John and Kathy Hicks have a new addition to their Rugby household – a 1931 Ford Model A that John got from his brother in New York. It is a beautiful dark brown with black trim and orange wheels. John says it has a real good horn (we heard it Sunday) and rides pretty well as long as it doesn’t go over 50 miles per hour.
Welcome New Fire Volunteers
Two new volunteer firefighters will soon be helping with the Clear Fork Area Volunteer Fire Department, according to Gerald Hanwright. Danny Golden and Buck Barger have recently offered to help. Danny is already a certified firefighter while Buck will be going through the firefighter training. Many thanks to Danny and Buck.
Gerald also said the Fire Department still needs contributions. In particular, he said that one of the trucks needs a new transmission and they will need to replace approximately $500 worth of equipment that was damaged in a recent fire in Rugby.
The Clear Fork Roars
George and I walked down to the Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole on the Clear Fork yesterday afternoon. The waters are about as high as either of us have ever seen them.
Two new volunteer firefighters will soon be helping with the Clear Fork Area Volunteer Fire Department, according to Gerald Hanwright. Danny Golden and Buck Barger have recently offered to help. Danny is already a certified firefighter while Buck will be going through the firefighter training. Many thanks to Danny and Buck.
Gerald also said the Fire Department still needs contributions. In particular, he said that one of the trucks needs a new transmission and they will need to replace approximately $500 worth of equipment that was damaged in a recent fire in Rugby.
The Clear Fork Roars
George and I walked down to the Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole on the Clear Fork yesterday afternoon. The waters are about as high as either of us have ever seen them. All of the usual rocks in the middle of the water are completely covered. The water is totally covering the little sandy area where most people get into the water. The cement diving board support on the rock across the river is totally covered by water.
We didn’t go that far, but I would assume that the trail to the Meeting of the Waters from the Swimming Hole is impassable.
Thank You – History Nighters and Quilters
George and I wanted to thank those who helped with the History Night presentation about Sarah “Sadie” Walton. Marilyn Hury in a vintage hat read the wonderful history written by Sadie’s daughter, Anna Joyce Walton Herr, as well as excerpts from several of Sadie’s letters. Hadley Hury with cigar in hand read excerpts from several Will Walton letters, and Ron Jackson read excerpts from several newspaper reports and a church letter.
Also, thank you to Anna Joyce for all her hard work in documenting Sadie’s life in Rugby. She recently wrote a wonderful little history about Sadie detailing many of the wonderful things she did for the community. The letter did a much better job than we ever could, so we asked Marilyn to read it in its entirety.
Anna Joyce wanted to thank the quilters who recently donated a quilt in honor of Sadie now on display at the Visitor Centre. “It is lovely of the quilters to donate the quilt for Sadie. I am very touched and delighted.”
Historic Rugby News
Although the weather didn't reflect the seasonal change, Historic Rugby celebrated spring in a big way this week-end. Saturday's launch of the workshops with Mara's painting and the Heirloom Garden presentation were big hits and a great start to a very exciting year of events.
The Cafe hosted the Garden Luncheon and the Irish Dinner both on Saturday and received rave reviews. Cheryl Cribbet would like to give special "thanks" to Carmen and Lisa for the wonderful desserts and decorated table featured at the Garden luncheon and Jodie Hester and Rita for their support in finding the extra tea pots we needed for our "tea" theme.
Thank You – History Nighters and Quilters
George and I wanted to thank those who helped with the History Night presentation about Sarah “Sadie” Walton. Marilyn Hury in a vintage hat read the wonderful history written by Sadie’s daughter, Anna Joyce Walton Herr, as well as excerpts from several of Sadie’s letters. Hadley Hury with cigar in hand read excerpts from several Will Walton letters, and Ron Jackson read excerpts from several newspaper reports and a church letter.
Also, thank you to Anna Joyce for all her hard work in documenting Sadie’s life in Rugby. She recently wrote a wonderful little history about Sadie detailing many of the wonderful things she did for the community. The letter did a much better job than we ever could, so we asked Marilyn to read it in its entirety.
Anna Joyce wanted to thank the quilters who recently donated a quilt in honor of Sadie now on display at the Visitor Centre. “It is lovely of the quilters to donate the quilt for Sadie. I am very touched and delighted.”
Historic Rugby News
Although the weather didn't reflect the seasonal change, Historic Rugby celebrated spring in a big way this week-end. Saturday's launch of the workshops with Mara's painting and the Heirloom Garden presentation were big hits and a great start to a very exciting year of events.
