Dinner Meeting Monday, November 18, 2019 Dinner at 6:30, Program at 7:15 Pm

Volume 17, No. 4 Mecklenburg Historical Association November 2019

Dinner Meeting Monday, November 18, 2019 Dinner at 6:30, Program at 7:15 pm. Those not having dinner may enjoy the program at no charge

Fellowship Hall, Trinity Presbyterian Church 3115 Providence Road

Upcoming Dinner Program Mecklenburg County New Annual History Celebrations Beginning in 2020 To make a reservation for dinner use the and Charlotte in the order form in this Newsletter or contact Barbara Colonial Era After six months of collaborative meetings with Taylor at 308 Braxton Dr., Indian Trail 28079, history leaders of the Mecklenburg area, an an- [email protected] or 336-404-1751. tory for the “Trail of History” nual festival has been identified to allow all area television series on WTVI. history organizations to celebrate their historical Native Americans, Scots-Irish, African Americans focus with a new and exciting public venue. Char- and Germans lived in colonial Mecklenburg lotte Center City Partners will set aside a Satur- County, North Carolina. This presentation looks day, and other days as needed, for historical or- at the origins, histories, settlement patterns, and ganizations to present interactive expositions as interaction of these groups. Developments in the part of the “Charlotte Shout” extravaganza begin- area and across the colonies led to the founding ning with its Fall 2020 event at First Ward Park in of Mecklenburg County and the town of Char- uptown Charlotte. This effort is led by Christine lotte. Lockett, Senior Vice President of Center City Part- A native of London, Dr. Hugh Dussek is a profes- ners for Community Events and Programs. This sor of history at Central Piedmont Community promises to be a huge leap forward as we work to College in Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds a acquaint all Charlotte citizens, new and long- PhD in history from Union Institute & University tenured, with our very rich history. Stay tuned for and serves on the Board of Trustees for The more information from Center City Partners about Charlotte Museum of History. Hugh has given this exciting opportunity for people with historic presentations on colonial and revolutionary his- interests to get involved. Dr. Tony Zeiss and Scott Syfert Inside this issue:

Remarks from the President 2

MHA Docent Programs 2

Preserve Mecklenburg, 3

Membership Renewal 3

Meeting Reservation Form 3 The MHA meets in the History News and Site News 4 Fellowship Hall at:

A Mississippi Misadventure 5-6 Trinity Presbyterian Church 3115 Providence Road William R. Davie and the Consti- 6-7 Charlotte, NC 28211 tutional Convention

The History Calendar 7-8 PAGE 2 MHA NEWS | MECKLENBURG HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Remarks from the President which will occur in March, May, Septem- further information, our website is meck- ber, and November. dec.org or you can give me a call. Greetings to our MHA members! Please join us for our last dinner meeting of 2019 Also, if you have not renewed your Please note the many upcoming events at on Monday, November 18th at Trinity MHA membership for 2020, please take our area history sites and support them Presbyterian Church. We will welcome Dr. a minute to fill out the membership re- with your attendance. Hugh Dussek to speak to us on the vari- newal form also in this newsletter. MHA My best wishes to ous groups of people who first lived in depends upon its membership dues to each of you for a Colonial Mecklenburg County. See the fund the many activities of our organiza- blessed holiday sea- reservation form elsewhere in this news- tion including the MHA Docents’ work son. letter. Our program Chair, Barbara Tay- and your support is needed and appreci- Linda Dalton lor, already has some great speakers ated. If you are not already a member, MHA President lined up for our four 2020 dinner meetings please take this opportunity to join. For [email protected] (704) 661-8470

