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Rockingham County Historical Society Museum & Archives, P. O. Box 84, Wentworth, NC 27375 www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com | (336) 3944965 | [email protected] MARC NEWS Museum & Archives of Rockingham County WENTWORTH (336) 3944965 IN THIS ISSUE Feature Article 1 Notes from the Tavern 2 Restoration Update 3 Mr. History’s Highlights from the Past 4 Recent & Upcoming Events 5-6 RCHSMA in Action 7 Letter from the President 8 RCHSMA People 9 RCHSMA Volunteers 10 Letter from the Director 11 MARC your Calendar 12 EditorinChief: Kim Proctor Contribu5ng Editors: Lucy Berry Jean Bullins Rebecca Cipriani Fletcher Dalton Robbin Dodson Judy Wall Brenda Ward Ginger Waynick Contribu5ng Photographers: Brandon Manuel Kim Proctor County Historian: Bob Carter Design, Layout: Rebecca Cipriani Printed by: Twin Rivers Prin5ng & Graphic Arts, Inc. Madison, NC A quarterly publication of the Rockingham County Historical Society Museum & Archives Vol. 1, No. 3 September 2011 A Smithsonian Exhibit is coming in August 2012! Rockingham County Historical Society Museum & Archives (RCHSMA) is pleased to announce that the Smithsonian Ins5tu5on’s Travelling Exhibit, Journey Stories, will be here in Rockingham County from August 11September 22, 2012. The exhibit opening will coincide with the Grand Opening of the Museum & Archives of Rockingham County (MARC) at the historic courthouse in Wentworth, North Carolina. The MARC was chosen as one of six sites in North Carolina to host this exhibit as part of the much acclaimed Museum on Main Street program. The Journey Stories exhibit spotlights the na5on’s defining stories of immigra5on, transporta5on, and the personal journeys of Americans. Each host site adds its own local stories to make the exhibit complete and rela5ve to the history of that region. In addi5on to the honor of hos5ng this exhibit, the sponsoring agencies will provide a professional support team, training, marke5ng materials, funds to make community programs possible, and an exhibit of the highest museum quality. RCHSMA staff recently a]ended the first training session, and, along with local volunteers, we are already working to develop Rockingham County’s exhibits and programs. Journey Stories has been made possible by RCHSMA and the North Carolina Humani5es Council. Journey Stories is part of Museum on Main Street, a collabora5on between the Smithsonian Ins5tu5on and State Humani5es Councils na5onwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

September 2011 MARC News

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Page 1: September 2011 MARC News

Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375  

 www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

MARC NEWS Museum  &  ArchivesofRockingham  CountyWENTWORTH (336)  394-­‐4965

 IN  THIS  ISSUE

Feature Article 1

Notes from the Tavern 2

Restoration Update 3

Mr. History’s Highlights from the Past

4

Recent & Upcoming Events 5-6

RCHSMA in Action 7

Letter from the President 8

RCHSMA People 9

RCHSMA Volunteers 10

Letter from the Director 11

MARC your Calendar 12

Editor-­‐in-­‐Chief: Kim  Proctor

Contribu5ng  Editors: Lucy  BerryJean  BullinsRebecca  CiprianiFletcher  DaltonRobbin  DodsonJudy  WallBrenda  WardGinger  Waynick

Contribu5ng  Photographers:

Brandon  ManuelKim  Proctor

County  Historian: Bob  Carter

Design,  Layout: Rebecca  Cipriani

Printed  by: Twin  RiversPrin5ng  &Graphic  Arts,  Inc.Madison,  NC

A quarterly publication of the Rockingham County Historical Society Museum & Archives

Vol. 1, No. 3September 2011

A  Smithsonian  Exhibit  is  coming  in  August  2012!

Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives  (RCHSMA)  is  pleased  to  announce  that  the  Smithsonian  Ins5tu5on’s  Travelling  Exhibit,  Journey  Stories,  will  be  here  in  Rockingham  County  from  August  11-­‐September  22,  2012.  The  exhibit  opening  will  coincide  with  the  Grand  Opening  of  the  Museum  &  Archives  of  Rockingham  County  (MARC)  at  the  historic  courthouse  in  Wentworth,  North  Carolina.  

The  MARC  was  chosen  as  one  of  six  sites  in  North  Carolina  to  host  this  exhibit  as  part  of  the  much  acclaimed  Museum  on  Main  Street  program.    The  Journey  Stories  exhibit  spotlights  the  na5on’s  defining  stories  of  immigra5on,  transporta5on,  and  the  personal  journeys  of  Americans.    Each  host  site  adds  its  own  local  stories  to  make  the  exhibit  complete  and  rela5ve  to  the  history  of  that  region.

