Picnic Concert: The Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet will once again entertain folks on Saturday, June 26th at 5 PM. at the Dowden Pavilion at the Zachary-Tolbert House in Cashiers. Bring a picnic and blanket and enjoy the music! Free to the public - -support donations accepted. 828/743-7710.
Cashiers Historical Society Workshops - 2010
ALL HERITAGE WORKSHOPS ARE ½ PRICE FOR NEW AND CURRENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERS
The Cashiers Historical Society is excited to announce its 2010 Heritage Workshop Series. Focuses include Woodworking, Wildflower Sketching & Painting, and Blacksmithing. All Workshops will be held on the grounds of the Zachary-Tolbert House Museum. For more information or to register contact the Historical Society at 743.7710 or visit www.cashiershistorcalsociety.org.
A series of six one-day, Saturday workshops; each workshop is $75 per person. Participants are not required to attend one to attend another; the class sizes are limited to ten people. 9:00 am until early afternoon - please bring your own lunch and snacks (Refrigeration & microwaves are available).
Edge Sharpening Basics (June 5) – Learn how to sharpen chisels, plane blades, scrapers, and other blades used in woodworking using a variety of sharpening systems (both hand and mechanical). Class includes an overview of blade geometry, a brief history of blade making,, and hands-on sharpening instruction.
Hand Plane Basics (June 12) – Learn how to tune and use both bench and block planes to achieve optimum performance. Instruction in basic plane geometry, sharpening, fettling (tuning), aftermarket products to improve performance, and basic hand plane use. Both metal and wooden planes will be covered, as well as repair and restoration of older and antique planes for actual use.
18th and 19th Century Hand Planing (June 19) – Flatten and square rough lumber entirely by hand using both metal and wooden hand planes. Instruction includes a brief historical overview of hand planes and planning technique, then hands on instruction in the process, skills, and finer points of flattening and squaring of both soft and hard wood lumber. Will also cover techniques for smoothing difficult grain.
Mastering Hand Scrapers (July 3) – Learn how to finish without sandpaper, using flat and curved scrapers. Instruction will cover different types of scrapers, including handled scrapers, as well as sharpening and proper technique. Class will conclude with a live comparison of finishing a scraped versus sanded sample.
Sawing Wood by Hand (July 10) – Master most types of joinery hand saws. Class includes a brief overview of the history of traditional saws and sawing techniques, an overview of sharpening and tuning saws, and instruction on proper sawing technique for both panel and back saws.
Dovetail Drawer Joinery by Hand (July 17) – Learn to layout, cut, and fit a dovetail drawer. In addition to a brief historical overview of dovetailing, instruction will cover design and layout of both through and blind dovetails, proper hand sawing technique, chiseling out waste, fitting and finish hand planing.
Three one-day workshops in drawing and painting wildflowers in watercolor.
Tuesdays: July 27, August 3, August 10. 10:00-2:30
Not required to attend one to attend another.
Bring a lunch; $75 per person; all supplies will be provided. Maximum 15 ppl per class.
What better way to get to know wildflowers than by drawing and painting them? Folks will draw on the grounds of the Zachary Tolbert House, & have access to shelter for painting their own sketches. Participants will produce one or more small finished paintings and will meet rain or shine.
One two-day workshop, Fri-Sat, July 23-24; 9:00 until 2:00; Bring a light lunch and any snacks, $195.00 Maximum 10 ppl per class.
Students will spend two days learning the basics of blacksmithing. Class time will be spent learning to draw a taper, flatten, bend, twist, scroll, and upset hot iron. Students should each walk away with one or more small functional items such as hooks, spoons, forks, spatulas, bottle openers, etc.
Older Articles
Reservations are being accepted for the first Jane Nardy Ramble of the season - "The Sylva and Webster Downtown Walking Ramble". The Ramble is Thursday, June 10 and, like always, has limited space and will fill up fast. Have your spot reserved early by calling 828/743-7710.
Heritage Weaving with Deborah Bryant
On Tuesday, June 8, Local artist Deborah Bryant will demonstrate the process of creating a finished, wearable item tracing the fiber from the sheep - to the spinning wheel - to the loom. Do not be surprised if live sheep are grazing the Zachary Meadow during this Sheep to Shawl demonstration. The activity begins at 10:00 and is free to the public. 828/743-7710.
