Mecklenburg Historical Association September 2016
Dinner Meeting Monday, September 19, 2016 Dinner at 6:30pm, Program at 7:15pm
Fellowship Hall, Trinity Presbyterian Church 3115 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28211
Upcoming Dinner Program The Uncommon Bond of Julia and Rose Trinity Presbyterian Church. Dinner is at 6:30 Julia detests slavery and adores Rose. followed by the program at 7:15. Those not Rose returns her affection with reservations.
having dinner are welcome to enjoy the program She deplores being property, but knows that at no charge. To make a reservation for dinner her life has been easier than most. use the order form in this Newsletter or contact
Barbara Taylor, 1016 Goshen Place, Charlotte, Ann Williams has researched and written NC 28211, [email protected], 980-335-0326. about antebellum plantations for many
years, and has been an interpreter at most The Uncommon Bond of Julia and Rose by Ann of Mecklenburg’s historic plantation sites. Williams is a history-based novel about an unu- She will talk about how the book came to be, sually close relationship between a slave named do a bit of myth busting, and cite historic Rose and Julia who is her owner. It is told in sources for some of the story’s events. their two voices by way of “memory journals” Then she will open the floor for discussion. written in the spring and summer of 1860, a time She will have books available for purchase. of fears and rumors of impending war. Their
interwoven journals recount their fifty years of
life together; each woman interprets those
shared events from her own point of view.
Inside this issue:
Remarks from the President 2
Elizabeth Alexander Sample’s 2 Book Hart Square Tickets 2 North Branch MHA Meetings 2
MHA Docent Programs 3
This Year’s Meck Dec Celebration 3
Meeting Reservation Form 3 The MHA meets in the Fellowship Hall at: Voices From the Past: A New 4 Event Trinity Presbyterian Church 3115 Providence Road Site News / The History Calendar 5-8 Charlotte, NC 28211 PAGE 2 MHA NEWS | MECKLENBURG HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Remarks from the President 14th dinner meeting when we will hear about article on the significance of this book and has one of my personal favorite subjects – North excerpted that article for our MHA Newsletter. I As you will see from the History Calendar, our Carolina pottery. Paula Lester will speak to am particularly excited about this information region’s historic sites have a large number of us on the famous R. F. Outen Pottery, a well- because Elizabeth Alexander Sample is my wonderful fall events planned. Please take preserved example of a complete mid-20th 5-great grandmother! advantage of this varied educational program- century folk pottery works located in Mat- ming, investigate a few that you don’t normally thews, NC, and listed on the National Register Let me know if you have any visit, and support our sites. of Historic Places in 2015. suggestions for MHA.
You are in for a special treat with our Septem- Be sure to read in this newsletter about the Linda Dalton ber dinner speaker, Ann Williams. Her novel, amazing book belonging to Elizabeth Alexan- MHA President The Uncommon Bond of Julia and Rose, is der Sample that was recently donated by a [email protected] truly fascinating. If you have not read it, you Sample descendant to UNC Charlotte’s (704) 661-8470 may purchase a copy at the meeting. library. Robin Brabham has written a detailed Mark your calendars now for our November
Elizabeth Alexander Sample’s Book probably Elizabeth’s marriage to William Mrs. Betty Sample, widow of the late William Sample. From that time to the present, the
Franklin Sample, Jr., recently donated to the book had been continuously owned by six
UNC Charlotte Library a book that is one of the generations of the Sample family. Although most significant surviving artifacts of the the author is little known today, the ownership pre-Revolutionary War history of Mecklenburg of the book demonstrates the familiarity of County. The 1200-page volume, published in some early Mecklenburgers with sophisticated 1656-57, contains sermons and treatises by theology and James’ belief that his children, William Fenner (ca. 1600-ca. 1640), an Angli- even his daughters, should be educated to a can minister with Puritan sympathies. The high standard. Shown here is a portion of the connection to Mecklenburg County goes back book page with Elizabeth Sample’s inscription. at least to 1763 when James Alexander (1695- 1779) gave the book to his daughter, Elizabeth Robin Brabham (1746-1822). The occasion for the gift was Professor Emeritus Atkins Library, UNC Charlotte
