New full professors at Davidson: Striplin, Churchill, Robb, Lerner

Davidson College announced this week that its has promoted four faculty members to full professor: Suzanne Churchill (English), Neil Lerner (music), Dave Robb (philosophy), and Durwin Striplin (chemistry). The appointments were approved at the recent meeting of the Davidson’s Board of Trustees. Read the full story

The insignia of the Eagle Scout includes this special neckerchief and also the eagle medal pinned on the left pocket. See below for Davidson's three newest Eagle Scouts.

Feb. 8 marked the official 100th birthday of the Boys Scouts of America.  In an oft-told story among scouts, the BSA was founded by journalist W.D. Boyce after he became lost at a foggy street corner in London and a boy took his arm and helped him get oriented.  The boy then famously refused a tip, saying he was only doing his duty as a scout.  Mr. Boyce was so impressed that it is said he headed back to America and founded the BSA.

We’ve had our own foggy mornings here in Davidson of late, and we certainly have lots of scouts in our town to offer assistance.  In fact, at Scouting for Food Saturday, on the same day this year as the BSA anniversary, the Davidson collection point (in the parking lot of Davidson United Methodist Church) tallied over five tons of food destined for the Loaves & Fishes pantry.

The Davidson Lions Club is the sponsor of both Troop 58 and Cub Pack 58.  In honor of the BSA centenary, we have a column devoted to the recent activities of our scouts.  Sunday saw an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for three in Troop 58, held at the congregation house for Davidson College Presbyterian Church.  The very next night, the same space was transformed from Eagle Court to Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet, celebrating the achievements of Cub Pack 58.  We have news of both events.

Happy Anniversary, Scouts!

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Traveling with a purpose is the theme of this week’s Around Davidson column. We have news about two young women at our local high schools who are getting their passports and travel plans ready for two quite different itineraries.

Kathleen Elkins, a senior at Woodlawn School, is a local tennis sensation and has earned a spot on a European traveling team. She is raising funds for her summer tennis tour by organizing two doubles tournaments, the first planned for this Saturday, Feb. 27.

Meanwhile, at Davidson Day, French teacher Sheena Geiger is raising money for a trip to dance in Japan at the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Osaka World Expo.

Both Kathleen and Sheena are seeking individual and business sponsors to help defray the costs for their upcoming adventures. Read the full story

Frankie Archer stands beside one of seven Archer's tow trucks. See below for one of the company's more famous towing tasks.

Last week Around Davidson took a look at the history of  The Hub on North Main Street – a local gathering spot for students and townspeople in the 1960′s.  Davidson resident Andy Beard emailed that he was one of Ralph Quackenbush’s “grill meisters” when a student at Davidson College.  Several evenings each week Andy cooked cheeseburgers as well as grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.  Great memories. Also, Bob Manning passed along his memory of how Ralph answered the phone at work.  “When Ralph answered the phone, he’d very slowly say: ‘The … Hub.’ Apparently no one could understand him if he said it at regular speed, when it came out as something like ‘Dhhuuubb.’  Anyone would have had the same problem, but Ralph’s solution was just to say it carefully, and not to rename the place.”

Last week’s history lesson about Ralph’s business mentioned Archer’s Gulf station as one of two town “filling stations” allowing anyone, regardless of race or creed, to use its restrooms.  Archer’s is now on South Main and worth sharing its rich history with our readers.  In addition we have news of the Beaches beachin’ in Mexico,  a new grandbaby for Lacy Dick, and an exhibition tonight for a show by local artists and gardener Blanche McAlister Harris. Read the full story

Ralph Quackenbush was happy to see "The Hub" sign uncovered

Happy Early Valentine’s greetings to all our readers.  Hope everyone has a relaxing sunshine-filled long weekend to celebrate with a box of chocolates and an extra bit of vacation on President’s Day.

Around Davidson keeps up its tradition of visiting with the Bruce Smith family for whom Valentine’s Day has special meaning.

Super Bowl XLIV may be history but we will be smiling for weeks as we think about those “Who Dat” Saints and our own Dave Fleming who writes about his Super time in Miami.

We also include a bit of town history talking to Ralph Quackenbush, former “Hub” owner on North Main Street.  Read the full story

My, my, aren't these Fancy Nancies seeing stars?!

Cold, rainy winter days – interspersed with just enough sunshine to make us yearn for spring.  What’s a youngster to do to pass the time inside?  How about a “Fancy Nancy” party?  Around Davidson traveled a few miles north of town to find a bevy of beautiful young ladies celebrating inside with no worries about outside snow or sleet.  How nice to be six!

But enough of Fancy Nancy.  This week we feature a special occasion in Charlotte where Dick James was honored.  There is also news of a program by Pat Mose at The Pines as well as an interesting note about Shelter Boxes.  And of course, we need to congratulate the New Orleans Saints and their Super Bowl win. ”Who Dat” reigns!  Bourbon Street is no doubt still celebrating at the time this column is posted. Read the full story

Peggy Evans getting a lift from her son, David, while hiking in New Zealand.

How nice to have a few days of almost balmy temperatures before we get hammered once more this weekend!  Another six weeks and we can welcome Spring – Hooray!

Today’s Around Davidson will brighten your day as we report on cruises to the sunny Caribbean by the Brackes and Schuhs as well as a month’s visit to old friends in “summertime” New Zealand by Peggy Evans.  There is also an update on Steif, “The Christmas Calf,” who appreciates all who have inquired about his health. Read the full story

David Woodmansee and his daughter, Lila, hauled their sleeping bags into the backyard igoo for night in the snow.

It’s Groundhog Day!  No matter what Punxsutawney Phil sees we have only to hear the long range forecast for our area to know that we have at least six more weeks of winter.  Last weekend’s snow was beautiful.  Hope our readers saw the amazing photos of the Daugherty’s igloo posted on DavidsonNews.net.

We have another igloo photo to share today as well as news from  2009 of a new arrival for Travis and Kelly Collum and a wedding for Tiffany Hutchins and Mike Fremder.  In addition there are Noteworthy Notes about church signs and the town statue in front of the Post Office. Read the full story