In  addi5on  to  the  honor  of  hos5ng  this  exhibit,  the  sponsoring  agencies  will  provide  a  professional  support  team,  training,  marke5ng  materials,  funds  to  make  community  programs  possible,  and  an  exhibit  of  the  highest  museum  quality.  RCHSMA  staff  recently  a]ended  the  first  training  session,  and,  along  with  local  volunteers,  we  are  already  working  to  develop  Rockingham  County’s  exhibits  and  programs.

Journey  Stories  has  been  made  possible  by  RCHSMA  and  the  North  Carolina  Humani5es  Council.  Journey  Stories  is  part  of  Museum  on  Main  Street,  a  collabora5on  between  the  Smithsonian  Ins5tu5on  and  State  Humani5es  Councils  na5onwide.  Support  for  Museum  on  Main  Street  has  been  provided  by  the  United  States  Congress.  

                                                                                                                                                     

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Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

Notes from the Tavern

Do    You  Know  This  Woman?

Here  are  a  few  hints.

This  young  girl  grew  up  to  be  appointed  as  Wentworth’s  Postmaster  by  Dwight  D.  Eisenhower.    She  served  the  Wentworth  Community  for  thirty-­‐two  years.  

She  has  watched  the  coming  and  goings  at  Wright  Tavern  from  her  front  porch  and,  over  the  years,  she  kept  scrapbooks  full  of  pictures  and  newspaper  clippings  that  document  its  changes  over  5me.  

Today,  she  con5nues  to  serve  the  ci5zens  of  Wentworth  as  a  Town  Councilwoman.  She  is  a  dear  friend  and  staunch  supporter  of  the  historic  Wentworth  Community  and  the  Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives.  

Have  you  guessed  the  name  of  this  spunky  and  determined  mystery  lady,  yet?  Find  the  answer  and  a  current  picture  on  page  9.

Congratula^ons  are  in  Order  RCHSMA  member  Milton  Hundley  recently  returned  from  a  much  an5cipated  and  thoroughly  enjoyable  trip  out  West.    Dr.  Alton  Dooley,  Jr.,  the  assistant  curator  of  the  Virginia  Museum  of  Natural  History  in  Mar5nsville,  invited  Milton  to  join  an  archeological  dig  in  Greybull,  Wyoming  during  June.

 As  the  saying  goes,  “A  picture  is  worth  a  thousand  words.”      Here,  Milton  is  holding  a  rib  bone  of  an  uniden5fied  dinosaur  that  he  unearthed  at  the  dig  site.  The  next  5me  you  see  Milton,  ask  him  to  tell  you  about  his  experience,  congratulate  him  on  his  find,  and,  if    you  are  interested,  ask  him  about  the  Rockingham  County  Naturalist  Club,  too!  

TAVERN HOURS

Tuesday-Friday10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday-Friday10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

AND BY APPOINTMENT

Call Wright Tavern at (336) 394-4965

In  the  past,  Wright  Tavern  was  the  site  of  Historical  Society  mee5ngs  and  programs  throughout  the  year,  but  without  a  staff,  it  was  open  to  the  public  only  one  Sunday  aeernoon  a  month.  Visitors  were  rare.  But  that  is  not  the  case  anymore.  

Since  last  fall,  the  Tavern  has  been  open  to  the  public  two  days  a  week.  Now,  visitors  arrive  almost  every  Thursday  and  Friday  to  tour  the  Tavern  or  to  research  their  ancestors  and  find  connec5ons.  RCHSMA  members  also  congregate  and  par5cipate  in  volunteer  work  there.    As  promised,  the  Tavern  is  an  ac5ve  and  lively  place.    We  welcome  you  all  to  drop  in  and  see  for  yourself.    

Our  kitchen  garden  has  produced  a  boun5ful  harvest  that  is  the  envy  of  many  area  gardeners.  Oeen  5mes,  folks  who  drop  by  leave  with  produce,  or  a  basket  filled  with  beans,  okra,  potatoes,  or  corn  might  be  found  on  the  Tavern’s  front  porch  with  a  sign  invi5ng  neighbors  to  help  themselves.  

At  our  August  Second  Saturday  Event,  we  served  heirloom  melons  

from  the  melon  patch  for  the  enjoyment  of  all  who  a]ended.    We  received  rave  reviews!

This  summer,  we  welcomed  Lisa  Meador  to  our  staff  as  our  Historic  Preserva5on  intern.  Lisa  grew  up  in  Rockingham  County  and  came  to  us  aeer  she  graduated  with  her  master’s  degree  in  historic  preserva5on  from  the  Savannah  College  of  Art  and  Design.  Prior  to  that,  she  had  earned  her  BA  in  architecture  from  Virginia  Tech.  

