GREETINGS FROM THE NASH COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION & STONEWALL MANOR! 

If you’ve ever had questions about the Civil War era, the time to ask about them is now… now being the weekend of September 10^th – 12^th on the grounds of Historic Stonewall Manor in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.  Perhaps the bloodiest conflict in American history, there are many misconceptions about the Civil War, also known as the “War of Northern Aggression” or “The War Between States”.  From secession, to states rights, slavery and taxation, there is just cause for each and every individuals opinion about this era in the great history of what is the United States of America.  However, there is no better way to experience this history than to attend a living history/reenactment event and witness first-hand what troops went through, how they lived, what kept their spirits high, and how those that survived then gave us the ability to portray the time period today.

During the weekend of September 10^th – 12^th, the grounds of Stonewall Manor will be occupied by a Civil War encampment complete with reenactors, sutlers, blacksmiths, period cooking, music by the Tar River Dulcimers, a coin and paper money collection dating back centuries and a display of weapons from the Civil War.  The event will include educational talks about Civil War military and civilian life, infantry musket loading and firing demonstrations, blacksmith tutorials, gentleman’s duels, a payroll robbery, capturing of a spy, and with any luck… a full scale battle!  One might ask… why do people participate in events such as this?  Who better person to ask than those that are the participants.

Latham’s Battery (Branch Artillery) 13^th N.C. c.o. F, A.N.V.  will once again prepare for battle on the grounds of Stonewall Manor.  Tony King, 1^st Sergeant of Latham’s, is excited about the living history/reenactment weekend because it’s the location of one of their first events and holds a special place in their hearts with regards to the late Sam Lynn, their Colonel and the gentleman that started the group almost 15 years ago.  Tony stated that while Sam’s memory is always with the group, Stonewall is a special place for Latham’s, and that their Colonel is missed dearly.  With approximately 20 members in the group ranging from Captains to Privates, the group tries to stay as close to the roots that Colonel Lynn established as possible.  Tony himself says that he has always enjoyed history, and starting reenacting in 1997.  When asked if there was one thing that he would like people to know about the Civil War era, he stated “That the War was about STATES RIGHTS – not letting the Federal government control our private lives”.  In addition to Latham’s Battery, the Civil War encampment will also include N.C. Naval Squadron, Mallett’s Battalion, Reilly’s Battery, and other civilian reenactors from all over North Carolina and Virginia. 

Karen Mozingo has been participating in living history events for almost 10 years and says that her favorite part, aside from celebrating history, is meeting people from all over the country and making long-lasting friends.  Her husband Bobby has been participating in these events much longer than she has, but the passion that they share for them is equal.  Together they head up the Seven Springs Historical Association.  Her husband Bobby, over the last 2 years, has shifted his reenactor role into more of a living history role, giving blacksmith tutorials and helping his wife Karen with her Sutler, the only one of its kind in eastern North Carolina and one of only a few in the state.  In Civil War times a Sutler would have served as a traveling general store with any and every supply a soldier would need in an encampment, ranging from cookware and tent stakes to tobacco products, coffee and ammunition.  The display that the Mozingo’s bring to the grounds of Stonewall is spectacular to say the least, and you’ll find treasures and period dated artifacts that can be purchased by the public.  They love Stonewall, and enjoy the other groups that participate in the event each spring and fall.  When asked what she would want the public to take away from visiting an event like this, Karen stated “a true appreciation for history and the trials and tribulations that these soldiers went through during war time”.

Stonewall will also be joined once again by the Tar River Dulcimers.  The group has been together for 5 years, and no doubt are asked what a “dulcimer” is every time they play.  When asked how they came up with their name, Connie Button, one of the instrumentalists stated, “We live in the Tar River Basin and a song we really like is about a river.  There are several other groups in the area, so we wanted to make sure our name was reflective of a specific thing and something close to all of us”.  What is a dulcimer you might ask?  The term itself means “sweet music”.  Found mostly in the Appalachian Mountains, it is a true folk instrument made to resemble instruments the early Scottish settlers remembered from their homeland.  Each instrument and each song played on the dulcimer represents a different story, and it is the haunting sweetness of this sound that captivates those who play the instrument as well as those that listen to the music it produces.

