The Blowing Rock Historical Society will meet on Sunday, February 17 at 5:00 p.m. for fellowship, pot luck supper, and a program about Camp Catawba. The meeting will be held at the American Legion Hall at 333 Wallingford Street in Blowing Rock. The program, entitled “Guarding the History of Camp Catawba” will be presented by Amy Renfranz, intern for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.
Ms. Renfranz, an ASU graduate, spent many months of 2007 putting together an historical survey of Camp Catawba under the direction of Dr. Neva Specht, professor of public history at the University. Amy’s interviews with past campers, research into the historical records of the camp, Dr. Vera Lachman’s historical background, as well as that of Tui St. George Tucker, the musical guru of the camp, have added new perspective on the relationship of the camp with its neighbors, the Park Service, the Cone family and the Town of Blowing Rock. Ms. Renfranz’s exhaustive search of deeds and documents has provided more information than has ever been collected about the camp, and should provide a fascinating look at a fairly unknown factor in the early history of Blowing Rock.
If you plan to come, please bring your favorite dish ready-to-serve and serving utensils. The Events Committee will provide drinks, dessert and table settings. There is no charge for the evening. There is no snow date.
Reservations are a must. Please call Ann Williams at 295-0440 no later than February 14 with the number attending and their names.
Future programs planned for 2008 by the Blowing Rock Historical Society include a trip to Shelton Vineyards, the Edgewood Cottage Grand Opening, an evening of entertainment by Joe Shannon, the annual meeting including a program on chestnut bark houses, a tour of the ASU Library, a program about the Blue Ridge Parkway by Ann Whisnant, and the annual Holiday party. We have a full slate of interesting programs for 2008.
We welcome new members at any time. If you are interested, please call Ginny Stevens at 295-3021 and express your desire to participate with the Historical Society, and join us by bringing “food to share” on February 17th . We welcome all who share our mission of protecting and preserving the historical resources important to the heritage of Blowing Rock.