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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| shadawick |
Posted - August 19 2009 : 8:26:16 PM
Hi kindred spirits, I am new to the site but have been an avid LOTM fan for years. I live in the far western NC Mountains near Murphy about 125 miles West of Asheville and want some feedback from the board. I have a 100 acre farm that has been in my family since pre white settlement and finally won title to it from the white state government, by Grant from the NC governor after the 1835 treaty with Cherokee Indians in 1847. I am of Scots-Irish descent and have Cherokee blood from 4 family lines and have family buried in OK. Some of my family left and moved to Green County Indiana to avoid the forced removal and my white family moved in and lived there until the state grant legally transferred title. My family then returned to Cherokee County in 1841. The old original log cabin still stands and is in great shape. It remains in such unspoiled and original condition with the fields and woods, a motion picture company has been to inspect and take pictures to evaluate its possible use in an upcoming film. I am interested in complete restoration of it and make it available for short tern or nightly rental. I would furnish it with genuine rustic antique furnishings and items (Some are the original items that have remained all along). It would appear very similar to the Camerons cabin in the movie, complete with out buildings and split rail fence. I could also make the old barn available for use by renters that want to bring their horses and ride. I have also thought about making it a living heritage center with demonstrations or museum. My ancestors that lived there were legally by trade blacksmiths and wheelwrights (wagon and carriage builders) but by necessity were big moonshiners. I want to preserve our heritage, the farm has a section of the original Cherokee trail of tears on it and you can still see the old wheel routes. There has been some of my family either Indian or white living there the whole time. I have many tales from past times my family have told, some to mention are, living there and coping through the Civil War and the reconstruction period, Revenuer raids on the stills (family killed during the raids and great-uncle died in the cabin from the shootout) my great-grandmother shooting a mountain lion from the back door and such. Now you know what I have been thinking about, but what do you all think about it? Are there enough folks that are willing to pay a reasonable rental rate? Are there enough folks like us that were born a century too late, but still want to get a taste of the old pioneer life? With so many acres and lots of pasture with creeks It would also work well for camping, rendezvous and re-enactors It would also be appropriate for the Civil War era, I forgot to mention that it is only about an hour and a half to historic Fort Loudon in Tennessee. For information on local F&I war and Revolution history. here is the link to Fort Loudon, a great site http://fortloudoun.com/
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| 24 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| shadawick |
Posted - August 24 2009 : 12:35:28 AM
No, he was with the 39th NC. I have a lot of family history on military activity and when I get the time I'll post. I had several family with the Thomas Legion and some with the 29th NC. Some were also with the Union, 3rd TN Mtd. Inf. I even know some about family that goes back to the Creek and Indian wars (GGGGF Lemuel Allen) it is interesting to reade the petition from his widow asking for his pension to be reinstated post civil war, I will post it some time later. |
| Fitzhugh Williams |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 10:57:11 PM
I always make it a point to go there for the Trade Faire in September and the Christmas Garrison.
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| Longrifle |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 10:34:42 PM
An old high school buddy and I will soon be checking out Ft. Loudoun for the first time in a couple of weeks. Hard to believe I was raised in that neck of the woods and haven't been yet.
Nice photos in your album. Question about your great grandfather Foxy John Stiles: Did he serve with Thomas' Legion?
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| shadawick |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 10:26:49 PM
Has anyone had the chance to check out the Ft.Loudon website? The fort is about an hour and a half drive from here.
http://fortloudoun.com/ |
| shadawick |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 9:56:56 PM
Thanks Blackfootblood and Wilderness Woman, I have thought about it and your right, I will not use the originals! I am a woodworker and do restorations, I had been kicking an idea around of making antique reproduction furniture. I could use the originals as "patterns," and make a pamphlet about the old house and farm its history the cabin and the furnishings. I might also be able to sell some to help with the overhead. It would make sense, after all the original inhabitants were skilled woodworkers. A couple of the boys went out West and worked in the "Pullman," coach company that made the fancy private railway coaches owned by the welthy such as Vanderbilts, Carneighes and others.
