Park welcome center bids top budget by $100K

From the Hendersonville Lightning:

Flat Rock park planners went back to the drawing board after construction bids for a welcome center and public restrooms came in $100,000 over budget. . .

Read it all.

The Book Exchange half-price sale

Help support the Ladies Aid Society of Flat Rock and the charitable work they do--and get a break on book prices, too.

Come celebrate the grand re-opening of

The Book Exchange with a half-price sale

Saturday, August 30, 2014

10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Music from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Light refreshments all day

All workers are volunteers

All profits go to local charities

Lowndes House, 1960

Some background on the Lowndes House, now on the grounds of the Flat Rock Playhouse (from Historic Flat Rock by Kenneth and Blanche Marsh, first edition published 1961, revised 1972):

From the text:

I'ON LOWNDES HOUSE

Late 19th Century

In 1847, Charles Baring sold Diamond in the Desert to Richard Lowndes. Mr. Lowndes conveyed to his son, I'on a tract on the eastern end of the property. It was there that I'on erected the lattice trimmed, towered porch residence in the style of late nineteenth century homes.

The residence is located beside the large outcropping of rock for which Flat Rock is named. According to the legend the Indians held their great annual councils seated around this large flat rock long before the famed Buncombe turnpike encouraged low country aristocrats to establish Flat Rock as a summer colony. Thus Cherokee Indians, white pioneers, tidewater newcomers, alike, enjoyed the cool air of the heights just as do the present day audiences of the State Theater, which now occupies these historic grounds.

Mountain Lodge, 1960

Mountain Lodge is currently in disrepair. I thought it might be interesting to see what it looked like in 1960, from Historic Flat Rock by Kenneth and Blanche Marsh (first edition published 1961, revised 1972).

The text reads:

MOUNTAIN LODGE 1827

Majestic Mountain Lodge is the patriarch of the great old dwellings of Flat Rock .Built as a grand manor house by Charles Baring it has fulfilled its auspicious origin through a succession of distinguished owners.

In 1853 it was acquired by the illustrious Trenholm family. Edward Trenholm was a member of a cotton mercantile firm of Liverpool and Charleston which owned the battleship Alabama. The ship became famous for running the Union blockade of Southern ports. Edward's brother, George, was second Secretary of the Confederate Treasury. 

Caption text: Jane Angier's figure in the foreground helps scale the enormous size of the slow growing English boxwood planted about 1830 by Susan Baring

Edward's daughter-in-law, gracious Alicia, entertained the South's leaders at the Lodge. Her father, Roswell Sabine Ripley, was the honored artillery officer in command of coastal and water defenses of Charleston under General Beauregard. His two volume history of the Mexican War was used as a West Point textbook. While living in Europe after the War Napoleon III requested him to take charge of the fortifications of Paris. Alicia authored a booklet on Flat Rock still in publication through the courtesy of Mary Trenholm Kemper, her daughter.

The George Baldwins--she a member of the Middleton and King families, carried on the cultural traditions of the Old South at the Lodge. Dr. and Mrs. Edward Jones, their successors, spent lavishly of their oil millions to remodel the dwelling adding the columned portico.

The Newton Duke Angiers of the famous tobacco and lumber families added mid-20th century distinction to the venerable old estate.

Top photo: Lida Angier, Newton Angier's sister, and Jane in the great dining hall of Mountain Lodge. The wallpaper is hand painted in the irridescent peacock colors.  
Bottom photo: Newton Duke Angier beside a painting of his grandmother, Lida Duke, who married Jonathan Cicero Angier.

Jane Angier, recent mistress of Mountain Lodge, on her beloved portico.

And a reminder of what Mountain Lodge looks like today:

Photo credit: Hendersonville Lightning

I'm a believer. . .

As I said a few weeks ago, "I'll believe it when I see it" about the completion of Upward Road. Well, here it is, and very nice, too. Still a few lines to paint, but it is pretty much done.

