old salem museums & gardens magazine - fall 2014

Old SalemMuseums & Gardens

a biannual magazine for friends and supporters | fall 2o14

moravian stars | world’s longest plank road | p. allen smith

2o14 – 2o15 board of trusteesMs. Judy Lambeth, Chair

Ms. Chris Minter-Dowd, Vice Chair

Mr. Hayes Wauford, Jr., Treasurer

Mrs. Ann A. Johnston, Secretary

Ms. Betsy J. Annese

Dr. Anthony Atala

Mr. Nicholas B. Bragg

Mr. Michael Ernst

Mr. Paul Fulton, Jr.

Mr. W. Ted Gossett

Mr. James A. Gray, III

Mr. Robert E. Greene

Dr. Edward G. Hill

Mr. Henry H. Jordan, II

Mr. Joseph P. Logan

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Mercier

Mrs. Erika Mielke

Mrs. Paulette J. Morant

Count Christoph Nostitz

Ms. Margaret Beck Pritchard

Dr. Thomas H. Sears, Jr.

Mr. Anthony Slater

Mr. Daniel R. Taylor, Jr.

Mrs. Margaret D. Townsend

Mr. Ralph Womble

Mr. Philip Zea

ex-officio membersMr. Franklin C. Kane

Ms. Molly A. Leight

Mr. C. Tracey Parks

Dr. D. E. Lorraine Sterritt

senior staffRagan P. FolanPresident & CEO

Eric N. HoyleVice President Administration & CFO

Frances BeasleyVice President Development

John C. LarsonVice President Restoration

Robert A. LeathVice President Collections & Research

Paula LocklairVice President Education

old salem museums & gardens 6oo south main street winston-salem, north carolina 271o1

oldsalem.org | phone 336-721-735o | fax 336-721-7335

This publication is produced by Old Salem Museums & Gardens, which is operated by Old Salem, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit educational corporation organized in 1950 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Old Salem Museums & Gardens logo and name are registered trademarks, and may not be used by outside parties without permission.© 2014 Old Salem Museums & Gardens

Produced by Capture Public Relations & MarketingEditorial Support by Tyler Cox

Old Salem Museums & Gardens consists of three museums:

The Historic Town of Salem is a restored Moravian congregation town dating back to 1766, with costumed interpreters bringing the late-18th and early-19th centuries to life. Restored original buildings, faithful reconstructions, and historically accurate gardens and landscapes make the Historic Town of Salem one of America’s most authentic historical attractions.

The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) collects, exhibits, researches, and educates the public about the decorative arts made and used by people living and working in Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, from the 17th century to the beginning of the Civil War.

The Gardens of Old Salem consist of award-winning restorations that create a landscape reminiscent of early Salem where utility, practicality, and beauty are united. The gardens are authentically planted with open pollinated heirlooms that have been propagated from the museum’s heritage seed saving program.

From the President

News & Notes from Old Salem

Born at a Boarding School,Moravian Stars Still Shine Brightly Today

World’s Longest Plank Road Boosted19th-Century Commerce in PiedmontNorth Carolina

Emily Simmons: “I’m Still Teaching;Old Salem is Just a Huge Classroom”

Bill Crow: “Good Soil is What Produces Good, Healthy Plants”

P. Allen Smith Visits Old Salem

Support Old Salem Museums & Gardens’On Common Ground Capital Campaign

New to the Collection

Pillars of Our Community

Calendar of Events

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Contentsfall 2o14 | volume 9 | number 2

Cover photo by Jay Sinclair

holiday giftsfrom old salem

EvEry PurchasE BEnEfits Old salEm

Give over 2oo years of Moravian tradition this year and support Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Shop at Old Salem to discover the perfect present for friends and family as well as corporate gift giving. Find books, music, home décor, museum exclusives, paper-thin Moravian cookies, and more at our retail stores and online at shop.oldsalem.org. In addition to crossing even the hardest to shop for people off your list, your purchase will help provide important funds to Old Salem.

shop online at shop.oldsalem.orgshop by phone 877-652-7253

volunteer hours contributed during 2013) without whose generous donation of their time, energy, and enthusiasm we would not be able to accomplish our goals. Thank you to our visitors, whose delight in all they experience throughout the District makes our efforts worthwhile. And last but definitely not least, thank you to all of you, our supporters. Without you, we would not be here today!

Best,

Ragan FolanPresident & CEOOld Salem Museums & Gardens

Letter from the President

old salem museums & gardens | fall 2o14 | 1

Dear Friends,Fall is an extraordinarily beautiful time of year here in Old Salem. The crisp, cool air, the pumpkins that decorate the stoops, the comforting smells emanating from the fireplaces around the District, and the glorious tree that stands next to the Miksch House, whose colorful leaves brighten the landscape, all create an environment that is welcoming and comforting. This season also heralds the coming of the holiday season, a season of giving and giving thanks.

In my mind, Thanksgiving kicks off the holidays, which, with its focus on giving thanks for all our blessings, is a great way to begin this festive part of the year. We at Old Salem Museums & Gardens have so much for which to be thankful. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your generous support of our museums and gardens. It takes all of you along with our dedicated staff to ensure that this great organization continues to thrive and grow.

We are excited by the enormous progress we have made with our Capital Campaign. We are well on our way to meeting our goal of $17.66 million. While the money is being raised, our staff is hard at work—with help and advice from consultants and experts—developing the plans and programs that will enhance the Old Salem experience, from the Boys’ School to the Doctor’s House, MESDA’s gallery renovations and additions, plans to help Old Salem become a “Third Place,” and more. A few of our generous donors explain what inspired them to give to our On Common Ground capital in an article later in this magazine.

Once again, I’d like to take a moment to give thanks for all who have helped make Old Salem Museums & Gardens what it is today. Thank you to the Moravian settlers who established Salem in 1766. Thank you to the group of highly dedicated community volunteers who came together in 1950 to preserve and restore the town of Salem for future generations. Thank you to our staff, whose hard work and dedication ensures that every visit to our museums and gardens is positive and memorable. Thank you to all the volunteers (including the 10,436

An intriguing new exhibition opened on October 1 in the J. Blum House, which depicts the evolution of the town of Salem througha series of landscapes. The exhibit, “From Congregation Town toCradle of Industry: A Century of North Carolina Moravian Landscapes,1790–1890,” highlights the changes that occurred both in the cultural and physical landscape of Salem through 16 paintings, drawings,and prints.

The early landscapes on display highlight that while the town was an active trade center, the Church was the center of society. The town was designed around the central square, where the Gemein Haus (and later Home Church), in which religious services were held; communal dwellings for the Single Brothers and Single Sisters; the schools for young boys and girls; and the store were all located. Gardens and fields surround the buildings and town.

In the 19th century, manufacturing grew, the railroad arrived, and Salem became less closed to outsiders. These cultural and economic developments can be seen in the artists’ work on display.

We hope you’ll make a visit to the J. Blum House to see these remarkable landscapes in person. It will remain on display until December 2015. You can also view the images in an online gallery at mesda.org.