Go Home with an Apple Tree! - Saturday, April 10, 2010 - Cashiers Community Center 10:00 – 1:00
Folks bring in cuttings off old apple trees that they want to graft onto new rootstock in order to preserve the variety of apple – often a unique, rare variety. The Historical Society provides over 400 rootstock available for grafting – and also cuttings for folks who want to simply bring home an apple tree.
Other activities, all “Food & Apple” themed, include Raffles, Storytelling, Cooking & Recipes, Growers & Agricultural Kiosks, Educational Programs & Presentations, and of course, bobbing for apples.
- Meet Ron & Suzanne Joyner, owners of Big Horse Creek Farm,a refuge of nearly 350 distinct varieties of heritage apples.
- Grafting Demonstration and Workshop With Apple Experts Trevor Howard & Tom Brown
- Apple tree cuttings will be available or bring your own Rootstock will be provided at no charge
- Share your favorite Apple Recipes, Cook your Favorite Apple Dishes There is always much food to show off & share.
- Information on Site Selection, Preparation, and Care w/ NCSU Horticulture Area Agent Christine Bredenkamp
- Apple Crafts, Apple Recipes, and of course Bobbing for Apples
- Free Admission – Refreshments
For additional information contact 828.273.7710
Sponsored by:
Cashiers Historical Society
Cashiers Community Council
2010 Season Opening Event at the Zachary-Tolbert House
On Friday, May 14, the Cashiers Historical Society kicks off its 2010 season with an opening event that has a little something for everyone.
Anna Fariello of Western Carolina University will be presenting her latest book, “Cherokee Basketry: From the Hands of our Elders”. In this work, Fariello reveals that baskets hold much more than food and clothing. Woven with the stories of those who produce and use them, these masterpieces remain a powerful testament to creativity and imagination. Come celebrate this tradition that dates back almost ten thousand years.
Textile specialist Suzanne McDowell will share her knowledge during a special “Bedturning” program. A Bedturning is a participatory gathering where attendees learn ways to interpret the clues in their textiles. “Turners” will draw back or “turn down” each textile while McDowell teaches methods to determine historical content, such as the era created, pattern names, and other significant traits.
Attendees are encouraged to bring in as many as three quilts, blankets, and coverlets to share, as well as any photos or information held about the maker of the objects. Each textile will be photographed and a brief survey form can be completed for the owner’s records.
Also, the spring date marks the season’s first guided tours of the Zachary-Tolbert House Museum. Stop by for a visit; pack a lunch, stretch your legs along the nature trails; spend the day! The House will be open from 11 until 3 and the two programs will run concurrently from 12 until 2. For more information, visit www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org or call 743-7710.
The 2010 Southern Heritage Food Symposium
presented by High Hampton Inn and the Cashiers Historical Society
on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday; May 19,20, & 21, 2010.
The entire three-day event will be held at the historic High Hampton Inn, a National Register Site, on Highway 107 South in Cashiers. Cost is $185 per ticket, which includes access to all five Symposium components, including the Gala Dinner Event on Thursday. All seating is reserved. To register call 828.743.6500
For additional information visit www.highhamptoninn.com & www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org.
Attendees will enjoy a variety of presentations and tastings provided by recognized experts in the fields of Southern and Appalachian Foods. These presenters will connect food to southern life through history, heritage, film, folklore, and stories. These connections will demonstrate how food truly creates a Sense of Place.
- Symposium Schedule
- Wed PM
- Event Opening
- Event Overview and First Presenter Introduction: Sheri Castle
- Program: John Fleer
- Thurs AM
- Welcome
- Fred Sauceman Introduction: Sheri Castle
- Program: Fred Sauceman
- Break
- Program: Sheri Castle
- Thurs Afternoon
- Beth Jones @ the Zachary-Tolbert House Museum at 1940 Hwy 107S
- Thurs PM
- Pre-Dinner-Program: Sheri Castle, Food & Film w/ Earl Cruze
- Dinner Event: Dinner w. Historian Jane Nardy & Chef Sean Ruddy
- Friday AM
- Welcome
- Fred Sauceman Introduction: Sheri Castle
November 2009
Exciting plans for 2010 include partnering with High Hampton Inn to present a three-day Heritage Cooking Symposium and expanded events & opportunities for community volunteers to be involved more than ever with the Historical Society.
