How they hang him 
Safety top priority in execution scene

By JERRY LANKFORD
Record Editor

David Ormond stared stone-faced at the gallows on the stage of Critz Auditorium in Benton Hall. Shifting his gaze, Ormond shook his head. “I dread this,” he said. Ormond, who plays the lead role in Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend, slept little the night before. “Why?” asked Karen Reynolds, writer and director of the play. “Because of that thing,” Ormond said, nodding to the awaiting gallows. With the show set to open on July 11, certain preparations are underway. Reynolds said the testing of the gallows is a top priority. Safety is a concern to Reynolds, who is also executive director of the Wilkes Playmakers — which is producing the play for a second season. To insure that safety, an expert was called in. Delbert Hall, the owner of Hall Associates Flying Effects of Johnson City, Tenn., helped Ormond and Lucas Matney (the executioner) lay the gallows on its side. As Ormond strapped on a body harness, Hall examined the thick steel rod set inside the four-by-four top beam. With that done, Hall began clipping new cables to attach to the crossbeam. Hall, who is also an instructor at East Tennessee State University, told how the doubled cables could withstand around 3,500 pounds of shocked pressure. Standing the gallows upright, Matney used a power drill to loosen screws and detach the board that holds the trapdoor in place. Ormond, decked out from his shoulders to the soles of his feet in the body harness, climbed onto the rough-wood platform. During the play Ormond (Tom Dooley) will have a noose placed around his neck. That noose, however, is rigged to not put any pressure on the actor’s neck.

Instead, the cables — attached to a heavy-duty latch hook — will catch his fall of several inches. The body harness will distribute the pressure throughout his body and cause no injury. A nervous Ormond stood ready atop the trapdoor. He gave a signal. Matney tightened his grip on the large wooden lever and pulled. With a hollow THUNK, the door fell from beneath Ormond’s feet. The actor’s reddish hair lifted above his head as he fell. An abrupt jerk of the cable stopped his fall. Then, there was the creaking of stretched cables against wood as the man slowly swung back and forth. Seconds later, Ormond smiled. All had worked perfectly. He climbed back up and did it again. Hall — whose parents, Fred and Novella Handy Hall hail from McGrady — said he helps hang actors in several shows each year including Jesus Christ Superstar (where Judas is hanged) and Trail of the Lonesome Pine. Primarily, however, he applies his expertise to lifting thespians off the stage in an illusion of flight. These shows include The Wizard of Oz, Mary Popins and Peter Pan. And, Hall says the work keeps him busy. His business has grown from helping in three or four shows each year to the 38 that he added technical assistance to last year.

He also has employees in Baltimore and Chicago to help ease the travel time. Ormond said he is pleased that his safety was in the hands of an expert. But, mostly, he seemed relieved that the first hanging of the season was over. There will likely always be the dread of the drop. Later that evening, as rehearsal neared it’s end, Ormond once again stood on the gallows. An anxious look filled his face. But, when the drop came, it was replaced with a grin. “I have to admit that drop is pretty gnarly,” Ormond said. Then, nodding to Matney, he said, “I’d never met this guy until a few minutes before he hanged me last year.” Matney shook his head and smiled, adding that since their first meeting he and Ormond had become friends. “Doing something like this, it’s best to be friends with the guy,” Ormond said with a laugh.

Pro rodeo kicks off Dooley Days

By JERRY LANKFORD
Record Editor

A pro rodeo will kick off Dooley Days on Friday and Saturday. The Smart Start Pro Rodeo — presented by Smart Start and The Record — will be held at the Rotary Fair Grounds/Worth Evan Tomlinson Park in North Wilkesboro. The event will feature competition among members of the Mid-Atlantic Professional Rodeo Association. Proceeds from the rodeo will go to Smart Start, a state agency focused on early childhood development. Tyson Foods is the major sponsor for the event. Other sponsors include Bojangles of North Wilkesboro, Premier Chevrolet and Wilkes Telecommunications. Laura Gentry, executive director of Wilkes Smart Start, said she has heard good response about the upcoming rodeo. “It’s been great,” Gentry said. “People are excited about it. And, we’re expecting good crowds.” Tickets for the rodeo, which starts at 8 p.m. each night are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12 and attendance is free for kids 5 and under who are accompanied by an adult. Various venders will also be on hand to sell food and drinks.

