2017 May Newsletter
Volume 15, No. 2 Mecklenburg Historical Association May 2017
Dinner Meeting Monday, May 15, 2017 Dinner at 6:30pm, Program at 7:15pm
Fellowship Hall, Trinity Presbyterian Church 3115 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28211
Upcoming Dinner Program Carolina’s Oldest Roads Trinity Presbyterian Church. Dinner is at 6:30 touches on the geology and geography of Jose State College, Magnuson followed by the program at 7:15. Those not pre-modern byways, the flora and fauna stumbled on the importance of having dinner may enjoy the program at no needed for travel, and the environmental and the old roads and the TPA’s charge. To make a reservation for dinner, use geopolitical factors determining where we methods of finding them while the order form in this newsletter or contact live to this day. studying military geopolitics more Barbara Taylor, 1 than 25 years ago. Visiting scholar at the Center for the Study of 016 Goshen Place, Charlotte, NC 28211, the South at UNC Chapel Hill, military histo- (980)-335-0326 rian Tom Magnuson is the founder and CEO [email protected] of the Trading Path Association (TPA), a non
-profit organization committed to finding rem- Carolina’s Oldest Roads: Geography, Phys- nants of the Contact Era in the southeast ics, and Geopolitics of Movement in Pre- and protecting them from accidental destruc- Modern Times in the Old North State tion. Prior to founding the TPA, Magnuson enjoyed an unconventional high-tech career, What geographic factors determine where a first in the integrated circuit industry and path, trail or road wends its way across North government service and later in the software Carolina? What physical factors dictated trans- business. By education a military historian portation and settlement patterns in Colonial who received his master’s degree from San times in the Old North State? This presentation Inside this issue:
Remarks from the President 2
MHA Docent Program 2
James K Polk is Moving 2
Docent B J Caldwell Recognized 2
Captain Jack’s Bicycle Ride 2
Voices From The Past Report 3 The MHA meets in the Membership Renewals 3 Fellowship Hall at:
Meeting Reservation Form 3 Trinity Presbyterian Church 3115 Providence Road May is Mecklenburg History Month 4 Charlotte, NC 28211
The History Calendar 5-8
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Remarks from the President of hours of her time to see it through. As Aud- Torance House and Store, on whose Board I Well, it is already time for our May dinner meet- rey Mellichamp, co-chairman of the MHA also serve. Docents, said, “It boggles my mind how Lynn ing at Trinity Presbyterian. I look forward to the Thanks to everyone for your support of MHA. did this—almost single handedly at times. She program from Tom Magnuson on the Pied- Have a wonderful summer and we’ll be back for got others involved, donations given, support mont’s oldest roads and hope you will make the fall dinner meetings for publicity, horse and carriage rides avail- your reservations now to attend. in September and No- able. Lynn believed in “Voices From The vember. At the May dinner meeting, the MHA parent Past”. Then she made us believe in it, too.” organization will recognize and honor those Special thanks also to Bill Bibby, the Director who participated in the amazing event by our of the city-owned cemeteries, who helped Linda Dalton st MHA Docents on April 1 , Voices From The make the event happen. MHA President Past. Lynn Mintzer deserves an award for [email protected] In the History Calendar in this newsletter, believing we could present such a huge event (704)-661-8470 and for making it happen by investing hundreds please read about a special need at the Hugh
MHA Docent Program had asked to be buried. But the family churches could do the same. This idea sold that land in 1893 and bodies of Polk was supported by pastors at Catawba Tuesday May 2 and his wife Sarah Childress Polk were Presbyterian, Chapel Hill Missionary Bap- To the Tune of Yankee Doodle then moved to the grounds of the Ten- tist, Hopewell Presbyterian, and Mount nessee capitol. Carmel Baptist churches. The award would This meeting will be held in the Fellowship be named for an active church member and Now the Tennessee Senate has passed Hall of Sugaw Creek Presbyterian organizer in Alexander’s congregation. It a resolution to once again relocate his Church. Refreshments at 9:30, business would become the Thomasine Howard grave. This would cause the Polks’ bod- meeting at 10, and program at 11. Visi- Grier Community Service Award. tors are always welcome. ies to be exhumed and relocated to Co- lumbia, Tenn., where the president spent The award was presented on February 19, Janet Dyer will present this program about part of his childhood and the James K. 2017, and Bee Jay Caldwell was asked to one of our oldest and most beloved tunes. Polk Home and Museum is located. present a Black History Moment in history Most Americans know the song “Yankee for the occasion. Unbeknownst to her, she The state’s House of Representatives, Doodle”. From the 1760’s when British was really asked to attend in order to be the Davidson County Chancery Court soldiers sang it to mock their American the first recipient of the award. Reverend and the