A Visit from Bill Friday
October 24, 2011

The fact that Dr. William Friday began his college career at Wake Forest College is a point of pride on both sides, and this year's annual meeting was a happy reunion for all. 

More than one hundred alumni and invited guests warmly received the former head of the University of North Carolina System on the afternoon of Sunday, October 23rd, sharing memories that dated back more than seventy years.

Along with stories of his professors, roommates, boarding house and lessons, Dr. Friday recalled his sophomore year transfer to North Carolina State University.  Upon arriving at NCSU, he was surprised to discover he'd be operating a weaving machine rather than reading the classics.  That is when, he said, he knew he was in a different place.

Also good for some lighthearted humor was News & Observer columnist Jim Jenkins, who introduced Dr. Friday with the suggestion that Wake Forest grads still wonder what he might have achieved if only he hadn't left their beloved alma mater.

But there was more to the day than warm memories and laughs.  During that long ago freshman year, Dr. Friday rented a room in one of the homes on Faculty Avenue.  Now known as the Royall-Luddy House, it's located directly across the street from the museum.  Homeowner Julie Luddy Roach was pleased to walk Dr. Friday through the downstairs rooms, listening intently to his recollections of the Royall family, with whom he lived, and taking mental notes on his description of the home's 1930s appearance.

As Dr. Friday said, it was a $50 tuition scholarship that allowed him to go to college.  It's an apt metaphor for our Wake Forest Historical Museum.  Upon small generosities, great things are built.  Please realize that each donation is enormously important to us.  We are grateful for your support, your kindness and your interest in preserving this vital history of town and college.

A gallery of images follows.

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Dr. Bill Friday even wore a WFU necktie for the occasion. The museum hired Frank Smith, of Franklin Video, to produce a DVD of Dr. Friday's speech.News & Observer columnist Jim Jenkins escorted Dr. Friday to the event and gave the introduction. Executive Director Ed Morris presented WFC alum and museum supporter Bob Northcutt with the volunteer of the year award. Northcutt has been indispensible in moving and organizing the new exhibits.Town of Wake Forest natives Durward and Shirley Matheny also recieved special recognition for their contributions of time, dedication and talent. Both work tirelessly to keep the museum operating successfully.
Dr. Friday arrived at the Royall-Luddy house at approximately 2pm.Julie Luddy Roach greeted Dr. Friday at the back of the house, along with WFCBS President Susan Brinkley and other invited guests.Despite a span of more than seventy years, Dr. Friday's memories flowed from the moment he set foot on the property.The front parlor, with its large bay window, is across the downstairs hall from the room Dr. Friday rented in the late 1930s.WRAL-TV sent a cameraman to record the visit, while Julie's father (Franklin Academy founder Bob Luddy) looked on.Julie surprised Dr. Friday with a special gift; a copy of an original artwork recently painted, depicting the home. WFCBS President Susan Brinkley, Dr. Bill Friday and Robert McMillan, WFC alum and good friend.Dr. Friday particularly enjoyed meeting the rest of the family.Julie's son and Dr. Friday liked each other enormously.Dr. Friday enjoyed revisiting the front porch, where he recalled spending many afternoons sitting, watching the cars pass by on Faculty Avenue (now N. Main Street).The porch, indeed the entire house, was very much as he remembered it. Julie spent two-years extensively restoring the property, for which she won the Anthenium Award.Jim Jenkins and Dr. Friday stayed at the house approximately half an hour, completing their tour and then moving on to the event at the museum.