MHA Docent Programs erine’s life through two decades of History News searching public records; descendants’ Tuesday, November 5 memorabilia and objects; museum col- Revolutionary War Field Days lections; and historical records. She has Historic Camden, SC A Relentless Spirit, Catharine Ladd, published numerous articles and papers, Southern Educator, Entrepreneur and Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and received a Fellowship from the Museum Author, 1808-1899 3 from 10 am to 3 pm with a battle each of Early Southern Decorative Arts day at 1:30 pm This meeting will be held in the (MESDA) and has written an article for Fellowship Hall of Sugaw Creek Presbyte- MESDA on Catherine Ladd’s husband, Revolutionary War Field Days at Camden rian Church. Refreshments at 9:30, busi- itinerant portrait artist, George Ladd. have been held on the first full weekend of ness meeting at 10, and program at 11. November since 1970. Hundreds of reen- Free, visitors are always welcome. actors from across the country converge on Tuesday, December 3 the historic grounds to camp, battle, and Catharine Stratton Ladd was inspired The Mills and the Music celebrate over the weekend. Visitors view a by meeting the Marquis de Lafayette as a battle each day, walk through the camps of teenager. In her life she educated hun- Please join us in the Fellowship Hall of the combatants and see demonstrations of dreds of young women, pushed the Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church for Colonial crafts and skills. Colonial sutlers boundaries of women’s rights, helped the MHA Docents’ December Tea and (merchants) and scholars giving talks about revitalize her community of Winnsboro, Luncheon, our gift to the history commu- the war are on site as well. Almost 3,000 SC, published her political and social nity to share with friends both old and spectators and 400 reenactors and demon- opinions in the newspapers and wrote new. The business meeting is at 9:45 strators attended the 2018 event poetry and fiction for national magazines. am; the program at 10 will be followed by the tea. This year we will again accept Pat Veasey will tell how she re- donations for the Toys for Tots program. searched and wrote this biography of To participate bring a new, unwrapped Catharine Ladd and will sell and sign cop- toy. ies of the book. Winnsboro was burned in 1865 so Pat had to reconstruct Cath- Our program features the early 20th century music of Charlotte. In the 1930s more music was recorded in Charlotte than in Nashville? Yes! Learn about the Queen City’s heyday as a country and gospel recording center – sparked by the establishment of WBT, one of America’s first broadcasting radio stations and by our emergence as the hub of the nation’s major textile manufacturing region. A Christmas “Candle Tea,” Bazaar and Luncheon at the Little Church on the Dr. Tom Hanchett, Historian Emeritus Lane, Saturday, November 16 from 9 am at the Museum of the New South, author to 2 pm, 528 Moravian Lane, Charlotte, and Historian-in-Residence at the Robin- Free. son-Spangler Carolina Room of the public library will expand on the topic and tell There will be an introduction to Moravian us how this all happened. history, traditional craft demonstrations, putz explanation and exhibition, nativity sets on display, a cookie walk to support missions in Sierra Leone, stars and other crafts.

V ISIT U S O NLINE @ WWW. MECKDEC . ORG PAGE 3 MHA NEWS | MECKLENBURG HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Preserve Mecklenburg toric landmarks have already worked with Bragg Financial Advisors c/o Dawn Can- Preservation Mecklenburg to accept pres- non, 1031 South Caldwell Street, Char- Preserve Mecklenburg is a new member of ervation easements. One is the Victor lotte, N C 28203. the local history community. A private, non Shaw House on Mecklenburg Avenue in -profit, totally volunteer organization, it has the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. The We are working hard to make sure the a very specific mission. It seeks to work other is Edgewood Farm, a National Reg- heritage of Mecklenburg County is pro- with owners of historic places to have pres- ister plantation house on Eastfield Road. tected. Stay tuned for more news. ervation easements placed on their proper- Dr. Dan Morrill, Secretary ties. These easements prevent the demoli- Donations to Preserve Mecklenburg are tion of the historic site in perpetuity. tax deductible. Make contributions payable to Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. and Some might wonder why Preserve Meck- mail to: lenburg is necessary. After all, we do have the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Land- marks Commission and the Charlotte His- toric District Commission. Contrary to widespread belief, making a property a historic landmark or listing it in a historic district does not prevent its demolition. All the owners of a historic landmark or a property in a local historic district has to do to tear their building down is wait one year. Preserve Mecklenburg can place preservation easements on any property in Meck- lenburg County. The owners of two his-

Membership Renewals Name If you have not renewed your MHA membership for 2020, you can do Address so now. Fill in the form, make your check payable to Mecklenburg Historical Association, and mail to: City, State, Zip

MHA, P.O. Box 35032, Charlotte, NC 28235 Email Address

. Membership type: (Please check one) Thank you for your interest in history.  General Membership  MHA Docent Membership Membership Category Single Couple  North Branch MHA Membership Senior Citizen (over 60) $15.00 $25.00 Please send my MHA Newsletter via: General 30.00 50.00  Email Patron 60.00 100.00  US Postal Mail Life (single payment) 300.00 500.00  Both If you have access to email, we would prefer to send the newsletter to Student Free n/a you that way. This saves considerable time and expense for MHA.