Tennessee Historical Commis- allies in the French and Indian War to the A. Putrill, pastor of Hopewell Presbyterian sion must all approve the resolution. And Americans’ claiming it as their own during Church delivered a short meditation. Then if Polk goes to his fourth grave, it will not the American Revolution to the present, it the award was presented to Mrs. Grier who be quietly. A few of his descendants has been our unofficial number one patri- was not aware that the award was named have decried the move as a poor way to otic song. Find out more about the history for her; then Bee Jay became its first recipi- honor the president. “Every step they of this popular tune. Listen to different ent. Congratulations, Bee Jay! 18th century versions of the tune. Dust take is one step toward grave robbery,” off your dancing shoes and learn an 18th Teresa Elam, 65, Polk’s niece by way of Captain Jack's Historic Bike Ride century dance to “Yankee Doodle” – no seven generations, told the Tennessean. Saturday, May 6 at 2 pm, experience required. Janet is a MHA Do- “It would be like taking someone out of Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Arlington and taking them to the family cent with an interest and expertise in a In the summer of 1775, Captain James farm and putting them behind the barn.” variety of historic areas. One of them is Jack, a local tavern owner, rode 450 miles music. From The Washington Post, March 28, to deliver the Mecklenburg Declaration of 2017. Independence to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. In honor of this
James K Polk: The Dead President historic ride, there will be a historic bike ride Who Never Rests in Peace MHA Docent Bee Jay Caldwell Recog- from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery to A few months after leaving office in 1849, nized by Area Churches various historical locations around Char- lotte. The ride will leave from the Olde President James K. Polk died at the Rev. Russell Alexander, the new pastor Mecklenburg Brewery and finishing there Nashville mansion called Polk Place. Be- of Hopewell AME Zion Church proposed with a social upon return. Visit cause he died of cholera he was buried to other pastors in this area that they www.bikecharlotte.org for more informa- for a year in a mass grave in the Nashville unite together in community outreach tion. Contact Queen City Bicycles at City Cemetery. That cemetery was the fellowship. He would create a Commu- [email protected] for informa- first of Polk’s “final” resting places. After a nity Service Day award for a deserving year the president’s relatives moved his tion on how to rent a bike. Sponsored by member of his congregation, then other th body to the Polk Place grounds where he the May 20 Society.
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Voices From The Past everyone who worked so hard to st bring to life Charlotte’s impressive Saturday April 1 was a spectacular history.” “Maybe I enjoyed it so day for our MHA Docents! Lynn much because I’ve always loved Mintzer and her committee did a to visit old cemeteries. Maybe it’s splendid job of organizing, research- because Charlotte was my home ing, and attending to detail to pre- and the home of both my parents. sent Voices From The Past to the Maybe it’s because I was familiar public in Settlers’, Elmwood and with the names of many of the Pinewood Cemeteries. Lynn ac- people being portrayed. Maybe quired an impressive array of spon- because Harry and Bryant con- sorships, and the event appears to ducted both my parents’ funerals. have more than earned its keep – Maybe all of the above!” the final report is not yet in. We estimate at least 700 people at- The most popular portrayals were never noticed. Otherwise near perfection tended; the 500 programs that were printed of Randolph Scott, Thad Tate, and the reigned. ran out pretty early in the afternoon. And John King story. The most prevalent Mother Nature could not have provided a An assortment of comments from some of regret was there was not time enough to better backdrop for our performances. our visitors: “I learned a lot and had fun!” see everyone. Perhaps that’s the perfect There were a few glitches such as running “I had a great time. Hope y’all do it again teaser to bring folks back another year out of programs and some of our charac- next year.” “Can’t wait ‘til next year so I for Act II. ters being a bit long-winded, and a few can learn more history of Charlotte.” “This Ann Williams, Co-Project Manager, logistical snags that the public probably was such a great event! Thank you to
Membership Renewals Name If you have not yet renewed your MHA Membership, please do so now. Address 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
If your employer has a matching grant program or if you retired from Membership type: (Please check one) such an organization, include the matching grant form with your check. General Membership Thank you for your interest in history! 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 US Postal Mail Patron 60.00 100.00 Both Life (single payment) 300.00 500.00 Student Free n/a If you have access to email, we would prefer to send the newsletter to you that way. This saves considerable time and expense for MHA.