Lisa  can  be  found  at  the  Tavern  every  Tuesday,  Wednesday,  and  Thursday  aeernoon,  where  she  is  carefully  researching  and  thoroughly  documen5ng  all  of  the  restora5on  work.  Lisa  is  as  excited  as  the  rest  of  us  to  begin  work  on  the  Historic  Courthouse  and  Jail.  She  is  a  wonderful  asset  to  our  team!

Spray, NC 1926

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MARC NEWS! PAGE3

Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375  

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

Restora^on  at  Wright  Tavern  is  in  full  swing!

In our last issue, we were waiting to hear from the Covington Foundation about our request for funding. Now we are pleased to report that the foundation agreed that ours is a worthwhile project and awarded us $15,500 to complete repairs to the out buildings and to restore the interior stairway and the servant’s quarters above the dining room at Wright Tavern.

The restoration and repair work on the Tavern’s kitchen, smokehouse, and grainery began immediately and work is moving along nicely. Si Rothrock, of Reidsville Building & Restoration, Inc., and his crew have been working steadily on this project and they are making significant headway.

In the picture to the left, Kent Rierson prepares the smokehouse wall before replacing deteriorated timbers while Si Rothrock and Dr. Lindley Butler (RCHSMA Historic Properties Archaeology and Architecture Oversight Sub-Committee Chair) confer on the project. In addition to the on-going smokehouse repairs, the repairs to the kitchen’s foundation and walls are complete. The interior has been white-washed and the stone floor was leveled and refilled with sand. And, we have begun rebuilding the exhibit in the kitchen.

In the picture to the right, Meg Manuel

(RCHSMA Administrative Assistant) and Marguerite Holt (RCHSMA Vice President) are pleased to present herbs harvested from our kitchen garden and hung to dry in the Tavern’s newly white-washed kitchen, just as it would have been done in the 19th century.

You can stay current with restoration updates by visiting our web-site at www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com. Because pictures cannot give the project full justice, you will want to stop by and visit for the full effect!

We would like to extend a special thanks to Si Rothrock, Kent Rierson, and Russell Hundley, who have worked so many hours in terrible heat to make this happen; Wayne Griffin, of Griffin Landscape, who resolved our drainage issue; Judge Stan Allen, our neighbor, who has graciously given us access to move building materials through his property; and the Covington Foundation, who funded the project and made this restoration possible.

Stay tuned for information on the Grand Re-Opening of Wright Tavern, tentatively scheduled for November of this year.

Restoration Update

Page 4: September 2011 MARC News

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Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375  

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

Mr. History’s Highlights from the PastBob Carter, County Historian

Going Ahead, Reidsville

From: The Greensboro Patriot, 13 April 1871

Reidsville, in Rockingham county [sic], shows more signs of go-aheadativeness [sic] than any little place we know of. - Several new buildings have been put up there within the last year, and several more are now being erected and among them a new hotel under the direction of Dr. Smith. The new Baptist church is awaiting completion for want of funds, but when finished will be a very creditable edifice. Maj. Oaks has given out a contract for the construction of a large tobacco warehouse, which if successful will be followed by others. There is no reason why Reidsville should not become a very good tobacco market as it is accessible to all the tobacco section, with good roads and much more convenient to a large scope of country than other points which now draw the trade. If the other business men are actuated by the same pluck and energy that the Maj. exhibits they will make Reidsville a market. Considerable sales of real estate have been made to Northern people, some fifteen families having already located about town, and gone to work with the evident determination to build up. In addition to these there are ten or twelve more families located at Oregon Hill. We are informed they are pleased with their new home and are quite as well treated by their neighbors as if they had been “to the manor born.” – Others are on the way to join them, induced to come by the flattering accounts they give their new home.

The citizens of Reidsville encourage immigration by asking moderate prices for land and giving purchasers desirable time to pay for it. The act wisely in this and the result is made manifest in the rapid growth of their little town and increase of an energetic and industrious population. While the spirit of improvement shows itself, we hope the citizens there will use what influence they may possess with the Piedmont R.R. Co., to secure the erection of a sitting room for the accommodation of travelers, the one they have there now being scandalously filthy and unfit. Ladies particularly who take the cars there experience how disagreeable the present arrangement, or rather no arrangement is. A guano pile would not be a pleasant place to linger on, but quite as pleasant as the present contracted, filthy quarters assigned to the traveling public. We know that a company which consults the comfort of its patrons as much as the Piedmont does will not neglect a matter like this when called to their attention. Let it be done.