Gentry and Record Publisher Ken Welborn looked over the fair grounds on Tuesday morning. Fresh dirt had been added to the ground where horses and cows will run at week’s end. “This will be a great event for children,” Gentry said. Kids love cowboys and horses and they get to participate. It’s just going to be a great family event.” And, she added, “It gives people, who don’t go out of town, something to do to celebrate July 4.” The rodeo will be the first event planned for Dooley Days — a month-long array of activities sponsored by Northwestern National Bank and The Record. These events are planned to coincide with the second season of the play Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend. The show opens next Thursday and will run through the first week in August. On Friday, July 12 the Wilkes Horse Owners Association will stage an old-time encampment at the Rotary Park with a wagon train parade through Downtown North Wilkesboro, set for Saturday, July 13. That Saturday, the North Wilkesboro Post Office will also set up a satellite office to issue commemorative Tom Dooley cancellations. The following weekend will give Dooley fans a chance to hear traditional music.  The Tom Dooley Fiddle Championship, which will be held at Benton Hall on July 20, will offer several levels of competitions. Cash prizes and certificates will go to the winners. Among the categories will be Best Bluegrass and Best Old-Time fiddlers. Other categories will include Best Guitarist, Best Banjo, Best Mandolin, Best Bass, Best Band and Best Original Composition. The contest will also include youth competitions.

Also on July 20, a pottery exhibit will be set up at Benton Hall along with woodcarvers, instrument builders and Native American craftsmen. July 26 and July 27 is Heritage Day weekend. That event will be held in Downtown Wilkesboro. Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 will conclude the Dooley Days calendar with ArtFest. This event, sponsored by the Wilkes Art Gallery, will be held in the area around the corner of Main and 10^th streets in Downtown North Wilkesboro.

Stone Mountain: A great escape in our backyard

By SARA BUCKLEY
Record Correspondent

     If you’re looking for a break from the hassles of the beach or amusement parks, you don’t have to look far. Stone Mountain State Park, located in northern Wilkes County, has something to offer all visitors. Hiking, fishing, rock climbing, camping and picnicking are among the most popular attractions. Visitors from all walks of life and many different states come to this park each year for the views, waterfalls, bridle paths and the sheer beauty of the mountain. Many say they enjoy the park because it’s not commercialized or crowded. “We went up to the top of Stone Mountain to see the sunset,” said Mark and Debbie Thomas. “We appreciate the natural qualities of the park and the gorgeous views. You hear so many great things about this park and they are all true, it’s so enchanting because it’s undiscovered.” Stone Mountain Falls is a main attraction for some families, not only because of its beauty, but because the chilly mountain waters give kids a chance to cool off on hot summer days. “I just love it, it’s so beautiful,” said Caroll Ellis, as she stood near the falls.

Ellis also said she enjoys the horse-riding trails. “We need more bridle trails to explore the mountain with,” she said. “This is a wonderful thing that Wilkes County has.”Stone Mountain’s vegetation and wildlife are a refreshing break for those from urban areas. Oak, maple, hickory, pine and dogwood trees dominate the forests. Blueberry bushes, rhododendron and mountain laurel, as well as other native greenery, populate the forest floors. The animal life in the park ranges from white-tailed deer to box turtles. Frogs, salamanders, wild turkeys, whippoorwills and beavers are also commonly seen. For fishing aficionados, the park’s streams are full of trout and other native species. There are, however, designated piers and sections for fishing and some regulations apply.   The park gets its name from the giant granite dome that dominates the scenery. “It’s really nice to have a place for the whole family,” said Craig Wolf. “The kids like to slide down the rocks, I like the views. I used to come here in high school, now my family comes here.” Local residents seem especially appreciative of the splendor of this mountain. “I enjoy the park and I’ve lived here for over 20 years,” said Bryant Curry. “I am so glad it’s here, my family comes every year or so.”