News & Notes from old salem

New Exhibit in the J. Blum HouseFrom Congregation Town to Cradle of Industry:A Century of North Carolina Moravian Landscapes, 179o–189o

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above: Salem from the Southeast. circa 184o, christian daniel welfare (1796–1841), oil on board, salem, north carolina, wachovia historical society (p-74), gift of jane welfare.

top: Salem from the Southwest. 1824, christian daniel welfare (1796–1841), salem, north carolina, ink and paint on paper, wachovia historical society (p-453).bottom: View of the Corner of Academy and Main Street. 1846–1849, henry jacob van vleck (1823–19o6), salem, north carolina, watercolor and ink on paper, old salem museums & gardens (5268), anne p. and thomas a. gray moravian decorative arts purchase fund.

Pat Albert has been promoted to Manager of E-Commerce & Catalog. She will continue to direct the merchandise assortment on Old Salem’s e-commerce site and the new Amazon store and work on the annual retail catalog. Pat supervises Tricia Swanson, our new visual merchandiser, helping to ensure the shops look fresh and

merchandise is well displayed. Pat continues to be a buyer for the Old Salem shops, bringing in new lines and vendors.

Jessie Harris has been promoted to Collections Manager. For the last several years Jessie has been the ideal Assistant Collections Manager, working hard and learning the collections at Old Salem Museums and Gardens. She is a graduate of the 2007 MESDA Summer Institute which focused on the early Chesapeake.

Johanna Roberts, a long-time Old Salem employee in both the trades and interpretive departments, has stepped into a new role as Assistant Director of Interpretation. Her extensive experience as a costumed interpreter and a supervisor combined with her research and organizational skills will aid her

in her expanded role in interpretive development, programming and special events.

Allison Shaw has been promoted to Manager of Distribution Center and Retail Systems. Besides managing staff, Allison oversees and implements policies and procedures and works with Pat Albert to ensure online and catalog customers are happy and return for future purchases. Allison’s role has expanded to

retail systems administrator, vastly increasing her knowledge of two inventory programs and troubleshooting issues the shops may experience with their POS (Point of Purchase) terminals.

Congratulations toTwo Award-Winning EmployeesAt the Old Salem Staff Recognition Breakfast on May 22, 2014, two awards were given to two Old Salem Museums & Gardens employees.

President’s AwardRecognizing significant contributions to our mission, goals and reputation.

Presented to Tammy Everhart, Controller in Accounting.

Tammy has worked for Old Salem for over 30 years. She probably

fields more questions in a day than most employees receive in a month. What’s amazing is that she patiently and pleasantly answers them quickly and competently. Hidden in the top floor of the Single Brothers’ House,Tammy deals with the employment paperwork of every new employee. She keeps up with all of the financial transactions and makes sure that our books are in balance. Every month she reports “numbers” to every department so that they can stay on budget. In addition, she keeps the health insurance paperwork and transactions up to date and deals with our auditors. We are truly blessed to have Tammy working for us; her role is essential to Old Salem’s ability to accomplish its mission.

Founder’s AwardGiven to the employee who has made a significant contribution to the organization demonstrating the same vision and transformational character our founders possessed.

Presented to Dr. Michael O. “Mo” Hartley, Director of Archaeology

Mo has been the Director of Archaeology at Old Salem since 1998. Mo is a teacher, a scholar, an archaeologist, a historian, an Interpreter, and a supportive colleague. He reads an excellent ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, makes a strong cup of coffee in the archaeology lab, and has a passion for Salem causing him to forsake his native South Carolina and to make a lasting contribution to our understanding of the Moravians. It has been through his work on Wachovia, Bethania, ceramics in Salem, African-Americans, and redefining the boundaries of Old Salem for the National Park Service that the significance of this place has been better presented and expanded. Buildings have been more accurately restored, history more authentically presented and the width and breadth, complexities and subtleties, of this Moravian town of Salem are now better understood. It is a contribution that will benefit Salem for decades to come and for which we—the present staff and trustees—are grateful.

New Faces and Old Facesin New Places



The 2014 MESDA Summer Institute, under the leadership of Visiting Scholar, Dr. Carroll Van West of Middle Tennessee State University, provided ten participants an in-depth exploration of the material culture and decorative arts of the southern backcountry. The Institute class included graduate students, professionals in the museum, historic preservation, and antique appraisal fields.

The first two weeks of the program took place at MESDA and included lectures, studies of the MESDA and Old Salem collections, and workshops in material culture scholarship, object analysis, and research methods. During this time, each of the participants selected a research topic centered on an object in the MESDA or Old Salem collections.

Field work is always an important component of each Institute, providing a first-hand experience of regional architecture, landscape, collections, and research resources. A field trip to Rowan County concentrated on understanding the German and Scotch-Irish cultures that shaped the Carolina Piedmont and much of the southern backcountry.

The third week of the program took the Institute on the road for seven days of intensive field work in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, focused particularly on visiting and studying many major historic sites and collections in the central Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. In the final week, the participants completed the research project, culminating in oral presentations and graduate level papers.

by sally gant

The Institute offers three hours of graduate credit through its academic partnership with the University of Virginia.

When asked about the importance of the MESDA Summer Institute, Dr. West explained how the Institute, “has taken off in new directions, embracing the entire South, bringing new benefits and insights to all involved, broadening partnerships across the region, and enhancing scholarship through an intense engagement with objects and landscape. We are on the cusp of doing something the field of material culture studies desperately needs, and wants.”

The 2015 Summer Institute will take place June 28 – July 24, and will concentrate its study on the early southern lowcountry with particular focus on the material culture and decorative arts of the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia. For information contact Sally Gant at [email protected].



2o14 MESDA Summer Institute

cheif curator robert leath examines withstudents a frankfort, kentucky chest of drawers

exhibited at the kentucky governor’s mansion.collection study in the mesda galleries

with guest lecturer jeffrey s. evans of virginia



Candlelight Tours Get an Update

Old Salem Awarded $15o,ooo Grant by Institute of Museum and Library Services

Susan Cameron JoinsOld Salem Capital Campaignas Honorary Co-Chair

Old Salem’s popular Christmas by Candlelight Tours are changing a bit this year. In the past, the tours in November focused on 18th-century traditions and the tours in December emphasized 19th-century traditions. This year the best of both tours have been combined into one tour for the whole season. The new tour includes both centuries and more of Salem’s historic buildings to give visitors a sense of what the holidays were like throughout Salem’s history.

Attendees will tour Salem by lighted lanterns beginning at the Miksch House, where they will learn about 18th-century Moravian Lovefeast and holiday traditions, and enjoy some American Heritage Chocolate® hot drinking chocolate. Then they will move to the Salem Tavern Museum, where they will hear music and enjoy Tavern games like dominoes and checkers. The final stop is the John Vogler House where they will experience elements of a 19th-century Moravian Christmas. Participants will sing carols, hear a reading of A Visit from St. Nick and enjoy hot cider and a traditional Christmas Cake or cookie made using a recipe from 19th-century Salem. The Vogler House is decorated with a Victorian style Christmas tree and Moravian decorations like the town scene “putz.”