May 15, 2017 Dinner Meeting Reservation Form
Mail to: Mecklenburg Historical Association c/o Barbara Taylor, 1016 Goshen Place, Charlotte, NC 28211 or email: [email protected] Please make checks payable to Mecklenburg Historical Association. Questions? Please email Barbara Taylor ([email protected]) or call her at (980) 335-0326. We must have your dinner reservation (written or verbal) by Thursday, May 11 in order to meet our caterer’s schedule.
Enclosed: $______(total) for ______seats ($12 for Seniors) $______(total) for ______seats ($14 for all others) Name Tags: ______, ______May is Mecklenburg History Month The Uptown Celebration Liberty or Death - the Revolutionary War Friday, May 19 at noon, in the Carolinas The Ron Hankins History Talks Lecture Independence Square, Free Saturday May 20 from 10 am to 4 pm Thursday, May 18 at 6 pm to 9 pm, Sunday May 21 from 10 am to 3 pm, This year May 20 th falls on a Saturday so Charlotte Museum of History, Free Historic Brattonsville, McConnells, SC in keeping with long-standing tradition, The evening before the uptown celebra- the MHA will hold our annual celebration More than 300 reenactors will form infantry tion, the Charlotte Museum of History will on Friday, May 19, at Independence and cavalry regiments for one of the largest present the first annual Wells Fargo Foun- Square in uptown Charlotte. There will living history demonstrations in the south- dation Ron Hankins History Talk. The be fife and drum, soldiers, flags and po- east. Over the two days they will recreate inaugural speaker will be Colonel Tom litical speeches, followed by a reading of the battles of Kings Mountain, Camden and Vossler who retired from the US Army the “Meck Dec” accompanied by Huz- Eutaw Springs, the three largest Revolu- after being director of the US Army Mili- zahs from the crowd and the firing of tionary War battles in South Carolina and a tary History Institute and is the author of cannon and muskets. turning point of the war. This will feature several books on the Civil War. He will historically accurate battlefield activities This year we are being joined by some speak on the Civil War Battle of Antietam including guard mounts, infantry and artil- of the reenactors who will appear at and the part North Carolina Troops played lery drills, caring for the wounded, ration Brattonsville the next day so we expect in it. There will be a reception before and distributions, cooking demonstrations, and to have 30 or 40 soldiers, three to five Col. Vossler will sign copies of his books military field men on horseback and two cannon afterwards. music. Sutlers crews plus fife and drum, will be set up the SAR Color Guard and between the 20 or 30 of the ladies. two camps After the speeches and with period- salutes, we will all parade style goods to Settlers’ Cemetery to for sale. On honor Col. Thomas Polk, Sunday morn- the founder of Charlotte ing there will and Mecklenburg, with a be period- wreath and more salutes. style worship services for
both opposing camps.