The Cafe hosted the Garden Luncheon and the Irish Dinner both on Saturday and received rave reviews. Cheryl Cribbet would like to give special "thanks" to Carmen and Lisa for the wonderful desserts and decorated table featured at the Garden luncheon and Jodie Hester and Rita for their support in finding the extra tea pots we needed for our "tea" theme.
Cheryl would also like to recognize Barbara Stagg (Chef of the evening) and the wonderful Cafe staff for all their hard work in preparation and execution of the Irish Dinner.
Cheryl says this weekend's events reflected the team work of all the HRI staff and the community at large. "Thank you all for helping make this past weekend a wonderful experience."
Harrow Road Café will resume its regular daytime hours, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm, starting this Saturday, March 21.
Friday and Saturday night dinners will resume in early April.
‘Amherst House’ Clarification
Lisa Donegan explained that Emily Dickinson's home was known as “The Homestead” and is located in Amherst, Massachusetts. “Emily herself, a lifelong resident of Amherst, was known as the Belle of Amherst. My naming my new home Amherst House is my way of remembering and honoring her,” Lisa wrote.
Devil’s ‘Cradle’ or ‘Rocking Chair?’
Last week I included a photograph Carrie Thornthwaite had taken of an interesting rock on the old trail which she described as Devil's Cradle rock. I received this interesting email from Eric Wilson about the name of that rock.
“Who knows about common names! But in my experience the rock along the Historic Trail to the Gent's that is called Devil's Cradle in the current Rugby Week was called Devil's Rocking Chair in the past. Perhaps it has been called both of these names. Many years ago (more than 25) someone had actually put up a sign there that said Devil's Rocking Chair. But I don't know who was responsible for the sign.”
Bible Class Schedules New Location
The regular ladies Bible class that usually meets at Deanna's house will meet at Wren's Nest on Friday the 20th at 1:30 p.m. according to Mary Hemminger. Mary will lead the discussion. It will return to meeting at Deanna's house the next Friday. All are welcome.
Birthdays
Harrow Road Café will resume its regular daytime hours, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm, starting this Saturday, March 21.
Friday and Saturday night dinners will resume in early April.
‘Amherst House’ Clarification
Lisa Donegan explained that Emily Dickinson's home was known as “The Homestead” and is located in Amherst, Massachusetts. “Emily herself, a lifelong resident of Amherst, was known as the Belle of Amherst. My naming my new home Amherst House is my way of remembering and honoring her,” Lisa wrote.
Devil’s ‘Cradle’ or ‘Rocking Chair?’
Last week I included a photograph Carrie Thornthwaite had taken of an interesting rock on the old trail which she described as Devil's Cradle rock. I received this interesting email from Eric Wilson about the name of that rock.
“Who knows about common names! But in my experience the rock along the Historic Trail to the Gent's that is called Devil's Cradle in the current Rugby Week was called Devil's Rocking Chair in the past. Perhaps it has been called both of these names. Many years ago (more than 25) someone had actually put up a sign there that said Devil's Rocking Chair. But I don't know who was responsible for the sign.”
Bible Class Schedules New Location
The regular ladies Bible class that usually meets at Deanna's house will meet at Wren's Nest on Friday the 20th at 1:30 p.m. according to Mary Hemminger. Mary will lead the discussion. It will return to meeting at Deanna's house the next Friday. All are welcome.
Birthdays
March 17 - Eric Wilson
March 20 - Carrie Thornthwaite
Calendar of Events
March 20 - Carrie Thornthwaite
Calendar of Events
March 21 - Harrow Road Café resumes normal daytime hours – 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern
March 21 – English Country Dancing 7:30 p.m. Eastern at the Friendly House
March 28 – Big South Fork Chapter Hike at Pickett Sate Park. Hike the Hazard Cave Loop and the short Indian Rockhouse trail for three miles of easy to moderate hiking before lunch, followed by the 2.5 mile Lake Trail loop after lunch. Meet at the Harrow Road Café at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time or at the parking area at the Hazard Cave trail head on TN 154 (south of the visitor center) at 9:30 Central time. Pack lunch and plenty of water. To register contact Tom Howell at 423-628-5521 or email tshowell1003@highland.net.