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded $150,000 to Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Old Salem will use the funds to help transform the 1794 Boys’ School into a vibrant exhibit building and educational experience for 21st-century audiences. One of the primary initiatives of Old Salem’s On Common Ground Capital Campaign, the Boys’ School project is estimated to be $2.2 million of the overall $17.66 million Capital Campaign goal. The IMLS grant will fund construction and installation of exhibit elements at theBoys’ School.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the IMLS,” said Ragan Folan, President and CEO of Old Salem. “These grants are highly competitive and we are especially honored that we were awarded the full amount that we requested. The money will go a long way towards helping us present an interactive and educationally informative experience to visitors to the Boys’ School.”

This year IMLS received 554 applications requesting $56,247,161. Of these, IMLS selected 196 projects to receive funding totaling $20,405,211.

Old Salem is delighted to announce that Susan M. Cameron, President and Chief Executive of Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) and President of Subsidiary RAI Services Company, has joined the On Common Ground capital campaign as an honorary co-chair. She joins Paul Fulton and Stanhope A. Kelly as honorary co-chairs of the campaign.

“We are delighted that Susan Cameron has joined our capital campaign,” said Ragan Folan, President and CEO of Old Salem. “Reynolds American made a significant lead gift to the On Common Ground campaign of $750,000. We are excited that Susan has agreed to be part of the team that will help us reach our goal and close out the campaign, particularly within the corporate community.”

Cameron recently returned to Winston-Salem to serve as President and CEO of RAI. She previously served as the President and CEO of RAI, and as a member of the board, from 2004 through her retirement in February 2011. She was the Board Chairman from January 2006 through October 2010. Cameron has been active in a number of women’s leadership initiatives, and during her previous tenure as RAI’s CEO was recognized by Forbes magazine, FORTUNE magazine, and the Financial Times as one of the most powerful women in business.

old salem museums & gardens | fall2o14 | 7

by tyler cox

Every December, lighted Moravian stars decorate Moravian church sanctuaries, doorways, Christmas trees, shopping malls, rooftops, and city squares around the world. Where there is darkness, Moravian stars shine light. They are an ecumenical tradition, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Moravian Church.

Over the years, the stars have become popular outside the Moravian church, from Methodists to Presbyterians and other Christian denominations as well as secular individuals and families. Even Martha Stewart, the doyenne of taste and style, highlighted Moravian stars as wonderful interior and exterior holiday decorations in her holiday 2011 Living magazine.

Here in Winston-Salem, Moravian stars are prevalent. There’s a 31-foot illuminated Moravian star that’s placed on the roof of the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, every Christmas. When it is illuminated each year, a small ceremony with hymns and blessings takes place. Weighing in at 3,400 pounds, it is one of the largest Moravian stars in the world. Moravian stars also adorn light-pole decorations in downtown Winston-Salem during the holidays.

Why are these sharp-pointed stars that resemble a sputnik so popular? Perhaps it is because they remind people of the Star of Bethlehem that led the Wise Men to the stable where Jesus was born: “For we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2) The star also symbolizes the Christ Child himself, of whom the Old Testament prophesized a thousand years before Jesus’ birth: “A star shall come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)

The first Moravian star was not made or displayed in the town of Salem, North Carolina. Actually, according to the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the earliest written record of the star dates to December, 1820, across the Atlantic. In his diary, George Friedrich Bahnson (1805–1869), describes a visit that he and his fellow students at the boarding school in Niesky, Germany, made: “In the afternoon we all drank and like yesterday, some of us went to see the star in the Brethren’s House of 110 points, made by (Christian) Madsen (1800–1879).” Bahnson described the star as a multi-colored paper star, and this same star also was included as a festive decoration the next month for the 50th anniversary of the Niesky boarding school.

People have been using Moravian stars as decorations during the holiday season for years. This photo dates from 1967 and shows a view of the Reynolds Building in downtown Winston-Salem and a Moravian star in a wreath. Today, throughout Winston-Salem and around the country, peoplecontinue to use Moravian stars as holiday decorations. Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.

born at a boarding school,

the Moravian StarsStill Shine Brightly Today


Paula Locklair, Vice President of Education at Old Salem Museums & Gardens, says there is connection with George Bahnson and Salem, North Carolina, because Bahnson was called to America in 1829. “He served as minister in the North Carolina congregations of Salem and Bethania and in the Pennsylvania congregations of Bethlehem and Lancaster,” she said. “He died in Salem in 1869.”

During the 19th century, students in Moravian boarding schools made Moravian stars. Therefore, historians have assumed that making the star likely was a math lesson, where students learned to draw and make geometrical shapes, such as a pyramid, out of paper. By gluing the pyramids together, a multi-pointed star was created.

If you want to buy a Moravian star for your home or as a gift, it may take you a while to decide what size and material is your favorite. At the Moravian Book & Gift Shop in Old Salem, they sell the popular kit to make a white, lighted plastic star for your porch. It does not take long to insert each star point into a hole and twist it into place.

Hanging from the ceiling at this shop are examples of metal and glass stars in several different sizes, along with a Moravian star chandelier. The most expensive glass star available measures 19” and sells for $199.99.

Customers at Old Salem’s retail stores and at external shows, such as the North Carolina State Fair, also buy thousands of small acrylic, paper, and stained-glass stars for their Christmas trees. In fact, some shoppers buy several dozen at a time to give as gifts to their coworkers and/or family members. Some of the acrylic stars double as a candleholder when turned upside down.


“At our shows, Moravian stars are the number-two seller during the holidays, behind Moravian cookies,” says Skeebo Lovern, Director of Retail Special Projects.

“We have some people who will buy our white star kit and use the plastic points as a pattern to create a paper star. Some of the paper stars are made of parchment. At the shows, we sell a lot of the small acrylic stars to people who sprinkle them on their (Christmas) trees. We sell about 5,000 acrylic stars per year at shows.”

On Saturday, November 8, at the annual Christmas Open House, local artisan Ken Manuel will be in the Moravian Book & Gift Shop to demonstrate how he makes tiny Moravian stars out of white paper. He personalizes each star by adding his initials.

In the video booth at the Moravian Book & Gift Shop, shoppers can purchase Original Herrnhuter stars, still made by hand by the Herrnhut Star Factory in Herrnhut, Germany. Available as paper or plastic, they come in these color combinations: red and white, yellow and red, solid red, solid yellow and solid white. They range in size from 5” to 27”.Commercially producing Moravian stars was the idea of entrepreneur Pieter Hendrik Verbeek in 1897. He eventually patented his idea of sliding the points of stars into a prefabricated metal framework.This would allow for easy disassembly of the stars for storage afterthe holidays.