Hart Square Tickets Jim and Ann Williams Tuesday, October 11 For more than thirty years, Dr. Robert Hart of 1601 South Wendover Road Projects of Interest in Cornelius Hickory has rescued and restored 19th century Charlotte, NC 28211 On October 11, in our capacity as the Historical life in the Carolinas, recreating an entire village, Society for Cornelius, we will have an update on Hart Square – the largest collection of original We must receive your check by September 9 items of interest in Cornelius. Sarah Sue will historic log buildings in the United States. to get these tickets. There is a limit of 15 report on progress to change the date on the Each year on the fourth Saturday in October, tickets per participant, so get your order in elementary school seal and a representative of (October 22nd this year), Dr. and Mrs. Hart early. We will receive the tickets by mid- the Town of Cornelius will bring us up to date on open this restoration project to the public. Da- October and mail them on to you. the impact to historic structure of various projects ting from 1782 to 1873, the 100 log struc- in Old Cornelius. tures—chapels, barns, houses, shops, and more—are all furnished, and over 300 volun- Tuesday, November 15 teers man the structures and demonstrate peri- North Branch MHA Meetings The Catawba River during the od artisan techniques such as flax breaking American Revolution. Meetings are at 7:00 PM at Mt. Zion United and hackling, spinning, weaving, open-hearth The November meeting will move to the 15th to Methodist Church at 19600 Zion Ave, Cor- cooking, broom and shoe making, bookbinding, avoid election day. Emilee Syrewicze, Executive nelius, NC 28031 (off Old Statesville Road) in shingle riving, wheel wrighting, tin smithing and Director of Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, will Cornelius in Room 204 (enter by the cemetery moonshining. A portion of the proceeds goes discuss the history of our river with special em- – south side ramp). to the Historical Association of Catawba County phasis on its role in the American Revolution. and the balance goes into a fund to carry on Wednesday, September 13 this event and care for Hart Square after the As always, we will not meet in December or African-American History Documentation Harts can no longer do so themselves. January. We have our house tour for May set, Using funds from a National Endowment for but we will let the location be a surprise for the the Humanities grant, the Davidson College Advanced tickets are required and sell out fast. next newsletter. Archives is reaching out to local African- You can get tickets by calling the History Muse- American communities to document their his- um of Catawba County in Newton (828-465- Sarah Sue Hardinger tory. The grant supports oral histories and 0383) at 9 am on Monday, October 3, or by [email protected] scanning of photographs, documents and standing in line at that time, but as participants, (704) 906-6656 publications. The North Branch of the MHA is we can order tickets for you. Make your check sponsoring a community meeting to learn out to Jim Williams for $40.00 per ticket and more about the project and ways to participate mail it, along with a self-addressed stamped on September 13. envelope to:
Visit Us Online @ www.meckdec.org PAGE 3 MHA NEWS | MECKLENBURG HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
MHA Docent Programs Award-winning author and storyteller Randell Dr. Burke is a sport psychology professor at Jones will share stories from the life of Daniel Queens University of Charlotte. He has given Both meetings will be held in the Fellowship Hall and Rebecca Boone and read passages from this entertaining presentation at the Abraham of Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church. Refresh- My Blessed, Wretched Life by Sue Kelly Bal- Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, ments at 9:30, business meeting at 10, and lard. (He will have autographed copies of Bal- Charlotte Museum of History, Belmont Abbey program at 11. Visitors are always welcome. lard’s book available.) Randell is a member College, and other locations. Dr. Burke has
since 2007 of the Road Scholars Speakers volunteered at both the Abraham Lincoln Tuesday, September 6 Bureau of the North Carolina Humanities Presidential Library & Museum, and the Rebecca Boone, Backcountry Woman Council, which sponsors this presentation. Abraham Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, Illinois. Behind every successful man stands a woman.
Daniel Boone, Ameri- Tuesday, October 4 ca’s pioneer hero, was The Attempted Theft of Abraham no different. And he had Lincoln’s Body in 1876 a good one —Rebecca Dr. Kevin L. Burke will present the true story of Bryan Boone. Her story a bizarre and surprisingly comedic caper that has fallen in the shad- took place more than a decade after the death ows of her famous of one of America’s most beloved Presidents. A husband, but is now bumbling gang of Chicago counterfeiters at- told with great care and tempted to steal Abraham Lincoln’s body and to most appropriately by ransom the government for its return. Dr. Burke one of her descend- will discuss how the Secret Service and a com- ants, Sue Kelly Ballard edy of errors foiled this criminal plot. of Kentucky. Dr. Burke and Friend
This Year’s Meck Dec Celebration Cherry, Director of NC Archives and History to Throughout the few hours the exhibit was May 20, the 241st anniversary of the Mecklen- the accompaniment of fife, drum and musket open, it was thronged with interested and burg Declaration of Independence, fell on a volleys, despite the light rain. knowledgeable people. Friday this year and our celebration was unique in a number of ways. The most important event of this celebration, To maintain security, Carolina Room intern however, was the display at the Bank of Ameri- and recent UNC graduate Ann Harding picked Heavy rain was forecast so we moved our cele- ca of the three original documents with wording up the documents in Chapel Hill early on the bration indoors in the Blumenthal Center. that is exceptionally strong evidence for the morning of the 20th and drove them to Char- Despite this, our turnout was quite