Monday, November 18, 2019 Dinner Meeting Reservation Form

Mail to: Mecklenburg Historical Association c/o Barbara Taylor, 308 Braxton Dr., Indian Trail 28079, Please make checks payable to Mecklenburg Historical Association. Questions? Please email Barbara Taylor ([email protected]) or call her at 336-404-1751. We must have your dinner reservation by Thursday, November 14 in order to meet our caterer’s schedule.

Enclosed: $______(total) for ______seats ($12 for Seniors) $______(total) for ______seats ($14 for all others) Name Tags: ______, ______

makes good business sense and allows for History News ies; this work also has theoretical con- the expansion of our role in the Charlotte nections to his interest in African diaspo- Archaeological Institute of America, community.” The 1815 Federal style home ras archaeology. Central Carolinas Chapter and verdant gardens have been the back-

Speaker Series: Winter 2019 and 2020, drop for many local functions. The open-air For additional information, contact chap- Free and Open to the Public design allows the house and gardens to ter president Susan Walker at shine. [email protected] or All presentations will take place at 7:30 Board Member At-Large Janet Levy at p.m. and last about 75 minutes at Semans New Exhibit: Brooklyn, Opening Friday, [email protected]. Auditorium (Room 117), Belk Visual Arts November 15 at 10 am, Levine Museum

Center, Davidson College, 315 N. Main of the New South. St., Davidson, NC 28036. Site News The neighborhood of Brooklyn will be Maps and Directions: added to the ongoing #HomeCLT project. https://www.davidson.edu/about/campus- Historic Rosedale Plantation An- This historic African American neighbor- and-surroundings/maps-and-directions nounces that Groundbreaking for hood was located in Second Ward, near their new Events Pavilion has begun. uptown Charlotte. Under urban renewal, it The Belk Visual Arts Center is at the cor- was destroyed and its residents displaced. ner of Griffith St. and Main St. in David- Help uncover the history that’s been buried. son, on the western edge of campus; there is parking behind the building. Toys, Games, & Trains Exhibit, Open Friday, November 29 through Saturday, Thursday, November 14, Elizabeth December 28, Tuesdays through Satur- Greene (University of Western On- days from 10 am to 4 pm, Extended tario), “The Social Life of Roman Sol- Hours until 8 pm on December 7, 14 and diers: The Role of Wives, Children and 21, Kings Mountain Historical Museum, Families in Roman Military Communi- Free. ties.” Dr. Greene, Associate Professor of This annual exhibit fills the Museum with Classics, holds a Ph.D. from UNC-Chapel model train displays assembled by local "S" Hill. She will be speaking about some of Gaugers, as well as railroad memorabilia, her archaeological research at Vindo- Made possible through a generous gift and antique toys and games. Visitors of all landa, a Roman fort and community in from Ed and Agnes Weisiger, long time ages will be enchanted as they explore the northern England. Rosedale supporters, this 3,000 square miniature snow-covered scenes that line foot structure will be a welcome addition the tracks, and discover the interactive car- Tuesday, January 21, 2020, David Mar- to the historic site. This roofed, open-air ousel, hot air balloons, and mailbag pickup. kus (Clemson University), “Jewish Di- pavilion will accommodate groups up to Parents and grandparents will enjoy remi- aspora in the 1600s-1800s” 185 (seated) and boasts a large fireplace niscing about the toys and games of their Dr. Markus, Lecturer in Anthropology and lush garden screenings. “This is a childhood. Bring your cameras - this exhibit at Clemson, holds degrees from the Uni- welcome addition to our beautiful meet- provides great opportunities for holiday versity of Arkansas and the University of ing and wedding venue” explained His- family photos. Florida. He will be speaking about his toric Rosedale Plantation Board Presi- archaeological research in Jewish Stud- dent Tom Spada. “We’re a historic site first, but expanding our event space

”Preserving Mecklenburg’s Heritage”