Note: The above article sets the stage for the growth that occurred in the Village of Reidsville in the next few years. Major Mortimer Oaks’ tobacco warehouse was a success and soon two other warehouses were erected in Reidsville. Also within a few years, a number of tobacco factories had been built in town. Such was the growth of the village leading to the incorporation of Reidsville in 1873.

The northern families who settled in and near Reidsville in the 1870s were the Bensons, Clarks, Fillmans, Gladstones, Hitchcocks, Husbands and others. Those who settled in Ruffin Township included the Davises, Dods, Lauders, Ogdens and Stephens.

Page 5: September 2011 MARC News

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Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375  

 www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

Recent & Upcoming Events

The  Civil  War  ExperienceNumerous  ac5vi5es  were  sca]ered  across  the  grounds  at  Wright  Tavern  during  the  June  2011  Second  Saturday  Event.  The  porches  

were  crowded,  the  rooms  were  packed,  and  the  air  was  full  with  the  sound  of  rifle  shot,  melodious  strains  from  the  instruments  of  

local  dulcimer  group  Chords  &  Strings,  the  laughter  of  children,  and  the  conversa5ons  of  friends,  old  and  new,  enjoying  the  day  

together.  The  air  was  rife  with  the  smells  of  herbs,  gunpowder,  the  blacksmith’s  fire,  and  grilled  hot  dogs.    The  Civil  War  Experience  

was  a  great  way  to  spend  a  Saturday  aeernoon,  and  folks  who  stopped  by  were  glad  they  did!  If  you  missed  it  and  would  like  to  

know  more,  check  out  the  video  on  our  web-­‐site  and  imagine  you  are  there.  

Wright  Tavern  offered  respite  from  the  August  heat

At  the  August  2011  Second  Saturday  Event,  we  took  our  ac5vi5es  inside.  Visitors  enjoyed  tours  of  the  Tavern,  working  with  genealogists  to  trace  their  family  tree,  chagng  with  Bob  Carter,  our  county  historian,  learning  to  write  as  it  was  done  in  the  19th  century,  and  hourly  story-­‐telling  sessions.  It  was  too  hot  to  be  outside  for  long,  but  a  chance  to  see  the  horseless  carriages  (like  the  restored  Chinqua  Penn  surrey,  above  lee)  or  read  Mr.  Gumpy’s  Motor  Car  in  the  real  thing  (1926  Whippet,  center)  was  worth  braving  the  heat  and  intermi]ent  rain.  To  accompany  this  lazy  August  ac5vity,  we  served  homemade  herbed  lemonade,  lavender  shortbread  cookies,  and  melons  from  our  garden.  Every  day  should  be  so  pleasant!

To  all  of  you  who  made  these  events  possible  and  to  all  who  a`ended,  we  extend  our  hearaelt  thanks.  We  hope  you  enjoyed  them  as  much  as  we  did!  If  you  missed  these  events,  never  fear;  there  are  more  to  come.  See  “MARC  your  Calendar”  on  page  12  

for  future  opportuni^es  to  enjoy  your  history  with  like-­‐minded  friends.

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Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375  

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

PUBLIC  INVITED  TO  MADISON  FOR  A  JORDAN  CABIN  PROGRAM  AND  TOUR

Jordan  Cabin,  a  clapboard-­‐covered  log  house  that  is  perhaps  the  oldest  surviving  building  in  Madison,  will  be  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  Elizabeth  James  during  the  October  8  program  of  the  James  Hunter  Chapter  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolu5on  (DAR).

Mrs.  James,  who  inherited  half  interest  in  the  Jordan  Cabin  property,  grew  up  in  log  cabins.    In  1991,  she  donated  her  share  of  two  lots  in  the  original  plat,  along  with  the  cabin  and  a  generous  gie  toward  its  restora5on,  to  the  Town  of  Madison.      

Although  the  small  log  dwelling  was  certainly  built  before  1850,  during  restora5on  a  brick  dated  1799  was  found  in  the  chimney.    If  this  date  is  correct,  Jordan  Cabin  pre-­‐dates  the  founding  of  Madison  by  over  20  years.    

Jordan  Cabin  was  carefully  built  and  is  an  excellent  example  of  the  simple  early  se]ler's  home  in  Piedmont  North  Carolina,  having  one  room  downstairs  with  an  enclosed  winder  staircase,  one  room  upstairs,  a  fireplace  on  each  level,  and  front  and  back  doors  facing  north  and  south.    A  log  rear  addi5on  was  in  ruins  by  1998  and  has  been  removed.

The  DAR  mee5ng  will  convene  at  10:30  a.m.,  and  interested  persons  should  come  to  Madison  Town  Hall  at  11:15  a.m.  for  the  program.    The  Madison  Historic  Districts  and  Proper5es  Commission  will    present  informa5on  on  the  cabin's  history  and  occupants,  and  the  Town  of  Madison  will  present  a  cer5ficate  of  apprecia5on  to  Mrs.  James's  descendents.    A  tour  of  the  cabin  will  follow  the  program.    The  Historic  Proper5es  Commission  hopes  to  have  hamburgers  and  sodas  available  for  picnickers.