substantial declaration of May 20, 1775. These documents lotte. When the exhibit closed at 4:00 pm she including a large number of the history-loving reside in the Southern Collection at UNC, retraced her steps and returned the docu- public plus soldiers, musicians and the SAR Chapel Hill and have never before been re- ments to the Southern Collection. Every mi- color guard. We did have to cancel the cannon moved from that repository for any reason. nute that the documents were in Charlotte they crew but by the time the speeches were com- Archivists consider them to be the most im- were under the watchful eye of Jane Johnson pleted the rain was so light that we carried on portant and irreplaceable documents in the and other members of the Carolina Room with our usual parade. We led the crowd with entire Southern Collection. staff. We have great hopes that we can repeat fife and drum to Old Settlers Cemetery and hon- this display in the years to come. ored Thomas and Susannah Polk with the firing The display of these documents was made of muskets over their grave. possible by the work through the years of for- For more information on America’s First Decla- mer MHA President Marion Redd, and of Jane ration of Independence, see the MHA web site Thanks to the efforts of Scott Syfert and the May Johnson, MHA Board Member and Manager of http://www.meckdec.org the May 20th Society 20th Society we have a new North Carolina the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room of the web site http://may20thsociety.org or read Highway Historical Marker uptown on Independ- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. She worked Scott Syfert’s new book The First American ence Square. This handsome plaque on North untiringly to meet the security requirements of Declaration of Independence? The Disputed Tryon Street in front of the Marriott Hotel com- the Southern Collection and presented a won- History of the Mecklenburg Declaration of May memorates the Mecklenburg Resolves of derful display in a glass case in the Bank of 20, 1775. May 31, 1775. It was dedicated by Kevin America Heritage Center at Founders Hall. —Jim Williams
September 19, 2016 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, September 15 in order to meet our caterer’s schedule.
Enclosed: $______(total) for ______seats ($12 for Seniors) $______(total) for ______seats ($14 for all others) Name Tags: ______, ______
Voices From the Past: A New Event portray, and have several people who have We also need volunteers to help with a num- The MHA Docents will present a new event called agreed to assume some of their personas. ber of logistics chores. We are in the early “Voices From the Past” to be held on Saturday, We hope to have a cast of at least 25 or so. stages of planning, and as we put details into April 1, 2017. It will be a tour of Settlers and If you are interested in participating contact place, and more precise needs surface, we’ll Elmwood/Pinewood cemeteries in which appropri- Lynn at [email protected], or Ann keep you informed. This is a big project, and ately dressed “residents” of those cemeteries will Williams at [email protected]. we’ll need lots of help to make it a big suc- stand beside their gravestones and talk to visitors We are especially interested in having a few cess. about their interesting lives. MHA Docent, Lynn people portray their own ancestors, however, Mintzer, is in charge of the program. She and her anyone is free to “adopt an ancestor” and committee have had several planning meetings portray whomever they wish. Portrayers this summer. We have already identified a num- need not be docents, nor MHA members, just ber of individuals who would be interesting to people who love bringing history to life.
”Preserving Mecklenburg’s Heritage”
Post Office Box 35032 Charlotte, North Carolina 28235 Phone: 704-333-6422 Visit us Online www.meckdec.org PAGE 5
Site News at 10 am to 1 pm. Michael Briggs, and Wayne Elliott. The day-long Construction of a Full Size Replica of Fort “A Finel Destruction of the Cherroce Nation”: a program will also include an exhibit of longrifles Dobbs is about to begin. quote from General Griffith Rutherford. provided by the three speakers and related to The Friends of Fort Dobbs have reached their - Robert Rambo (retired captain, US Army, their lecture topics. Cost: $95 financial goal for the first of three phases of the War in Iraq) portrays Cherokee Peace Chief structure. There has been a ground-breaking Attakullakulla, who at 15 traveled to England Volunteer Recognition Program, Tuesday, ceremony and construction is about to begin. to meet King George II October 25 at 7 pm, Matthews Woman’s The first phase will be completed this winter - Nadia Dean, a Lebanese-American who fled Club. and will include the foundation, chimney, floor Beruit under fire writes from Cherokee, NC, of This meeting will recognize the Matthews Herit- joists, planks and three courses of oak logs of another war. Her book A Demand of Blood age Museum docents and volunteers, the Eagle the outer wall. For more information or to sup- portrays the men, on all sides of the conflict, Scouts who completed projects at the Reid port this cause, go to www.fortdobbs.org. who fought for the land they loved House and Museum, and Paula Lester who will - Randell Jones, NC Humanities Council Road present a Power Point on the Matthews Fullwood Shape Note Workshop and Concert Scholar Speaker, shares