Whether you see the Moravian star shining in the dome of the Frauenkirche in Dresden, over the alter of the Thomaskirche where Johann Sebastian Bach is buried in Leipzig, or on the Christmas tree in your den, remember that you are witnessing a tradition that goes back 194 years.

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If you are not in the market for a Moravian star to hang on your porch or place on your tree, the Moravian Book & Gift Shop has a number of other star gift options to fit every budget:

• House of Morgan pewter (ornament) stars with red ribbons for tying

• Mirrored star ornaments

• Moravian star note cards, embossed with a white Moravian star on white or red backgrounds

• Embroidered Moravian stars on white napkins (two sizes), placemats and guest towels

• Men’s neck ties ($39.99 each), featuring tiny silver Moravian stars on red, gold, baby blue, burgundy and navy backgrounds

If you own a Moravian star, follow the unwritten “star code” for display: It should be viewed from the first Sunday in Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas) until the Festival of Epiphany (January 6).

Whether you see the Moravian star shining in the dome of the Frauenkirche in Dresden, over the alter of the Thomaskirche where Johann Sebastian Bach is buried in Leipzig, or on the Christmas tree in your den, remember that you are witnessing a tradition that goes back 194 years.

For more information about Moravian stars, see the softcover book, Morning Star, O Cheering Sight...: The Moravian Star and its History, available in the Moravian Book & Gift Shop.


Merchandise Fulfillment:It’s Much More than Bubble Wrap and Boxes

Throughout the year, Old Salem’s Distribution Center and Fulfillment Team stays busy shipping orders of books, games, Moravian stars, cookies, and more to customers around the world. But in October, the holiday rush begins. More and more orders are coming in, electronically and by phone, and the Fulfillment Team jumps into high gear for another holiday season.

“For customer orders, I want them shipped out the same day, if possible,” says Allison Shaw, Manager of Distribution and Retail Systems. “For everything that is not a fresh baked or Candy Shop item, if we have it in inventory, it should be shipped the same day.”

According to Shaw, the Distribution Center utilizes the U.S. Postal Service’s Priority Mail to ship orders. During fourth quarter, that means

that a lot of big, white trucks back into the loading dock at 730 South Poplar Street to pick up outgoing packages. In fact, last year nearly 4,000 orders were received and processed during the holidays. (Ginger cookies were the top seller.)

“For most of the year, the USPS picks up our orders at about two o’clock,” said Shaw. “But in fourth quarter, we have more flexibility with them. We get two or three daily pickups, and the last one is at 6 p.m. They want our shipping business.”

The Fulfillment Team is particularly busy the week of Thanksgiving, especially on Monday. People like to order the Winkler Bakery’s gingerbread and sugar-cake mixes for their Thanksgiving meals. The team is not as busy on Black Friday, but orders pick up again on Cyber Monday. “Last year was the best Cyber Monday that we’ve ever had,” remembers Shaw.

And for the first time this year, the Fulfillment Team will be processing orders from Old Salem’s new page on Amazon.com. To keep up with the volume of orders, the Fulfillment Team often works long hours, sometimes 60 to 70 hours per week. “It gets kind of crazy,” admits Shaw. “There are not enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done. I don’t even have time to put up a Christmas tree at home!”

How does the team adjust to the hectic holiday season? Shaw says there are no pep rallies—just teamwork from “a great group of people.” In her words, “I don’t know how we do it every year. To me, the Distribution Center is the heart of Old Salem. We have to keep everybody supplied to keep customers happy. We have to do our best, because if we fail here, we set somebody up on the front line to fail.

“It’s essential that everybody in this building works together, and it takes teamwork to make that happen. We are really blessed to have a great group of people here who all work together for the common good.”

by tyler cox

Initially, plank roads were appealing because they were faster, safer, and easier to travel than traditional dirt roads, and cheaper and quicker to build than stone roads. They featured a foundation of wooden beams laid into shallow trenches along a graded roadbed with 8’ x 8” x 4” planks resting across the beams in a staggered pattern. This design allowed wagons to easily pull on and off the one-lane road to an adjacent dirt right-of-way. Boosters believed the roads could be affordably maintained for around 10 years, based on examples from northern states.

The Fayetteville and Western, like the 83 other plank road companies chartered by the North Carolina legislature between 1849 and 1856 (comprising more than 500 miles at one point), was a public company with stock sold at $50 a share. In April 1851, the directors decided that the western terminus would extend to Virginia via Salem. The road was built quickly at an average cost of $1,300 per mile, reaching 87


World’s Longest Plank Road Boosted 19th-Century Commerce in Piedmont North Carolina

by andrew frantz

In the 1840s, merchants and entrepreneurs across North Carolina were looking for ways to improve the state’s economy. Although agricultural products and manufactured goods were readily exchanged locally, geography isolated navigable rivers to the eastern Coastal Plain; therefore, the majority of the state relied on land transportation for market connections. The growing popularity of plank roads, the “farmer’s railroads,” seemed to offer an affordable and efficient solution.

The state chartered the Fayetteville and Western Plank Road Company on January 27, 1849, and one of its directors, Moravian industrialist Francis Fries, led the effort to lobby for the plank road to connect Salem with Fayetteville, the head of navigation on the Cape Fear River. Construction began in October 1849; however, many factors made the road’s success short lived.

miles by 1851, with another 52 miles added the following year.By January 1854, road construction approached Salem from the south, and the Moravian leaders began to consider the potential impact on the town. The community’s support for the venture was high, as indicated by the fact that Francis Fries had secured $26,500 in investments in the road from Salem residents, but church officials were concerned about the noise and maintenance of the planks. As a result, the section of the road on Main Street through Salem was macadamized, a technique that involved grading and compacting a dirt base and covering the surface with gravel, and the plank road began again at the border of Salem and Winston (now First Street). At Fourth Street in Winston, the plank road turned west toward Bethania, reaching its terminus there at Lash’s Store on November 1, 1854.

Despite the church’s apprehensions, Salem was not without a properly planked roadway. In early 1854, Fries requested that the congregation allow him to construct a planked spur along New Shallowford Road (now Brookstown Avenue) to connect his cotton and woolen mills to the main plank road. After promising the church leftover lumber and the value of the planks if the spur was purchased by the company, he was given permission to proceed. In the first years following the route’s completion from Fayetteville to Bethania, the investments in the 129-mile thoroughfare seemed warranted. To fund the road’s upkeep, toll houses charged travelers fees ranging from a half a cent per mile for a horse and rider to four cents a mile for a wagon pulled by a team of six horses. In 1854, the company reported that 20,000 wagons used the road, and tolls collected between April 1854 and April 1855 totaled $27,419. The new road also made travel across the state significantly more efficient. The trip from Salem to Fayetteville went from a three-day venture by horseback or stage coach to fewer than 24 hours, and a fully loaded wagon hauling 1,500 pounds of goods could make a round trip in only 12 days.