Curry said he’d like to see safeguards put in place to preserve the park. “The Nature Conservancy should buy the land around the park in an effort to keep this beautiful area from being urbanized like so much of the state,” Curry said. During a recent visit, the many children there — like Demetri Tsiolkasl — seemed to enjoy the park.  “I think the park is really cool, there’s so much to do,” Tsiolkasl said. “Finally getting to the summit and looking down is an awesome experience.” Stone Mountain has been called “Nature’s Classroom,” and the description seems to be accurate. Park rangers have set up a schedule for groups or classes that go over the educational aspects of the park. Regardless of your interest, if you like the outdoors, Stone Mountain State Park will have something to offer. To get to Stone Mountain State Park take (from North Wilkesboro) N.C. 268 East to Airport Road, then left onto Traphill Road. In Traphill, look for the signs directing you to the park. From I-77, take U.S. 21 and look for the signs.

Frescoes draw hundreds to St. Paul’s

By JERRY LANKFORD
Record Editor

Since last week’s dedication of the frescoes at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro, hundreds of visitors have viewed the works. Artist Ben Long, with assistants Roger Nelson and James Daniel, completed the work two weeks ago. A dedication service — attended by around 250 — was held at St. Paul’s last Tuesday night. The church’s minister, Father Ken Asel, led the services. Since the services, officials at St. Paul’s told The Record that the there have been several days that more than 100 visitors have come to the church to see the frescoes. The Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes and the church worked together to bring the frescoes to Wilkes County.

“It feels great to have them completed,” said Cathy McKenzie, executive director/program coordinator for the Arts Council. “These works are so beautiful. They can reach people not only on an artistic level but they can speak to people in a spiritual way as well.” The frescoes — which were painted in the Commons Area of the church — depict Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus and Paul’s writing of his Epistles while in prison. Long, who has painted frescoes throughout America and Europe, is also exhibiting the 25 preparatory works for the Wilkes frescoes at the Arts Council offices at 911 Main Street, North Wilkesboro. The works will be on display through July 31. About the exhibit, McKenzie said, “I think it’s incredible. It’s very detailed and powerful work.” The exhibit includes works ranging from Long’s first rough conceptual sketches to a magnified detailed color study of Paul’s face.

The exhibit, which opened last Wednesday and will run through July 31, can be viewed on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Knox Bridges, Long’s business manager, made the decision to have the exhibit at the Arts Council building. “Continuity,” was one reason why Bridges chose the location since Long exhibited there in December and Daniel and Nelson showed their works there while painting the frescoes. “Another reason is because of the natural lighting and openness of the floor plan (of the building),” McKenzie said. Bridges also spoke with Wilkes Art Gallery President Chuck Forester about the location of the exhibit, McKenzie said. After the Arts Council building was picked, Long agreed to make a donation to the Art Gallery’s $1 million capital campaign. Sales from the exhibit, however, will go toward paying the $285,000 cost of the frescoes, McKenzie said. The frescoes can be viewed Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sundays from noon until 6 p.m.

Wilkes Central High School Classes 1960-1966 are planning a reunion for Aug. 17.

Former students are asked to contact the class representative named below to obtain information and reserve their place at the reunion.

Class of 1966 graduates, need to contact Patsy Love Jones at    667-3962 or e-mail rpjones447@charter.net.

Class of 1965 graduates,     contact Becky Holland Jones at 921-3227 or e-mail Linda Johnson Joines at lindajoines@hotmail.com, or Marcia Bumgarner Little at         mblittle99@aol.com.

Class of 1964 graduates,     contact Brenda Church Colvard at 667-5912.

Class of 1963 graduates,       contact Brenda Hall Cashion at 838-3640 or e-mail oillady@aol.com.

Class of 1962 graduates, call Becky Benton Welborn at 838-1280 or e-mail rebeccabwelborn@cs.com.

 Class of 1961, contact Eric Williams at 838-5891 or e-mail ericwilliam@wilkes.net.

Class of 1960 graduates, contact Olivia Pardue Bentley at 667-7327.

The Wilkes County Public Library Chess Club continues to meet Saturdays from Noon to 3 p.m. in the Friends of the Library Meeting Room. Chessboards will be    provided, and the club is free and open to all levels of players.

