| Newsletter Archives |
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President's Message Margaret Kerbow has issued a "last call" for by-laws suggestions. Get them to her in writing. Our October meeting will be all-business, but in November we will hear from Dr. Rory Cornish, the new chairperson of Winthrop University's History Department. As a loyal subject of the Crown, Dr. Cornish will give us a different view of the Battle of Kings Mountain. Please be reminded that our October meeting will be on 10/24 (to keep from conflicting with Halloween), and November's meeting is on 11/21 to avoid interfering with Thanksgiving. Finally, let me thank the talented newsletter staff: Ken Spaudling, Jan Ramsey, Cindy Jonas, Grace Ebersold and Dan Enright. |
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Editorially Speaking A Mighty Fitting Tribute By Ken Spaulding On Wednesday, September 11, 2002, there was a standing-room-only crowd at First Presbyterian Church in York. Through the combined talents of the First Presbyterian Chancel Choir and the York Comprehensive High School Concert Choir, the community was treated to an outstanding presentation of John Rutter's Requiem. Both choirs had been in rehearsals since mid-January, and it really showed. Directed by Phil Suggs and accompanied by Dr. John Siler and members Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, the 52 voices combined magically! The Handbell Choir's prelude and chiming of the hour added a melodic, yet reverent, presence to what might have been a very somber occasion. Mayor Eddie Lee welcomed members of the fire, police, nursing, and EMT professions with a special proclamation from the City of York. Rev.Todd Speed's invocation was perfectly presented. Todd reminded us that we were one of thousands of churches across the world and our nation united in presenting this special program in remembrance of the 9/11 victims and their families. I'm certain that this special presentation will become legendary in our community. My seven-year-old son and I sat on the steps of the bell tower and enjoyed the performance. We watched numerous neighbors and friends from each and every generation and denomination ushered to their seats. Both the historic church sanctuary and the church's Family Life Center were pressed into service as approximately 800 people joined together in a special bond of remembrance and personal reflection. The Clover School System lent special equipment so that the visitors and guests seated in the Family Life Center could see, hear, and be a personal part of the moving event. Leaving the sanctuary after the performance vividly brought to my mind the reality of the number of people that were lost in this tragedy. If York's streets were crowded with 800 departing neighbors and friends after the service ended, I could only begin to comprehend the 3,000 lives that were taken or lost so senselessly the year before… On behalf of this newsletter's staff, I would like to warmly thank each and every person reading this newsletter that participated or simply attended for taking part in this special event. |
Halloween Ramblings… By Ken Spaulding This is the time of the year when ghosts, goblins, and witches captivate our thoughts and ideas. Old wives' tales and foolish superstitions seem to take on new lives all their own. Cemeteries seem to be a common denominator Cemeteries have only recently become acceptable topics of intellectual conversations. With the recent surge in genealogy, they have become even more popular. Several years ago my in-laws acquired a forty-acre tract of unimproved land in Bullocks Creek. Their immediate goal was to provide an open recreational area with long-term investment potential for their grandchildren's use and mutual benefit. Along with the forty acres, they acquired two ramshackle farmhouses, a worn-out, primitive, log storage shed, and a very early graveyard. A spring-fed lake was added the following spring, but now only the two fireplace chimneys and the old log storage shed stand as silent sentinels of times long past. The old abandoned graveyard seems to talk and inspire its visitors in many different ways: My son, Matthew, has adopted a very personal kinship to these time-worn stones and the people who lie beneath them. Walking stick in hand, he gallantly guides both family and friends through the tall grass and brambles to visit them whenever he has the opportunity to do so. Matthew's cousins' visit last December was extremely exciting as the three young cousins shared their own ideas of just exactly who the people were, how they lived, and why they died. It was very difficult to keep a straight face as they plotted and planned. It was an unforgettable outing. A visit by some dear friends of ours who work for the National Park Service was very interesting and informative. We learned about headstones and footstones, and about how we might determine how many unmarked sites were contained in the overgrown plot. At an overnight campout this fall, the little graveyard had new visitors once again. Five of the children carefully explored the cemetery and listened intently as Matthew showed them