Last Monday morning…the day after a busy festival…and the staff at Historic Rugby was hoping for a low-key day during which they could get the tents down and start writing thank you notes to volunteers. It was not to be.
Below is Barbara's Stagg's photo showing the properties crew removing the fence below the tree.
As HRI staff arrived to work they were met by trucks from Plateau Electric and Galloway Construction, line and tree contractors. The contractors were there to remove the landmark white pine tree that was at the corner of the yard at Kingstone Lisle.This was not just any tree. One of the tree trimmers estimated it was 105 feet tall. It had leaned for years over the intersection of all the electric lines for the village, but recently had revealed large cracks near the top. It was just a matter of time before it would fall and take the village’s electricity with it.
So the Historic Rugby properties staff was called to quickly remove some of the beautiful wood fencing that surrounds Thomas Hughes’ historic home to protect the fence from falling limbs. Then the cherry picker truck backed into the yard across the front flower beds, obliterating the newly planted lockspur and English primrose plants with one support leg extended into the corner of the Victorian circular flower bed that had been planted with ageratum and dusty miller only a few weeks earlier.
A small crowd of villagers gathered to watch as two men in the cherry picker bucket took their chain saw and rather carefully dropped the low-lying limbs so as to avoid the house, the circular flower beds and the remaining fencing – not to mention the festival admissions tent (on loan from a funeral home) that was still up just outside the fence line.
Above is Barbara Stagg's photo of onlookers Fred Oliver, Eric Wilson, Rick Murphy, Jodye Weiler and Marilyn HuryWhen no more limbs could be reached from the extended arm of the truck, one intrepid and heavily tattooed fellow named Danny St. John of Oneida hooked his climbing strap around the tree and began to climb…with a chainsaw in one hand. He did an amazing job of removing the rest of the limbs and climbing to almost the top of the huge tree. This was followed by the dropping of the very top of the tree which happened so fast most of us did not get a photo of it. He then removed each segment working from the top down.
While the limbs and truck did make a temporary mess of the Kingstone Lisle front yard, in just a few days HRI had the yard cleaned up, the fence repaired and back up and grass seeded in the yard. Thanks to John Gilliat, Robin Sexton, Doug Piercy and William Crabtree for all their hard work.
Earl of Glasgow to Visit
By Barbara Stagg
Patrick Boyle, the current Earl of Glasgow, and a descendant of John Boyle, the former Earl of Glasgow, who helped establish the Rugby Colony, will be in Rugby with his cousin Beatrice Boyle, on Monday and Tuesday, June 1 and 2. He will be on his way to Greenville, SC, to be the honored guest at the Highland Games there later in the week.
By Barbara Stagg
Patrick Boyle, the current Earl of Glasgow, and a descendant of John Boyle, the former Earl of Glasgow, who helped establish the Rugby Colony, will be in Rugby with his cousin Beatrice Boyle, on Monday and Tuesday, June 1 and 2. He will be on his way to Greenville, SC, to be the honored guest at the Highland Games there later in the week.
Historic Rugby plans to have some type of reception and perhaps dinner at the Cafe on Tuesday evening, June 2, so village folk can meet them. Elsie Taylor Dodson, whose great-grandfather Thomas Taylor was the manager of the Boyle's Glade Farm, will also be an honored guest. Watch for more details from Historic Rugby later in the week.
It’s Fun Having Fun
By Eric Wilson
Last wednesday Bob and Mary Hemminger (canoe) and Vi Biehl and Eric Wilson (kayaks) floated the Clear Fork from Peters Bridge to Brewster Bridge. The weather was perfect and there was just enough water to make things interesting; we scraped bottom occasionally but had to get out of the boats only once. It had been a few years since we floated that section of the river and we wondered why it took us so long to get back to it. The riverside scenery is beautiful, the water clear, and there is enough current to help you along. The trip took three hours with a lunch stop; a good length for out-of-shape paddlers. Vi and Eric would be glad to hear from anyone who is interested in doing this trip. We can keep an eye on the water and send a note out when it is at the right level.