However, maintenance costs of the Fayetteville and Western road proved to be much higher than expected, thanks to unanticipated complications such as high humidity, heavy rains, and spring flooding. In 1857, the


company reported an income of nearly $16,000, but also reported expenses exceeding $20,000. That year, the company agreed to remove worn planks from the road and macadamize damaged sections to cut costs, and the state legislature ceased issuing charters for plank road companies. In 1858, Francis Fries, who had been an enthusiastic supporter of the Fayetteville and Western, removed the planks from his own spur and macadamized New Shallowford Road. In addition to the growing costs of maintenance, the road’s profits were also hindered by a nationwide economic panic in 1857 and the advent of railroads in North Carolina. The outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861 proved to be the road’s final obstacle, and the war’s economic and physical drain on the state proved to be too much for the beleaguered entrepreneurs. With increased wear and tear from troops and goods and fewer funds for repairs, the company sold the 26 miles of road from High Point to Bethania—which eight years before had cost approximately $90,000 to build—to local mail contractor John Stafford for a mere $725 in Confederate currency. A group of Salem and Winston businessmen, including I. G. Lash, E. L. Clemmons, Dr. Samuel Martin, D. H. Starbuck, Robert Gray, and Peter A. Wilson, purchased the road from Stafford the next year. By the early 1870s, the state’s plank roads, including the Fayetteville and Western, had disappeared.

While the Fayetteville and Western Plank Road proved to be an economic failure, its legacy still lingers today. It was the longest plank road ever constructed in the world and temporarily provided a vital commercial link from the Piedmont to far away markets, and positively impacted the towns through which it passed. Most importantly, the memory of the plank road serves as a reminder of the pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit that drove the development of Salem and the nation through the colonial and antebellum eras, and continues to define our country today.

Ph.D. Candidate Andrew Frantz spent 10 weeks at Old Salem this past summer as a National Society of Colonial Dames of North Carolina and Old Salem Museums & Gardens intern in the Restoration division.

salem

fayetteville

emily simmons“I’m Still Teaching; Old Salem

Is Just a Huge Classroom”


When people see Old Salem interpreter Emily Simmons carrying a basket down the sidewalk along South Main Street, they might assume that she’s carrying a favorite book or her lunch. But under that scrap of blue homespun, she’s also carrying her journal.

“Everybody here knows that I journal every day at Salem,” said Simmons, a retired teacher who taught English and drama in Guilford County for most of her 32-year career. “I write about my day here: people I meet, things that happen. I like getting my thoughts in order and reflecting. I like the physical aspect of writing, and I write in cursive, too. I have a feather pen. From time to time, I write poetry in the buildings.”

by tyler cox

meet the people behind old salem


“Most guests are lovely, interesting people. I learn from them. I’m learning and I hope, in return, that I am teaching and sharing things about the past and about these wonderful Moravians with the public.”

At work, Simmons has a reputation for always wearing a clean, well pressed costume and keeping a neat, professional appearance. She was the same way, she says, when she taught school. “It’s like Vidal Sassoon; if I don’t think I look good, I don’t feel good,” said Simmons.

“And that is something that Mary Hartung (Supervisor of Historical Interpreters and Volunteers) always made clear to her employees; you are representing this company, and you need to look good.”

Hartung says Simmons is not only well dressed, but “she (also) has a very pleasant way about her, making people feel special.” This personality trait is especially helpful on days when the exhibit buildings are busy with visitors.

“Emily can get 800 people through a building,” says Hartung. “She can direct people—in a very pleasant and upbeat way. She does a super job!” How is she able to direct visitors so efficiently? Simmons has a simple philosophy about that: “I think if you show your audience respect, they are going to show you respect,” she says. “You are a reflection of your audience. They are going to give you back what you give them. Teaching did teach me that, and that has served me well here.”

Simmons said her mother grew up in Winston-Salem, and her family used to come to eat lunch and shop in Old Salem. So, after Simmons retired from teaching in 2007, she thought Old Salem would be a good place to work on the interpretive staff. She started working in the John Vogler House in April 2007, and has been here ever since.

“At Old Salem, I’m still teaching; this is just a huge classroom,” she said in a recent interview. “This is a beautiful place to work. I enjoy meeting people from all over the country and the world. Most guests are lovely, interesting people. I learn from them. I’m learning and I hope, in return, that I am teaching and sharing things about the past and about these wonderful Moravians with the public.”

As most interpreters do, Simmons’ work schedule has her rotating to several different buildings. Her favorite, she said, is the Salem Tavern Museum, where President George Washington spent two nights in 1791. She has observed that most visitors are interested in this fact. “I had a visitor the other day who asked if we still have the bed that he slept in, and I told him, ‘Oh, that would be a real treasure, but we do not.’”

Working in a historic building where Washington spent some time has changed Simmons’ attitude about the first president. “He has become a real person to me,” she said. “Before, he was just sort of an icon. He’s on the dollar bill, the Father of our country, all the myths about the cherry tree and so forth, but I’m at a place where he actually came and talked to people here. He left his fingerprint in Salem!”

During the Halloween and Christmas holidays, Simmons is one of the interpreters who carries a lighted candle lantern and leads candlelight tours for visitors at night. She also appears briefly in Old Salem’s Christmas commercial. She says the candlelight tours appeal to many guests.

“The Halloween (Legends and Lanterns) tours are just fun and light, and I tell these scary stories,” she said. “The Christmas tours are much more serious, a time to respect the season and the birth of Jesus. I love both of them!”

When she’s not an interpreter, Simmons said she enjoys creative writing and travel. “Over the past three years, I have been to England, Ireland, Scotland, and France,” she said, “and before that I went to Italy. I love sightseeing, seeing all these great things that I’ve read about during my life, such as Stonehenge, the Coliseum in Rome, and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland.”

She also has learned to knit and repair a straw hat.

At the end of each day, on her way out of the upper level of the Moravian Book & Gift Shop, Simmons almost always announces to the Education staff, “I’ve had a good day!” She really means it, too.

Asked how many more years she plans to work before her “second” retirement, this resident of Colfax replied, “As long as I am excited, enjoy it, and I am physically able to work, I hope Salem will keep me around. I knew the day when it was time for me to leave teaching; I just knew it. I hope it will be the same here.”

It’s not unusual for crows to be attracted to gardens, and Old Salem’s Bill Crow, in the horticulture department, is the human proofof that fact.

Crow, a soft spoken man who wears glasses with clear frames, worked in the vegetable gardens as a Crew Chief at Old Salem from 1989 to 2005. He retired after that, he says, because “it was a good time for me to let somebody with a younger back” grow the vegetables.

About six years ago, though, Crow was called out of retirement to tackle a special research project assigned to him by John Larson, Vice President of Restoration at Old Salem. Today, Crow is studying the original letters, diaries, and other Moravian records relating to landscape gardening and compiling that information into a searchable format. He usually spends a few hours each week doing this research at the Anne P. and Thomas A. Gray Library and MESDA Research Center and the library at Salem College.