The Tar River Dulcimers enjoy participating in Civil War Living History events at Stonewall Manor not only because of the ambiance of the backdrop, but also because it coincides with the time period in which the dulcimer was at its height in the United States.  “We thoroughly enjoy the questions, and it’s always a treat when someone knows the song and sings alongside of us!”  Aside from Stonewall, you can also find this group gracing the halls of churches, the Dunn Center, festivals, nursing homes and other living history/reenactment events.  For more information on the dulcimer, you can look it up on the web or contact Connie Button at 450-6814.  The group encourages anyone interested in learning about the dulcimer or playing one to join them for their monthly gatherings on the every 4^th Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at West Haven Presbyterian Church.

Major Mickey Jones, a collector of coins and weaponry, has been participating in Living History events for almost 9 years.  While he attends less events than others, it goes without saying that his collection supersedes the expectations of all those that view it – and there are few other collections that can compare to it.  It has been almost 50 years since the Major began collecting coins, developing a passion for it before he entered the first grade.  While his collection dates back to 7^th century B.C., he still remembers collecting his first coin.  His love for coin collecting eventually led to his passion for history.  With each coin collected, whether it had an object on it or the face of a famous king, the Major would then research the coin, trace its history and learn about its inception.  This process has been the same for his hobby of collecting weaponry over the years.

The Major began collecting weapons in 1982, and to date has what he calls a “1,000 year collection” with some weapons dating back as far as 10^th century A.D.  “The History of the Shotgun” is his favorite display and he enjoys speaking to onlookers about the evolution of this weapon since its birth in 1700 all the way up until 1930; noting that his favorite has always been the rifled musket muzzle loader, or as he calls it, “the best of the best”.  The Major stated that he enjoys the event at Stonewall because it’s close to home and draws an inquisitive crowd.  His goal at these events – to try and instill his passions into others.  When asked if there was one thing he may want people to know about this passion, he stated “I participate in these events in hopes that people will gain incentive to collect as I have done over the years.  Until a child or an adult can see something like this and actually touch it, they may never know the true value and history behind it – exposure creates an interest.  Just as we’ve seen things evolve over time, so has money as well as weaponry, and it’s neat to be able to witness that first hand”.  Major Mickey Jones will have his coin collection and a weapons display of the Civil War era at Stonewall Manor for the Living History weekend for all who are interested in viewing it.

Saturday evening from 6-9 Stonewall Manor will also feature LIVE bluegrass compliments of the Fox Hollow Boys.  The group, named after a local neighborhood, has been playing together for 4 years and is extremely talented.  All of the members, including James Brown – Mandolin, Larry Taylor – Guitar & lead vocal, George Stewart – Banjo and Mike Edwards – Upright Bass, have developed a love for traditional bluegrass as a result of listening to the genre over the years, and their passion is exercised through their music.  Mike Edwards, Upright Bassist, says that playing at Stonewall Manor is “extremely gratifying – we are all local residents and have a great love and respect for the Manor and its local history.  It is a great honor to be able to keep it alive”.  In addition to gracing the grounds of the Manor, you can also find the Fox Hollow Boys at other community, church and private events around the area.  For more information, you can contact Mike Edwards at 252-904-1675.  Participation at Saturday evening’s event is free and the public is encouraged to come out for some foot tappin and knee slappin!  Admission to the daytime events will be as follows: $5.00 – Adults; $3.00 – Seniors (60+); Children (6 and under free).  For more information, please contact Lauren Filliettaz at 252-442-0063 or visit our website at www.stonewallmanornc.org.  You can also find us on Facebook!