the story of the back- Restoration Award and the houses that have Providence Presbyterian Church is hosting a country militiamen invading remote Cherokee received the award. workshop and concert with folk singer Laura towns. Boosinger on Saturday, September 17th as York County Scholarship Award. part of their 250th Anniversary celebration. Southern Longrifles, Mesda Saturday Sem- The York County Genealogical and Historical Learn how the congregation and the communi- inar, Saturday, September 17 at 10 am to 4 Society is pleased to announce that it has ty learned to read music despite being unable pm, Museum of Early Southern Decorative awarded its $500 scholarship for 2016 to Victoria to read the written word. The workshop is from Arts, Winston-Salem. Alison Burrell. Ms. Burrell, daughter of Mr. and 1 to 3 pm and the concert is at 7 pm in the I’ve stopped people in their tracks, without Mrs. James Burrell, recently graduated from 1858 sanctuary. There will be a suggested firing a shot: Rifle Makers of Kentucky, Geor- Clover High School and will attend Clemson donation of $10 to attend both events. gia, and North Carolina. A once in a lifetime University in the fall. In order to qualify for the opportunity to personally examine some of the scholarship, a student must attend one of the The Cherokee War of 1776, Rutherford’s most important rifles ever made in the South. public high schools in York County, have a grade Expedition, A Special Event at the High Featuring three prominent experts in the field point average of 3.5 or higher, and have an inter- Point Museum, Saturday, October 15 of southern longrifle studies: Mel Hankla, C. est in genealogy and/or local history. The History Calendar
Admission charged at all events unless other- Midnight In The Garden, Saturday October Ghost Walk Haunted Trail, Friday and Satur- wise noted. Check the Charlotte Regional 22 at 11:30 pm to 12:30 am. Is it good, or day Nights, October 21/22 - 7 to 10pm. History Consortium website for other events. evil? You decide! Hear the real tales and If you are afraid of the dark or ghouls and ghost ghost stories of encounters and experiences the stay at home; this Haunted Trail is for only www.charlotteregionalhistory.org of staff and volunteers since 2006. Contact will the bravest souls. The plantation is turned into a be attempted in the garden. Who will you hear frightening sight once the moon rises over the ————————————— this night? Who will tap you on the shoulder? forest and the spooks come out at night. Those Historic Rosedale What will you see? who dare must come aware that the haunted trail 3427 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC is outdoors and unsafe for children under 8. 704-335-0325 www.historicrosedale.org Spirit's of Rosedale, Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29, doors open at 7 pm All Hallows Eve Family Day, Saturday, Octo- Feast of The Hunters Moon Antebellum with tours every 20 minutes to 9:20 pm. ber 29 from 10 am to 2 pm. Dress in your Dinner, Saturday October 15 at 6 pm. best Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat This 6-course gourmet dinner is Rosedale's ————————————— around the Latta Plantation. Play games, see annual signature fundraiser. The event begins Latta Plantation historical demonstrations and meet the friendly with an open bar cocktail hour and butlered 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC, farm animals. Children’s costume awards will be hors d'oeuvres on the lush lawn of our formal 704-875-2312 www.lattaplantation.org given to The Best Historical Character, The Best gardens. Guests will then be welcomed into Classical Storybook Character, The Best Farm the house for their gourmet excursion back in Revolutionary War Battle Re-enactment, Animal Costume and The Most Creative Cos- time for a period dinner. Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4 tume. from 10 am to 4 pm. Labor Day weekend Paranormal Ground Investigation, Friday Historic Latta Plantation will present their an- ————————————— and Saturday October 21 and 22 at 7 to nual Revolutionary War Reenactments of the Hugh Torance House and Store 8:30 pm. Join professional ghost hunters Battle of the Bees and The Battle of Charlotte. 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville as they take groups of no more than 20 guests Battles will take place both days at 2 pm (bring www.hughtorancehouseandstore.com through the grounds of Rosedale’s 200 year your own chair). Hear Colonel and Mrs. Polk old plantation, and attempt contact with the tell of life in Charlotte at that time and of the House Tours, Sundays September 4 and 18, beyond. You will use the latest technology in event leading up to these battles. Visit with the October 3 and 17, from 2 to 5 pm. partnership with the Charlotte Area Paranor- farm animals, see camp cooking, civilian life The Hugh Torance House and Store is truly a mal Society. You never know what you may and other demonstrations plus music and food Mecklenburg treasure. The log house section of find... or what may find you! vendors. the building was built as a residence about 1780. In 1805 the building was expanded to include a Paranormal House Investigation, Saturday Open Hearth Cooking Workshop, Saturday, store, which operated until 1825. As the October 22 from 9 to 11 pm. Join profes- October 1. Learn open hearth cooking Torance family obtained land and wealth it be- sional ghost