A grim heirloom of war

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

War leaves many ominous reminders.

And one Wilkes family has passed down one grim heirloom for generations.

Bill Joines, 70, of Moravian Falls inherited his great-grandfather’s wooden leg years ago.

The leg belonged to Anderson Cain, who had served as a corporal in Company F of the 52^nd N.C. Infantry in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

Joines, who was accompanied by his wife, Faye, told members of the Gen. James B. Gordon Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) during their meeting Monday night at the North Wilkesboro Elks Lodge about how the artificial leg had been handed down. He said that Cain had been given another artificial leg by the government, but it didn’t serve his great-grandfather’s needs.

“When he got home from the war he had to work and try to make a living like everybody else,” Joines said. “He would try to plow with the other leg and get all tangled up in the honeysuckle vines.”

So Cain made his own.

Cain had moved to Wilkes County from Orange County where he was born in 1837, and met a young lady from here. They were married just before the onset of the Civil War. After he returned from the war he worked as a farmer and a cobbler making shoes in the Moravian Falls area.

The wooden leg, which Cain carved himself from what appears to be field pine, apparently served him well throughout his days. He died in 1900 and had even attended a reunion of Confederate Army veterans which was held in Wilmington. He traveled there by train, Joines said.

Examining the prosthetic leg, one can see where the contact points had been worn smooth. The design was simple, but ingenious. A notch above the rounded post held the remains of his great-grandfather’s the leg, while a longer splint sat along the thigh for support. Two slots cut in the top of the splint allowed Cain to fasten the wooden leg to his belt for added stability.

Joines said he didn’t know details about his ancestor’s wounds. Members of the SCV said they would research roster books to try to pin down what battle or action in which Cain was wounded.

Cain, however, isn’t Joines’ only connection to the Civil War.

During the Monday evening meeting, he told the group about yet another great-grandfather from South Carolina who fought for the Confederacy. Joines only knew his last name, which was Henderson.

“His face was shot off,” Joines said. “The rest of his life, he would walk away if he heard (the song) Dixie being played. He had said that they were playing Dixie when he was shot and he just couldn’t stand to hear it after that.”

Still yet another great-grandfather of Joines’, Andrew T. Law, fought in the Civil War on the Union side.

SCV members told how around 1,500 men from Wilkes had served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War – per capita the second most behind Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. Also, around 200 Wilkes men chose to join the Union Army, members said. But, it was pointed out, that some Confederate prisoners were given an option of being released if they agreed to join the Union Army. Many of those were sent to western states to help put down Indian uprisings.

Joines, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Lebanon in 1958, and a member of the VFW Post 1142 Honor Guard, is proud of his military heritage. And, he’s passing the torch.

His grandson, Jonathan Hayes, took Cain’s wooden leg to school to share with his history class.

“They were all really interested in it,” Joines said. “They wanted to keep it for a couple of days to show the other classes.”

 

 

Tom Dooley opens strong

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

Wilkes Playmakers’ production of Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend opened to good crowds last week.

In its seventh season, the show, written and directed by Karen Reynolds, is being performed at Forest Edge Amphitheatre in Fort Hamby Park off U.S. 421, west of Wilkesboro.

Despite a rained out Sunday evening performance, Reynolds said, “We had a great weekend. We had good crowds and great response. It was just a good opening weekend in general. We’ve had lots of positive comments.”

The play resumed Tuesday evening and will run Tuesday through Sunday for the next two weeks.

“We’ve probably had 300 in the audience each night, which was a nice start,” Reynolds said. “We expect about the same every night.”

The show deals with the lovers’ triangle between Tom Dooley, his childhood sweetheart, Anne Melton, and Laura Foster. Set in the post Civil War era in impoverished Wilkes County, the tale was made famous by the Kingston Trio’s ballad recorded in the 1950s.

Reynolds said she has even received an email from the president of the Yadkin Valley Historical Association praising her efforts with the play and a book by the same title in perpetuating the history of the famed tragedy.

About 60 percent of this year’s audience is from out of town.