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 "Textiles and Tonalism"

A Gallery featuring Victoria Sowers and Charles Philip Brooks

August 15^th – 27^th

 Historic Stonewall Manor
Tel. 252-442-0063
1331 Stonewall Lane
Rocky Mount, NC 27804

 
Sunday, August 15^th – Opening Reception: 1:00 - 4:00
Evening Viewing Hours: Tuesday – Friday 5:30 - 8:00
Saturday 1:00 – 4:00
Demonstrations with the Artists - Sunday, August 22 at 1:00 – 4:00
(Exhibition ends on August 27^th)
Daytime Viewing Times available for individuals and groups by appointment. 

"Textiles and Tonalism" – an exhibition of new work by celebrated weaver Victoria Sowers and Imperial Centre Painter-in-Residence Charles Philip Brooks will debut at Historic Stonewall Manor in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on Sunday, August 15, 2010. An opening reception will be held from 1-4 p.m. This collaborative exhibition debuts new works by both artists, created with complimentary arrangements of color. 

Free, Public Demonstrations with both artists are scheduled for Sunday, August 22^nd from 1-4 p.m.  Visitors will be able to see first-hand, the process of weaving and the process of painting in the open air.

Victoria Hyatt Sowers has been weaving since she was eight years old.  Victoria and her mother Emily are known professionally as Sandy Creek Weavers.  On historic utilitarian looms, they create contemporary works of art. Their specialties' include rugs, tapestries, wall hangings, and memorial weavings. They have received numerous grants from the NC Department of Cultural Resources and are renowned throughout the Southeastern United States for their school and community weaving residencies. Media everywhere has noted their unique approach to "storytelling" through tapestry making. 

Charles Philip Brooks, born in North Carolina, studied in New England in the studio of highly respected Boston School authority Paul Ingbretson and with the renowned American Barbizon painter Dennis Sheehan. He is primarily a landscape painter, focusing on the landscape of the southeastern United States. His work incorporates elements of impressionism and is firmly rooted in the American Barbizon / Tonalist tradition of landscape painting. One of the most sought-after Contemporary Tonalist painters in America, he is an experienced and enthusiastic teacher. He accepts a select group of painting students in his atelier-style teaching studio, in cooperation with the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences. His evocative paintings are collected across the country. 

Brooks remarks on "Textiles and Tonalism", "Tonalist works are noted for their over-all unity of value and their beautiful, unified tones. In this recent series of paintings, there has been a mellowing of my palette, along with a renewed dedication to the sensitive aspects of naturalistic painting. This exhibit is about harmony. I am delighted to be showing with Victoria, whose weavings also show a wonderful unity and respect for craft and tradition. Her weavings are elegant combinations of texture and color."

Sowers says, "The challenge to create new ways of weaving that are not traditional inspires me.  I create weavings in my mind through emotion, thoughts, and vision that are not "textbook" if you will."  The surprise of the outcome is fascinating"

The public is warmly welcomed to an opening reception on Sunday, August 15 from 1-4 p. m. For more information, please contact Lauren Filliettaz with Historic Stonewall Manor at Tel. (252) 442-0063.

THE NCHA & STONEWALL MANOR RAISES $15,491.13 IN 2010'S REACH OUT ROCKY MOUNT - FUN RUN FOR CHARITIES

Congratulations to the Nash County Historical Association and Stonewall Manor for raising $15,491.13 in this year's Reach Out Rocky Mount - Fun Run for Charities.  At the check presentation ceremony held on July 21, 2010, local non-profits received a total of $455,118, almost doubling last years numbers.  These funds came from local and out of town donor's dedicated to seeing Rocky Mount's non-profit organizations succeed in giving back to the community and making our city a better place to live.  We are so thankful to our Board of Directors and our Membership for their contributions to this years event as well as all of the other donor's that recognized our non-profits need for support.  In our most recent Newsletter, a request was made to at least triple the amount that was raised by the historical association last year - $3222.43.  There is no doubt that all those that contributed to this years success answered that call - and we can't wait to see what happens next year!!!