hunters as they take groups of no from an expert in the craft. You will learn how came a cotton plantation of 3,000 acres worked more than 8 guests through the 4 floor, 200 to do the tasks and use the tools of the time by over a hundred slaves. Extensive family his- year old plantation house, now known as and how to make popular recipes from the tory kept through the generations allows us to Rosedale and attempt contact with the be- turn of the 19th Century. This workshop has interpret nearly a century of Mecklenburg’s rich yond. You will use the latest technology in limited space as cooking will take place inside mercantile and plantation history. partnership with the Charlotte Area of the Latta’s colonial kitchen and over a Paranormal Society. campfire. Call for registration information. The History Calendar (continued) PAGE 6 ————————————— Backcountry Days & Ice Cream Social, Colonial Bookbinding Workshop, Saturday, The Charlotte Museum Saturday, September 17, 1 to 5 pm, Free. September 10 at 9 to 11:30 am. Jim Williams Presented by Charlotte Folk Society, Charlotte will teach participants about 18th century book- of History Museum of History, and Storytellers Guild of binding tools and techniques. They will fold and 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte Charlotte. Charlotte Museum of History & sew a blank book with a marbled paper cover to 704-568-1774 www.charlottemuseum.org Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, 3500 Sham- take home along with their own bone folder rock Drive, Charlotte 28215. Enjoy an old- (used to crease the folds). As time allows partici- Mad About Modern 2016, Saturday, Sep- fashioned family afternoon with ice cream, pants will be able to “try their hand” with the tools tember 10 from 10 am to 4 pm, South Park singing, storytelling, and open old-time, blue- and techniques of the craft. $40 per person. area. Tour Charlotte’s amazing collection of grass, and Celtic jam sessions. Demonstra- homes designed in this architectural style. tions of everyday activities of 18th century Just Add Practice: Learning to Write in the Mid-Century modern is architectural, interior, living. Manner of the 18th Century, Saturday, Sep- product and graphic design that describes tember 10 at 1 to 3:30 pm. Not a Course in 20th century architecture and urban develop- Charlotte Folk Society Gathering & Jams, Calligraphy. Rather, this workshop is an intro- ment from roughly 1933 to 1965. This tour Friday, October 14, Old-Time, Country & duction to Learning to Write in the Manner of the Includes: 6 to 8 homes. Check the web site Bluegrass by Grammy Nominee Alice Ger- 18th Century. Jim Daniel, will focus on learning for details and registration. rard & the Piedmont Melody Makers. 7:30 to cut and use quill pens and to duplicate the PM. Doors open 7:00 PM. Family-friendly & letter forms and writing conventions of the time. From Day to Day, Thursday, September 15 Free; donations appreciated. Free parking. Included with the course are cut and uncut quills, at 6 pm, Free. Timothy Boyce, the editor of Refreshments, song circle, songwriter's work- ink, a knife for cutting quills, plus detailed instruc- the concentration camp diary From Day to shop, and jams follow concert. Accessible tional materials to start you on your way. Just Day, will discuss the story of Odd Nansen, a entry & elevator on ground floor. add practice. $40 per person. Norwegian architect and humanitarian. He was arrested in 1942 and spent the remained —————————— Under the Shade Tree, Sunday September 25 of the war in various concentration camps. In Duke Mansion from 1 to 5 pm. Escape the searing Piedmont these camps, he kept a secret diary which heat under the shade of an old oak tree - join us describes the daily life of a prisoner, including 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte 704-714-4400 for a lazy day of colonial pastimes: stitching, the casual brutality and random terror that he music, carving and skillful dilly-dallying. and the other prisoners suffered. Explore Neighborhood History — The Most Reception follows. Backcountry Crafts Fair, Saturday, October Interesting Street in Charlotte, Sunday September 18 at 3 pm, Free. 15 from 11 am to 4 pm. Hear ye! Hear ye! They Came Through Here, Saturday, 17 Come one! Come all! Come to the Fair to dis- September at 2 pm, Free. What do novelist Carson McCullers (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter), evangelist Billy cover an assortment of Colonial skills and crafts Randell Jones, award-winning author and from tinware to textiles, carving to cookery, mu- storyteller will share new information revealed Graham, Family Dollar & Harris Teeter have in common? All have important early history on sic and more! Meet the artists & craftsmen of the through a recent collaboration and investiga- Schiele’s 18th –Century Backcountry Lifeways tion with history colleagues Bill Anderson and Central Avenue. Join historian Dr. Tom Han- chett as he shares those stories — plus the Studies as they demonstrate their unique trades. John Robertson to expand the understanding A perfect chance for unique Holiday shopping! of how various groups of combatants followed new history that’s unfolding on Central Avenue now, from the hip Light Factory photography a number of paths to the Battle of Kings ————————————— Mountain. Presentation sponsored by the gallery to a diversity of restaurants from North Carolina around the