RUGBY ABOUNDS IN FALL WILDFLOWERS
By Benita Howell
In spite of a deluge early Saturday morning, a hardy group of wildflower enthusiasts made the most of the break in the rain. Without leaving the outskirts of Rugby or straying far from our vehicles, we identified more than fifty plants as we walked the length of a shady road, across overgrown fields, and along the margins of a farm pond.
Here is part of the class on the Wildflower Walk with Jack Carman and Linda Konig. Photo provided by Benita Howell. For more details about Saturday’s walk and a photo of a flower, see Linda Konig’s Nature Notes below.
NATURE NOTES-MORE WILDFLOWERS
By Linda Konig
It's always fun to tramp about looking for wildflowers. It's the most fun, however, when you can do it with other wildflower lovers AND an expert who can teach you some new ones, how to recognize them, how to differentiate between those that are similar, etc. This past weekend, several Rugbeians and out-of-towners went exploring with Jack Carman, author of Wildflowers of Tennessee.
One of the things I admire about Jack is that he isn't resting on his laurels (if you'll pardon the expression) but continues to learn more wildflowers and take new photos of them. So we were in for a treat as he pointed out such "new" wildflowers as Galinsoga (an agricultural "weed" that the British call "Gallant Soldiers"), False Pimpernel, Three-Seeded Mercury, and others. He also had some photographs to show of various wildflowers in our area that aren't in his book and that we haven't seen. Of course, I'm still trying to find all the local wildflowers in his 2001 book, and he's finding more???!!!!!!! But still — how about a new book, Jack?Photo to the right is of a white turtlehead that the wildflower walkers saw on Saturday. Photo provided by Benita Howell
It’s just as wonderful to greet our more common fall wildflowers as each year rolls around again. The Ironweeds, Goldenrods, Black-Eyed Susans, and all the rest are like old friends. Could anything be more beautiful than those rivers of gold that meander through the meadows? Could anything be more eye-catching than the color contrast in Hearts-a-Bustin' berries nestled in their pods? (And, by the way, when is somebody going to write a country music song about "hearts-a-bustin'-with love"?) Could anything be more delicate or lovely than lavender-blue Mistflower on a fall morning? Autumn in Rugby--you gotta love it!Editor’s Note: Speaking of wildflowers, the one above is one we found by accident Sunday in Rugby. Jack Carman’s book shows a similar flower called Leather Vase Vine (Clematis viorna). His listing suggests they normally don’t flower this late. Photo by Rick Murphy
RUGBY HISTORY NOTE
From the "Rugby Gazette," Aug. 16, 1884:
"It is complained that at the English colony at Rugby, Tenn., the congregation in the Episcopal Church prays for the Queen instead of the President of the United States. Still, as our Presidents have got along without the prayers of Rugby for a hundred years, there is no use in making a fuss about it at this late day.
"What a compliment! Rugby is not a failure, and cannot be when her prayers are so powerful that the President can't get along very well without them. The 'Philadelphia Call' is resigned to the situation, but we rejoice to tell its readers that Rugby is loyal, it prays for the President first, and Victoria first afterwards."
Prayer-book-recited prayers were still common at Christ Church for both Queen Elizabeth II and the President well into the latter half of the 20th century.
RUGBY OFFERS BENEFIT CLASSIC ROCK CONCERT
Legacy will share old favorites from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s including songs from the Eagles, Moody Blues, Chuck Berry, Bob Seger and Eric Clapton. Reservations are not required. Bring you own seating as limited seating is available. This is a benefit concert; tax-deductible donations will be requested. NO COOLERS – but non-alcohol beverages will be available.
The Harrow Road Café will start serving dinner at 5:00 EDT each event evening. We recommend you arrive for dinner by 6:30 at the latest to get in on the show.
MICHAELMAS FESTIVAL OCT. 2
By Mara Trumbo
You are cordially invited to an English Cream Tea and all the fun of the fair at our annual, Episcopal Christ Church Rugby, Michaelmas Festival, Saturday October 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Free admission to our Arts and Crafts Fair. Tea will be served at Noon and 2 p.m. for $10 per person.For reservations please call Dorcus McBrayer at (423) 628-1282.
BIRTHDAYS
September - 13 Ted Chrisman
September 17 - Terry Martin
CALENDAR
September 17-- Music at Harrow Road Café with Butch Hodgins and Doug Piercy
September 18 – “Legacy” outdoor classic rock concert at 7:45 p.m. Eastern.
September 24 -- Music at Harrow Road Café with Whitney Phillips Band (Scott High)
September 25 - Historic Rugby Board of Directors meeting - 1 p.m. at the Community Building
October 2 - Michaelmas Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern at Christ Church. Free Arts and Crafts Fair. English Cream Tea will be served at Noon and 2 p.m. for $10 per person. For tea reservations, call Dorcus McBrayer - (423) 628-1282.
October 2 – Community Potluck at 7 p.m.
October 16 – History Club Field Trip – tentatively planning to go to Pleasant Hill, TN, but returning in plenty of time for Book Club.
October 16 – Rugby Book Club at 7 p.m. in the home of Jessie Gully. Choose one of the Stieg Larsson books for discussion. (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Girl Who Played With Fire, Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest). For more information, contact Jessie Gully at 423-628-6090 or jessiegully@hotmail.com
Quilters Group - Wed. and Sat. 2-4 p.m. Eastern at the Friendly House
HRI WORKSHOP CALENDAR
For Workshop Registration, contact Historic Rugby at 888-214-3400 – or email rugbylegacy@highland.net
September 24 - White Oak Basketry Workshop - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Instructor: Bobby Edwards. This very popular three-day workshop teaches the art of White Oak basketry from tree selection, splits, rims and handles to weaving a beautiful traditional basket. This is an experience not to be missed even if it does require “hand strength.” Fee: $130
November 6 - Fall Gatherings Workshop - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Instructor: Linda Konig. Join us in the fields and roadsides to gather dried wildflowers, seedheads, berries and nuts that will be needed to create an arrangement. Learn the names of and interesting information about all your fall gatherings. Fee: $24
November 13 - Contemporary Potlatch Pouch - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Instructor: Judy Zugish. With design choices of twill or braid weave, simple or bold, subtle or refined, this class will engage all experience levels. Students will have a chance to explore working with cedar bark and hickory with the surprising twinkle of copper strips. In every case the results are smiles of the heart and a basket to treasure for years. Fee: $75.
This Week’s Editors: Rick Murphy and George Zepp