More Recycling Coming
By George Zepp
Morgan County plans in June to make mixed paper and food (tin) can recycling available at our Brewstertown trash convenience center, where cardboard and aluminum cans can already be taken. This information comes from Eric Andelman, the county's recycling coordinator. (His number is 346-7782.) Unfortunately, plastic and glass will still have to be taken to the collection container at Allardt outside Burnett's market (although plastic is accepted in Wartburg). So save your paper and cans for the next few weeks and then take it on the scenic trip to our own "dump" for earth-friendly recycling!
Also, Andelman said he is ready and willing to help with plastic bags and even a pickup truck when Rugby organizes another roadside litter pickup. (Road signs are already on site at Historic Rugby's workshop.) We may want to wait until just after the state mows the shoulder, assuming that will happen this year despite state budget cutbacks.
And Speaking of Trash
By Eric Wilson
For many years Rugby folks who walk the Laurel Dale Cemetery Road have kept that area trash-free. Large Park Service dumpsters at the Meeting of the Waters trailhead were an easy place to deposit items picked up along the road or in the cemetery parking area. Unfortunately the Park Service has removed those dumpsters. Apparently someone was stuffing them full with household trash. If anyone reading this has any influence with the Park Service, please ask them whether they can be brought back. If they are returned I will take responsibility for seeing that they are no longer used to dispose of large amounts of household garbage.
Nature Safari Saturday Night
By Linda Konig
Don't forget the Nature Night Safari Saturday night, May 30th, that I will be leading. We'll meet at the Community Center between 8:30 and 9 p.m. With any luck, we'll have a feast for the senses, hearing bird, insect and frog calls, seeing things that glow in the dark, smelling and tasting night-blooming flowers, finding creatures that fly, slither, and crawl. See below for workshop registration details.
Historic Rugby News
By Cheryl Cribbet
New Historic Rugby T-shirts have arrived and are now for sale at the Commissary. This year’s shirt is a natural color (matches the new totes) with black graphics (Church & Library). T-shirts, mugs and totes would make a great gift pack!
It’s Fun Having Fun
By Eric Wilson
Last wednesday Bob and Mary Hemminger (canoe) and Vi Biehl and Eric Wilson (kayaks) floated the Clear Fork from Peters Bridge to Brewster Bridge. The weather was perfect and there was just enough water to make things interesting; we scraped bottom occasionally but had to get out of the boats only once. It had been a few years since we floated that section of the river and we wondered why it took us so long to get back to it. The riverside scenery is beautiful, the water clear, and there is enough current to help you along. The trip took three hours with a lunch stop; a good length for out-of-shape paddlers. Vi and Eric would be glad to hear from anyone who is interested in doing this trip. We can keep an eye on the water and send a note out when it is at the right level.More Recycling Coming
By George Zepp
Morgan County plans in June to make mixed paper and food (tin) can recycling available at our Brewstertown trash convenience center, where cardboard and aluminum cans can already be taken. This information comes from Eric Andelman, the county's recycling coordinator. (His number is 346-7782.) Unfortunately, plastic and glass will still have to be taken to the collection container at Allardt outside Burnett's market (although plastic is accepted in Wartburg). So save your paper and cans for the next few weeks and then take it on the scenic trip to our own "dump" for earth-friendly recycling!
Also, Andelman said he is ready and willing to help with plastic bags and even a pickup truck when Rugby organizes another roadside litter pickup. (Road signs are already on site at Historic Rugby's workshop.) We may want to wait until just after the state mows the shoulder, assuming that will happen this year despite state budget cutbacks.
And Speaking of Trash
By Eric Wilson
For many years Rugby folks who walk the Laurel Dale Cemetery Road have kept that area trash-free. Large Park Service dumpsters at the Meeting of the Waters trailhead were an easy place to deposit items picked up along the road or in the cemetery parking area. Unfortunately the Park Service has removed those dumpsters. Apparently someone was stuffing them full with household trash. If anyone reading this has any influence with the Park Service, please ask them whether they can be brought back. If they are returned I will take responsibility for seeing that they are no longer used to dispose of large amounts of household garbage.
Nature Safari Saturday Night
By Linda Konig
Don't forget the Nature Night Safari Saturday night, May 30th, that I will be leading. We'll meet at the Community Center between 8:30 and 9 p.m. With any luck, we'll have a feast for the senses, hearing bird, insect and frog calls, seeing things that glow in the dark, smelling and tasting night-blooming flowers, finding creatures that fly, slither, and crawl. See below for workshop registration details.