”Preserving Mecklenburg’s Heritage”
Post Office Box 35032 Charlotte, North Carolina 28235
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Take Walk on the Wild Side yard sale (no clothing or large furniture) The History Calendar (Nature Camp), contact [email protected] Thursday, June 15 at 10 am to 1 pm. Admission charged at all events unless otherwise noted. Check Buzz around like a bee in this half day camp where kids connect with nature in a Historic Latta Plantation the Charlotte Regional History historic setting and urban green space. 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC, 704 Consortium website for other The camp includes educational games 875 2312, http://www.lattaplantation.org events. about the local surroundings, plants, and animals as well as insect themed craft activities. Pollen and nectar (snacks & World War II Reenactment, www.charlotteregionalhistory.org water) will be provided. Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7 ————————————— from 10 am to 4 pm. Historic Rosedale Old Timey Picnic, Time travel back into the war-torn country- 3427 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, Friday, June 16 at 11 am to 1 pm. side of Germany to see troops in action. 704 335 0325 Meet uniformed Allied and Axis soldiers Come as you are or dress up for this http://www.historicrosedale.org and see their accoutrements up close. festivity. Our counselors will don their Meet civilians and learn of the impact WWII antebellum finery to serve the picnic. had on daily life on the home front. Living Learn about the life and etiquette of Hats off To Mom, Thursday, Friday, & history all day, battle reenactment at 2 pm, those who used to live in the plantation bring a chair. Sunday: May 11, 12, & 14 from 1:30 to house. Campers who join us for all four 3 pm, no tours Saturday, May 13 due days of camp will receive a certificate to private event. during the festivities. Parents are wel- Open Hearth Cooking Workshop, Satur- come to join in on the fun. See different hats and millinery fashions day, May 20 at 9 am to 2 pm, $65.00. as they changed through the ages dis- played through the house. Our prized Learn from an experienced chef the proc- green silk bonnet, one of the oldest lo- Paranormal Grounds Investigation, ess of cooking local backcountry cuisine cally made textiles, will be on display for Friday & Saturday, June 16 & 17, over an open hearth fire. Learn about these three days only. Wear your favorite Check in 7 pm, event 7:30 to 9 pm. firestarting, 19th century cooking utensils, hat for a one of a kind experience. Light prepare a full course meal, and later enjoy Professional ghost hunters will take refreshment will be served. the meal in an authentic setting. Age 18 groups of no more than 20 guests and older, long pants and closed toed through the grounds of Rosedale’s 200 shoes required, 8 participants. Call for reg- year old plantation, and attempt contact istration. Fairy Camp, Tuesday, with the beyond. You will use the latest June 13 at 10 am to 1 pm. technology in partnership with the Char- Have your wee ones visit Historic Rose- lotte Area Paranormal Society as their African American History Celebration, team leads the investigation. Wear flat, dale for this half day camp. They will Saturday, June 3 from 10 am to 4 pm. explore our urban shire and hunt for fair- quiet comfortable shoes and bring a ies that hide all around while learning flashlight. You never know what you may Joining in an African drum circle, learn the about the whimsical folklore behind some find... or what may find you! Reserva- history of the Buffalo Soldiers, meet and of their favorite characters, and create tions suggested. talk with Harriet Tubman and Abraham Lincoln, and roam the plantation grounds, enchanting crafts that would impress the most finicky of fairies. Snacks and water main house, and reproduction slave cabin. are included. Fashionista's of the 1800's, Exhibit open June 21 through September 5. Civil War Reenactment, Take a walk through 1800's fashion, as Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2 Pirate Camp, Wednesday, your knowledgeable guide tells you all from 10 am to 4 pm. June 14 and Wednesday August 4 about Rosedale's history as well as fash- at 10 am to 1 pm. ion trends. Sometimes they were quite Battle at 2 pm each day, lectures and talks, Arrrrrg… you ready for adventure? Learn scandalous in their day. demonstrations, primitive living exhibits, about North Carolina’s rich pirate history living history farm, food vendors, sut- in this swashbuckling half day camp. lers. Create jolly good crafts, hunt for buried Rosedale Benefit Yard Sale, Saturday, treasure, and find out how pirates and August 12 from 10 am to 2 pm, Free. the open seas could affect life back here Attention Collectors, Campers, and other in Charlotte. Young landlubbers will also enthusiasts! Join us for the ultimate bar- receive snacks and water. gain hunt. See and purchase some of our treasures including cast iron skillets and corn bread molds. There will also be a gift basket raffle with an estimated value of $75, there will be a second raffle for bird and nature lovers. To donate to the The History Calendar (continued ) PAGE 666
Hugh Torance House and Store year, we will be learning all about Colo- Backcountry from its earliest beginnings 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC nial professions. Saturday, May 13 – through the American Revolution and will www.hughtorancehouseandstore.com/ Farmer. Saturday, June 10 – Wheel- experience life as explorers, naturalists, wright. colonial tradesmen, and patriots as they House Tours on first and third Sun- join the Rebellion and create a free and days from 2 to 5 pm, May through Oc- Ron Hankins History Talks Lecture independent Mecklenburg County. tobe r. Series sponsored by Wells Fargo, See above.