For  more  informa5on,  please  contact  Ki]y  Williams  at  336-­‐427-­‐4287  or  [email protected].

WENTWORTH  UMC  TO  CELEBRATE  175TH  ANNIVERSARY

Wentworth United Methodist ChurchEstablished October 1, 1836

Moved 23 Years Later to Present Site

The   congrega5on   of   Wentworth   United   Methodist   Church,   1308   NC   65   in  Wentworth,   will   be   celebra5ng   the   church’s   175th   anniversary   on   Sunday,  October  2nd.  A  variety  of  ac5vi5es,  speakers,  and  exhibits  are  being  planned  that  will   be   of   interest   to   everyone.   Pastor   Fred   Moretz   and   the   congrega5on   are  excited   about   having   the   community   gather   to   worship,   enjoy   lunch   and  celebrate  this  historic  occasion  with  the  congrega5on.

Be  sure  to  check  out  the  RCHSMA  website  (www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com)  and  local  newspapers  for  ar5cles  and  informa5on  on  the  day’s  ac5vi5es.

This  antebellum  Methodist  mee5nghouse  was  built  and  dedicated  in  1859  by  the  congrega5on  which  was  organized   in  1836.  It  is  the  last   surviving   pre-­‐civil  War  Methodist   church  building   in   Rockingham   County  and   possesses   one   of   only   two   church   slave  galleries  remaining  in   the  county.  Under   the  direc5on  of  Michael  Perdue,  the  most  recent  restora5on  began   in  1981.  The  sanctuary  is  one  of  the   most   unique   and   beau5ful   to   behold   of   any   in   Rockingham   County.   A   leading   member   of   this   church   was   United   States  Congressman  James  W.  Reid  (1849-­‐1902).

Recent & Upcoming Events

Page 7: September 2011 MARC News

MARC NEWS! PAGE7

Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375  

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

RCHSMA In Action

An  Historic  Moment  and  the  Beginning  of  a  New  Era  for  Rockingham  County  History!

On  July  12,  2011,  Dr.  Lindley  Butler  and  execu5ve  director  Kim  Proctor  presented  the  Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives’  (RCHSMA)  vision  of  an  historic  complex  in  the  County  Seat  to  the  County  Commissioners  and  the  community.  Dr.  Butler  and  Ms.  Proctor  requested  that  the  commissioners  authorize  a  lease  between  the  County  and  RCHSMA  for  the  1908  Courthouse  and  the  1910  Historic  Jail  (both  Na5onal  Register  Proper5es)  in  order  to  create  a  museum  and  historic  complex  in  Rockingham  County.    The  Commissioners  spoke  of  their  support  for  the  museum  project  and  did  just  that.  

Immediately,  RCHSMA  representa5ves  Lindley  Butler,  Dan  Mosca,  Jerry  Owens,  and  Kim  Proctor,  together  with  County  staff  Tom  Robinson,  Eugene  Russell  and  Tom  Wiggins,  began  work  to  nego5ate  a  facili5es  use  agreement  that  would  be  fair  and  beneficial  to  both  par5es  and  the  community.  All  along  the  way,  County  Commissioners  James  Kallam,  Keith  Mabe,  Harold  Bass,  Tommy  Flynt,  and  Craig  Travis  advised  and  encouraged  the  group.

On  August  9th,  the  commissioners  voted  unanimously  to  lease  both  buildings  to  RCHSMA  for  the  intended  purpose.  They  also  awarded  a  $50,000  annual  s5pend  to  offset  the  cost  of  u5li5es  and  they  authorized  necessary  repairs  to  the  1910  Jail.  

The  approval  of  this  lease  launches  a  whole  new  era  for  Rockingham  County  history!  With  buildings  for  ar5fact  and  archival  storage  and  space  to  create  exhibits,  research  and  community  mee5ng  rooms,  RCHSMA  can  now  a]end  to  the  business  of  collec5ng,  preserving,  and  sharing  the  rich  and  diverse  history  of  our  county  on  a  whole  new  level.  

The  historic  Courthouse  and  Jail  will  be  known  as  the  MARC  (Museum  &  Archives  of  Rockingham  County).  Together,  with  the  Wright  Tavern  historic  site,  the  new  complex  will  be  a  des5na5on  that  will  enrich  the  lives  of  Rockingham  County  ci5zens  and  visitors,  young  and  old.  