“The question that John (Larson) and I started with was, ‘What do we know about what was planted in Salem and what were the Moravians’ gardening techniques, specifically?’” Crow said in a recent interview.Some of the research, such as reading letters written in longhand, isslow work.

Asked about the progress he has made to date, Crow said what he has discovered is “a little disappointing.” As he explained, “There is very little known about particular varieties that were planted. There’s very little information about what people did in the garden. You will read occasionally about somebody in Salem paying somebody to dig a bed or plant peas and carrots—or doing the work themselves. But they don’t say, ‘I planted this particular pea or carrot.’ We don’t have the detail that we would like to have. So far, I am not finding the specific information that we would like to have, in terms of people growing specific varietiesof plants.”

by tyler cox


meet the people behind old salem

bill crow“Good Soil Is What Produces

Good, Healthy Plants”

Despite the lack of more details, Crow said he plans to continuethe research. He is putting data into a Word format, so that one daythe information could be added to a searchable database for staffand researchers.

Crow has not always been a gardener. In fact, he used to have an office job, working at a computer. “That company moved and did not ask me to go with them,” he said, “so I was faced with looking for another computer job or doing something different.” He chose the latter, accepting a job in the horticulture department at Old Salem.

When Crow’s sister lived in High Point, he said he dabbled in gardening at her home. And when he bought a house in Winston-Salem, he planted a “very basic garden” with tomatoes, beans, and lettuce. After he began working at Old Salem, he took advantage of a tuition-reimbursement benefit that Old Salem offered to staff at the time, and he enrolled in a few horticulture courses at Forsyth Technical Community College.

Crow said working in vegetable gardens appealed to him more than working in an office. For one, he could set his own schedule each day and plan his garden “within the parameters of using heirloom vegetables and using techniques . . . that were consistent with what we thought the Moravians would use.” He said he also enjoyed speaking to visitors and answering their questions. He often explained to them how to have a beautiful, productive garden without using a lot of pesticides and fertilizer.

“You’re standing there with visitors, looking at a really nice bed of lettuce or cabbage, and they ask you what kind of fertilizer you

use,” said Crow, “and I tell them I don’t use any fertilizer; I use a lot of compost, and the compost eventually will produce good soil. And good soil is what produces a good, healthy, productive plant.”

Over the years, Crow has learned that the Moravians in the town of Salem did some gardening, but they were more interested in their trades and community affairs. “So far as the people I read about, gardening was something that they did almost as a matter of course, it provided them a little food, but probably not the bulk of their food, by any means,” he said. “The spaces that they were gardening behind houses were not very large, quite honestly, so the rest of the food would come from people who had farms or what they called plantations. They would bring food into the town to sell.”

Even though Crow is only at Old Salem a few hours each week, he still spends time talking to the other horticulture staff members. “My goal is to stay out of their way!” he said, with a laugh. “I don’t think it’s fair when you retire to be looking over your replacement’s shoulder. But what I am able to do is speak to the other gardeners on their breaks. We talk a lot. In fact, Eric (Jackson) and I have coordinated some seed saving with lettuce, in particular.”

Asked if he has a favorite plant or flower, Crow replied that he’s fond of the Seminole squash. “To me, it is shaped like a large Hershey Kiss®,” he said. “It keeps well; it will store all through the winter till the next summer.” Crow said he planted a few Seminole squash seeds at home this year, and one plant grew over the summer. “It has absolutely taken over my garden!” he said. “This is a lesson; that’s the last time I’m going to grow that squash. I’ve had to chop back vines.”

by tyler cox


“You’re standing there with visitors, looking at a really nice bed of lettuce or cabbage, and they ask you what kind of fertilizer you use, and I tell them I don’t use any fertilizer; I use a lot of compost, and the compost eventually will produce good soil. And good soil is what produces a good, healthy, productive plant.”


On Thursday and Friday, May 15 and 16, 2014, Old SalemMuseums & Gardens hosted award-winning design, garden, and lifestyle expert P. Allen Smith for two very special events. Smith is the host of two public television programs, P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home, P. Allen Smith’s

Garden to Table, and the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith Gardens.

Gardening and Lifestyle Expert

Visit to Old Salem!P. Allen Smith’s

On Thursday, May 15, Smith entertained an enthusiastic crowd at an off-site luncheon and lecture. He discussed a variety of topics including his personal gardens in Little Rock, Arkansas, and garden to table. Guests also were able to get books signed after the luncheon.


At left and above: “An Evening in the Garden with P. Allen Smith” was held on Friday, May 16 in the Single Brothers’ Garden from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees had a chance to enjoy a lovely evening outside and mingle with Smith while enjoying live music, cocktails, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Top row: During his visit to Old Salem, Smith filmed several segments for his television shows in and around the District. He was an enthusiastic visitor—in, and out, of costume!


supportOld Salem Museums & Gardens’On Common Ground Campaign

Common GroundOn

Some support Old Salem Museums & Gardens because of its tremendous Moravian history. Others support Old Salem in appreciation of the sense of shared space that it creates for our community. Still others support Old Salem because of the economic impact it makes on our region. Regardless of the reason, financial support is key to Old Salem’s campaign to revitalize and re-imagine the potential of Old Salem Museums & Gardens so that it remains fresh and relevant to all who visit.

On these pages are the stories of three people and businesses who have demonstrated support for Old Salem’s On Common Ground Campaign. Please consider joining them. For more information about contributing to On Common Ground, contact Frances Beasley, Vice President of Development and Campaign Manager at (336) 721-7331 or [email protected]. You also can contribute to Old Salem online at oldsalem.org/oncommonground.

primary campaign goals• Endowed Positions • Endowed Activities • Boys’ School • Dr. Samuel Benjamin Vierling “Doctors” House

• Frank L. Horton Museum Center Auditorium • Anne P. and Thomas A. Gray Library and MESDA Research Center

• Old Salem Visitor Center • Third Place • T. Bagge Complex


As a corporate citizen of Winston-Salem, Reynolds American believes that Old Salem Museums & Gardens is a staple of our community that deserves our support.

Some time ago, I met with Old Salem President Ragan Folan, and we discussed what Old Salem

means to Winston-Salem. I was particularly intrigued to learn about the tremendous impact that Old Salem has on local students and those from outside the area who travel there to learn and explore. Education is a focal point of the Reynolds American Foundation, and I can’t think of a grander place than Old Salem to show our support. Students who visit Old Salem can actually feel and experience living history. A proud part of our community mission at Reynolds American and the Reynolds American Foundation is to provide resources to help continue making the treasure we have at Old Salem available to as many young peopleas possible.

Alan CaldwellDirector of Community & Civic Engagement, Reynolds American Inc.Executive Director, Reynolds American Foundation

Our company’s relationship with Old Salem Museums & Gardens dates back to the 1960s. We constructed and restored dozens of buildings and private homes in the historic district and have provided general maintenance services for decades.