Looking west on Upward Road towards the Spartanburg Highway intersection

Historic Flat Rock house tour this Saturday

Don't miss out on the Historic Flat Rock house tour this Saturday:

Join us on Saturday, July 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a self-conducted tour of four historic homes & gardens, as well as St. John in the Wilderness Church & Churchyard. . .

Tickets are $25 pre-purchase (no children under ten, please), and $30 at each private home on the tour day. Cash or check is requested, but credit cards will be accepted at "Hopewood" only. 

Order tickets on this website (May 15 - July 6) or purchase at Hendersonville Travel & Tourism, The Wrinkled Egg, and The Book Exchange in Flat Rock, or at each house on day of tour. . .

More information on the tour in the Times-News:

Want to mingle with actors portraying famous figures of the 1960s as they cavort around vintage cars, or peek into an old farmhouse or see a Civil War era depiction of a costume ball set in Flat Rock?

The 28th Tour of Homes will allow visitors to spend a leisurely self-guided day getting a look inside some of the most historic sites in the village of Flat Rock. . .

In addition to four residences, the tour will feature the church and churchyard of St. John in the Wilderness, the oldest Episcopal church in Western North Carolina, construction of which was started in 1833.

A variety of residences grace this drive-yourself tour — from the circa 1848 farmhouse at Apple Acres, the Italianate style of the 1837 McCullough Cottage, the gracious 1862 mountain retreat of Dunroy Estate, to Hopewood, a grand 1938 brick mansion.

Gardens are also open on the tour, with such notable history as the garden at Hopewood, which had an original design by Chauncey Beadle, the horticulturalist long associated with the Biltmore Estate. . .

Read it all, and also in the Hendersonville Lightning:

Six years since it last hosted a home tour, Historic Flat Rock is offering a look inside four private homes and the historic St. John in the Wilderness church and cemetery on Saturday, July 12.

Open for the tour are the Dunroy Estate and garden (c1862), McCullough Cottage (c1837), Apple Acres (c1848) and the Hopewood Estate and formal gardens (c1878-1938). Also featured is the Church of St. John in the Wilderness and its churchyard (c1833), a must for history buffs.

At Hopewood, tourgoers will enjoy a special event celebrating the estates' owners in the 1950s. Visitors will "meet" the stars of the late '50s and '60s, an era of dynamic social change and innovation. . .

Bankruptcy judge OKs purchase of historic Mountain Lodge

Good news from Historic Flat Rock, from the Hendersonville Lightning:

Historic Flat Rock expects to close July 11 on the purchase of the historic Mountain Lodge after a bankruptcy judge approved its offer of $550,000 last month.

"We're going to stabilize it and offer it for sale to somebody who wants to restore it," HFR President Rick Merrill said. "We've actually got a conversation going with a prospective buyer and there may be more that come along."

Merrill estimates clearing the property and stabilizing the house will cost around $125,000 and take the rest of the summer. The prospective buyer wants to buy the property and live in it during the summer, posting a caretaker in cottage on the property. . .

Built around 1827, the home is one of the most significant examples of the movement of wealthy Charleston, S.C., landowners and business people into Flat Rock for summer homes. . .

Besides the 7,000-square-foot antebellum home, the 23-acre property includes a separate billiard room, a stone springhouse and a smaller cottage sitting in an overgrown field visible from Rutledge Drive. . .

Read it all.

America in Bloom national judges pleased with Henderson County, offer tips

More on last week's visit by national judges for America in Bloom, from the Times-News:

America in Bloom judge Jack Clasen said he found hidden gems and a lot of community pride in Henderson County on Friday at the tail end of a two-day tour of the area.

"In Raleigh, it's got a good reputation, there's no question. Everybody is always praising this area, but there's nothing wrong with national recognition," he said, grinning under the shade of a large tree at Bullington Gardens.

Last week marked Henderson County's first visit from judges in the nationwide beautification program America in Bloom.

The nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, now in its 13th year, works to cultivate community pride by helping different groups work together on common goals of preservation and beautification. Judges — with horticultural insight — tour locations, provide recommendations for improvements and recognize the efforts of participating communities through AIB's national award program. . .

He recalled the sense of community pride he felt touring the former 9-hole golf course set to become the Park at Flat Rock on Thursday.

"The number of people who are looking at that golf course and saying, 'Ok, I'm willing to help out and to get involved,' some people financially and some people saying, 'I'd like to be on the committee to work on it' — That's really great when you've got that kind of spirit. It's a can-do attitude," he said.

Clasen has been with America in Bloom since its inception, touring the country in visits to cities and towns that show a side of the nation he wishes others could see. . .

Read it all.

Completion date again set for Upward Road project

I'll believe it when I see it. From the Times-News:

After a four-year tangle with delays and a price tag estimated to be $1 million over budget, a project to widen a nearly 2.8-mile stretch of Upward Road seems to be, finally, coming to an end.

"We should have all lanes open, I hope, by early next week," said N.C. Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Aaron Powell, sharing a common refrain of relief heard throughout the community. "It took us four years to get here."

The last minor adjustments still called for in the project should be done in a month. . .

Read it all.

America in Bloom judges in town to evaluate county's beauty

Thursday morning, judges from America in Bloom, a national non-profit group that "promotes nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements," visited Flat Rock as part of their Henderson County trip.

They specifically looked at four locations in the village:

• Flat Rock Village Hall
• Flat Rock Playhouse
• St. John in the Wilderness
• The Park at Flat Rock

They are also judging Laurel Park, Hendersonville, and Mills River as part of their two-day visit.

From the Hendersonville Lightning:

Village of Flat Rock officials and park volunteers made a short presentation about the new Park at Flat Rock and answered questions from judges on a two-day visit to see if the community measures up to national beauty standards.

Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Mills River, Laurel Park and Henderson County are participating in the effort to get recognition by America In Bloom, a nonprofit organization that encourages beautification, historic preservation and volunteerism. The judges also look at community pride, and Flat Rock park volunteers displayed plenty of that.

"It's a gateway to the community," Sally Boyd, vice president of the Flat Rock Park and Recreation Foundation, told the judges. "Everybody is going to see this as they come into Flat Rock and enjoy it.". . .

Read it all, and from the Times-News:

Henderson County rolled out the “green” carpet Thursday morning, welcoming judges from the America in Bloom national awards program to the start of a two-day tour of the heart of Apple Country that could put the land of four seasons on the map once again.

Henderson County will be competing against like-sized populations in Winter Park, Fla., Santa Paula, Cali., and Holland, Mich., this year, to win accolades from the nationwide beautification program that aims to “plant pride” in communities. Contestants will be judged in areas of overall impression, heritage preservation, environmental efforts, urban forestry, landscapes, floral displays and community involvement.

Modeled after successful beautification programs in Europe and Canada, Thursday marked America in Bloom's first visit to Henderson County.

Carol Elliott, of the Land O Sky Garden Club, and Mia Freeman, owner of Mia's Marketplace of Antiques & More, spearheaded the effort to bring America in Bloom to the county. . .

Read it all.

Dye Creek rehabilitation becomes park priority

Dye Creek as it runs through The Park at Flat Rock

From the Hendersonville Lightning:

With the council's tentative approval, the plan to rehabilitate Dye Creek moved to the top of the priority list, not including work the Village Council is already committed to for the clubhouse renovations and landscape buffering between the park and the Highland Golf Villas.

"It sounds almost too good to be true," said Vice Mayor Nick Weedman. "Here somebody walks in and says we're going to do this amazing thing for you and it's not going to cost you a nickel."

Amazing but true.

The work would be done through a state mitigation credit program under which developers can get a permit for projects that eliminate wetlands by paying for projects to repair or enhance wetlands somewhere else. It's the same program Laurel Park used to re-channel the creek through Rhododendron Lake Park, a job the French Broad Mitigation Partners also completed.