Post Office Box 35032 Charlotte, North Carolina 28235

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A Mississippi Misadventure Perhaps they anticipated that James would was no money to cover it. James sof- disapprove; the three men went behind his tened and paid the interest; perhaps a By Ann Williams back to borrow the necessary money – year was not enough time to clear land In the 1830s several members of Mecklen- $5,000 from John Campbell. From that and raise an ample crop. Then Camp- burg’s Cedar Grove Torrance family aimed sum they paid Campbell $1,326, half of the bell died and his debts were called in. to establish a plantation on new land in agreed price for three small tracts of land in James bailed his sons out again by Mississippi. Easier said than done. Mississippi. The rest would finance their taking a bank loan, and began to insist journey, and support them until their first that they repay him. The North Caro- We tend to forget there were two massive crop was in. The loan, though due in a lina bank would accept Mississippi migrations of Scots-Irish in America. The year, could remain unpaid if the interest money at a tiny fraction of its value. first brought droves of people across the was paid promptly. To secure the loan, Yet his sons did not offer even a token Atlantic, including Hugh Torrance who first they asked their Uncle Frank and a busi- payment. The indebtedness would farmed a square mile of land on McDowell ness friend, Rufus Reid, to co-sign the gnaw at them for years. Creek. In the 1800s many Scots-Irish de- note. Needless to say, James was furious From the beginning there had been scendants became the second wave, that the loan was secured by others, but a rift between Isabella and her father; it headed west following the prosperity of otherwise he gave cursory support to their was not explained by their letters – cotton, carrying their native feistiness, stub- moving. they knew its nature. Probably James bornness, and family pride with them; some It was indeed a fine piece of land, part had not approved of Franklin Smith as say they caused the west to be wild. of a tract opened a few years before by the a suitor. He was trained as a lawyer, signing of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit had gotten in some legal trouble, and Creek with the Choctaw Nation. The soil, was no longer permitted to practice law loamy and near navigable waters, had in North Carolina. James’ once spunky been lightly farmed if at all, probably never daughter repeatedly begged forgive- experiencing the underside of a plow. In ness: “Dear father you well know how December of 1836 the little band of mi- much trouble I have been to you I grants left Cedar Grove with several wag- was young thoughtless and head- ons filled with supplies and equipment, a strong but thank God I have learned to few horses, and about 30 Negro slaves – take things more patiently and have their partial inheritance in advance. got more experience in the ways of the Hugh, Frank, Isabella and Franklin world although it has been dearly wrote letters home, many of which have bought; you say you forgive me for the been saved. They tell of their trials and past (for which I thank you with all my By 1836 Hugh’s son James had grown misadventures, and reveal each writer’s heart) and hope that I will bury all bad the farm into a plantation he called Cedar personality. The first letter came from feelings but I can say with truth that I Grove. It had well over 2,000 acres worked James’ son-in-law Franklin Smith. It de- bear no ill will against any person on by 94 slaves. James’ older sons, Hugh and scribed their journey – how many miles this earth.” Finally in 1843 James re- Frank, had reached manhood, and wanted traveled each day, and where they stayed lented, and sent stage fare for Isabella a change. Farmland for sale in Mecklen- the night. Isabella – a spunky young and her daughter to come home. burg was scarce; it was nearly impossible woman keen for adventure – wrote to her Hugh and Frank wrote many long to buy adjacent plots to splice into a farm. sister from their new home near Coffeeville, letters home mostly about the farm Families with large spreads generally had Mississippi: “We arrived at this place a few business: how many acres were more sons than needed to work it. Cedar days since after a long journey of six weeks cleared, how many planted, rain or Grove would have been a handsome in- as safe and well as when we left.” Along lack thereof, the price of cotton, getting heritance for Hugh and Frank, but not when the way “a small boat came along and the crop to market – endless details of shared with younger brothers and perhaps brought us... to a landing where we had to great interest to another farmer. brothers yet to come; James’ family of thir- ride on horse back through a swamp seven Meanwhile the bank loan festered – teen was not yet complete. They wanted miles through which beat anything that you differently with each of the brothers. their own place. James was still strong and ever saw in your life but through it we came Frank worried incessantly for disap- vigorous; they couldn’t envision a time Mr. Smith carrying the baby and me plung- pointing his father. He wrote, “I have when he would step aside, and until then, ing in after him sometimes in above the suffered greatly with my head for some their father would always be in charge. horses knees... I went to a party last night time, but that has been triffling com- People were abuzz about promising and I never was at such a place in my life pared with my mental sufferings [over land to the west, land that was cheap, fer- The gentlemen got into what I call a real the loan]; “ ... You must excuse the tile, and handy to waterways. The non- frolic while the ladies were there... I sat blunders that I have committed in this navigable Catawba had always made the perfectly astonished all the evening.” Later [letter], I ought not to send it as it is, Torrance’s farm-to-market journey a costly the boys wrote that in the west many dis- but I am affraid I would not better it one. The ever expanding demand for cot- putes were settled with the bowie knife. much if I would try.” You can almost ton was drawing settlers westward like a Then their trials began. They had been see tears on the page. magnet. Hugh and Frank couldn’t resist. in Mississippi barely six months when Hugh was concerned about the Their sister Isabella had married Franklin Franklin Smith died after a brief illness; loan – but not much bothered. He Smith the year before and they had a small Isabella instantly became a nineteen year suggested his father come to Missis- daughter. The Smiths were happy to join old widow desperate to go home with no sippi and