Reynolds added that a man from Spartanburg, “who is a real Tom Dooley fan,” came to see the show. “He just loved it,” she said.

As for the cast, “We have a lot of newcomers,” Reynolds said. “It keeps it fresh. There are new scenes. It moves faster. We’re seeing a lot of our kids that started in minor roles moving up to leading roles. Tom Dooley is a glue that helps hold the Playmakers together. Even if some people take a summer off, it’s sort of like family. Plus, it’s so much more fun outdoors.”

The cast includes:

Travis Collins as Tom Dooley, Nicole Hayes as Anne Melton, Kristen Glaze as Laura Foster, Brendetta Huffman as Perline Foster, James Melton (R. G. Absher), Lotty Foster (Dianne Steele), Ma Dooley (Debbie Matney), Gwendolyn Smith (Paula Joines), Gwendolyn Smith’s daughters, Ida Mae (Lauren Glaze) and Mary Beth (Cassandra McGuire), Jenny Lynn (Jordan Joines), Calvin Cowles (David Reynolds), Martha Cowles     (Susan Ringo), Julia Grayson (Melissa Walker), James Grayson (Drew Hicks), Jack Adkins (Lucas Matney), Governor Vance (Brad Jenkins), Delivery Boy at Lotty’s (William Burke), Celia Scott (Kathy Reagan), Eliza Dooley (Leah Zapp), Anna Dooley (Stephanie Burke), Preacher Eller (Eric Brown), Preacher’s Wife (Jenny McGuire), Betsy Scott (Eli Church), Martha Gilbert (D. J. VanHoy), J. W. Winkler (William Brooks), Jonathan Gilbert (Jacob Reeves), Bob Cummings (Eric Brown), Jack Keaton (Chad Walker), Caroline Barnes (Caitlin Baird), Michael O’Hara (Ben Sloop), Doc Carter (Blake Comby), James Foster (Garrett Griffin), Boys announcing return of soldiers (Carson McGuire, Kevin Glaze), Will Foster (William Davidson), Lieutenant Hendrix (Marvin Cantrell/Drew Hicks), Sam (Brittany Collins), Townspeople:  Kelly Hoots, Kristian Roten, Sunni Key, Jessica Marie Smith.

Show dates are June 27, 28, 29, 30, July 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are still available for all performances and are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors with group rates available for groups of ten or more upon request. 

All tickets may be purchased online at www.wilkesplaymakers.com , by phone 336-838-7529 or by coming by the Benton Hall box office at 300 D Street, North Wilkesboro.  Box Office hours are 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Tickets may be purchased at the amphitheatre site prior to each performance providing tickets are available.  

 

 

 

 

Carolina Cross Connection ready to help

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

Doing good works is a good show of faith.

And Carolina Cross Connection continues to help those in needs – not by money or advice, but by hard work.

“This is a way to show our faith and the love of God in a very practical way,” said Jonathan Harris, camp director for Carolina Cross at Camp Elk Shoals in West Jefferson. “For the staff and volunteers having an opportunity to take what they’ve talked about in church and youth groups and actually do something…it’s a great feeling.”

Over the summer, Carolina Cross Connection will have 240 campers at Elk Shoals. The anticipated goal is to offer help to around 160 families (including in Wilkes) before the camp ends.

The work includes projects like wheelchair ramps, painting, cleaning and roof repair. The group raises money for materials through donations, but asked that people provide the materials for projects if they can.

This year’s campers come from Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey and North Carolina. Each group stays for a week and there are four different week-long sessions, which started June 17 and will end August 4.

As for those who are helped by Carolina Cross Connection, the group takes referrals from agencies or people can call in if they need work or know someone who needs the help. The phone number is 336-877-2058.

 “They can call anytime up until the last day of work which is on Aug. 3,” Harris said.

This is Carolina Cross Connection’s 20^th years and Harris’ seventh with the organization.

A native of Rock Hill, S.C., Harris said,  “I started when I was 12.  I really love it. It’s just something that, everyone involved, it makes them feel good. I’m glad the mission has been able to last as long as it has and will be able to continue.”

