A Pup’s Perspective
Join us for a tail-waggin’ time in Joyner Library with the new exhibit “Pups in the Parks”!
This story follows the adventures of a little pup as she explores North Carolina’s State Parks. Filled with charming illustrations, photographs, and items from Special Collections, visitors will embark on a journey alongside Penelope, an adorable, yet sassy, Basset Hound.
First, she tours Goose Creek State Park in Beaufort County, NC. Being a strictly dry-land hound, Penelope is aghast at all the water! She learns that, in the warmer weather, humans like to frolic in the river as seen in these photographs from 1943.
Bessie Faye Hunt, Lois Grisby, and Helen Stone at Camp Leach. 1943.
Records of the Young Women’s Christian Association. UA45-01. University Archives, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
Mabel Spence Watson at Camp Leach circa 1943.
Records of the Young Women’s Christian Association. UA45-01. University Archives, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
These students pictured, from East Carolina Teachers College, were at the old Camp Leach, very close to what is now Goose Creek State Park. Camp Leach was the first camp and conference center for the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. It closed in 1985, but Penelope says you can still let your ears flap in the breeze as your human drives along Camp Leach Road.
Penelope’s next trip takes her to Medoc Mountain State Park in Halifax County, NC. This park has an interesting history; it was one part of a Paleozoic Era mountain range. In the 19th century, the area, owned by Sydney Weller, became a vineyard known especially for Weller’s Halifax wine. The exhibit includes a record of the memories of Loraine Smith, who lived at Medoc Vineyards as a child. Her father, Willie J. Smith, worked in the winery beginning in 1914. Loraine, along with her siblings and cousins, explored as much as allowed on the vineyard. Penelope wasn’t feeling that daring on her visit, but she did wander along some of the winding paths in the state park.
A few months later, Penelope visits Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County, NC. Her little legs scramble over the rocky terrain, past a swimming lake and historic stone bathhouse, culminating in a breathtaking view at the top of Moore’s Knob. Or so she heard. Being only 18 inches tall, she couldn’t appreciate the same scene as the humans.
Finally, Penelope hits the beach at Carolina Beach State Park! According to historic postcards, Carolina Beach was touted as “one of the popular bathing resorts on the Atlantic Ocean”.
Postcard depicting a street with the ocean in the background, showing cars parked and pedestrians on the boardwalk. 1940-1960.
Mr. and Mrs. Roger E. Kammerer, Sr., Collection (#318), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Remember, Penelope doesn’t like water. But her favorite human found a fun way to make the outing comfortable for them both. We won’t spoil the ending, but you can catch a sneak peek below.
Beyond the picturesque landscapes and Penelope’s adorable antics, however, “Pups in the Parks” also delves into the deeper themes of anxiety and adaptability. As Penelope copes with changes within her pack, she grows and transforms, finding strength in the special bond between her and her loving human.
Whether you’re a dog lover, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a heartwarming tale, “Pups in the Parks” invites you to experience the magic of exploration and the power of resilience through the eyes of a lovable pup. So, leash up your curiosity and join Penelope on her unforgettable journey through North Carolina’s State Parks!
“Pups in the Parks”. Curated by Kelly Spring.
Where: East Carolina University, Joyner Library, North Carolina Collection.
Directions and Parking: https://parking.ecu.edu/2019/02/11/student-center-parking-garage-now-open/
ADA Accommodations: Call 252-737-1018 or email ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu
When: April 23 – August 26, 2024. Closing Reception August 15, 4:00 PM.
Hours: https://lib.ecu.edu/hours/
Doggles
Image Credit: Kelly Spring
Georgie and Penelope sharing the trailer
Image Credit: Kelly Spring
Sources:
Medoc Mountain State Park. https://www.ncpedia.org/medoc-mountain-state-park. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.
Medoc Mountain State Park General Management Plan. https://www.ncparks.gov/planning-files/general-management-plan-medoc-mountain-state-park/open. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.
Mr. and Mrs. Roger E. Kammerer, Sr., Collection (#318), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Records of the Young Women’s Christian Association. UA45-01. University Archives, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
Sarah Bunn Collection (#1277), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Trinity Center History. https://www.trinityctr.org/history/. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.