obtain a deed of trust, but Hugh and Frank on their venture. money to take her there. Soon the interest had nothing else to offer. He wrote in on the Campbell loan was due, and there PAGE 6 regard to the debt, “I shall be compelled Davie expressed his opinion that a poverty increased. By 1786 there was to rely on the kindness of my friends to compromise must be reached on this chaos with rebellions in a number of arrange it [payment] at present it will be question if there was to be a constitution. states, the most notable of which was entirely out of my power to go to Caro- He was not pleased with either of the Shays’ Rebellion in Massachusetts. lina.” Hugh’s letters became less fre- choices but, if he had to chose now, he The Convention opened on May 25th quent, not from estrangement, but from would vote for equal representation. This 1787. After electing George Washington neglect. James died in 1847. Both boys was a shock to the other large states and as presiding officer and other organizing were willed the slaves, horses, and an encouragement to the smaller ones. tasks, the first order of business was to goods already received. Frank was Time was running short and if this ques- consider the Virginia Plan, a list of ques- given $150 to make him equal with his tion could not be resolved the convention tions that had been proposed by James siblings, but for Hugh there was nothing would adjourn without coming to agree- Madison to start the discussions. And the else. He was allowed to keep his Ne- ment and might never meet again. The delegates began to realize that they were groes; the horses were dead, and most union could dissolve; the larger states starting on something truly exceptional. household goods had been replaced. It might survive but the smaller ones would At that time in history it was universally doesn’t pay to disappoint your father. be absorbed by their larger neighbors or accepted that all true wisdom came from by foreign powers. France, Spain and, of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Any course Great Britain, were waiting and new idea not based on received wisdom William R. Davie and the watching for just such an opportunity. was “original” and not worth even discuss- Delegates from eleven colonies had ing. But this Convention was truly embark- Constitutional Convention opened this convention in May, 1787. ing on something original. In thousands of By Jim Williams New Hampshire was late and Rhode year of history there had never been a gov- Island never did attend. As with the ernment whose powers derived from the In the spring of 1787 the Continental Continental Congress, each State, had people. Always there had been a King or Congress called a convention at the one vote. They had been called to re- Emperor, a Despot or Dictator, with univer- State House in Philadelphia to amend vise the Articles of Confederation under sal power. That was the way it had always the Articles of Confederation. On June which the government had operated been. But what these colonists in North 30th William Richardson Davie, one of since 1777. As the delegates arrived at America had done in their revolution and the delegates from North Carolina, stood the State House they realized that some- were setting out to do in their constitution and spoke to the questions of how the thing else was going on. There were was an entirely new form of government. two houses of Congress should be or- guards at the door and as each delegate There was not even an outline for such an ganized. This question had been de- arrived he was sworn to not breath a organization. It had never been done be- bated for weeks and was the last, worst word of what went on in that hall to an- fore. division between the states. The larger other living soul, So Help Me God. There were many questions that had to states, Virginia, Massachusetts, and In those days a man’s word was in- be decided in order to form a country. The Pennsylvania (North Carolina was the deed his bond and all of the delegates solutions they found seems usual and ordi- fourth largest), wanted proportional rep- kept their word. What would happen nary to us today – the best possible way to resentation on the basis of population in there was so momentous that news organize a government. But at that time both houses. The smaller states wanted could not be allowed get out until they these solutions were original and unheard equal representation in the upper house, were all agreed and ready to announce it of. A few of the questions were: with the same number of representatives to the people. The proceedings were so How many units of government shall from each state. There were good argu- secret that no official records were kept. there be? One, like the Continental Con- ments on both sides but the Convention Private records kept by some, notably gress? Two or three or more? This ques- was so divided that neither side could James Madison, were later gathered and tion had been raised and discussed many muster the required seven votes to settle are all we know about what happened times in previous years and the consensus the question. there. was three units – the Legislative, the Judi- Under the Articles of Confederation cial and the Executive. By separating the all power lay in the individual states; the powers in this way the three groups would Confederation could only prosecute the act as checks on each other. war, borrow money and negotiate with The very limited powers of the judicial foreign powers. The power to tax lay branch were quite clear and very separate with the individual states which could tax from those of the State courts. their own people and, through tariffs, tax The question of the executive was more each other. This worked for a while but it complicated and opinions varied. How was difficult to get the states to contribute many executives shall there be? One? adequate supplies and funds and the two? three or more? In the end it was Congress built up a tremendous debt. agreed to have a single executive. Should When the war ended in 1783 the union he be elected by the people or appointed began to splinter. Some of the states did by the state legislatures? Should he serve not feel bound to obey the provisions of for life? Should his office be inherited by his the Treaty of Paris or to repay the loans eldest son? Or should he serve for a lim- that had financed the war. The States ited term and for how long? Could he be levied extensive tariffs on each other reelected and how many times? Should he which generally served to destroy trade have absolute power in all things, or limited between them and drive them apart. power, and could he be impeached and Trade declined, unemployment rose and removed from office? PAGE 7

