Beulaville’s home-grown historian publishes book

If you want to know anything about the history of Beulaville, there’s only one person to ask. And now you don’t have to wait until you come across him walking in his neighborhood or puttering around town in his Ford pickup. James Roland Edwards, known to most as Mr. Roland, has published a book full of photos and facts, aptly titled The History of Beulaville. 

The 96-year-old lifelong Beulaville resident has been gathering information and photos for more than eight years, and finally decided he should heed many people’s advice and write a book. 

“It’s not a business venture for me,” he explained to the Duplin Journal. “It’s just something I’m interested in doing.” 

A few years go, Mr. Roland put together a calendar featuring Beulaville history, and it was so successful, a book was the next logical step. “Doug Clark, a good friend and neighbor of Beulaville, and a few of our citizens said I should make a book about Beulaville, so I finally did,” Edwards said. 

Even though he knew interest was high, Edwards was shocked when an estimated 250 people showed up for signed copies of his book at the Beulaville Town Hall on Dec. 14. “I didn’t expect all this,” he said at the event. “I can’t imagine all of this going on in the little old town of Beulaville.” 

What’s perhaps even more surprising is that Mr. Roland wrote and published the book, which is more than 500 pages, without so much as a computer or smartphone. “I use a flip phone and a digital camera,” he said with a laugh. 

He didn’t do it all on his own, though, Edwards stressed. He received lots of help from his friend June Smith, Diane Kennedy, the late Frank Whaley, Trevor Normile, Jim Sills, and his editor and publisher, Daniel Ray Norris.

Edwards said that focusing on his book for the past few years has been somewhat cathartic for him. “My wife passed away about three and a half years ago, and physically and mentally, it’s helped me to work on this book.” 

Not only that, even nearing a century, Edwards says it’s important to stay active and engaged. “I try to walk every day, I rake my yard, I still mow the yard myself,” he said. 

And mostly, he loves gathering history and helping people learn about the town he so loves. “It makes me feel good when someone calls me and says, ‘Mr. Roland, where was such and such?’ They know I’ll know the answers to most questions they have about Beulaville.” 

Edwards was born on a farm about two miles from Beulaville, and has been part of the town ever since. “I have grown with Beulaville,” he said. “I’ve been here 96 years, and I’ve done just about everything you can do. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter, a Mason, a Lion’s Club member … you name it, I’ve probably done it. It has been a great blessing for me to give back what the Lord has blessed me with.” 

When asked what makes Beulaville so special, Edwards replied, “Just look at today. People come out to any occasion or if you need any help, people always show up. All you’ve got to do is let someone know you need something and they’ll help you.” 

And the book is resonating not only with current Beulaville residents, but Edwards said he’s gotten requests to send books to Chicago, New Jersey and Washington state. 

Those interested in purchasing a copy of the book can visit Beulaville Town Hall or Simpson Real Estate in Wallace. The books are $50 each, and don’t worry if you missed out on Mr. Roland’s book signing. 

“If you see me in my little Ford pickup, I’ll sign one for you if you’ve got a pen,” he said.