The creek that crosses the Park at Flat Rock from Highland Lake and empties into King Creek was straightened decades ago most likely for farming, said landscape architect Ed Lastein, the village's park development consultant.

"It's in full sun, which means it's choked with vegetation, especially this time of year," he said.

The contractor proposed a new path with "meander bends," stream bank repair and plantings of river birch, flowering dogwood, elderberry and pussy willow. . .

Read it all.

Filmmaker Paul Bonesteel headlines ECO event

From the Times-News:

Local filmmaker Paul Bonesteel will speak and show his documentary film “The Mystery of George Masa” at 7 p.m. July 28, as a fundraiser for the Environmental and Conservation Organization. The showing will be in the McIntosh Room of the Blue Ridge Conference Hall, 180 W. Campus Drive, Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. At 6 p.m., a preview reception with refreshments will feature a talk by Bonesteel about making the film. . .

Read it all.

The Book Exchange reopens after repairs

Good news! From the Hendersonville Lightning:

The Book Exchange has reopened after repairs from a truck accident last month that demolished the front porch.

The front porch of the historic building, which dates to 1847 as the Flat Rock Post Office, was heavily damaged when a pickup truck crashed into it on May 17. A new porch is still under construction but customers can get easy access through the side door. . .

Read it all.

Historic Flat Rock hopes to save Mountain Lodge

From the Hendersonville Lightning:

One of the most historic homes in Flat Rock — and also one of the most time-ravaged and costly to save — would go to Historic Flat Rock Inc. if a bankruptcy court in South Carolina approves the sale.

The preservation group submitted an offer of $550,000 from a revolving fund it uses to save, stabilize and resell endangered historic properties. The offer has the support of a bankruptcy trustee appointed by the court in April to guide the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of owner William Maxwell Gregg II and guard the interest of creditors. . .

"The home [Mountain Lodge] was built in 1827 and is one of the oldest homes in the Flat Rock area with great historical significance to the community," [Bankruptcy trustee R. William Metzger Jr.] said in a motion asking a judge to authorize the sale. "It is in extremely poor condition due to its age and lack of maintenance, upkeep and repairs, which has resulted in vandalism, roof and water damage for several years. The home has not had power or utilities since 2010 and is only presently insured through the efforts of Russell Brands." There is some urgency. The policy expires Aug. 6, and the lender has little incentive to renew it. . .

Read it all. 

Flat Rock ice cream social brings community together

A report on yesterday's annual Flat Rock ice cream social in the Times-News:

From butter pecan to rainbow sherbet, 84 delicious gallons of ice cream were scooped out for Celebrate Flat Rock on Saturday afternoon on the lawn of Village Hall.

For more than 12 years, village residents have come together at the beginning of summer to celebrate their community.

Master of Ceremonies Tiffany Ervin flew in from Australia on Friday night just in time for the celebration, which she's been a part of for seven years.

“It is just the perfect day for people to come out and enjoy the weather, the beauty of Flat Rock and all that Flat Rock has to offer, because they incorporate more than just free ice cream and music,” Ervin said. “You can go shopping, there's live music tonight, there's Connemara, there's the Playhouse, there's the merchants association—it's a great opportunity to bring everyone together.”. . .

Read it all. 

Annual Flat Rock ice cream social this Saturday

The Celebrate Flat Rock! Annual Ice Cream Social is tomorrow (Saturday, June 7) from noon to 4:00 p.m. (rain date June 8). See you there! From the Times-News:

ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL RETURNS TO THE VILLAGE

The village of Flat Rock will hold its annual Ice Cream Social at noon Saturday on the grounds of the Village Hall and throughout the village.

Mayor Bob Staton will open the festivities, which will continue until 4 p.m. Letters to Abigail will kick off the afternoon's entertainment.

As a change of pace, the Henderson County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit will put on a demonstration of the unique ability of these special dogs and their handlers.