Historic Rugby News
By Cheryl Cribbet
New Historic Rugby T-shirts have arrived and are now for sale at the Commissary. This year’s shirt is a natural color (matches the new totes) with black graphics (Church & Library). T-shirts, mugs and totes would make a great gift pack!
I thank everyone for their tremendous support through out the weekend. It was indeed a pleasure to work with so many of the community members and gave us all a chance to get better acquainted. What a wonderful community!
Thanks from the Church
Benita Howell and Kathy Hicks thank everyone who donated items for the rummage sale at Christ Church and especially to those who helped staff the sale and helped run church activities including tours, a bake sale and children’s activities during Festival. Total proceeds from the sale will top $750, with a substantial amount going to Appalachian Habitat to help them rebuild the Sunbright thrift store, Benita wrote.
Editor’s Note
It was great to have so many articles this week – unfortunately the newsletter was getting so long I had to cut some articles and save a few articles that were not time sensitive for next week.
Birthdays
Thanks from the Church
Benita Howell and Kathy Hicks thank everyone who donated items for the rummage sale at Christ Church and especially to those who helped staff the sale and helped run church activities including tours, a bake sale and children’s activities during Festival. Total proceeds from the sale will top $750, with a substantial amount going to Appalachian Habitat to help them rebuild the Sunbright thrift store, Benita wrote.
Editor’s Note
It was great to have so many articles this week – unfortunately the newsletter was getting so long I had to cut some articles and save a few articles that were not time sensitive for next week.
Birthdays
May 27 - Don Barkman and Irving Martin
May 31 - Vi Biehl
June 1 - Bob Fuchs
Calendar of Events
May 30 – Big South Fork Chapter Hike – Edwards Mountain and Rice Hollow, Wayne County, Ky. Carpool leaving Harrow Road Café at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. Tour a 400 foot long sandstone cave (easy walking – only flashlights needed) and hike along Big Hickory Road into Rice Hollow, an easy 1.7 miles on level and downhill slope to the Gibbs cabin for a picnic lunch. Contact Charles and Lavonne Gibbs clgibbs@highland.net to register.
June 6 – Community Potluck followed by a community discussion with Cheryl Cribbet from Historic Rugby – topics are Pilgrimage and the Community Center.
June 11 – Baby Shower for Alicia Berry at the Community Room 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Everyone is invited – she is expecting a girl!
June 19 – History Club Annual Dinner at Grey Gables. Note that this is a date change from last week. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. followed by presentation by Howard Ray Duncan of a late 19th Century businessman in the Big South Fork area. Dinner of salad, chicken with veggies, rolls and dessert for $12 plus gratuity. For those who prefer, Linda Jones can prepare a vegetarian or vegan meal. Make reservations with Linda Konig at 628-5243.
May 31 - Vi Biehl
June 1 - Bob Fuchs
Calendar of Events
May 30 – Big South Fork Chapter Hike – Edwards Mountain and Rice Hollow, Wayne County, Ky. Carpool leaving Harrow Road Café at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. Tour a 400 foot long sandstone cave (easy walking – only flashlights needed) and hike along Big Hickory Road into Rice Hollow, an easy 1.7 miles on level and downhill slope to the Gibbs cabin for a picnic lunch. Contact Charles and Lavonne Gibbs clgibbs@highland.net to register.
June 6 – Community Potluck followed by a community discussion with Cheryl Cribbet from Historic Rugby – topics are Pilgrimage and the Community Center.
June 11 – Baby Shower for Alicia Berry at the Community Room 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Everyone is invited – she is expecting a girl!
June 19 – History Club Annual Dinner at Grey Gables. Note that this is a date change from last week. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. followed by presentation by Howard Ray Duncan of a late 19th Century businessman in the Big South Fork area. Dinner of salad, chicken with veggies, rolls and dessert for $12 plus gratuity. For those who prefer, Linda Jones can prepare a vegetarian or vegan meal. Make reservations with Linda Konig at 628-5243.