All of these questions were eventually that “...in the second branch of the legis- Ghosts and Christmas Past: Haunted resolved with a single executive serving lature each state shall have an equal History Tour, Friday, December 13 at a four-year term, subject to impeachment vote.” After eleven more days of debate, 6:30 pm, Registration Required. and eligible for reelection. It was not until the convention finally agreed and Franklin Roosevelt was elected to his passed what came to be called the Great A special holiday version of our popular third term, during the Second World War, Compromise. The final major questions Haunted History tour. Join Rosedale staff that this flaw was revealed and solved by had been resolved. and Charlotte Area Paranormal Society the 22nd Amendment in 1951. There was a still a lot of work to be members for this unique event. We'll focus The composition of the legislative done. A committee was formed to write on some of the tragic events that have oc- branch was the most difficult question. the actual Constitution which was taken curred at our site during the holiday season How many houses should there be? up by the Convention, argued point by along with exploring holiday traditions from Pennsylvania and Georgia had single point, modified, re-argued, etc. and finally southern plantation life. houses; the unicameral form. Some ad- carried unanimously. Twelve States de- Historic Latta Plantation vocated three or more but it was soon cided the issue. Rhode Island never did 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC, 704 agreed that there would be two houses of show up. 875 2312, http://www.lattaplantation.org congress. The larger or lower house William Richardson Davie did not would have delegates elected on the stay around for the final vote or to sign Fiddle & Fire: A Night at the Museum, basis of state population. This gave the the document. The questions had been Saturday, November 2 from 6 to 8 pm. larger states more power in that house. decided and he had other, more pressing Join us for a night under the stars. This The upper house would be the smaller business in North Carolina. Many of the special event will include live music, star one with delegates elected by the state most influential leaders in the State were gazing, a candle-lit tour of the historic Latta legislatures. The similarity to England’s opposed to the very idea of a national home, whiskey tastings and marshmallow houses of Commons and Lords is obvi- Constitution and had refused to serve in roasting by the fire. Bring your own picnic ous, but it is nowhere recorded that any- that Convention. He needed to begin the blanket, dinner, and beverage of choice. one mentioned that in the Convention. campaign towards ratification. But that is There will also be mulled wine and palm Representation in the upper house another story. reading for an additional fee. Registration was a very difficult question. The large So, in the end, it was a speech given required. states – Virginia, Massachusetts and by a junior delegate that led to his mem- Victorian Christmas, Friday and Satur- Pennsylvania – wanted to have upper bership in a sub-committee that decided day, Nov. 29 and 30 from 10 am to 4 pm. house delegates apportioned on the ba- the most important and contentious Experience early holiday traditions includ- sis of population and wealth – propor- question and allowed the Convention to ing open hearth cooking, horse-drawn tional representation, similar to the mod- agree, write and adopt the Constitution wagon rides, mulled wine, ornate decora- ern concept of “one man, one vote.” The that has guided our country for these 230 tions, a live reading of The Night Before smaller states saw quite clearly that if years. Christmas, Victorian era outdoor games, both houses were apportioned on popu- blacksmithing, and Victorian carolers. Make lation, the three largest states would a Christmas craft, toast s'mores around the have an absolute majority in both houses The History Calendar bonfire, and pose for pictures with St. Nick. and the smaller states would not have a Guest interpreter Dontavius Williams, say. They strongly opposed this as a Admission charged at most events creator of “The Chronicles of Adam,” and “tyranny of the majority” and held out for unless otherwise noted. guests will be on site for a special presen- equal representation. The middle states Many of these events sell out so it is best tation of “Christmas in the Quarters.” They – North Carolina was fourth largest – to register at the web sites. will discuss the way the enslaved