globe. President James K. Polk State Humanities Council. Historic Site Explore Neighborhood History — Black 12031 Lancaster Hwy, Pineville Backcountry Days with the Charlotte Folk Neighborhoods Then & Now, Sunday 704-889-7145 www.polk.nchistoricsites.org Society, Saturday, September 17 from 1to 5 October 23 at 3 pm, Free. pm, Free. Join us for a free celebration of Mary Newsom of UNC Charlotte’s Urban Insti- Cap-Making Workshop, Friday and Saturday, the Piedmont Backcountry with a variety of tute moderates a conversation on the rich September 16 and 17, 11 am to 2 pm each musical traditions from the Charlotte Folk history and uncertain future of African Ameri- day. In this two day workshop participants Society. This free family event features mu- can neighborhoods. With Mattie Marshall of will select from a series of patterns and Mia Dap- sic, storytelling, free ice cream, and kids’ Washington Heights, Kathryn Frye of Second pert will guide them as they create a woman’s crafts. There will be demonstrations of eight- Ward, and John Howard of Charlotte’s Historic caps like the ones worn during the late 18th eenth-century crafts such as basket weaving, Districts Commission. Exhibit panels on the century. Registration required. blacksmithing, pottery, and cooking. Biddleville and Brooklyn neighborhoods will be on display courtesy of Charlotte Museum of Sarah Childress Polk: Educated Wife, Active Teas of the British Isles: The Story of History. First Lady, Saturday, September 10 at 11 am, Canterbury, Sunday, September 25 at 4pm. Free. James Crawford, Professor of History At this afternoon tea and lecture you will hear ————————————— at UNC-Charlotte, will discuss the role of educa- about the history of an ancient English city Rural Hill tion in the life of First Lady Sarah Childress Polk, from the Romans to the building of the cathe- 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville patron of the arts and one of the most successful dral and development into a modern city while 704-875-3113, www.ruralhill.net graduates of North Carolina’s Salem Academy. you enjoy an English themed menu of tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts, along with Constitution Dinner, Thursday, September Down the Great Whiskey Road, Thursday, English tea. 15 at 6:30 pm. This dinner features a four- October 6 from 7 to 9 pm. Great Wagon Road course meal and a discussion with Stewart Distillery will present an exclusive whiskey tast- ————————————— Harris, an award-winning law professor who ing of a variety of spirits, while learning about Charlotte Folk Society loves to talk about the Constitution in a fun, their background and the distilling process. Hors Great Aunt Stella Center, accessible way that everyone can understand. d’oeuvres and beverages included in the price of 926 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte Harris is the host of the weekly podcast and admission. Registration required. 704-563-7080 www.folksociety.org public radio program “Your Weekly Constitu- tional,” which addresses interesting and con- 1846 Mexican American War Militia Muster, Charlotte Folk Society Gathering & Jams, troversial issues in constitutional law. For Saturday October 15 from 10 am to 4 pm, Friday September 9, NC Singer/Songwriter more details see the web site. Free. Look into the life of a common citizen Jonathan Byrd & The Pickup Cowboys. who has been called into service for the 1846 7:30 PM. Doors open 7:00 PM. Family- ————————————— conflict with Mexico. Living History re-enactors friendly & Free; donations appreciated. Free Schiele Museum will be drilling, demonstrating domestic lifestyles parking. Refreshments, song circle, songwrit- 1500 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia and speaking with visitors about what life was er's workshop, and jams follow concert. Ac- 704-866-6900 www.schielemuseum.org like in Mecklenburg County in 1846. cessible entry & elevator on ground floor. The History Calendar (continued) PAGE 7 Historic Cooking Class, Saturday, October September 27 at 7 pm, at the Matthews reproduction items along sutler row and enjoy 22 at 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Learn about his- Public Library. First person interpreters family-friendly foods. toric cooking with Cheryl Henry in the Polk Jim and Ann Williams as Thomas and Site backcountry kitchen house. Prepare a Susannah Polk will discuss the early days of ————————————— 19th century meal, enjoy the fruits of your Charlotte. The year is 1793 and much has Reed Gold Mine labor and receive a special gift to remember happened in the area since they arrived about 9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, NC 28163 their experience. Registration required. 40 years before. http://www.nchistoricsites.org/reed/reed.htm 704-721-GOLD (4653) Matters of Grave Importance, Saturday, Volunteer Recognition Program, Tuesday, October 29 at 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Learn October 25 at 7 pm, Matthews Woman’s Pan-O-Lympics, Annual NC Open Gold Pan- about the past, present and future of local Club. This meeting will recognize the Mat- ning Competition, Saturday, September 10 cemetery history with historian and preserva- thews Heritage Museum docents and volun- from 10 am to 2 pm. Displays will include tion expert Jason Harpe who will demonstrate teers, the Eagle Scouts who completed pro- mining history of North Carolina, and visitors can preservation techniques in the Polk Family jects at the Reid House and Museum, and try their luck at speed panning in the competition. Cemetery. There will be a discussion session, Paula Lester who will present a Power Point during which participants may share their on the Matthews Fullwood Restoration Award ————————————— individual cemetery preservation experiences and the houses that have received the award. or questions. Kings Mountain National ————————————— Military Park ————————————— Historic Brattonsville SC Hwy 216. I-85, Exit 2 in North Carolina. Matthews Heritage Museum 1444 Brattonsville Rd., McConnells, SC Follow the signs. 