New  Acquisi^ons

In  June,  Stan  and  Dot  Gwyn  Harper  generously  donated  this  c.  1830  sofa.  The  couch  belonged  to  Dot's  grandparents,  Judge  Allen  Gwyn  and  Janie  Johnston  Gwyn.    Judge  Gwyn  served  as  a  Rockingham  County  Superior  Court  Jus5ce  and  as  a  North  Carolina  State  Senator.  

Their  son,  Julius  J.  Gwyn  (Dot’s  father),  was  a  prominent  a]orney  and  Mayor  of  Reidsville  during  the  county’s  struggle  with  desegrega5on.  His  account  of  those  years,  “Reidsville,  NC:  Establishing  Civil  Rights  Without  Chaos  or  Violence,”  is  available  in  the  Wright  Tavern’s  research  collec5on.

Can  you  imagine  the  conversa5ons  that  might  have  taken  place  among  the  folks  signg  on  this  sofa?

This  fall,  RCHSMA  will  take  possession  of  the  Historic  Courthouse  and   Jail   buildings   in   Wentworth.     We  have   a   great   task   before   us   to   make   our   exhibits  ready  by  August  11,  2012  for  our  Grand  Opening.

Everyone  has  a  talent  and  all  talents  are  needed  to  make  the  Grand  Opening  possible.    This  museum  is  dedicated   to  all  Rockingham  County   ci5zens  –   past,  present,  and   future.    For   the  museum   to   represent  all   areas  of   the   county,   we  will   need   par5cipa5on  from  people  all  over  the  county.    What  talents  will  you  share  to  make  the  museum   successful?     How  will  you  make  your  MARC?

Call  or  email  us  at  [email protected]    for  more  informa5on.

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Rockingham County Historical Society Museum & Archives, P. O. Box 84, Wentworth, NC 27375

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

Dear  RCHSMA  Members,  

First,  I  want  to  thank  everyone  who  worked  so  hard  to  make  acquisi5on  of  the  1908  Rockingham  County  Court  House  and  the  1910  Jail  a  reality.  We  are  grateful  to  the  County  Commissioners  for  entrus5ng  us  with  these  proper5es  and  for  showing  their  support  for  the  county  museum  by  including  monetary  help  toward  gegng  the  project  underway.    

Now,  a  new  challenge  is  before  us  all.  Last  year  the  RCHSMA  Board  members  raised  funds  to  meet  the  $25,000  challenge  grant  offered  by  the  Lillian  M.  Coleman  Founda5on  to  fund  our  professional  staff.  That  challenge  has  been  renewed  for  2011.      

As  of  September  1st,  we  have  approximately  $12,000  in  dona5ons  and  pledges  toward  the  goal.  Mee5ng  it  by  January  31st  REQUIRES  THE  INVOLVEMENT  OF  EVERY  ONE  OF  US!      

Everyone  in  the  county  will  benefit  greatly  from  the  museum,  so  let’s  get  the  whole  county  involved  and  enlist  their  support.    Let’s  show  the  County  Commissioners  how  much  we  appreciate  their  support  and  trust.  Let’s  build  something  we’ll  all  be  proud  of.  

On  September  25th  there  is  an  opportunity  to  help  meet  the  challenge  grant,  to  show  your  support  for  RCHSMA  and  the  Eden  Historical  Museum,  and  to  simply  have  a  fun  aeernoon.  The  two  museums  will  co-­‐sponsor  a  tour  of  the  John  and  Peggy  Burton  home  and  “museum”  from  2  to  5  pm.  You  may  be  asked  to  help  on  that  day.  Please  be  willing  to  do  your  part  with  your  a]endance,  par5cipa5on,  and  your  gies.  Details  about  the  event  will  be  available  in  the  next  few  days.  Look  for  more  informa5on  about  this  event  in  the  newsle]er,  on  our  web-­‐site  at  www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com,  and  in  upcoming  e-­‐mails.

I  look  forward  to  seeing  you  all  at  Fairview  Farm  on  September  25th.

John  Burton,  President

Send  all  dona^ons  and  pledges  to  RCHSMA,  PO  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375.

Letter From The President

Page 9: September 2011 MARC News

MARC NEWS! PAGE9

Rockingham County Historical Society Museum & Archives, P. O. Box 84, Wentworth, NC 27375

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

RCHSMA People

COUNTY HOME CEMETERY MARKER ERECTED

Located  in  the  woods  at  the  intersec5on  of  N.  C.  65  and  County  Home  Road  is  a  forgo]en  part  of  Rockingham  County’s  history.    It  was  the  paupers’  cemetery  for  the  residents  of  the  County  Home.    The  cemetery  was  in  use  for  approximately  one  hundred  and  twenty  five  years.

