ORDER OF THE LONG LEAF PINE

Ed Bridgers honored

Calvin Adkins

Former Princeville mayor James "Ed" Bridgers was given one of the most pleasant surprises in his life Sunday during a church service at Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church in Tarboro.

Bridgers, a deacon at Eastern Star, was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the office of Gov. Bev. Perdue. Former Tarboro town councilman Roland Clark presented the award to Bridgers.

Clark acknowledged Bridgers as his longtime friend and he said, "It's a pleasure to present the award to my good friend. It is long overdue."

Bridgers said he made contributions to Predue's governor campaign and jokingly added, "Maybe she felt like she was paying me back for my work.

"You all got me that time. I had no idea that I was going to get this award," he said.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which was created in 1965, is the highest civilian honor that can be granted in North Carolina. It is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. Some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected are contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations.

Bridgers was nominated by the Rev. Reginald Wells of Rose Hill, the pastor of his son's Cullen Bridgers' church. Bridgers spoke at a funeral at Wells' church citing some of his political accolades. Apparently Wells was intrigued by Bridgers' resume and he nominated the Princeville resident for the award. Wells did not attend the service due to health issues.

Bridgers was aware of his nomination, but he didn't think that he would be chosen among the others. He didn't feel like he was doing anything worthy of the prestigious award. His modesty wrestled with the reality of his political and social works for Princeville that was seen by many.

Bridgers wife of 69 years, Carrie Bridgers, and his daughter Marjorie B. Moore arranged the surprise.

"I can't describe how I feel. I just cant put it in words," Bridgers said. "All I was doing is what God told his disciples to do. I fed the hungry, I helped the poor, I treated my neighbors like I wanted to be treated. I can't believe that I was given this award."

For more than 37 years, Bridgers served on political boards for Princeville. To name a few, he was the mayor from 1974-81, he served on the planning board, served on the recovery team after the 1999 flood, chairman of the Princeville Historic Tourism Society and a member of the Princeville museum board. He also served as the Justice of the Peace for Princeville from 1954-60. Before his political career he served in World War II fighting in Asia and Europe.

"I did a little bit of everything," Bridgers said. "A few years ago my wife told me it was time for me to come home. That's when I stopped. It's been a good journey. People still call on me from time to time."

Bridgers, who will turn 90 years old on Sunday, is arguably the oldest living resident who was born in Princeville and is still living in the town. His love for his home town probably is second to his family. Perhaps that is what sparked his political career. During his 37-year political tenure, Bridgers has helped to bring about many changes to the historic town, but there's one he's most proud of.

"Bringing water and sewer to the town," Bridgers said with his eyes gleaming with pride. "I remember going across the river and going inside this big manhole and turning the water on. I've done a lot of things but that's what I'm most proud of. That really turned things around for the people in Princeville."

Bridgers also brought in grants for the sewer system, home improvements, purchased a fire truck and built the first apartment complex in the town – Prince Courts Apartments.

Princeville Mayor Delia Perkins has worked closely with Bridgers since she has been in office. Although it is Bridgers' personal award, she said it was also good for the town.

"This is a plus for the town of Princeville," she said. "Mr. Bridgers is well deserving of it. He had a long long life of community service. It's good to give him his flowers while he is living."

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