Passport to World Cultures Geography We must replace the HVAC ducting Camp, Monday July 17 through Friday, Meck Dec Day and Family Fun Day, throughout this historic house and store. June 21 at 8:30 am to 4:30. Prior to our sealing of the structure’s Saturday, May 20 from 1 to 4 pm, Free. crawl space, critters got into the ducting, Campers will explore the geographic re- Explore the concept of Liberty and why chewed it up and made quite a mess. gions and cultures of the world through this led to the Mecklenburg Declaration We must raise $7,000 to replace the research, stories, crafts, and activities. of Independence. Meet Mr. and Mrs. ducting and have already raised almost They will build and label a topographical Thomas Polk, one of the first families to half of that amount. If you would like to map, research and present a country’s live in Charlotte Town, while enjoying donate, please go to our Go Fund Me unique culture, learn about and participate performances from Drums4Life, poet page or donate directly to the Hugh To- in the Olympic Games and explore world Queen Isis, and LATIBAH Collard Green rance House and Store by mailing a tax- cultures with an international meal. Ages Museum. deductible donation to Hugh Torance 8-11. House and Store, P. O. Box 2674, Hun- tersville, NC 28070. Catawba Indian Nation Symposium, Teas of the British Isles, Sundays at 4 to
Saturday, June 10 from 10 am to 2 pm. 5:30 pm. The Hugh Torance House and Store is The Native American Studies Center June 25 – King George III and Queen truly a Mecklenburg treasure. The log University of South Carolina Lancaster Charlotte. house section of the building was built as and the Charlotte Museum of History a residence about 1780. In 1805 the present a symposium on the history and July 30 – Highland Scots of North building was expanded to include a store culture of the Catawba Indian Nation. Carolina. which operated until 1825. As the Tor- Topics include “Tho Much is Taken, rance family obtained land and wealth it Much Abides: A Brief History of the Ca- August 27 – Winston Churchill and the became a cotton plantation of 3,000 tawba Indian Nation,” “Catawba Women Second World War. acres worked by over a hundred slaves. in a New World, 1746 – 1840”, and October 1 – The Story of London. Extensive family history kept through the “Catawba Indian Pottery: An Ancient generations allows us to interpret nearly Tradition.” a century of Mecklenburg’s rich mercan- tile and plantation history. Historic Brattonsville 1444 Brattonsville Rd., McConnells, SC, Backcountry Days & Ice Cream Social, Saturday, August 26 from 1 to 5 pm, 803 684 2327 http://www.chmuseums.org/brattonsville The Charlotte Museum of History Free. 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC, Presented by Charlotte Folk Society, 704 568 1774, Charlotte Museum of History, and Story- http://www.charlottemuseum.org Liberty or Death, Revolutionary War Re- tellers Guild of Charlotte. Enjoy an old- enactment, Saturday and Sunday, May fashioned family afternoon with ice 20 and 21. See above. cream, singing, storytelling, and open Charlotte Neighborhood Walking old-time, bluegrass, and Celtic jam ses- Tour- NoDa, Saturday May 6 at 10:30 sions. Demonstrations of everyday activi- to 11:30 am, Free. Frolic and Play on the Plantation, ties of 18th century living. Wednesdays and Fridays from June 7 Join us for an hour walking tour of the www.folksociety.org ; through August 11. NoDa neighborhood, an eclectic arts www.charlottemuseum.org district and community that began as a Costumed interpreters will play games of the early 19th century with children of all mill village. The tour will begin and end at Benny’s Pizza, 2909 N. Davidson ages, including games of skill and quick Street #100. Following the tour, we will thinking, games for exercise and games to Into the Hornet’s Nest Summer Camp, have a reception at Benny’s. Please challenge the individual. Monday, June 26 through Friday, June wear comfortable walking shoes. 30 at 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day, Ages 6-9. Backcountry Explorers, Saturdays at 1 pm. In September of 1780 General Cornwallis came marching into Charlotte and de- Become a Backcountry Explorer and scended into a Hornet’s Nest of Rebel- journey through our region’s history! This lion. Campers will explore the Carolina The History Calendar (continued ) PAGE 777 President James K. Polk Time Travel Tuesdays, from 10 am to Kings Mountain Historical Museum 4 pm each Tuesday from June 6 to State Historic Site 100 East Mountain Street, August 8. 