The  earliest  burials  in  the  County  Home  Cemetery  probably  date  from  1828.  Most  of  the  graves  are  unmarked  but  a  few  da5ng  from  the  period  1924  to  1941  have  small  concrete  markers  made  by  state  prisoners  who  worked  at  the  County  Home  as  “Trus5es.”    The  cemetery  covers  at  least  two  acres  of  land  and  contains  several  hundred  graves.    No  sign  marked  the  cemetery  un5l  1993  when  Jason  and  Josh  Dooley  erected  a  sign  and  small  kiosk  iden5fying  and  telling  the  story  of  the  area.    Recently  a  falling  tree  destroyed  the  kiosk.

In  August  2011,  Geoffrey  Haigler,  a  Boy  Scout  from  Reidsville,  completed  his  Eagle  Scout  project  when  he  erected  a  permanent  marker  at  the  County  Home  Cemetery.  A  brick  column  structure  capped  by  a  piece  of  beau5fully  polished  black  granite  bears  the  following  inscrip5on:

Members  of  the  Town  of  Wentworth  Historic  Preserva5on  Commi]ee  were  involved  in  planning  for  the  Rockingham  County  Home  Cemetery  marker.  Many  of  these  folks  are  RCHSMA  members,  too.  

Thanks  for  the  input  of  the  commi]ee’s  members:    David  Hoagland  (Chairman),  Bob  Carter,  Barbara  Cooke,  Susan  Hall,  Kay  Hammock,  Kim  Proctor,  Cindy  Shannon,  and  Harold  Vaden.  Thanks  to  Geoffrey  and  his  friends  for  cleaning  the  cemetery  and  helping  erect  a  beau5ful  marker  to  remind  Rockingham  County’s  ci5zens  of  this  forgo]en  history.

Rockingham County operated a home for its elderly, homeless, orphans, sick, insane and destitute residents from 1828 until 1955. The remains of an estimated 250 residents both African American and white, lay buried in this cemetery.They are in anguish no more, their afflictions are ended.

May they rest in peace.

Eagle Scout ProjectGeoffrey Haigler 2011

Rockingham County Home Cemetery1828-1951

The  li]le  girl  on  page  2  grew  up  to  be  our  own  Iris  Powell.

Iris,  you’re  amazing!

Thanks  for  everything  you  have  done  and  con5nue  to  do  for  our  community!

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MARC NEWS! PAGE10

Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375  

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

RCHSMA  would  like  to  express  a  special  thank  you  to  all  of  our  volunteers,  who  gave  so  generously  of  their  5me  and  energy  during  the  

previous  nine  months  to  further  the  museum  effort  and  bring  educa5on  programming  to  our  community.  

Our  achievements  would  have  been  impossible  without  you!

Carol  AdamsJames  AndersonJoyce  AndersonKianna  AndersonSandra  AppleRuby  Asbury

Lu  BassWillow  BrennAdam  Bricker

Savannah  BrownJean  BullinsLynn  BurrisJohn  BurtonPeggy  BurtonZach  Busby

Lindley  ButlerBob  CarterDiana  Carter

Rebecca  CiprianiChuck  ClarkJane  Conder

Deborah  CrumptonPayne  CrumptonSammy  Crumpton

Lowell  CurryFletcher  DaltonBarry  DodsonRobin  Dodson

Caroline  Dunnum

Shelton  EarlyEd  EnglishReg  Gentle

Jones  GreshamRomalita  HarrisonMarguerite  HoltDon  HooverMary  Hux

Milton  HundleyJonathan  Jobe

Clarence  JohnsonBrandon  ManuelMeg  ManuelJohn  Mar5n

Elaine  McCollumLisa  MeadorBill  Moore

Anthony  MoscaDan  MoscaFay  Most

Jennifer  NixonVon  Neal

Jerry  OwensMary  OwensSherry  ParkerIris  Powell

Alice  PulliamCharles  Rice

 RC  Mineral  Club

Graham  PervierWayne  RobertsonMichael  Roche

Charlie  RodenboughNell  Rose

V.  Siler  RothrockLinda  Ryan

Wayne  SeymourFloyd  SladeDavid  Smith

Mary  Lynn  SomersTodd  SouthardRichard  TeagueMolly  Thomas

Ira  TilleyRochelle  TuckerZach  Tu]le

Caitlin  WaltersDennis  WaltersGinger  WaynickFletcher  WaynickMelissa  Whi]enKi]y  WilliamsIris  PowellJudy  WallRick  Wall

Brenda  WardWard  Triche

Wentworth  Ruritan  Club

RCHSMA Volunteers

Page 11: September 2011 MARC News

MARC NEWS! PAGE11

Rockingham  County  Historical  Society  Museum  &  Archives,  P.  O.  Box  84,  Wentworth,  NC  27375  

www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com  |  (336)  394-­‐4965  |  [email protected]