 

 

Ronda Centennial draws many

By REBECCA TRIPLETT-JOHNSON

Record Reporter

More than 2,000 people came to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Town of Ronda on Saturday.

The Ronda Centennial Committee, chaired by Lahoma Foster, worked hard for many months to plan the day-long party that thrilled, entertained and educated the crowds that attended.

Kicking off the celebration was a spectacular parade that wound through Downtown Ronda.  Fire trucks from Ronda and North Wilkesboro Fire Departments led the way with sirens, lights and the unmistakable grandeur that only big red fire trucks can display in the eyes of young and old.

Among the many parade units were Boy Scouts, personnel and military  equipment from National Guard Co 505th Engineer Battalion out of North Wilkesboro, new and classic cars, historic re-enactors, East Wilkes High School Band and Homecoming Queen Amber Woodie, the "Big Red Dog' from Jonesville Public Library, antique tractors, agriculture and lawn equipment, church groups, motorcycles, a horse drawn wild west stage coach and a Victorian carriage, cowboys on horseback, clowns, cloggers, and golf carts decked out in parade finery.

The many spectators along the parade route cheered and clapped with each passing group and were happily surprised when many of the riders threw candy into the crowds.

A special Centennial Ceremony fol lowed the parade. Ed Racey from WKBC opened the ceremony and welcomed everyone. Jack Lyonn, a member of the Centennial Committee was emcee.

Boy Scout Troop 648 from Elkin lowered the American Flag and folded it for presentation to Ronda Mayor Howard Prevette.  Upon receiving the flag, Mayor Prevette acknowledged and honored the solemn meaning of the tri-folded flag and returned it to the troop's flag detail.  The troop proceeded to present the colors and raised the flag up the mast as troop members and veterans saluted.

Spectators placed their hands over their hearts as Jessica Earp sang the National Anthem.

Rev. Jody Bewley gave the invocation. Dr. Bill Davis shared history from Ronda's one hundred years including how Ronda got its name.

In 1779, land was deeded to Benjamin Cleveland along the northern banks of the Yadkin River in what was later to become eastern Wilkes County. The plantation that he built and farmed there was named the Roundabout Farm for the geographic features created as the Yadkin River flowed around the land in a horse shoe bend. As families worked near by farms the name of Roundabout was being used to describe the entire region. Eventually, the word Roundabout was shortened and the large farming area became known as Ronda.

Special presentations of honor were made to Mayor Prevette and the Town of Ronda by many local and visiting dignitaries.

They included Wilkesboro Mayor Normal Call and Town Manager Ken Noland; North Wilkesboro Mayor George Church and Town Commissioner Robert Johnson; N.C. House Rep. Tracy Walker; N.C. Sen. Steve Goss; and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Members of Wilkes County Commissioners also attended.

Mayor Pro Tem and Centennial Committee member Jane Combs introduced Mayor Prevette who read his Centennial Proclamation and unveiled the new Town of Ronda Seal. The seal signifies Ronda's rich agriculture, the Yadkin River which is prominent throughout Ronda, and Ronda's many years of railroad travel and transport. The words Faith, Family, Friendship and Farming are placed in the outer bands of the seal as a testimony to the families living in Ronda.

Combs then introduced Paul Soots and his family. Mr. Soots was recognized as Ronda's oldest lifelong resident. He and members of his family and friends then planted a pin oak tree on the grounds of Ronda.

Town Hall to commemorate the historic day. Rev. Bewley gave the Benediction and the red white and blue ribbons were cut by Mayor Prevette to officially open the day's celebration and events.

Crowds filled the streets to view exhibits, crafts and art work on display under the many balloon adorned tents.  Vendors from churches and charitable organizations filled the afternoon air with aromas of freshly cooked food and snacks of home made ice cream and cotton candy.

Historic displays, letters of congratulations from state and national dignitaries including President Bush, demonstrations of life through the last 100 years and a continuous slide show of Ronda places and faces filled the large indoor community center.