commu- were of two minds with many delegations Check the Charlotte Regional History nity celebrated Christmas during the Victo- divided on the question. The convention Consortium website for other events. rian Era. was at an impasse which went on for six http://www.charlotteregionalhistory.org Food vendors will be present and there weeks. Several influential delegates Historic Rosedale will be complementary Whiskey tasting on believed that it would never be resolved Friday. And don't miss free samples of and went home in disgust. It was during 3427 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, 704 335 0325, http://www.historicrosedale.org Mrs. Latta's 19th century ginger cake rec- this time that Davie gave his speech pro- ipe. Shop the local artisan market for posing a compromise – the house should Five "Ps" in a Pod: Gardening Class, unique gifts including art, photography, have proportional representation, the Sat., Nov. 23 at 10 am to 2 pm, $45.00. jewelry, pottery, ironworks, soap, quilts and senate equal representation. Retired Director of UNC Charlotte’s Bo- stained glass. Shortly after Davie’s speech the con- tanical Gardens and Professor of Bot- vention decided to form a committee to any, Dr. Larry Mellichamp will focus on The Charlotte Museum of History resolve this issue. There was one mem- the proper ways of gardening in Char- 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, 704 568 ber from each state and each had one lotte; Planning, Preparing, Planting, Pro- 1774, http://www.charlottemuseum.org vote. Davie was appointed to that com- tecting & Pruning. The program will end Hidden History: Mecklenburg’s Rosen- mittee, perhaps because of the strength with a walk through the gardens at His- wald Schools, Saturday, November 9 of his speech and the wisdom and flexi- toric Rosedale. Dr. Mellichamp welcomes from 10 am to 2 pm. bility he had shown. specific questions about your garden These schools were built by African Ameri- The committee met for three days. including problems, concerns, and plant can communities in the rural South during There is no record of their discussion but identification. Snacks and drinks will be the early 20th century with help from the it is said that Davie argued convincingly provided. Please wear secure shoe for Rosenwald Foundation. They fostered a for equal representation. The committee walking in the gardens and dress for the generation of well-educated African Ameri- report drafted by Benjamin Franklin said weather. cans, despite the lack of resources and The History Calendar (continued) PAGE 8 hardships they faced during the Jim acteristics, one can see historical conti- Visit with soldiers and support personnel Crow era of racial segregation. Of nuities in Catawba ways of building a from hundreds of years of North Carolina twenty-six Rosenwald Schools built in nation through the actions of women. history. The experiences of veterans of the Mecklenburg County, only seven remain. Revolution, Civil War, World Wars and This self-guided tour features Siloam Holiday Basket Workshop, Saturday, other conflicts will be shared through living School in northeast Charlotte and December 14 at Noon to 4 pm, $25.00. history displays and weapons firing demon- McClintock School in southwest Meck- Weave a festive holiday basket with dyed strations. lenburg County. Attendees can visit reeds. All material supplied and all skill Winter on the Western Frontier, Satur- these schools, learn about preservation levels are welcome day, December 14 from 10 am to 4 pm. and restoration efforts to save them, and Matthews Historical Foundation speak to alumni who attended. The mu- This living history presentation will give seum is leading a community effort to Christmas Open House, Sunday, De- visitors a glimpse of what daily life was like restore the Siloam School and open it to cember 15 from 4 to 6 pm, Free. for the garrison of Fort Dobbs as they pre- the public. All proceeds from the tour will Dr. and Mrs. Reid will welcome guests to pared to spend winter in the fort in 1756. support the Save Siloam School Project. their Victorian House at 134 W. John On-going displays of camp life and historic This event was made possible in part by Street with a Christmas open house. cooking will be offered, as well as musket generous sponsorship from Wal-Mart. Tours will be given by docents from the and cannon firing demonstrations. Mathews Heritage Museum. The Historic Duke Mansion Kings Mountain Historical Museum Reid House will be dressed in its finest 100 East Mountain Street, Kings Mountain, 