Kim ProctorExecutive Director

WHAT WHEN WHERE

Executive &Governance:

3rd Wednesday of the month, 4pm Wentworth Town Hall

African American Interpretation:

3rd Tuesday of the month , 6pm Wentworth Town Hall

Presentation: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 4pm Wright Tavern

Programs: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 4pm Wright Tavern

Publicity: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 4:30pm Wentworth Town Hall

Preservation: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 4pm Wentworth Town Hall

Committee Meeting Schedule

Letter from the Director

Sub-committees and newly developing committees meet on a TBA basis.

Committee meetings are open to the public. These meetings last between one and two hours.

To stay up-to-date with the meeting schedule, check the News & Events page on our web-site at www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com.

While you’re there, sign up to be on our "Week-at-a Glance" e-mail list and get updated each Monday on that week’s schedule and interesting developments. To add your name to the list, simply submit a request through the Contact Us page or e-mail us at [email protected].

The  Wright  Tavern  restora5on  will  be  complete  soon,  our  programming  is  growing,  and  we’re  expanding  our  services  out  into  the  community.  So  many  people  have  worked  so  hard  to  see  this  through.  The  County  has  provided  us  with  two  wonderful  buildings  to  store  and  display  the  county’s  treasures,  with  plenty  of  room  to  share  with  the  community  for  mee5ngs  and  events.    Now,  we  can  build  an  historic  complex  in  our  county.

We  are  embarking  on  an  important  journey  in  Rockingham  County  history.  We  are  building  a  museum  and  with  it  we  will  lie  our  community  up.  Together,  we  can  make  a  posi5ve  difference  in  our  educa5onal,  cultural,  and  economic  situa5ons  and  contribute  to  the  crea5on  of  a  place  that  sa5sfies  us  and  en5ces  others.  With  carefully  thought-­‐out  and  measured  steps,  quick  and  steady,  and  partnerships  that  are  reciprocal  and  strong,  we’ll  make  it  happen  and  it  will  enrich  us  all.  

Please  join  us.  We  need  people  with  vision  and  people  with  strong  backs  and  everything  in  between.  We  need  tech  savvy  people  and  people  who  are  story-­‐tellers.    We  need  people  who  type  and  file,  people  who  write  le]ers,  ar5cles,  and  grants,  people  who  research.  We  need  those  who  build,  who  cook,  and  who  sew.      We  need  people  of  every  age,  every  race,  every  culture,  and  from  every  walk  of  life.  We  need  people  who  want  something  to  get  excited  about.  We  need  people  who  want  to  leave  their  mark.  

If  you  are  a  local  collector,  craesman,  or  ar5st,  help  us  build  our  exhibits  and  par5cipate  in  our  events.  Build  your  visibility  with  us;  show  the  community  what  you  do.  

We  need  your  involvement.  Come  and  be  part  of  this  journey  with  us!

Page 12: September 2011 MARC News

MARC NEWS

September 2011

FROM :ROCKINGHAM  COUNTY  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  MUSEUM  &  ARCHIVESP.  O.  BOX  84WENTWORTH,  NC  27375

Vol. 1, No. 3

MAIL TO:

On Your MARC, Get Set- GO!

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAIDWENTWORTH, N.C.PERMIT NO. 2

MARC  Your  Calendar!September  25:    Fairview  Farm  Tour,  1891  Harrison  Crossroads,  Reidsville,  2-­‐5pmOctober  1:  Southern  Nights  Sweet  Tea  &  Spirits,  BJ-­‐Penn  4-­‐H  Center,  6-­‐11  pmOctober  2:  Wentworth  United  Methodist  Church,  175th  Anniversary  Celebra5on,  Wentworth,  10amOctober  8:  Jordan  Cabin  Dedica5on,  Madison  Town  Hall,  beginning  at  11:15amOctober  16:    Se]le  Cemetery  Clean-­‐up,  Picnic,  and  Tour,  Reidsville,  2-­‐4pm  November  5:    Restora^on  Celebra^on  at  Wright  Tavern,  Wentworth,  10am-­‐3pmNovember  6:    First  Bap5st  Church  of  Madison,  170th  Anniversary  Celebra5on,  MadisonWatch  the  web-­‐site  at  www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com,  call  Wright  Tavern,  or  visit  the  Tavern  any  Thursday  or  Friday,  10am-­‐4pm,  for  more  details.

Return Service Requested

Contact  Us  at  (336)  394-­‐4965  or  by  email  at  [email protected]

Visit  us  on  the  web  at  www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com