The 2009 Jan Wyatt Symposium focusing on Traditional Appalachian Music was a fabulous success. Following in the footsteps of that regional focus, the 2010 Symposium promises to be just as exciting. Guest chefs, guest speakers, and heritage food experts will thrill attendees over a 3-day Symposium that will reveal many fascinating facts about food preparation before the influences of electricity, preservatives, and vast distribution networks. The Symposium is scheduled for May 19, 20, & 21.
Events like the annual Symposium would not be possible without the Cashiers Historical Society Circle of Volunteers. Look for these folks at academic gatherings, house tours, community celebrations, and working with our collection of historic artifacts. In addition, in 2010 the Circle of Volunteers is going to be honored by local historian Jane Gibson Nardy. A Zachary descendant, Nardy is going to lead a caravan of volunteers on a spring history ramble to a variety of significant sights throughout Cashiers Valley. Come join us - Lot’s happening!
Record-Setting Attendance at the Zachary-Tolbert House
The 12th Cashiers Designer Showhouse, an annual fundraiser for the Cashiers Historical Society, ended its 16-day run on September 6. This year’s location, the Historic Nancy Hanks House, provided an unanticipated benefit. Due to the close proximity between the Hanks House and the Zachary-Tolbert House Museum, over 1,500 people visited the Museum and adjacent Grounds. "We expected an increase in attendance," comments Historical Society Volunteer Coordinator Vicky Robson, "but we were all surprised and thrilled at just how many people actually took the time to tour the Zachary-Tolbert House." Normally, the House Museum is open to the public on Fridays & Saturdays and hosts about 50 visitors each day. "I think we have been discovered," notes Director Tim Osment. "For example, this past Thursday we had a bus filled with school children on a field trip, several folks taking pictures, a couple walking their dogs along the paths, and six visitors from Highlands that had come by in June and were anxious to return."
Cashiers’ Newest Trail and Picnic Spot - 8/05/09
New Interpretive Nature Trail at the Zachary-Tolbert House Honors Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Centennial
It took over one hundred years and the efforts of a variety of individuals and organizations, but one of the most beautiful spots in Cashiers Valley has finally received its just due. The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Nature Trail was "officially" designated in June.
The opening of the Nature Trail especially recognizes the efforts of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, an organization that works tirelessly to preserve the places that makes our region such a special destination. In 2009, the Land Trust celebrated its 100th anniversary – making it the oldest land-preservation group in the state. The Cashiers Historical Society, noting the similar goals the two groups share, felt its newly completed Nature Trail and the Land Trust were a natural fit.
The Nature Trail has an interesting tale to tell. Located on Highway 107 South at the Zachary-Tolbert House, it was originally designed by Dale Jaeger, of The Jaeger Company, who completed the original Master Plan for the site. Historical Society board member Gillis MacKinnon supervised the trail design and construction – and was known to jump in with a shovel on many occasions.
Upon completion, HCLT Executive Director, Gary Wein created the natural interpretation of the plan. Designed to highlight both historical and natural characteristics, the trail features stops at two ancient springs positioned on the Headwaters of the Chattooga River. Also included along the Nature Trail are a 19th century Privy, the stump from a fallen hemlock (rings date it over 300 years old), and a sour wood tree. Lumber from the sour wood was used for tool handles, machine bearings, and sled runners. When chewed, its leaves have a sharp taste similar to sweet tarts candy. And we are all familiar with the delicious sourwood honey that bees make from the tree’s flowers.
Completing the trail effort was John Warren of Natural Landscapes. Warren, a Land Trust board member, furnished and installed a boulder rock at the trail head where a commemorative plaque was permanently attached. Warren also created and planted numbered signposts along the trail identifying the various site features.
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Nature Trail provides a splendid, restorative ¼ mile walk. Open seven days a week from sunup to sundown, The Cashiers Historical Society, which operates both the Nature Trail and Zachary-Tolbert House, invites you to pick-up a friend, pack-up a lunch, and stop by. Picnic tables are available in quiet shaded coves and of course, we love pets! One Geocache site is already positioned with another soon to arrive. Personal facilities are located in the nearby Dowden Pavilion and The Zachary-Tolbert House Museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 until 3.
The Nature Trail is a short ride from the Cashiers Crossroads, about two miles South on Highway 107. Park in the gravel lot and look for the trail markers that border the central meadow between the House Museum and Pavilion. For additional information call 828.743.7710 or visit us at www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org
