Wednesday afternoon I was out in the yard at Walton Court when I heard some squawking from a distance. Shortly after hearing the racket five flocks of Sandhill Cranes came flying over toward the south in V formations. The flocks flew out of sight and then sixth one appeared – but that last one seemed to have lost view of the leader flocks as it slowed down and circled above Roslyn before getting its bearings and flying on to the south, not in a V but in a line.
The birds seemed to know that colder weather was on its way. Sure enough, it was especially cold a few days after that. Saturday morning when I got up the thermometer showed 11 degrees!
The cold temperature did not seem to slow down the elves who worked Saturday at the Greens Workshop. Rita Elliot said about 30 volunteers showed up. They were successful in completing and hanging Christmas wreaths and sprays all over the village. Rita sends a big “thank you” to everyone who helped this year.
Here is a photo of Rita Elliott and grandson Tyler organizing the bows left from the Greens Workshop
The folks from Christ Church and Brewstertown Church of God who met for a cookout bonfire on Sunday afternoon enjoyed a little nicer weather. About 20 people enjoyed hot dogs and hot drinks around the bonfire near the Tabard Inn site. Preacher Donnie Douglas entertained the group with a funny Christmas poem, while the kids played outdoor games.
Preacher Donnie Douglas, Linda Konig (with hot dog in her mouth) and Tiffany Terry enjoy the bonfire.Thanksgiving Marketplace
Now that the village is decorated, Historic Rugby is focused on preparing for Thanksgiving Marketplace which is this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
Visitors can shop for holiday gifts at the Commissary Museum Store, Spirit of Red Hill Nature Art & Oddiments Shoppe, and Carriage House Gallery, enjoy an authentic British Cream Tea at historic Newbury House, and tour five historic buildings where Christmas decorating has begun. Thanksgiving Marketplace hours are 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Eastern.
The Commissary will have several craftspeople selling their handmade wares directly to the public, including: Ann Bell with her brooms and dolls; Scott Eartherly and his baskets; Lauren Ford, corn shuck dolls; Ray Hatch, woodwork; Ruth Hallman, Christmas ornament stockings; Belinda Lindroos, lye soapmaking; Lana Manis, silk embroidery; Shirline Copeland, pottery; and Rugby’s own Mara Trumbo, watercolor & acrylic paintings.
Printer John Gilliat will be in at the restored Rugby Printing Works from noon to 5:00 pm demonstrating the workings of 19th century letterpress and the art of handset typography.
Also, the Fall Sale is continuing at the Commissary. The offer is 10% off all items in stock, even consignment ones, (and 20% off to Historic Rugby members on non-consignment items). The one exception is Butch Hodgkins prints.
See the calendar below for information on making reservations for the British Cream Tea.
Open House at Shoppe at Zenith Cottage
A Christmas Open House will be held at the Shoppe at Zenith Cottage Friday, November 28 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Ron Jackson invites everyone to come see his selection of Christmas wreaths, arrangements, jewelry and other handmade gifts.
State Natural Area Volunteers Needed
If you are going to be around Rugby on Wednesday, December 10 and enjoy spending time outside, please mark your calendar to help with another round of invasive plant removal. State Natural Areas steward Lisa Huff will lead a work session to pull invasive Japanese Spirea growing along the route of the soon to be built Massengale Homeplace trail and historic spring area. Come to the Rugby Community Building at 9:30 am. (Date may be changed for rain or snow)
Birthdays
November 25 - Marilyn Young
November 28 - Walter Young
Calendar of Events
Nov. 27 – Thanksgiving Day (Historic Rugby’s Café, Visitor’s Centre and Shops are closed for the holiday)
Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving Marketplace – Friday after Thanksgiving, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Eastern – Tours of Historic Buildings, Victorian Santa & his “Reindeer” Dogs, Holiday Shopping and Craft Demonstrations, and Traditional British Cream Tea. Advanced Reservations Required for Traditional British Cream Tea only - call 888-214-3400 – seatings are at 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30 pm Eastern – tickets $16.00.
Nov. 28 – Shoppe at Zenith Cottage, Christmas Open House, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern
Nov. 29 – Hike – The Big South Fork Chapter of TTA is leading a Saturday-after-Thanksgiving hike at the Burnt Mill Bridge Loop. 4.3 mile moderate hike with good views of the Clear Fork. Meet at Harrow Road Café at 1:30 p.m. Eastern to car pool or at the parking area on the west side of the new Burnt Mill Bridge at 2:00 pm Eastern. Register with hike leaders Tim or Lynn Takacs ttakacs@comcast.net or lynntakacs@comcast.net
Dec. 5 - A Victorian Christmas at Grey Gables - 7:00 pm Eastern, Hot Mulled Cider.....Holiday Eggnog and multiple course Christmas dinner with entertainment after dinner by the Cross Family Singers. $27.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Contact Bill and Linda Brooks Jones at 423-628-5252 or email greygablestn@highland.net
Dec. 6 & 13 – Christmas at Historic Rugby. Event includes candle and lamplit visits to traditionally decorated historic buildings, hot wassail & caroling, actors presenting Rugby Christmas Past, seasonal music - $9 in advance, $10 at the door with students (high school or elementary) at $4, and HRI members $6. Traditional four-course dinner is extra by advance reservation only – 2 seatings $29 each, tax & gratuity included. Purchase event and dinner tickets at the Visitor Centre or call toll free 888-214-3400
Dec. 10 – Invasive Plant Removal on Massengale Homeplace Trail Route. Volunteers needed. State Natural Areas steward Lisa Huff will lead a work session to pull invasive Japanese Spirea growing along the route of the soon to be built Massengale Homeplace trail and historic spring area. Meet at the Rugby Community Building at 9:30 am Eastern. (Date will be changed for rain or snow)
Dec. 20 – Rugby Chorus Christmas Performance at Christ Church – 7:30 pm Eastern
Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Service – 5:00 pm at Christ Church followed by a potluck in the Friendly House – everyone is invited
Exercise Group - Monday and Thursday at 9:00 am Eastern at the Friendly House
Quilters Group - Wed. and Sat. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Eastern at the Friendly House
Rugby Related Websites
Historic Rugby – http://www.historicrugby.org/
Grey Gables Bed & Breakfast Inn - http://www.rugbytn.com/
Christ Church Episcopal - http://christrugby.etdiocese.net/index.htm
Nature Notes by Linda Konig
What Cumberland Plateau native crawled up out of the oceans about 400 million years ago? Hints: It looks like a small lobster. Its fossilized “armor” will still fluoresce under black light millions of years from now.
What near relative of the spider can see in every direction at once? Hint: It has unusual organs called pectines beneath its body that can detect movements of prey underground.
What nocturnal animal grabs its prey with its front pincers and stings them with venom that liquefies the victim’s innards, after which it sucks up the juices?
If you answered “scorpion” to each of these questions, you would be right.
We have scorpions right here in Rugby. Ask Wil and Carrie Thornthwaite. They often find them in their basement. George Zepp once found one in his bed at the original Walton Court.
It’s certainly easier to find them in houses than in the wild. I’ve tried with no luck. Due to their keen senses of sight, hearing and feeling, it’s almost impossible to sneak up on one.
Ours are much smaller than these in the Southwest. And ours have stings that aren’t too serious, more like bee stings.