In doing our work, we’ve seen Old Salem evolve first-hand and recognize its great sense of place in our community. Whether looking at Old Salem as a whole, the individual buildings, or even down to the brick sidewalks, every visitor to Old Salem experiences its relevance as shared space to be enjoyed by all. There simply is no other place like Old Salem in our region, and we at Wilson-Covington wholeheartedly believe in supporting this historic treasure. I grew up in Winston-Salem and think Old Salem is more relevant than ever to our community and greatly contributes to the culture of local residents and visitors alike. We’re proud to support Old Salem as we learn from its Moravian history and continue to see its impact on the future of Winston-Salem.

Hayes WaufordExecutive Vice President, Wilson-Covington Construction CompanyTreasurer, Old Salem Museums & Gardens Board of Trustees

One of my fondest memories of elementary school was our class trip to Old Salem. It was a magical experience, engaging all the senses; the smells of freshly baked cookies and sugar cake wafting throughout Salem Square, the

mouthwatering anticipation of the sugar cookies distributed following our tour of Winkler Bakery, the sound of the splashing water from the pump against the cobblestones, and the stories shared by our period clad tour guide prior to entering each building.

This historical community is part of our heritage and its rich history needs to be preserved and shared with others. That’s one of the reasons that I support Old Salem. My contribution furthers this effort.

Due to Old Salem’s forward thinking leadership, it has become a destination for not only busloads of elementary students but visiting groups of seniors and families. Through the generous contributions of both corporate and private donors, Old Salem is able to bring in noted authors for their Garden Tour events and their American Perspectives lecture series that most recently featured Robert Edsel, author of The Monuments Men.

Our community benefits from the visitor spill over. They journey into downtown Winston-Salem dining at local restaurants and coffee bars and shopping on Trade. It’s a win/win for all involved. Rather than ask,

“Why should I support Old Salem?” Ask, “Why not?”

Adrienne LivengoodLongtime Friend of Old Salem

goal:

raised:

$17.66 Million

$15.3 Million

Common GroundOn


New to the Collection

The MESDA and Old Salem Collections have enjoyed significant—and colorful—growth in the last few months. Thanks to the Anne P. and Thomas A. Gray Moravian Decorative Arts Purchase Fund, we acquired the painted and decorated birth certificate, or fraktur, of Susanna Shultz, which was drawn in Salem in 1805 by the Ehre Vater Artist and witnessed by prominent local residents Dr. Benjamin Vierling and his wife, Martha Miksch.

by robert a. leath

Figure 1

map“A Map of South Carolina

Constructed and Drawn from the District Surveys”

John Wilson

1822

South Carolina

Ink on Paper

Gift of James W. Lester, Jr. &Judy R. Lester

Two very impressive southern maps, the large 1822 John Wilson map of South Carolina and the rare 1835 Luke Munsell map of Kentucky (not illustrated), were recent gifts of MESDA Advisory Board member Jay Lester and his wife, Judy, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. MESDA received a generous bequest from the late furniture scholar John Snyder of his signed and dated chest of drawers by the Scottish-born cabinetmaker, John Shearer of Martinsburg, West Virginia, the first piece of Shearer’s furniture to be discovered in the 1970s and published by Snyder in the MESDA Journal. MESDA also acquired the most impressive and monumental known example of Charleston’s German-born cabinetmaker, Jacob Sass, with its original inlaid cornice and original carved finial standing more than eight and a half feet tall!

The exquisitely preserved geometric quilt of Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan Ridley, completed in 1846 at Bonnie Doon Plantation in Southampton County, Virginia, for her two-year-old son, Nathaniel, is now part of MESDA’s permanent textile collection, thanks to the generosity of her descendants, Julia Ridley Smith and MorelandTyler Smith.

The James C. Willcox, Jr., Silver Purchase Fund made possible three highly important silver acquisitions: a helmet-shaped cream pitcher by the New Bern, North Carolina, silversmith Freeman Woods; a teapot and beakers by Asa Blanchard of Lexington, Kentucky, engraved with the monogram of Dudley and Susannah Mitcham, who moved from Spotsylvania County, Virginia, to Woodford County, Kentucky, in the early 19th century; and a partial tea service made by the renowned Thomas Fletcher of Philadelphia, ordered and double stamped by the Columbia, South Carolina, firm of Alexander Young and John Veal for Wade Hampton II of Millwood Plantation.

Young and Veal’s original order for the service is preserved in theThomas Fletcher Papers in the Joseph Downs Rare Book and Manuscript Collection at the Winterthur Library. While these three pieces of the silver tea service survived, Millwood burned during the Civil War. Hampton’s Greek Revival mansion was designed and built by the architect who designed and built his sister’s house, Millford, now owned by Richard H. Jenrette and the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust.


Recent Gifts and Acquisitions to theMESDA and Old Salem Collections

Figure 2

chest of drawers1804

Martinsburg, Virginia(present-day West Virginia)

Walnut and Yellow Pine

Gift of the Estate of John J.Snyder, Jr.

Figure 3

cream pitcherFreeman Woods

1794 – 1805

New Bern, North Carolina

Silver

James A Willcox, Jr.,Silver Purchase Fund


Figure 5

teapot and beakersAsa Blanchard

1806 – 1830

Lexington, Kentucky

Silver

James A Willcox, Jr.,Silver Purchase Fund


Figure 4

quiltMargaret Ann BynumJordan Ridley (1819 – 1906)

1846

Southampton County, Virginia

Cotton and Ink

Gift of Julia Ridley Smith and Moreland Tyler Smith


Figure 7

coffee pot, tea pot, and sugar bowl

Thomas Fletcher

Retailed by Young & Veal

1837

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Retailed in Columbia, South Carolina

Silver

James A. Willcox, Jr.,Silver Purchase Fund

Figure 6

frakturBirth Certificate for

Anna Susanna SchultzEhre Vater Artist

1805

Salem, North Carolina

Ink and Colored Ink on Paper

Anne P. and Thomas A. Gray Moravian Decorative Arts

Purchase Fund


Figure 8

secretary and bookcaseJacob Sass

1790 – 1800

Charleston, South Carolina

Mahogany, Red Cedar,and White Pine

MESDA Purchase Fund andGift of Bill and Patty Wilson


Current Members Include

preservationist level$1o,ooo – above

BB&TKilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, LLP

Reynolds AmericanWells Fargo

conservationist level$2,5oo – $4,999

Bell, Davis & Pitt, PABerkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Carolinas RealtyCapital Development Services

Capture Public Relations & MarketingFirst Tennessee Bank

Krispy Kreme Doughnut CorporationWake Forest Innovation Quarter

historian level$5,ooo – $9,999

Anonymous DonorCaterpillar, Inc.