Face painting, clowns of all shapes and sizes and balloon creations thrilled children.  A large playground provided kids with activities of bouncing in a huge castle, a dunk tank, use of the Wilkes County Mobile Library and a fire hose spraying challenge provided by Ronda fire department.

The Brown family from Precious Alpaca Farms were on hand with their horse, Mr. Ed, taking riders in an authentic Victorian buggy, while Robert Pardue provided rides in his wild west stage coach.

Many classic and modern cars and motorcycles were on display during the cruise in throughout the day. Hundreds of spectators stopped to admire their craftsmanship and style while reminiscing of drive ins and curb service, once common in Wilkes.  Manuel Brown, President Wilkes County Cruisers said, "It is an honor for the Wilkes County Cruisers to be a part of such an historic and family oriented event."

Music from Key City Boys, Ten More Years, Luther Byrd, Faye Woodie, Gospel Four and Mike May had toes tapping and hands clapping all afternoon.  The Dixie Kickers gave a rousing show of high steppin' rhythms that had everyone in the crowd smiling.

Tapestry blankets were designed by committee member Sandy Earp using photos of historic Ronda.  Textiles Inc., located in Ronda, wove the blankets and donated fifty that were given away as door prizes.

Anyone wishing to purchase a collectable Centennial tapestry can call Ronda Town Hall to place an order.

During the last one hundred years, Ronda has written many pages in Wilkes County's history.  From the Revolutionary and Civil War periods to the many years of productivity and prosperity of industry and agriculture, Ronda stood steadfast.  Even with the unfortunate loss of businesses and structures to fires, floods and company closings, Ronda has continued its role as a town of promise. Through it all, the good people of the Town of Ronda have continued to show strength and commitment through faith, family, friendship and farming.

Mayor Prevette said, "I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to all who came out to celebrate, to everyone who made donations and to all those who worked so hard to make Ronda's 100th birthday such a meaningful and special day.  It really touched my heart and made Ronda proud."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Community Happenings

Wilkes/Blue Ridge Day Camp will be held at Robber’s Den, Fort Hamby, W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir, from July 20-22.  Open to all BSA registered cub scouts, upcoming first through fifth graders. There will be a $35.00 registration fee.  To become a registered BSA scout, call Daniel at 336-408-3543 or e-mail bubbabaird@bellsouth.net.

 

The Best Friends Photo Contest sponsored by the Humane Society of Wilkes ended on May 31.  There were over 150 photos entered, each one a potential winner.  The photos are now in the hands of the jurors, Monty and Brenda Combs.  Mr. Combs is not only an accomplished photographer but also a talented carpenter.  His photos have won places in photography exhibits and also in one of the state’s magazines. Winners of the contest will be notified sometime in July.

 

Shady Grove Baptist Church, located on 268 West across from the Ranger’s Station, will have a special singing service by the group Simply Southern on Saturday, June 30 beginning at 7:30. Prayer room will open at 7:00. 

 

Hilltop Baptist Church will hold Vacation Bible School “Game Day Central” on Thursday night, June 28 and on Friday night June 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. and continuing on Saturday morning. June 30, at 9:00 a.m. until 2 p.m., a pizza lunch will be served. Commencement will be held on July 1 followed by a hot dog supper in the fellowship hall.  Hilltop Baptist Church is located at 161 Fairplains Road, beside CVS pharmacy.

 

Edgewood Baptist Church will conduct an auction on June 30 at 5 p.m. at the church fellowship hall. To be auctioned include items from Gardner Glass, Jeld-Wen, Melody Square, Healing Waters, Korner Cuts, Carousel, and many more.  The auction will follow supper at 5:00. 

 

Middle Cross Baptist Church will have Vacation Bible School from July 16-20 beginning at 6:30 nightly. Classes for all ages. Van services provided. For more information, call Jerry at 336-838-3416.

 

Mansfield 51^st Annual Memorial Gospel Singing at The Grand Ole Singing Grounds will be held Saturday, June 30 from 7:00 p.m. until midnight.  Highway 115, 8 miles south of Highway 421. All gospel singers invited. Free admission. Refreshments will be served by Boy Scouts. Everyone is welcome.