A Step Back into the past at Hart Square

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

Sewing Notions (thread, needles, buttons, etc.), Boots and Dresses

Fine China, Coffee & Tobacco

Even a wooden casket to bury your dead!

Hats, Crocheted Lace & Feathers for Hats

Hats, Bonnets and Evening Coats

Drawers full of...uh, I actually have no idea what this was used for. I just thought it was  interesting! I'm assuming small things like nails, or buttons, or ...tiny things?

Curling Irons for your hair. 

(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?

Ribbon for your hair.

Elixirs and Salves. Modern Medicine for the times.

Barrels and Tins

The outside of the General Store

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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