March 21 – English Country Dancing 7:30 p.m. Eastern at the Friendly House
March 28 – Big South Fork Chapter Hike at Pickett Sate Park. Hike the Hazard Cave Loop and the short Indian Rockhouse trail for three miles of easy to moderate hiking before lunch, followed by the 2.5 mile Lake Trail loop after lunch. Meet at the Harrow Road Café at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time or at the parking area at the Hazard Cave trail head on TN 154 (south of the visitor center) at 9:30 Central time. Pack lunch and plenty of water. To register contact Tom Howell at 423-628-5521 or email tshowell1003@highland.net.
April 4 – Community Potluck – 7:00 p.m. Eastern at the Friendly House
Exercise Group – Monday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Eastern at the Friendly House
Exercise Group – Monday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Eastern at the Friendly House
Quilters Group - Wed. and Sat. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern at the Friendly House
HRI Workshops
(For more details about workshops go to Historic Rugby Website at historicrugby.org)
(For more details about workshops go to Historic Rugby Website at historicrugby.org)
March 21 - Fit, Fun & Yoga with Missy Kane (New) 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Eastern. Instructor: Missy Kane.
April 4 - Natural Woven Plant Trellis – Victorian Rugby Style (New) 10 am–5 pm Instructor: Judy Zugish
April 5 - Natural Woven Plant Trellis - Victorian Circle (New) 10 am–5 pm Instructor: Judy Zugish
April 11 - It’s Spring Wildflower Time! 9 am–5 pm Instructor: Jack Carman
April 18 - String Pieced Quilting (New) 10 am–5 pm Instructor: Joyce Lantz
April 25 - Tennessee’s Frogs and Toads Throughout the Year (New) 7pm – 9 p.m. Instructor: Bob English
TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS: Call (423) 628-2441 or Toll-Free 1-888-214-3400 Lodging is available at Historic Rugby with a 10% discount to all workshop.
April 5 - Natural Woven Plant Trellis - Victorian Circle (New) 10 am–5 pm Instructor: Judy Zugish
April 11 - It’s Spring Wildflower Time! 9 am–5 pm Instructor: Jack Carman
April 18 - String Pieced Quilting (New) 10 am–5 pm Instructor: Joyce Lantz
April 25 - Tennessee’s Frogs and Toads Throughout the Year (New) 7pm – 9 p.m. Instructor: Bob English
TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS: Call (423) 628-2441 or Toll-Free 1-888-214-3400 Lodging is available at Historic Rugby with a 10% discount to all workshop.
Nature Notes by Linda Konig
Just think: March is half over already. Any day now, you might find that first wild ginger, bloodroot or violet. I’ve learned these early woodland flowers have a few tricks up their sleeves for protection from icy blasts and for early propagation. As I read somewhere, “Mother Nature” always has the cards stacked in her favor.
One of her cards involves a process called “ant farming,” or myrmecochory. For example, early violets not only grow flowers that can be pollinated – by wild bees, flies, gnats, etc. – but also tiny flowers that never open. These bud-like flowers are usually lower on the stem, near the ground or just underneath, and contain seeds that ripen without pollination.
When they’re ripe, they have minute protuberances that ants find are irresistible. Ants love them so much they’ll travel up to 70 yards to get them. The ants take the little seeds back to their anthills where they eat the oily knobs on the seed shells. Then the seeds get discarded, often in an unused ant tunnel.
There the seeds sprout and become new violet plants. Ain’t life grand?
Some of our other early wildflowers that produce similar seeds coveted by ants are trillium, bloodroot, wild ginger, hepatica and wood anemone. Watch how you step around those important anthills!
This week’s editor – Rick Murphy
Just think: March is half over already. Any day now, you might find that first wild ginger, bloodroot or violet. I’ve learned these early woodland flowers have a few tricks up their sleeves for protection from icy blasts and for early propagation. As I read somewhere, “Mother Nature” always has the cards stacked in her favor.
One of her cards involves a process called “ant farming,” or myrmecochory. For example, early violets not only grow flowers that can be pollinated – by wild bees, flies, gnats, etc. – but also tiny flowers that never open. These bud-like flowers are usually lower on the stem, near the ground or just underneath, and contain seeds that ripen without pollination.
When they’re ripe, they have minute protuberances that ants find are irresistible. Ants love them so much they’ll travel up to 70 yards to get them. The ants take the little seeds back to their anthills where they eat the oily knobs on the seed shells. Then the seeds get discarded, often in an unused ant tunnel.
There the seeds sprout and become new violet plants. Ain’t life grand?
Some of our other early wildflowers that produce similar seeds coveted by ants are trillium, bloodroot, wild ginger, hepatica and wood anemone. Watch how you step around those important anthills!
This week’s editor – Rick Murphy