864-936-7921 232 North Trade St, Matthews http://www.chmuseums.org/brattonsville http://www.nps.gov/kimo www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org 803-684-2327 704-708-4996 Upper Broad River Regiment, Saturday, By the Sweat of Our Brows, Saturday, Sep- September 24 from 9 am to 5 pm. Exhibit: Now thru September 17: Pinewood tember 10 from 10 am to 4 pm. The loyalist militia will practice their drill and try Derby Racers. Winners of this year’s Derby This special program tells the story of the to learn the whistle and hat commands that Fer- Races as well as older cars are on display. plantation’s enslaved from colonial times guson and DePeyster used at Kings Mountain. through the Reconstruction. Local church Exhibit: September 24 – November 12: If hymn choirs will perform and African American Revolutionary War Weekend, October 1 – 9. Elected: Political Buttons and Memorabilia. descendants from Brattonsville plantation A series of Revolutionary War activities at Wal- A collection of buttons, statuary, and other come together to tell their story. Referred to nut Grove Plantation, Cowpens National Battle- presidential campaign memorabilia will be on as the “Seven Sacred Families of Brat- field, Kings Mountain National Military Park, and display including items from both democratic tonsville,” the surnames are: Bratton, Craw- Gaffney, SC. Complete schedule will be availa- and republican candidates. Come and cast ford, Feaster/Femster, Lowry, Moore, Smith, ble by mid-September. your vote for your favorite! and Thompson. Historically dressed interpret- ers portray the lives of the enslaved on a Car- 236th Battle Anniversary, Friday, October 7. New Girl Scout Tour and Badge. olina Backcountry plantation. there will be Wreath-laying ceremony at 11 am at the U.S. “Discovering Matthews Heritage” is a guided historic cooking over open hearths, quilt mak- Monument, celebration/keynote speaker in the tour offered to all levels of Girl Scouts. After ing, blacksmithing, making bricks out of clay, amphitheater at 3 pm. touring the museum and fulfilling requirements storytelling, and playing African-American folk suggested for different levels, scouts can pur- games. Battle of Kings Mountain Anniversary chase a Matthews Heritage Museum badge. At 11 am Dr. Lisa Bratton will lead a panel Encampment, Saturday and Sunday, October Some of the suggested activities include cook- discussion on how the family history carries 8 and 9 from 9 am to 5 pm. ing a recipe from Nancy Reid, touring the on. An “African American Genealogy Presen- Join Living History Interpreters for the 236th historic cemetery to locate important citizens tation: How to Guide” will be offered from 2-3 anniversary encampment. Learn about the men buried there, and taking a walking tour of the p.m. and York County Historical Center will and women who fought in the battle. Camps will town. talk about African Americans’ role in the Amer- be open 9-5 with a variety of demonstrations: ican Revolution. “By the Sweat of Our Brows” trades and crafts, cooking, medicine, weapons Avery Simpson Rea Documents. will culminate on the front steps of the Bratton and children's activities. The Matthews Heritage Museum recently homestead with music by Rock Hill’s Stars of received a collection of 20 documents includ- Zion and followed by the ‘calling of the names’ ————————————— ing the family Bible containing the family histo- from the 1843 Probate List, which declared Cowpens National Battlefield ry from the descendants of Avery Simpson freedom for the “Seven Sacred Families of I-85 South Carolina Exit 83, follow signs Rea. He was the younger brother of Green Brattonsville.” 864-461-2828 www.nps.gov/cowp Lea Rea, who owned the Rea Gold Mine on Monroe Road. These documents range in Spirits and Stories, Saturday, October 15 Living History Day, Saturday, September 10 date from 1778 to around 1850. Most are from 3 to 9 pm. Activities will include a from 9 am to 5 pm. The SC Rangers indentures for the sale of land. However, historic harvest demonstration, hands-on (American Militia) will give weapons firing three of them itemize purchases made by Mrs. activities and wagon rides plus a candlelight demonstrations at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, and 2:30. Margaret Rea, two of them from a store run by tour of the Huck's Defeat Battlefield Trail Solomon Reid, father of J. Solomon Reid, who where you will encounter spirits who knew Living History Day, Saturday, September 24 is considered the “father of Matthews.” Among Captain Christian Huck. There will be a camp- from 9 am to 5 pm. The 1st Maryland, the purchases were laudanum, madder, indi- fire to warm your toes, musical entertainment Southern Campaign encampment (American go, sugar, fine shoes, plates, a set of tea and cider and donuts at the Tavern. Simon St Continentals) Weapons firing demonstrations at spoons, coffee and soap. Madder and indigo Clair will engage you with his Magick and 11:15, 1:45, and 3:15. are red and blue dyes respectively. The same Marvel Show. Food concessions will be family also donated to the museum the ledger available. Revolutionary War Weekend, October 1 – 9. books from S. R. Rea’s store in Matthews. A series of Revolutionary War activities at Wal- These items help us to enlarge our knowledge Civil War Reenactment, Saturday, October nut Grove Plantation, Cowpens National Battle- of Matthews’ history. 