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| blackfootblood |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 9:41:35 PM
Hey Shadawick, I just checked out your pics you posted and they are wonderful. The photos of the cabin are very impressive and the stone chimney is just beautiful. I can't get over how great of shape it is still in. It just goes to show, whom built the cabin had excellent craftsmanship. I would put any extra money into restoring it, well worth the investment! The only thing is, if you do plan on having it as a rental cabin for tourists, just be very picking whom you let in. And I agree with WW on the original antiques too. Just can't trust some folks. But thanks for sharing your photos and I wish you the best in your decision on the property. |
| Monadnock Guide |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 9:12:14 PM
Just proves there's NO accounting for taste, - even with beer. |
| Wilderness Woman |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 8:42:09 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Monadnock Guide
Now that wasn't funny, - a pretty serious event around here!!! Not to mention if you owned a motel in the area, ...
Oh my, yes! I felt it was quite serious! It was not me who hijacked my thread and turned it into a Frivilously Funny Farce!
The Poor Old Man
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| shadawick |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 8:32:30 PM
Thanks to all for your comments, including the "off subject ones" no offense taken. For anyone interested, Rich set up an album for me and I have posted some pictures that should give you an idea of how the farm, cabin and area look. Ive also included some personal and family photos as well. It might be of interest to you that we have two family graveyards and We really have some great homecoming and decoration day reunions (I am positive that my family has some of the greatest cooks in all the world, If you went home hungry it was your own fault. Hope all have had a good and restful weekend. Let me know what you think of the photos. Keep the faith, your powder dry and your shoulder to the wheel. |
| Monadnock Guide |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 7:47:39 PM
Now that wasn't funny, - a pretty serious event around here!!! Not to mention if you owned a motel in the area, ... |
| Wilderness Woman |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 7:38:46 PM
Now Bookworm, surely you know Seamus well enough to realize that he always acts strangely.
Shadawick, your idea sounds really great. I would suggest that you rethink your idea of furnishing it with genuine, original antiques. If you are going to be renting out the place, and knowing that you just can't trust everyone, that might not be the wisest or safest thing to do.
And yes... frivolous hijacking is one of the most enjoyable pasttimes around these parts. I remember a few years back when New Hampshire's Old Man of the Mountain... er.... fell off the mountain. I posted the devastatingly sad news on these boards, only to have it fall victim to much hysterically funny posting. ~ sigh ~ |
| blackfootblood |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 1:13:55 PM
That's when you know a thread is good, when it gets hijacked!! By the way, welcome Shadawick! |
| BookwormMG |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 10:39:52 AM
Shadawick, you've now experienced one of the most common, and perhaps one of the most unsettling, events in Mohicanland -- having one's thread hijacked by frivolity. Don't take it personally, it's not meant as any sort of initiation, it happens to everyone, most recently ME!
Going on 44 years, Seamus? Congratulations! Before you know it, it'll be time for the kids to rent the fire hall for the big celebration. |
| richfed |
Posted - August 23 2009 : 09:56:42 AM
beavers and broads ... what a combination! Who says history is dull!?!