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville, NC, Kings Mountain, NC (704) 739-1019 704 889 7145 www.kingsmountainmuseum.org June 6-Draft Animals on the Plantation www.polk.nchistoricsites.org June 13-Heritage Breeds and Seeds June 20- Blacksmithing New Exhibit: Great Gatsby: Cleveland June 27- Revolutionary War Dragoon Music, Dance ‘n Que Fest, Saturday, July 4- Independence Day Celebration County in the Roaring Twenties, June 17 May 6 from 11 am to 3 pm, Free, BBQ through October 14, Free. July 11-Worms, Linstocks and Sponges plate $10-.00. July 18- Indigo: Many Shades of Blue Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 July 25-Historic Cooking Artists will dance, sing and play their way am to 4 pm. See dramatic social, eco- August 1-Dairying on the Plantation through historic tunes, folk songs and nomic, and political changes reflected in August 8- Antebellum School Days bluegrass music. Bring a chair or a blan- clothing, music, dances, slang, and prod- ket. ucts. This was an era of economic boom and bust with the growth of the textile mills, Teacher Appreciation Day, Thursday, plus the racial inequity of the Jim Crow July 27 from 10 am to 2 pm. Kids Bubble Day, Saturday, August 12 system and violent disputes over labor from 11 am to 1 pm, Free. rights. Historic Brattonsville will thank area teachers on this special day for their tire- There will be arts & crafts, bubble- less dedication to our nation’s youth and making stations and water play areas their support of our nation’s past. There with light, cooling refreshments and take- Old Timey Spring Picnic, Saturday, May will be guided tours, food and free admis- home treats. 20 from noon to 4 pm. sion for all current teachers and their Live music, BBQ, historic games, storytel- families. Teachers will meet our interpre- Matthews Heritage Museum ling, and craft demonstrations by costumed tive staff and learn of our school pro- interpreters plus tours of the historic Barber grams for the next school year. 232 North Trade St., Matthews, & Cornwell homes. 704 708 4996, www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org The Schiele Museum Roaring Twenties Program for Children 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, N.C. & Families, Saturday, June 17 at 2 pm, A Century of Helping Hands, Current 704 866 6900 https:// free. Exhibit Through June 24. www.schielemuseum.org Experience the fashion, dancing, and music The Museum and the Western North of the 1920s with a special performance. Carolina Region of the American Red Make your own flapper headband to take Sheepshearing & Other Rites of Cross joined together to put on this ex- home. th Spring, Sunday, May 7 from 1 to 5 pm. hibit in celebration of the 100 Anniver- sary of the American Red Cross in Meck- Historical interpreters in 18th-century lenburg County. dress card and spin freshly shorn wool A Passel of Trouble: The Saga of Loyal- into thread. Try your hand at shearing or ist Partisan David Fanning , Thursday, weaving on a tapeloom. Visit the kitchen June 29 at 5:30 pm, Free. Widgets and Thing-a-ma-Jigs II, A garden in springtime finery to discover New Exhibit Opening July 1 and Run- Joe Epley presents his fact-based historical heritage herbs and vegetables; see these ning Through October 28. novel about one of the most extraordinary natural seasonings applied to dishes characters of the American Revolutionary cooked on the open hearth. If you missed the first installment, you War. have another chance to guess what
these odd objects on exhibit are. Once August 1775, Sunday August 13 from used on a regular basis, these items They Don’t Build ‘Em Like They Used 1 to 5 pm. have passed into obscurity and are not To, Wednesday, July 19 at 10 to 11 am, used like they once were. Summer heat fuels the unrest and uncer- Free. tainty of new colonists struggling for sur- Camp Funshine Museum Participa- Mauney Memorial Library Summer Reading vival and independence. Forty-nine men tion. Program. Tour KMHM’s two historic homes are about to sign a document that will This year the Museum is joining with and learn about colonial building tech- change their lives forever, the Tryon As- Matthews Park and Recreation to spon- niques. sociation. Visit Moss Station on the sor two days of Camp Funshine, a week Backcountry farm to learn of this impor- of fun-filled activities. Trips to the Mu- tant event in Gaston County’s history seum and Reid House will be held during while exploring the daily chores, pas- the week of June 19-23 and July 24-28. times and challenges of frontier life. Re- To register, go to www.matthewsfun.com enactors from the 6 th NC Historical Soci- or call 704-321-7275. ety will demonstrate flintlock firearms and black powder firing. A reading of the Tryon Resolves will be held at 4 pm. The History Calendar (continued ) PAGE 888