22 from 9 am to 4 pm. John S. Bratton's field, Kings Mountain National Military Park, and widow Harriett and her grown children were Gaffney, SC. Complete schedule will be availa- ————————————— staunch supporters of the Confederacy. Expe- ble by mid-September. Matthews Historical rience the Civil War that ravaged America and tore their world apart. There will be a battle Outdoor Drama - The Night before Kings Foundation reenactment at 2 pm, cannon-firing and ar- Mountain, Thursday, October 6. See web site Programs held at the Matthews Woman’s chery demonstrations, camp life activities and for details. Club, 208 South Trade Street children’s military drills. The Grimsly family will display their 19th c mourning artifacts in Living History Day, Saturday, October 22 Thomas and Susannah Polk, Tuesday, the front parlor of Hightower Hall. Shop for from 9 am to 5 pm. The SC Rangers The History Calendar (continued) PAGE 8 (American Militia) will give weapons firing ————————————— - Kings Mountain State Park demonstrations at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, and FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS, southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state- 2:30. please visit these sites: park/945.aspx - Latta Plantation ————————————— ————————————— www.lattaplantation.org Southern Campaign of the - Andrew Jackson State Park www.southcarolinaparks.com/park- - Levine Museum of the New South American Revolution finder/state-park/1797.aspx www.museumofthenewsouth.org http://www.southerncampaign.org/cod.php - Charlotte Folk Society - Lincoln County Historical Association
www.folksociety.org www.lincolncountyhistory.com General Francis Marion Tour, Thursday - Matthews Heritage Museum evening through Sunday afternoon, - Charlotte Museum of History October 27-30. Charles Baxley of the www.charlottemuseum.org www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org SCAR will be leading this professional tour of - Cowpens National Battlefield - Matthews Historical Foundation the significant sites of Gen. Francis Marion’s www.nps.gov/cowp 704-846-6693 partisan warfare in South Carolina. America’s - Duke Mansion - Mint Hill Historical Society History LLC will provide all tour services. For www.dukemansion.com www.minthillhistory.com a complete itinerary, fees and expenses, see - Fort Defiance - Mount Holly Historical Society http://americashistoryllc.com/2015/the-swamp- www.fortdefiancenc.org [email protected] fox-rides-again-francis-marions-war-in-south- - Museum of the Waxhaws caroline - Fort Dobbs State Historic Site www.fortdobbs.org www.museumofthewaxhaws.org ————————————— - Fort Mill History Museum - Old Salem Lincoln County Historical www.fortmillhistorymuseum.org www.oldsalem.org - President James K. Polk State Association - Gaston County Museum www.gastoncountymuseum.org Historic Site www.lincolncountyhistory.com polk.nchistoricsites.org 704-748-9090 - Gregory Creek Homestead & Iredell Museums - Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site Basket Weaving Class, Saturday, Septem- www.iredellmuseums.org www.nchistoricsites.org/reed/reed.htm ber 10 at 9 am to 2 pm. This class will be - Guilford Courthouse National - Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, with Joanne Sigmon Charles at the Mundy Military Park Charlotte Mecklenburg House and History Center of Eastern Lincoln www.nps.gov/guco Library County at 4335 N. NC Hwy. 16, Denver. - Historic Brattonsville www.cmlibrary.org Reservations required to Jason L. Harpe at www.chmuseums.org/brattonsville - Rowan Museum [email protected]. www.rowanmuseum.org - Historic Camden ————————————— www.historic-camden.net - Rural Hill York County Genealogical & - Historic Rosedale www.ruralhill.net www.historicrosedale.org - Schiele Museum Historical Society - Hugh Torance House and Store www.schielemuseum.org P.O Box 3061 CRS, Rock Hill, SC 29732 www.hughtorancehouseandstore.com - Southern Campaign of the American www.weblandinc.com/ycghs/member.html Revolution - Iredell Museum Battle of Huck’s Defeat, Sunday, Septem- www.iredellmuseums.org www.southerncampaign.org ber 18 at 2:30 pm, at Historic Brattonsville. - Kings Mountain Historical - Spencer Doll and Toy Museum At this regular meeting of the YCGHS we will Museum www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com hear about the Battle of Huck's Defeat / Battle www.kingsmountainmuseum.org - Stanly County Museum of Williamson’s Plantation (July 12, 1780), one - Kings Mountain National www.stanlycountymuseum.com of the first Patriot victories after the fall of Military Park - Union County Public Library Charleston in May, 1780. www.nps.gov/kimo www.union.lib.nc.us - Kings Mountain Historical Museum - York County Genealogical www.kingsmountainmuseum.org & Historical Society www.weblandinc.com/ycghs/member.html