Friday evening it was incredible to see Barbara Stagg’s presentation of historic photos of Rugby that have recently been acquired. She had over 40 photographs that none of us in Rugby had seen until recently, mostly from the 1880s and 1890s, projected on the large screen in the new theatre. For those of you who were not able to attend, here is the complete photo of the original schoolhouse building, which also had space for church services and meetings of the Masons – I had a teaser photo of just the bell tower in last week’s newsletter. This building burned to the ground in 1906 and the current school building which is used by Historic Rugby for exhibits was constructed in 1907 on its foundation.On Saturday night it seemed like the Café was a bit overwhelmed by all the people who were in town to hear the Irish band plus all the people passing through from the yard sale. But I think most of the people who had reservations made it to the performance of The Boys of County Nashville in time to hear a really fine performance. There was a near-sellout crowd of over 100. The very enthusiastic audience almost overwhelmed the performers at intermission and after the performance as they gathered at the stage to buy CD’s. Historic Rugby is inviting the group back for next year’s Spring Festival.
New Beacon Hill Home
The newest home being constructed in Rugby is well underway. Carman Roberson’s Offler Avenue home is going up quickly now and should be totally under roof soon. Here is a photograph that George Zepp took showing the progress.
Farr Horizons Trio
It is less than three weeks before the next summer concert in Rugby. Acclaimed for their sweet blend and varied repertoire, Farr Horizons is a unique bridge linking traditional American and Celtic styles and classical styles. This trio of versatile musicians, (Elizabeth Farr, Rachel Schlafer-Parton, and Stacy Miller) has been charming audiences since its inception in 1986.
The concert at Rugby on Saturday, August 30 at 7:45 pm will present music by Debussy, Delibes, and others, plus arrangements of Appalachian, Celtic, and klezmer tunes, and even a few number once played by ladies of early Rugby – all done in the unique Farr Horizons style, using harp, cello, flute, whistles, hammered dulcimer, percussion, violin, and psaltery.
See reservation details below.
Orphaned Fawns Adopt Rugby
There have been numerous sightings of three small apparently orphaned deer around Rugby. Two hang out behind the Café and one stays near Uffington House. I was told that they have become friendly and will come up people seeking food. I have also been told that it is a bad idea to feed the deer as they get too dependent on humans and less aware of dangers such as automobile traffic.
Welcome Amber
Historic Rugby has a new office secretary, Amber Buck from nearby Sunbright. Barbara Stagg says that, in addition to office work, she's had plenty of hospitality experience and it shows. Villagers, be sure to introduce yourself sometime so she can put faces to all the Rugby names.
Birthdays
August 12 Steve Bell and Susan Dunaway
August 14 Jim Allen
August 15 Helen Keese and Christopher Buck
August 17 Kasey Myers
Calendar of Events
August 30 – Concert – Farr Horizons Trio – 7:45 pm EDT at the Rebecca Johnson Theatre. Tickets must be purchased in advance through Historic Rugby at 888-214-3400 or locally at 628-2441. Adult tickets $10 in advance, $12 day of the concert. Under-age-18 tickets $6 in advance and $7 day of the concert.
September 6 – Community Potluck – 7:00 pm
Exercise Group - Monday and Thursday at 9:00 am EDT at the Friendly House
Dulcimer Class – Tuesdays, 2:00 pm EDT at the Friendly House
Quilters Group - Wed. and Sat. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT at the Friendly House
Nature Notes by Linda Konig
I’ve been enjoying some night-blooming flowers this summer, particularly the wild ones. I’ve even grown a couple of kinds and found others, breathing in their perfume and watching for moths and other pollinators. One of the more exotic-looking ones is the lowly Jimsonweed. I happened upon a patch of them the other day. The large flowers actually open in early evening and remain open all night, releasing their unique fragrance to entice Sphinx moths. They would be especially beautiful under a full moon since they’re white with purple in their throats. Vi and I saw an artistic rendering of this plant with a full moon and a Sphinx moth when we visited the Blue Ridge Craft Center last April.
I actually managed to get a few Dame’s Rocket and Bouncing Bet buds to bloom this summer (thanks to Barbara Lankford),and they had sweet fragrances at night when they opened. Right now, the Virgin’s Bower vines are in flower. Their blooms remain open 24 hours, but their intoxicating scent is only released at night.
Wild Evening Primroses open about an hour after sunset, and their scent is lemony, one of my favorites. They attract moths, but the perfectly camouflaged Crab spiders lie in wait for them in many of the Primrose blooms. There are many more night-blooming beauties, both wild and cultivated, which are well worth viewing on a summer’s eve.
