For the last forty years, Dr. Robert Hart has rescued, and restored nineteenth century structures--the largest collection of original, historical log structures in the United States, and has furnished each building as it would have been in that time. Dating from 1782 to 1873, the seventy log structures—chapels, barns, houses, shops, and more—are all furnished, and around 220 volunteer artisans demonstrate the period techniques of flax breaking and hackling, spinning, weaving, herb dying, open-hearth cooking, broom and shoe making, shingle riving, wheelwrighting, tinsmithing, and moonshining.
The 4th Saturday of October marks the one day a year Dr. & Mrs. Hart open their restoration project, Hart Square, to the public. I've had the privilege to attend this event twice as one of the re-enactors and its a day not to be missed.
I've taken many photos of the buildings over the past two years but its the small details I find the most interesting. Take a look at the following of the general store. Dr. Hart doesn't skimp on a thing.
Tools, Harnesses & Cloth Goods
Pots, Baskets and Beans
(I'm not sure if you can see it or not, but the 'end' of that has a 'bowl' where a hot coal from the fire was placed. That's where your heat came from! Neat, huh?
If you'd like to learn more about Dr. Harts life-long project, and see photos of the other structures he's restored, visit the Catawba County Historical Association.
About Lily Graison
USA TODAY bestselling author Lily Graison writes historical western romances and dabbles in contemporary and paranormal romance. First published in 2005, Lily has written over a dozen romance novels that range from sweet to spicy.
She lives in Hickory, North Carolina with her husband, three high-strung Yorkies and more cats than she can count and is mother of two and grandmother of three. On occasion, she can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s period clothing or participating in civil war reenactments and area living history events. When not portraying a southern belle, you can find her at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.
To see the dresses Lily has created, visit her Pinterest page.
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Lily--these photos you have taken are fantastic. I love old photos, but these new ones taken of reconstructed places are priceless.. When we write about a general store or a mercantile, we can only imagine. Me? I use two places I remember from about 1948. Yes, I'm that old. One was a feed store/post office that also sold big sacks of flour and corn meal. (those flour sacks made dresses for me and my little sister.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful. Very intriguing, and I thank you so much. I also see you are a good photographer.