Flow Automotive CompaniesHanesbrands

RockTenn CompanyWilson-Covington Construction Company

Winston-Salem JournalWomble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP

Adele Knits/COR365Advanced Consumer Electronics

Aladdin Travel & Meeting Planners, Inc.Allegacy Federal Credit Union

Annese Public RelationsDataChambers

Dixon Hughes Goodman

horticulturalist level $1,ooo – $2,4ooDuke Energy

First Community BankFourway Warehouse & Distribution

Goslen PrintingMercedes-Benz of Winston-Salem

Mountcastle InsuranceNewBridge Bank

Piedmont Natural GasPike Corporation

PostMark, Inc.Quality Oil

Salemtowne, IncWells Fargo Advisors

archivist level $5oo – $999Brendle Financial Group

The Budd GroupCJMW Architecture P.A.Cook & Boardman, Inc.The Dickson Foundation

Excalibur Direct Mail Marketing

The Historic Brookstown InnKaplan Early Learning Center

Leonard Ryden Burr Real EstateRobinson & Lawing, LLP

ShelcoSylvester & Cockrum, Inc.

The Tavern in Old SalemT.W. Garner Foods

Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce Architects, P.A.Wells Jenkins Lucas & Jenkins, PLLC

Pillars of Our CommunityBonding Together As Business Friends of Old Salem


calendarthrough december 31, 2o14

novemberNovember 1 – Scout Day: Keeping the HarvestA good harvest was a blessing in Salem! Join us for a fun andeducational day. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Scouts/$8, Leaders/$14.Pre-registration required.*

November 1, 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, & 21 – Puppet Show:The Great Turkey TrotThe Whites trot turkeys to market in Washington, DC and meetan American President. 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. November 1 show times are 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Included with All-In-One ticket or $2 for puppet show only. Frank L. Horton Museum Center.

November 8 – Garden Workshop:A Day in the Life of a CheesemakerLearn about different kinds of cheeses and how they are made in Piedmont North Carolina. 10 – 11 a.m. FREE. Single Brothers’ Workshop. To register, email [email protected] or leave a message at 336-721-7357.

November 8 – Shops at Old Salem Holiday Open HouseMusic, food, craftsmen, authors, storytelling, vendors, shopping, and more! 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. Old Salem Visitor Center and Retail Stores.

November 8 – MESDA Saturday Seminar: Take a Chair!American chair design from early southern chairs at MESDA, tocurrent examples in The Art of Seating exhibition at Reynolda House. 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. $65 ($60 for Friends of MESDA/Old Salem).To register, call 336-721-7360.

November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 – Christmas by Candlelight ToursCandlelit tour, music, games, food, and drink. 6:30, 7, 7:30, and8 p.m. $25/adult, $20/children ($23/$18 Friends of Old Salem).Pre-registration required.*

November 29, December 6, 13, & 20 – Saturdays with St. NicholasMeet St. Nicholas and enjoy puppet shows, baked treats, and holiday shopping. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. $7 (ages 2 and up) includes all activities, a souvenir photo, and a holiday snack. Frank L. Horton Museum Center.

decemberDecember 2 – Swingle BellsMartha Bassett and friends perform a selection of holiday favorites at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $18 adults, $5 student/child. James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium, Old Salem Visitor Center. Tickets: carolinachambersymphony.org

December 2 & 9 – Historic Workshop:Holiday Hearth Cooking ClassCook a winters eve supper in front of the fire. 6 – 8 p.m. $40 ($36 for Friends of Old Salem). Single Brothers’ Workshop. Pre-register by November 25.*

November 18 & 20 – Pewter Spoon Historic WorkshopCreate one finished spoon and another to finish at home. 6 – 9 p.m. $40 ($36 for Friends of Old Salem). Single Brothers’ Workshop. Pre-register by Nov. 11 & 13.*

November 20 – Historic Workshop: Slip Decorated Pottery PlateDecorate two slip trailed plates. 6 – 9 p.m. $35 ($30 for Friends of Old Salem). Single Brothers’ Workshop. Pre-registration required.*

November 20 – Garden Workshop: Backyard Conservation PracticesLearn to plan your backyard to protect soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources. Noon – 1 p.m. (bring lunch) Free. Frank L. Horton Museum Center. To register, email [email protected] or leave a message at 336-721-7357.

November 22 – Historic Workshop: Create a Holiday WreathClasses take place at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. $40/adults and children ($36 for Friends of Old Salem). Vierling Barn. Pre-register by November 14.*

November 22 – Garden Workshop: Lovely Leaves of AutumnConvert a trellis into a Christmas tree that will greet guests and recycle for your feathered winter friends. 10 – 11 a.m. Free. Single Brothers’ Workshop. To register, email [email protected] or leave a message at 336-721-7357.


sold out

dEC. 2 sold out


December 3, 5, 10, 12, 13, 17, & 19 – Puppet Show:The Year of the Perfect Christmas TreeAn Appalachian family’s sacrifice and commitment to church and community during WWI. 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. December 13 show times are 3:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. Included with All-In-One ticket or $2 for puppet show only. Frank L. Horton Museum Center.

December 3, 10, 17, & 31 – Wednesday Tannenberg Organ RecitalsFree recitals at noon. James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium, Old SalemVisitor Center.

December 4 – 6 & 11 – 13 – Candle TeaHome Moravian Church’s annual event. Thurs. & Fri.: 1 – 8:30 p.m. Sat.: 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. $5 Adults/$1 Child. Single Brothers’ House.

December 5, 6, 12, 18, 19, & 20 – Christmas by Candlelight ToursEnjoy a candlelit guided tour, music, games, food and drink. Tours at 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m. $25/adult, $20/children ($23/$18 Friends of Old Salem). Pre-registration required.*

December 11 – Christmas Lovefeast at St. PhilipsA Christmas Lovefeast to commemorate the first service held in the African Moravian brick church. Noon. Free. St. Philips AfricanMoravian Church.

December 13 – Salem ChristmasHands-on activities, demonstrations, wagon rides, cooking and more!10 a.m. – 5 p.m. At 5:15 p.m. carol singing and lighting of the Christmas pyramid. Included with All-In-One ticket, Adults/$23;6 – 16/$11. Friends of Old Salem Free.

December 26 – 28 and 30 – 31 – Christmas Week at Old SalemEnjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season. Post Christmas Holiday Sales will be going on in select retail stores.

December 27 – Peter and the WolfFeaturing the Carolina Symphony Players. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and3 p.m. $10/Adults, $5/Students and Children 12 and under. James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium, Old Salem Visitor Center. Tickets: carolinachambersymphony.org

*To register, reserve a spot or purchase tickets, please call 1-800-441-5305.

Old Salem is facing one of the most critical junctures in its 60-year history. Your generous support is essentialto the success of On Common Ground. Please learn more, ask questions and become involved. If you want

to help secure the future sustainability of Old Salem Museums & Gardens and your own part of American history, please contact Frances Beasley, Campaign Manager, at 336-721-7331 or visit oldsalem.org/oncommonground.

Common GroundOn

A campaign to revitalize and re-imaginethe potential of Old Salem Museums & Gardens

old salem museums & gardens magazine - fall 2014

Documents

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old salem museums gardens

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historic town of salem

main street winstonsalem

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museums heritage seed

good soil