Page 46 - Robeson Living Summer 2021

Walter and Bertha Pinchbeck in parade on Walter Pinchbeck Day
the best I’ve ever known. They sent me back to my homeland
when both my father and mother died (local citizens raised the
money for the trips). These are the nicest people in my book – I
love the people. This is my home. Since 1931 I’ve never heard a
hard word against myself and I’ve never been shoved around. If
you want a friend, you’ve got to be a friend”.

Pinchbeck lived a full life caring for the faculty, staff and stu-
dents at the college. He inspired many of them to seek a better
life, but it was through his work with the Boy Scouts that we see
the legacy he created. Everyone who came into contact with him
found themselves better off for knowing him. This is how Walter
Pinchbeck went from Hobo to Hero.

Editor’s Note About Author:
Growing up in North Carolina, Blake Tyner was surrounded by
history and great Southern cooking, spending countless hours
with his great-grandparents. The busy kitchen and large family
dinners gave a perfect settling for hearing about the people of
the past. As he learned the history of the area and her citizens, he
developed a craving to bring the people of the past alive
and share their stories.

He has published four books as well as numerous articles in re-
gional newspapers and magazines. He served as Executive Di-
rector of the Maxton Historical Society and the Robeson County
History Museum. More of his writings and projects can be found
at blaketyner.com and on Facebook at Blake Tyner Historian.

Pinchbeck in full headdress
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