Greetings from Stonewall Manor!               

We hope this letter finds you well and enjoying a very HOT summer!  A great deal has taken place since our last Newsletter and we can’t wait to share it with you.  While we kicked off 2011 with a very COLD winter, thus limiting our events and tours, the downtime was much needed for a very busy Spring and Summer!

March marked the beginning of our 1^st Annual Capital Campaign.  On March 4^th a Social was held for several community leaders and local businessmen and women with an interest in the preservation of Stonewall Manor.  A presentation was done by our President, Morris Wilder, followed by a lecture from Kelly Lee, a representative from Reach Out Rocky Mount – Fun Run for Charities as well as the North Carolina Community Foundation.  In addition, a mailing was sent out to over 600 businesses in the area to coincide with the Social.  The event proved to be a success, and we have received several Capital Contributions since, some directly and some through Reach Out Rocky Mount.

April was a busy month as well, starting with a speaking engagement at Benvenue Country Club for Rocky Mount Kiwanis.  If you are out at Stonewall please take some time to locate the beautiful bluebird box that they donated to us as a gift for having someone speak to their group.  Our Spring Living History/Reenactment was held April 16^th-18^th.  The grounds were covered with a period Civil War encampment accompanied by blacksmiths, the Tar River Dulcimers, a weapons and coin collection spreading over 2 centuries, photography by Mathew Brady and the Fox Hollow Boys Bluegrass Band.  We were lucky to have amazing weather, and the weekend proved to be rewarding for all parties involved.   

May and June have been our 2 busiest months of the year so far.  We kicked off May in a big way with what might be our most successful Derby Day yet.  This year we were blessed with beautiful weather, great food (compliments of the Membership), live entertainment by the The Refried Beans, outstanding auction and raffle items, over 180 guests, and of course… a very exciting race!  Many thanks go out to all those that helped make this year’s event so special, in particular: Bailey’s Jewelers, Tar River Outdoor, Aveda, Levy’s, Almand’s Drugstore, Stonehouse Interiors, TGN-Imports & Gifts, Susan Brooks Jewelry, Benvenue Country Club, Suddenlink, Chambliss & Rabil, Chair & Equipment Rentals, The Refried Beans, and most especially, our loyal and wonderful Membership.  We’ve set the bar this year – and next year will be even better! 

In addition to Derby Day, we were also graced by the exquisite work of Imperial Centre Painter-in-Residence Charles Philip Brooks.  Beginning May 1^st and ending May 9^th, a gallery with paintings by this artist adorned the inside of Stonewall Manor.  We had a great turn out, with a lovely reception to conclude the gallery, and we look forward to having Charles back again soon!  May 15^th was a very important day for the Nash County Historical Association and Stonewall Manor.  In addition to hosting a beautiful wedding & reception with over 250 people in attendance, we also participated in the 2^nd Annual Reach Out Rocky Mount – Fun Run for Charities.  In our last Newsletter, we challenged the Membership to “at least triple” the amount raised last year which totaled $3,222.43.  Thanks to the hard work of Board, Membership and the support of the community, we were able to raise a total of $15,491.13!!!  What a spectacular achievement – and outstanding event – and we should certainly thank the Reach Out Rocky Mount team as well as the North Carolina Community Foundation – for making this event possible.  Having exceeded our goal this year, we can only hope that next year will be even more rewarding! 

June was an exciting month as well for Stonewall.  While rain was sparse, the grounds of the Manor still looked beautiful thanks to the hard work of our Vice President – and head of Buildings and Grounds – Gordon Bunn.  With that said, it was the perfect setting for a wedding and reception the weekend of June 5^th as well as for another wedding June 12^th.  Both events were lovely and showcased the true elegance and beauty of Stonewall.  After 2 weekends of tours, we slid right into July with a birthday luncheon inside Stonewall on the 17^th and then 2 bridal portrait sessions on the 24^th.  In the time between, we received our check from Reach Out Rocky Mount as well as another $15,000 from the Rocky Mount Community Foundation to be used towards repairing the roof of Stonewall.  Lastly, another wedding and reception was hosted the weekend of July 31^st.  While the rain FINALLY decided to pay Rocky Mount a visit, it did not stop the festivities from carrying on, and we had yet another beautiful event.  In addition to the wonderful updates on events that we’ve had at Stonewall, we are also very excited to welcome a new Board Member – Ms. Catherine Blackwell.  We are looking forward to her input and advice as we move forward with the process of preserving Stonewall!

As summer comes to a close, we have so many things to be thankful for.  Not only have we had a very busy 2010 that has increased the awareness of Stonewall Manor, but we’ve also been blessed to have the outstanding support of our community.  Rome was not built in a day, but its grandeur has certainly carried on over the centuries.  We can help Stonewall live out the same reputation if we continue in our efforts to support it.  We must continue to increase our Membership and host events in order to provide a steady income for the Manor – and in doing so – we will be able to continue our mission of preserving, maintaining, and promoting the history of Stonewall Manor both physically and intellectually by offering services that educate, entertain and employ the citizens of Rocky Mount, the county of Nash, the great state of North Carolina and all those passing through it.  With each membership received, each event we hold and each grant we submit, we are achieving our goal of helping to continue carrying out this mission.  Thank you all for your hard work and support, and we look forward to seeing you out at Stonewall soon! 

As fall begins, we have a full calendar of events as listed inside this newsletter.  Please come out and join us as we celebrate Stonewall Manor, the period in which it was built, and the history of Rocky Mount! Ask a friend to help support Stonewall!
                                                

                                                                      Lauren Filliettaz
                                                                      Nash County Historical Coordinator

A Letter from the President

It is obvious from all the exciting events that have taken place so far this year that Stonewall is gaining the much needed attention that is deserved. I appreciate all the efforts and support by everyone that has helped to make this possible.

 As I stated in my previous letter to the membership, 2010 would be a challenging and pivotal year for Stonewall; that reality is coming to fruition. While we have had good success with several events and especially the Reach Out Rocky Mount event raising $15,491, we lost the underwriting support of the Nash County Tourism and Development Authority (TDA). It was this support from the TDA that has afforded us the ability to employ Lauren Filliettaz, our full-time coordinator that has done a great job managing the overall operations of Stonewall. We were also turned down by another local foundation from which we solicited funding and I have met with officials from the City of Rocky Mount and Nash County to no avail.

We have completed and submitted a grant request to Golden LEAF Foundation for a three year commitment totaling $100,000. I believe we meet all the criteria that is required; however, if any one of you have a contact at Golden LEAF that could help promote our cause, please use your influence. Our organization must get this level of support in order to continue our mission of showcasing Stonewall, not only for its historical and educational significance, but as the location of choice to host a function.

 It is also time to start thinking about new Board members. At the end of 2010 there will be the need to rotate several current members. If you or someone you know is interested, contact myself or Lauren with the contact information.

 It is an honor to serve as your President and I am committed to raising the level of prominence of Stonewall as the beacon of our community. Your support is appreciated and you should ask all your friends to join our efforts.

 Sincerely,

Morris Wilder

President