around. Their visit was short-lived with pond swimming, hiking, and exploring so readily available. Later that night just before lights out the sixth little camper was determined that he be taken home. A careful inquiry by the concerned adults revealed that not only did he miss his parents, he was frightened to sleep so close to that old cemetery and its ghosts! Nothing could convince him to stay. He was driven back to York. The rest of us enjoyed a pleasant autumn evening that can only be experienced by tent or open air camping. We promised Matthew and his cousins that the next time everybody was in town we would start to research our little cemetery. We would try to learn the secrets of the forgotten graveyard. Maybe we would uncover some very important historical facts that would make local histories just a little bit clearer. Perhaps we could get a local historian to help us interpret the site and show us where to start our adventure. I sincerely hope the children have other plans this Halloween. I already know that I do… |
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WHAT'S UP DOWNTOWN? By Grace Ebersold I visited downtown on a bustling Saturday afternoon and it was delightful. People were strolling in and out of the stores; I chatted with a few friends and then sat with Mary Anna on her park bench. The downtown was crawling with visitors and locals…such a great feeling! Here is what's up downtown…. Kenny Childers and Jordan Garrett opened a pet shop at 45 North Congress (near the Men's Shop) on October 1st. They sell all sorts of pets…from puppies to snakes. That includes dogs, cats, birds, fish and even hermit crabs. Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 - 7. Robert Smith moved his vacuum cleaner shop next door to the pet store. He services all vacuum cleaners and sells Electroluxs. His hours are 10-5. I stopped to see Shannon Smith at 17 North Congress in her Sew and Sew Shop. She is so delighted to be in York. Sewing window treatments takes up most of her time but she is also making some neat purses. Check out her home accessories----pictures, etc. She also has some lovely silver jewelry. Remember her hours… 9-2 during school sessions and 10-4 on Saturdays. Evenings by appointment only. Woody's Music Store is now in the former "Something Nice" store. It is an extension of the music store in Rock Hill. Tim Jones and Chad Beatty are the owners. They not only sell new and used instruments, they offer music lessons. Used movies and CD's are also for sale. Their hours are MTTHF - 11-7, Sat. 10-5, closed Wed and Sunday. Further down, Nadja Hudson's store (the old Boylin's Department Store) has been sold to Frank Robard and his partner. I understand the store is for rent and apartments are going to be made upstairs. Across the street, I hear the Knotts are renovating the former York Drug Store to expand their restaurant and will have an Irish pub next door. Things are really happening downtown. |
Changing Faces, Familiar Places… By Ken Spaulding Not long ago I was looking for a specific photograph and found myself totally buried in several drawers full of unsorted, un-cataloged personal and family photographs. One particular photo album concerned a family trip to our nation's capital when I was just a young lad of about 11 in the mid-sixties. Arlington National Cemetery, the Capital, the White House and Mount Vernon were among the black and white shots of my trusty Brownie camera. I wondered what those same monuments would look like to my own seven-year-old son today? Recently we visited Historic Brattonsville as a family. We had each been there before, so we had ample opportunity to really concentrate and see the things that were of most interest to each of us. We also were able to listen to what the other family members were personally thinking or experiencing. I was personally enthralled by the period furnishings and accessories throughout the plantation. I loved the grain-painted wainscot on the first floor that my wife Marci found hideous! We both were enamored with the Assembly Room addition and wished we could add a similar structure at our present home. Matthew was caught up in the stories of the Bratton family and their lives. As an only child he could hardly imagine living with thirteen brothers and sisters! He told us how the cotton gin worked and you'd think he had actually used one himself. With a little prompting, our son Matthew could have easily passed himself off as either a member of the Bratton family or an awfully good tour guide. I was amazed at Matthew's factual and historic knowledge. His genuine love and respect for this magnificent historic site duly impressed me. More recently, we visited nearby Biltmore Estate. Marci and I remembered our first visit many years ago when the place was all decked out in its Christmas finery! Perhaps it was the dark and gloomy day when we visited this year but our perception was not the same as it had been on our earlier visits. Biltmore did not seem to be the enthralling place we so vividly remembered. Biltmore seemed way too big and much too grand to have actually been a comfortable, genuine, family home. Matthew enjoyed taking