TOPS Take off pounds sensibly. Join us every Monday at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Church Education Building located on C.C. Wright School Road. For more information, call Margaret at 696-2442.

A child passenger safety seat check by Certified child safety technicians takes place the third Wednesday of each month between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. at the Wilkes County Health Department. No appointment is necessary. You must check in with the front desk receptionist. For more information, call 651-7478.

All Descendants of Henderson and Julia Ann Bagley Cheek including the Thomas Clinton and Mamie Belle Osborne Cheek family lines, please join us Saturday, July 20, 2002 at the Fellowship Building of Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Jonesville for a family dinner. We'll be eating between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., so bring a dish, meet and greet new cousins and those you already know. We have the building from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Please tell your children and grandchildren about this reunion, because not everyone receives the announcement. Please bring any old pictures and family Bible records that you might have. We would really like to see where they fit into our family. See you in July!

The Second Annual Samaritan Kitchen of Wilkes Gospel Sing will be held on Saturday, July 6 from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Soup Kitchen site beside Wilkesboro United Methodist Church, Woodland Blvd., Wilkesboro, NC 28697. There is no charge but a love offering will be taken to benefit the Mission of the Kitchen. The Gospel Sing will feature: The Joyful Sounds, The Disciples, The Heavenly Echoes, Broken Wall, Dennis Stanfield, One Hope, and Daybreak Christian Center Praise and Worship Group. Come rain or shine. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and plenty of time to relax and enjoy good ole, down home, gospel music! Other activities will include: Silent Auction. Children’s activities will include: Face Painting, Balloons and Tattoos. Refreshments will be sold. “Our mission is to feed the hungry.”

The First Annual “Singing on the Hill” will be July 13 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on the grounds of Faith Christian Assembly in Wilkesboro. Groups to appear are:

Faith Trio, Sisters In Christ, The Sparks Family, The Couch Family, The Bledsoes, The Meltons, Annointed Voices, and other special singers. This is a free concert so bring a friend, bring a chair and come out to Singing on the Hill on the grounds of Faith Christian Assembly. For more information call: (336) 667-8777 or (336) 957-3207).

Please come to VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at Fairplains Baptist Church from July 8-12, 2002. Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon; Ages 4 – Adult. If you need a ride, please call 667-6695. FAITH MOUNTAIN — An Extreme Adventure with Jesus.

Community Health Connection’s Community Day at Hardee’s on July 5th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Staff will be there to check blood pressure and give health information. Hardee’s will donate 10% of profits from 11:00 a.m. until closing. For more information, call: 651-7837.

Congo Pentecostal Holiness Church Vacation Bible School “Faith Mountain” July 7 – July 11. Times are Sunday, July 7 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Thursday: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Awards Day on Sunday, July 14 – 10:45 a.m.

Arbor-Grove United Methodist Church in Purlear will have Vacation Bible School to be held July 7-12, 2002, Sunday night from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and Monday – Friday from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This year’s theme is God’s Great Gallery. Classes will be provided for Nursery through Sixth Grade. On Saturday, July 6, Vacation Bible School kick-off will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. There will be games, water play, refreshments, hot dogs and registration. The Church is located at 1984 Arbor-Grove Church Road in Purlear. Everyone is Welcome. Please visit our Web Site, which is www.gbgmumc.org/arborgrove/vacationbibleschool. Our Church Web Site is www.gbgm-umc.org/arborgrove.

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC) will hold the Executive Committee Meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. at the BROC Ashe Office in Warrensville, 169 Warrensville School Road. Please call Wilkes Office at 667-7174, Ashe Office at 384-4543 or Alleghany Office at 372-7284 for additional information.

The descendants of Mammy Judy Barber will gather at Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro on Saturday, July 6, 2002 for a family picnic at noon.

Jerry Lankford
Editor, The Record  

Pardon Me, Tom Dooley—sure to be a sellout.

Available now at The Record, Rhoades Book Store, Duck Creek Gift Baskets, Ivy Ridge Traditions, 
Wilkes Art Gallery and Raebles. To order by mail use the coupon below. 

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Make check payable to:
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