By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER, Staff Writer
BATH — When Bath resident Josie Hookway left Cardiff, Wales, with husband Dennis to start a new life in America fifty years ago, she settled easily in her newly-adopted homeland.
First settling in Pitt County, the Hookways joined the planning committee of the Shad Festival in Grifton. Even though both had demanding careers — he was a physicist with E.I. du Pont and she was a nurse — they immersed themselves in the local community.
Over the years she has volunteered in many capacities, including service as a past president of the Girl Scout Council of Coastal Carolina and the Lenoir County chapter of the North Carolina Symphony. She also shared her time, energy and talents with the American Red Cross; United Fund; Shepherd’s Staff; and the diocese of the East Carolina Executive Council, work that resulted from being active at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
She also volunteered overseas, traveling to the West Bank in Palestine twice and visiting Romania two times to assist with medical services.
But it is her work at Historic Bath that has given her the greatest satisfaction in recent years.
Bath became home to the Hookways about 20 years ago.
When she was appointed by Gov. Jim Hunt to the Historic Bath Commission about 14 years ago, Hookway began an association that eventually led her to serve as chairman for ten years. She stepped down from the top spot in May but remains an active member of the commission.
Hookway said she was particularly proud that by the end of the celebration all the bills were paid.
Hookway serves as an ambassador of sorts, pointing out the special qualities of Bath to family and friends.
As much as Hookway is fascinated by the town’s history, she said the story isn’t complete.