pictures of the architectural gargoyles and griffins with our new digital camera and loved the trophy mounts from Mr. Vanderbilt's personal collection. He thought the indoor pool and bowling alley were really neat but felt the house was much too big to keep clean. He was sure that he and his friends would have loved having all those acres to play on. Matthew really enjoyed his very first visit to "America's Largest Home" but readily told us that it is not among his favorite places to visit. He didn't tell us why he felt that way but he did ask us not to make a visit to Biltmore an annual event. At seven Matthew has been to Disney World, the Cayman Islands, Cozumel, and Alaska. We are hoping to take in the Grand Canyon next summer. Matthew has let us know on several different occasions that he really needs and wants to go to Monticello when we can arrange to do so. We've placed this request high on our list of priorities… It is through the eyes of children that we realize the true importance of our mission as a functional historical society. By combining our interests, our diverse and assorted talents, and, most importantly, our personal and precious memories and mementos, we can faithfully preserve who we are and what we stood for for our children and their grandchildren as well as the unborn generations. Treat yourself: take a child to your favorite historic or a personally meaningful site and listen carefully to what that child has to say. Watch his eyes as he experiences the living past. Share those faded photographs and familiar oral histories and legends. Our children may not see things or remember the things the same way that we do, but it's very important that we offer them the opportunity to experience them just as we have always done. |
Summerfest Jan Ramsey York's Summerfest celebration was held Saturday August 24th in the downtown area. This was an all day event and although the temperature was in the high nineties, everyone seemed to be having a great time. The society sponsored a booth to give out information concerning our group, and also our beautiful historic city. $134 was made from the sale of various items. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this yearly event a success. |
Christmas Tour Jan Ramsey Tuesday September 24th at 7:00 Jan Ramsey and Anne Allison held a Christmas Tour meeting at the Chamber of commerce. The 2002 tour will emphasize York's Main Street. Many ideas were discussed among society members, downtown merchants, and chamber representatives. Tour dates are Saturday December 7th from 4-8p.m. and Sunday December 8th from 3-7p.m.. Tickets will be available at the Chamber of Commerce and some of the downtown shops. We plan to have at least four homes and one church on tour. There will be some added attractions taking place at different locations. Anne and Jan spoke th the Downtown Business Association about the Tour at their October meeting. We are working together with the DBA, the city, and the Chamber of Commerce to make this tour one of the very best. More meetings will be held in the coming weeks and more information will become available as plans are finalized. If you would like to volunteer your services please contact Jan Ramsey at 684-3844 after 6p.m. or Anne Allison at 684-6088. We will certainly have a job for you. |
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McCelvey Ornament Cindy Jonas The Future Business Leaders of America of York Junior High have created the second in the series of ornaments featuring the historic buildings of York. This year's ornament features McCelvey Center, a jewel in York's history. McCelvey Center holds many memories for generations of York's citizens since it served as a school for decades and is serving as a community center and the home of the York County Archives. The first ornament, The Rose, was well-received by the community. There are still some of the first ornaments available. The ornaments will be available at the Christmas Tour and can be purchased by contacting Beverly Meares at York Junior High School at 684-5008. The price of the ornaments is $7. |
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CHC CALENDAR OF EVENTS Brattonsville Oct. 26-27 Battle for Farest Hall - Civil War Reenactment Nov. 9. Colonial Living History Day Nov.23 Cotton Picking Day Dec. 6-8 Christmas Candlelight Tour Mc Celvey Oct. 19 Cantu a capella choir Nov. 16 Creating Your Family History Jan 18 Tribute to Lewis Grizzard MYCO Exhibits Nov 2 The Nick of Time Nov. 8 Rock Hill A to Z |
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COME
TO THE FALL FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN YORK There is definitely something for everyone that day…. What is happening that day??? CONGRESS
STREET FROM LIBERTY TO MADISON 2 - 5 P.M. FARMERS
MARKET OPEN TO SELL PANSIES, APPLES AND PUMPKINS…. 2 - 7 P.M. STREET
MUSICIANS WILL BE AROUND…. 8 p m THE
CANDLEWYKE BLUE GRASS BAND WILL PLAY SCARECROW CONTEST WILL BE HELD…ALL MERCHANTS CAN ENTER. MURAL
PRINTS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE FOLLOWING STORES: ($12) Does
that sound like a fun afternoon or what?
Mark your calendar; call your friends, |