1812 on the Perquimans
Perquimans County of North Carolina. Its Indian meaning is “ Land of the Beautiful Women.” It is nestled on the coast of North Carolina surrounded by the Albemarle Sound with Yeopim , Little River and Perquimans River snaking their way between the fingers of land. It has over 100 miles of shoreline. It is tranquil, quiet and serene.
Along the Perquimans River on Old Neck Road, you will find a home that holds many hospitable memories and still is active as a Bed and Breakfast. It is the 1812 on the Perquimans. This beautiful two story home had been in the Rascoe family over 200 years. It was known as the Fletcher-Skinner-Nixon House. In the early 1990’s, the mother of Peter Rascoe asked him would he save it. Peter and his wife, Nancy, were up for the challenge. In fact, they did most of the restorations. Ms. Nancy, as I like to call her, was a teacher, but had stopped working outside the home to help her husband with the restorations. However the part of Ms. Nancy that loves to share, inform and teach never left her . She loved the home and she wanted others to see it’s beauty and an idea blossomed. A cousin suggested to Ms. Nancy to offer an etiquette camp for children. She thought, “what if the children came and had a party as Gone with the Wind? She could teach etiquette , making it a fun experience. She would add swimming, canoeing, tennis and croquet.
The first etiquette class was in 1993. It was a handful of girls. Ms. Nancy led the classes and sports. Her husband, known as, Big Peter, cooked. A friend taught the Bible study and Miss Blue, the sweetest , most charming lady of the area, helped at the inn, cleaned and played the piano. The Racsoes were in their sixties and they loved the young energy in the home.
My thoughts of Ms. Nancy consist of her genuine fondness of others. She has a keen sense of humor and her sincerity shines. Anyone who knows Ms. Nancy soon appreciates her outlook as a Southern Lady and her Nancy-isms stay with you long after you depart from 1812. Some of her sayin’s are on folding a towel… “Inside to inside, flip over and don’t let the tag show.” On how to say “washrag”… It is a bath cloth. On how to say trashcan…. It is a wastebasket. On eating soup the proper way…”Out to Sea and back to me.” And how to shake a hand … “No wobbly fish”.
1812 on the Perquimans is still active. Much has happened since 1993. Big Peter and Ms.Blue have passed . A nanny that visited along with one of the girls years ago is now with Ms. Nancy . Ms. Sitterson and others help Ms. Nancy in keeping the school active. Ms. Nancy is still teaching and sayings her Nancy-isms. The children leave with knowing how to place a napkin, set a formal table, play tennis, have devotional , all in the setting of a Gone with the Wind home.
And before the children leave they know this quote…. Etiquette is today what it has always been. A code of behavior based on kindness, consideration and unselfishness. Something that should not and will ever change.
If you happen to ride through on Hwy 17 in North Carolina, reserve a night’s stay at the 1812 on the Perquimans. The reviews are all 5 star and you will enjoy the experience of true Southern Elegance.