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte, 704 714 Christmas garlands as visitors tour this 4400 http://www.dukemansion.com NC 704 739 1019 1890 treasure. As you move from room- www.kingsmountainmuseum.org Charlotte in the Revolution, Sunday, to-room you will be delighted with the November 10 at 3 pm, Free. decorations of yesteryear. Light refresh- Sneak Preview of the Toys, Games & Trains Exhibit, Monday, November 25 In honor of Veteran's Day, Tom Phlegar ments will be served. from 5:30 to 7 pm. will share stories of Revolutionary War Andrew Jackson State Park events that occurred in the Charlotte Get a first look at this holiday exhibit in the 196 Andrew Jackson Park Road, Lan- magic of the nighttime atmosphere. Com- area. Past President of Charlotte's Sons caster, SC 803 285 3344 of the American Revolution and a reen- plete with festive snacks. For information www.southcarolinaparks.com/park- on the Exhibit see “Toys, Games, & Trains, actor known for his period appropriate finder/state-park/1797.aspx uniforms, Tom will share pictures and Exhibit” under Site News, above. stories of dozens of the locations that Life in the Waxhaws Lantern Tour, Spirit of Christmas Past, Saturday, De- were significant to Mecklenburg County's Saturday, November 9 at 6, 6:30, 7 and cember 7 from 10 am to 8 pm, Free. history during the Revolutionary War. 7:30 pm. Step back into Christmas past with antique Spend an evening in the 18th century. toys, electric trains, roaring fires, historic President James K. Polk Historic Site See what life was like for early settlers 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville, NC, games and crafts. The historic Barber living in the Waxhaws and how the House will be decked out for the holiday 704 889 7145 American Revolution affected our region. www.polk.nchistoricsites.org season with ongoing hearth cooking dem- Costumed volunteers will bring to life the onstrations. President Polk’s Birthday Celebration, events that shaped the community and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 am to 3 pm. demonstrate the skills it took to survive in Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit the Museum, Join us for one of our most beloved this backcountry settlement. Saturday, December 21 from 11 am to 1 pm, Free. events of the year. This event features Historic Brattonsville living history demonstrations, tours of the Come hear Mrs. Claus read The Night Be- 1444 Brattonsville Rd., McConnells, SC, fore Christmas and take your picture with historic cabins, games, crafts, and gen- 803 684 2327 eral family fun for all. Santa Claus next to the Tree. There will be http://www.chmuseums.org/brattonsville plenty of inspiration on what to ask Santa A World of Transformation: The Lives Christmas Candlelight Tours, Satur- for with the variety of toys and games on of Catawba Indian Women, 1746-1840, day, December 7 from 3 to 9 pm. display. Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 am. Historic interpreters will lead an evening Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site Dr. Brooke Bauer is a citizen of the Ca- of traditional Christmas festivities portray- tawba Indian Nation of South Carolina 9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, NC 28163, ing how people in the Carolina Piedmont 704 721 GOLD (4653) and her research concentrates specifi- celebrated the holiday in the 18th and cally on the ways in which Catawba https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/reed- 19th centuries. There will be Father gold-mine women created, promoted, and pre- Christmas, candle-dipping, painting orna- served a Catawba identity as they ments, period sutlers, a glassblower, live A Golden Christmas, Saturday, Decem- adapted to the changes occurring inside music and food concessions. ber 7 from 10 am to 4 pm. and outside Catawba tribal boundaries during the eighteenth and early nine- Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Take a candlelight tour in the daytime, teenth-centuries. Her talk looks at 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville, NC down in the mine. See how miners in the women's intimate relationship to Ca- 704 873 5882 http://www.fortdobbs.org early 1800s celebrated Christmas and learn tawba land through their shared history, the Germanic origins of some of our holiday Military Timeline, Saturday and Sun- traditions. There will be locally produced kinship connections, and economic pro- day, November 9 and 10 from 10 am to ductivity. Focusing on these three char- crafts and a hayride to Mansion Hill. Re- 3 pm. freshments will be available.