June 21 – Historic Rugby’s Annual Membership Meeting 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Includes updates on Historic Rugby activities/operations, board elections and refreshments. Current member of Historic Rugby can vote in the Board elections. Non-members who are interested are also welcome to attend (and hopefully join).
July 4 - 11th Annual Fourth of July Picnic from 6-9 pm at Lizzie's Place (John and Kathy Hick's home in Beacon Hill). This will take the place of the monthly potluck and all in the Rugby community (and family) are welcome. Bring a dish to share. John and Kathy will provide barbecue, buns, drinks.
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 http://www.historicrugby.org/ )
May 30 - Lessons With The Mountain Dulcimer – Novice/Intermediate 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Instructor: June Goforth. Cost $30.
May 30 - Nature Night Safari 8:30 p.m. until… Instructor: Linda Konig. Cost $8
June 13 – Cast Iron Cooking Made Easy 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Instructor Larry Edmondson. Fee $15.
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 participants.
Call (423) 628-2441 or Toll-Free 1-888-214-3400. Lodging is available at Historic Rugby with a 10% discount to all workshop participants.
NATURE NOTES
By Linda Konig
Beekeeping seems to be an up-and-coming hobby with some of the Rugby guys. So far Charles Gibbs and Boyd Mitchell have hives, and Peter Erickson is planning to get a hive also. Rugby has many trees, bushes and flowers that appeal to honeybees, and three of the most popular trees with honeybees are the native hollies, European lindens, and sourwood trees. Right now, if you stand next to a female holly tree on a still, sunny day, you'll hear the steady hum of honeybees all over their clusters of little cream-colored blossoms. In fact, I never knew that holly trees had blooms till the hum of honeybees called my attention to them a few years ago.
Another popular bee tree, the European Linden, will be blooming in June, and what a feast for our honeybees, which by-the-way, are actually European in origin. Native Americans called them the white man's fly because Europeans brought honeybees with them to American during colonial times, not willing to do without their honey for sweetening.
Sourwoods will be blooming in deep summer, and their flowers look a lot like lily-of-the-valley blooms (little white bells) on curved sprays. Sourwood honey is highly prized.
Though they were imported, honeybees do have natural enemies here, I've learned. Everybody knows how much Pooh Bear loves his hunny, but Charles Gibbs told me bears also love to eat the bee larvae, too, and will tear into hives to get a delicious high-protein and high-carb meal. Naturally Charles is a bit concerned about the bear that's been coming to Wil and Carrie's back yard at night recently.
Another animal that loves bee grubs is the skunk, and they, too, will raid bee hives. Charles is fighting the possibility of skunk raids with nails hammered upward from boards around his hives.
This Week’s Editor is Rick Murphy
By Linda Konig
Beekeeping seems to be an up-and-coming hobby with some of the Rugby guys. So far Charles Gibbs and Boyd Mitchell have hives, and Peter Erickson is planning to get a hive also. Rugby has many trees, bushes and flowers that appeal to honeybees, and three of the most popular trees with honeybees are the native hollies, European lindens, and sourwood trees. Right now, if you stand next to a female holly tree on a still, sunny day, you'll hear the steady hum of honeybees all over their clusters of little cream-colored blossoms. In fact, I never knew that holly trees had blooms till the hum of honeybees called my attention to them a few years ago.
Another popular bee tree, the European Linden, will be blooming in June, and what a feast for our honeybees, which by-the-way, are actually European in origin. Native Americans called them the white man's fly because Europeans brought honeybees with them to American during colonial times, not willing to do without their honey for sweetening.
Sourwoods will be blooming in deep summer, and their flowers look a lot like lily-of-the-valley blooms (little white bells) on curved sprays. Sourwood honey is highly prized.
Though they were imported, honeybees do have natural enemies here, I've learned. Everybody knows how much Pooh Bear loves his hunny, but Charles Gibbs told me bears also love to eat the bee larvae, too, and will tear into hives to get a delicious high-protein and high-carb meal. Naturally Charles is a bit concerned about the bear that's been coming to Wil and Carrie's back yard at night recently.
Another animal that loves bee grubs is the skunk, and they, too, will raid bee hives. Charles is fighting the possibility of skunk raids with nails hammered upward from boards around his hives.
This Week’s Editor is Rick Murphy