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site donations appreciated. Free parking. sions. Demonstrations of everyday activi- 9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, NC Refreshments, song circle, songwriter's ties of 18th century living. 28163, 704 721 GOLD (4653) workshop, and jams follow concert. Ac- www.folksociety.org ; http://www.nchistoricsites.org/reed/re cessible entry & elevator on ground floor. www.charlottemuseum.org ed.htm 704-563-7080; www.folksociety.org Let the Land Say... Amen Iron Peddlers Tractor Meet, Charlotte Folk Society Gathering & Saturday, May 6 from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday, May 13 from 11 am to 3 pm. Jams, Friday, June 9, features The Sunday, May 7 at 10 am. Kollard Kings, Free. Allison Creek Presbyterian Church, The Iron Peddlers Antique Power Club York SC. will visit Reed Gold Mine during their The Kollard Kings specialize in perform- spring ride for lunch and pictures at the ing old-time stringband songs from Char- lotte’s surprising heyday as a country mine. Visitors will have the opportunity to On Saturday this festival will tell the story of music recording center back in the 1930s meet the owners and photograph the Elias Hill, a former slave who led the migra- – roots of the music now known as blue- tractors while on site. tion of freed slaves from York County to grass. Liberia. This was after facing acts of terror- Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth ism by the Ku Klux Klan during Reconstruc- Chronology of Mining Tour, Avenue, Charlotte. 7:30 PM. Doors tion. Saturday, May 20 at 2 to 3 pm. open 7:00 PM. Family-friendly & Free;
This walking tour of the gold mine prop- donations appreciated. Free parking. erty shows various types of gold extrac- Refreshments, song circle, songwriter's It will also tell the history of the Clay Hill tion methods, with demonstrations of workshop, and jams follow concert. Ac- Community near Hill’s Iron Works and cessible entry & elevator on ground floor. Plantation and include: cradle and log rockers. 704-563-7080; www.folksociety.org Guided tours of the church and its his- toric cemeteries with costumed Gold as Currency, interpreters. Charlotte Folk Society Gathering & Saturday July 15 at 1 to 2 pm. Jams, Friday, August 11, features Ap- Period games for kids. At Reed Gold Mine we spend most our palachian Old-Time Music by Strictly time focusing on the discovery and his- Strings. Free. A concert and lecture by renowned banjo player and historian Bob tory of NC gold mining rather than what Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth happened to the gold after it was re- Carlin. Avenue, Charlotte. 7:30 PM. Doors moved from the ground. This lecture will open 7:00 PM. Family-friendly & Free; A short film on the history of Allison discuss stamping gold coins here in donations appreciated. Free parking. Creek Presbyterian Church which North Carolina at the Bechtler and Char- Refreshments, song circle, songwriter's was built in 1854 by the enslaved. lotte Mints plus an introduction to gold as workshop, and jams follow concert. Ac- the universal currency. The church’s recent visit to Liberia. cessible entry & elevator on ground floor.
704-563-7080; www.folksociety.org Food concessions will be available. Charlotte Folk Society Backcountry Days & Ice Cream So- Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth cial, Saturday, August 26 from 1 to 5 Ave., Charlotte On Sunday the church will hold an outdoor pm, Free. service at 10 am (weather permitting). At www.folksociety.org Charlotte Museum of History & Hezekiah the close of service, a state marker will be Alexander Homesite, 3500 Shamrock unveiled commemorating Elias Hill and the Drive, Charlotte 28215. Liberian migration. This marker is the first Charlotte Folk Society Gathering & state marker to mention the Ku Klux Klan. Jams, Friday, May 12, features Ameri- Presented by Charlotte Folk Society, cana/Bluegrass by Tellico, Free. Charlotte Museum of History and Story- tellers Guild of Charlotte. Enjoy an old- The Culture & Heritage Museums provided Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth fashioned family afternoon with ice Avenue, Charlotte. 7:30 PM. Doors cream, singing, storytelling, and open invaluable assistance with special thanks open 7:00 PM. Family-friendly & Free; old-time, bluegrass, and Celtic jam ses- to Historic Brattonsville.