OK ... sorry! |
| Seamus |
Posted - August 22 2009 : 9:32:16 PM
HUH? Watchoo talking bout, Willis? I did not say anything about beavers in Manhattan, simply provided a URL to access NatGeo's website story for those out here who don't get the magazine. I also made a couple of very innocent comments concerning my experiences at parades and conventions in NYC. As far as French broads, I will stand by that remark based upon simple observation of a few. And as you well know, Nancy is keenly aware of my "acting strangely" for 43 years plus!!! Hain't nothing new.......... |
| BookwormMG |
Posted - August 22 2009 : 8:11:51 PM
First the beavers of Manhattan, now French broads -- Seamus, what is happening to you? Has he been acting strangely, WW? Has anyone told Nancy? |
| shadawick |
Posted - August 22 2009 : 10:08:29 AM
Hi Fitzhugh,
Yes it has really changed! A lot of it had started in the mid-70's when the EPA and such started making the mines and chemical company start monitoring the gas releases and water pollution. When the plant closed (really traumatic such a heavy loss of jobs) there was a program initiated to reforest the scarred areas and institute soil erosion with believe it or not Kudzu, well don't be suprised, the kudzu won. What has really helped is the growth of the Ocoee river rafting business started in early 80's and now with the Blue Ridge Mountain Railway, excursion train from Blue Ridge, GA to McCaysville/Copperhill. I have some pictures from over the years of what a wasteland the area was is anybody is interested. An interesting bit of trivia is that when the astronauts first went into space the only two man made or man caused areas visible from space was the Copper Basin and the Great Wall in China. Thanks to all for their insight and comments. |
| Fitzhugh Williams |
Posted - August 22 2009 : 08:48:22 AM
I remember Ducktown from the 1960's when there was no vegetation anywhere. Just red hills. I went back again in the '90's and didn't recognize the place. And it looked like Copper Hill was getting a face lift, too. |
| shadawick |
Posted - August 22 2009 : 02:37:49 AM
Howdy All,
Thanks for all the feedback! I am encouraged to get started on my project. Rich has set me up an album site and I plan to post pictures of the farm over time and some of my family and myself that live there. Longrifle, my wife was from Andrews and most of her family is in the Old Valleytown Cemetary also or at Moss Cemetary in Marble. I lived there myself about 4 years. One of my farms is located in Hiwassee Dam, and I went to school there. I actually live about 5 miles from Ducktown, TN. I grew up a country farm kid, house where I was born had wood heat, no indoor plumbing except single cold water spigot from a gravity flow spring and an outhouse. We farmed and gardened using a horse or mule. I guess it was the way I was raised and what I was used to that made me feel more akin to the old settlers then the new ways. It has really helped me develop a sense of self reliance and an independence streak a mile wide. By the way, the US park Service is restocking the Eastern Red wolf and Elk to the Great Smokey Mtn. National Park. I really appreciate the kind words from all!
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| Longrifle |
Posted - August 22 2009 : 01:44:13 AM
shadwick,
Oh - my - goodness. Near Murphy, huh? Hangin' Dawg? Peachtree? Hiwassee?
I've got five generations buried in the Valleytown Cemetary at Andrews. Some more kin buried in the old Briertown Cemetary on "Upper Nantyhaly" (It's even rumored that some of those folks had a Cherokee "hidin' behind the woodpile.").
I was born in Haywood and raised partly there and partly in Buncombe but my roots are in Cherokee, Macon, and Swain.
I've been in Wyoming for many years now (had to kill a few elk) but I will return someday to have my body planted in WNC soil close to my kin in the Valleytown Cemetary.
Welcome.
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| Seamus |
Posted - August 21 2009 : 6:43:05 PM
Maybe so, Sachem. French broads should be replaced every now and then. |
| richfed |
Posted - August 21 2009 : 6:25:05 PM
I don't know, but, maybe this would be a suitable location for a portion of a Mohican Gathering ... kind of replacing French Broads ... ??? |
| Kan-Tuck-EE |
Posted - August 20 2009 : 9:45:36 PM
I think it is a great idea! In early May my husband and went to Green County Kentucky to visit a cousin who owns the original 800 acres of land owned by our ancestor who settled there in the late 1700s. He was one of the longhunters and traveled with Daniel Boone. The original cabin is no longer there but a later one from the early 1800s (about 1816) is and we were able to go inside and look around. He is working on restoring it and making it habitable for overnight guests too. It is so awesome to see where your gggggrandparents lived and to walk in their footsteps. I was able to see many other homes and sites of later generations. I loved it. And we will be going back next year and will possibly stay in the old cabin if we don't take our camper. Good luck with your endeavor! |
| Kay |
Posted - August 20 2009 : 09:40:41 AM
Welcome! You are very lucky to know so much about and have so much from your family! What a great history! There are many wonderful possibilities for your property. I don't live anywhere near there but if I did I'd sure look into doing living history programs there-many people I know would use a place like that for first person interpretation and full immersion weekends. Good Luck!
Kay |
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