Tar Heel Traveler: New Journeys Across North Carolina

by Scott Mason

Overview

A blend of oral history and memoir with a good dose of quirky humor, Tar Heel Traveler: New Journeys Across North Carolina is a celebratory look at the people and places of North Carolina. WRAL-TV reporter Scott Mason—the Tar Heel Traveler—profiles colorful characters and out-of-the-way places. The sequel consists of all new material and showcases twenty-five of Mason’s most memorable television stories along with the amusing stories behind each.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493037513
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	05/01/2019
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	490,748
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Scott Mason has been a television reporter for 30 years and WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler since 2007. His more than 100 journalism awards include 14 regional Emmys and three National Edward R. Murrow awards, one of broadcasting’s highest honors. He has twice been named North Carolina Television Reporter of the Year. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Table of Contents

Prologue ix

People

Earl Owensby: The B-Movie Legend 1

Dr. Stanley: The Smoking Doc 11

Monique Johnson: Two Feet of Inspiration 20

Mary and Mildred: Identical Twins 28

Percy Flowers and The Grocery Sag: Moonshine and Hot Dogs 34

Places

Mount Airy: Mayberry and More 45

Mount Airy: The Granite Quarry 49

Mount Airy: The Moonshine Monk 53

Mount Airy: Thelma Lou 57

Mount Airy: Disc Golf and the Story of George 60

Mount Airy: "The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA" 67

Hertford: Catfish, Wolfman, and More 70

Hertford: Catfish Hunter 73

Hertford: Wolfman Jack 78

Hertford: Perquimans County Courthouse 83

Hertford: The Monument 87

Hertford: S Bridge 90

Hertford: The Turtle Log 94

Anson County: The First, the Epicenter, and the Outlaw 96

Anson County: Lilesville 98

Anson County: Solar Eclipse 103

Anson County: The Outlaw 108

Murphy: Manhunt 111

Murphy: The Murphy Pyramid 114

Murphy: The Moon-Eyed People 120

Murphy: The Mystery of Abraham Lincoln 126

Landmarks, Curiosities, and Firsts and the Unexpected …

Three-Point Shot: The Forgotten Moment 133

Three-Point Shot: What Happened to Ronnie 143

Basketball Phenom: Bingo! 146

Statesville Stained Glass: Christopher 149

Famous Louise's Rock House Restaurant: Three Counties Under One Roof 155

The Hen & The Hog, and the Halifax Resolves: Patriotism and Shrimp and Grits 159

Concrete Statuaries: The Rubber Band Man 166

The Skydiving Reporter: Wing Tips 172

Andrews Geyser: Highest Spout in the World! 181

The Serpentarium: Snakes and Sinatra 188

Hootie and Gene 194

Chewy: Faithful Friend 198

Epilogue

The Place I Go 204

Index 209

About the Author 211

Editorial Reviews

"As a native Tar Heel, I am just as avid a fan of Scott Mason and his 'Tar Heel Traveler' as I was about the late Charles Kuralt's 'On the Road'. I hate to miss even one episode. If you ever meet Scott you'll meet a down-home friend." ––Charlie Gaddy, Former WRAL-TV Anchor

“I love Scott’s “Mayberry-like” reporting and writing style. His stories are done like a good ol’ get-to-know-more-about-you conversation. I thoroughly enjoy the Tar Heel Traveler.” ––Betty Lynn, “Thelma Lou” from the Andy Griffith Show

“If national news makes you sick, then get well with Scott Mason’s Tar Heel Traveler: New Journeys across North Carolina. And if you like your stuff in a Mason jar, then Scott’s the man. He packs entertainment, history, fun, and facts into every story he tells. Thank goodness he keeps those stories alive in books! Treat yourself to a great read for the fireside, the beachside, or the bedside.” ––Clyde Edgerton, Author of Walking Across Egypt and Papadaddy’s Book for New Fathers.

“By the time Scott Mason wraps up another episode of The Tar Heel Traveler, I feel as though I’ve taken a trip back home to spend some quality time with an old friend, sipping on a tall glass of sweet tea, sharing a few happy smiles, some easy talk, a smidgen of local news occasionally combined with a bit of toe-tapping’ music and some real mouth-watering comfort food. To top it all off, I know I’m always going to come away with a heart brim full of warm and happy memories. That’s a mighty fine gift, Scott … and I just hope you know how very much all of us appreciate each and every homecoming.” ––Ira David Wood III, Executive Director, Theatre in the Park

“Scott Mason’s engaging delivery and unique knowledge of North Carolina and its roots makes the Tar Heel Traveler the highlight of my evening news. Four nights a week we can count on this charming show to soften the blow of the bad news of the day with delightful stories about people and events “down home.” Scott never disappoints.” ––Rufus Edmisten, Former Deputy Chief Counsel to Senator Sam J. Ervin’s Watergate Committee and Former NC Attorney General and Secretary of State

“Scott Mason uses the broad canvas of The Tar Heel Traveler to paint a portrait filled with detailed images of the people and places that give the state both a unique and universal appeal, a reflection of diversity and individuality, a picture that makes those of us here never want to leave and entices others to come here.” ––Bill Thompson, North Carolina Author and Storyteller

“I and millions of others congratulate and thank you for providing, through your excellent WRAL-TV program, an opportunity to learn about many super-talented artists and creators and their valuable contributions to North Carolina and the world. Thank you also for your new Tar Heel Traveler book, which provides new knowledge about many interesting, educational and enjoyable events and places to visit.” ––Eddie Ray, Past Executive Director, North Carolina Music Hall of Fame First African American in U.S. history to be named top executive of a major record company

From the Publisher