columnist Jane Phillips introduces you to Louisa Hernandez Washington, who once walked the streets of Kinston.
Jane Phillips: The mystery of the Peterson suicide
Neuse News historical columnist Jane Phillips recalls one of the biggest mysteries in Kinston’s history.
Jane Phillips: Kinston’s first world-famous musician — James 'Tim' Brymn
Neuse News historian Jane Phillips introduces you to a Kinstonian that became famous all over the world for his musical talents.
Jane Phillips: Black History Month celebration — Montford Point Marine Jim McGee of Kinston
Kinston’s James B. ‘Jim’ McGee was a proud member of the Montford Point Marines.
Jane Phillips: The USS George F. Parrott
Neuse News historical columnist Jane Phillips introduces you to a true American hero from Kinston - George Fountain Parrott.
Jane Phillips: Kinston's showplace — The Pollock Hotel
Neuse News columnist and Kinston historian Jane Phillips recalls the Pollock Hotel, one of the town’s former glories.