Various musical groups will perform, from The Studebakers to the West Henderson High Small Ensemble.

Caasie and the Clowns of Glory will entertain young and old with face painting, balloon making and temporary tattoos.

The Book Exchange will have a half-price book sale on all used books from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Blood Connection will hold a blood drive from noon to 4 p.m.

The Blue Ridge Fire Department is again arranging for demonstrations by the Sheriff's Office Swat Team and the Bomb Squad as well as EMS and local fire departments. For the comfort of all attending, please leave pets at home.

For more information, call Carol Andrews at 697-0208.

Flat Rock stylin'

No one can say the village of Flat Rock doesn't know how to pick em'.

Not only is The Park at Flat Rock a beautiful place, but Wayland Shamburger of Shamburger Architecture, the architect designing the park buildings, is one well-dressed guy, as evidenced by his appearance in a Joseph Laughter ad.

You can check out some of his preliminary park designs on the village website here.

Caroline Long receives the 2014 ATHENA award

I'm a little late with this, but since there's a Flat Rock connection, I didn't want to miss it. From the Hendersonville Lightning:

Caroline Long, a Hendersonville mom who turned her own struggles and questions about raising two children with autism into a nationally recognized school for autism treatment, was recognized as the 2014 Athena Award winner for her contributions to the community and her mentoring of other women.

Long began working to create the St. Gerard House for children with autism near downtown Hendersonville in 2009, primarily using her own financial resources. In the four years since the St. Gerard House opened, more than 400 students and family members have been helped and served by the school's early behavioral intervention program. She is reachable after hours, before hours and on weekends to mentor moms struggling with an autistic child.

St. Gerard House, which carefully documents its findings, is gaining recognition as a national model for autism therapy. Caroline is also spearheading an international Rwandan Sisters Project to bring missionaries from Africa to St. Gerard House to learn how to help children with autism in Rwanda. . .

And from the Times-News:

Caroline Long, founder of the St. Gerard House in Hendersonville, was recognized Thursday [May 15] as the seventh annual ATHENA Award winner during the Business & Professional Women's Luncheon at Kenmure Country Club. . .

In 2009, Long turned her own experiences raising autistic children into a nonprofit organization that provides families of autistic children with support and educational resources — including The Grotto School, which provides individualized education to local autistic children based on applied behavior analysis.

“I happened to have two children that didn't fit into a mold anywhere, so we had to figure it out,” Long said Thursday.

Now that St. Gerard House and The Grotto School are in Henderson County, local families don't have to go it alone when their children are first diagnosed with autism, said Mike Farmer, treasurer of the St. Gerard House board of directors. . .

Naked Apple Hard Cider hits the shelves. . .

. . . at the local Ingles, anyway.

I understand that it is also being sold in some of the restaurants on Main Street. I bought a bottle of the blackberry gold (only flavor available at Ingles that day) a few days ago--it took three Ingles clerks to find it for me. It's in the hard cider section of their cooler, but it's a single large bottle, so don't bother looking in the six-pack area or the regular singles. Also, the clerk who finally found it for me said that the label is not very "stocking" friendly--the name is not on the front and the design gets lost in all the other bottles. But hey, it's local (Flat Rock Cider Works) so I'm buying it!

I haven't opened it yet (waiting for a very hot day), so. . . to be continued. . .

Naked Apple Hard Cider from Flat Rock Cider Works

Marini out as Flat Rock Playhouse director

From the Hendersonville Lightning:

Flat Rock Playhouse announced today that producing artistic director Vincent Marini will step down on May 31 to pursue new opportunities. Lisa K. Bryant, currently Flat Rock Playhouse associate artistic director, has been named interim artistic director. . .

The Playhouse board will conduct a national search for a new artistic director. . .

Even after he steps down, Marini has been contracted to return in July to work with the 2014 apprentice class and the professional Equity company on the Playhouse's blockbuster summer production of Miss Saigon. . .

Read it all.