May Day celebration Saturday at Black House

The Eagle Fund is once again holding its 20th May Day Celebration at the historic Black House at 301 W. Main St. on May 17. The special day gives the community a chance to enjoy the historic home’s garden and tour the inside.

‘We are trying to include people from all over the county, to invite them to enjoy the house. That is the reason we restored it originally, for the people,’ said director Jeanette Lowery.

Activities will start at 9 a.m. and run until 2 p.m., offering a tour of the oldest remaining residence in McMinnville, once belonging to Dr. Thomas Black. The Maypole Dance is returning with performances at 9:30, 10:35, 12:15 and 1:15.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Clark United Methodist’s Male Chorus, Children’s Chorus and their Mass Chorus, promising a wonderful presentation.

‘We had the them at the Christmas Open House, and they were a hit,’ said Lowery. They love to sing and they will probably take the roof off the gazebo.’

A variety of food items will be available for guests, ranging from barbecue plates to hamburgers and hot dogs.

Tours of the home will be given for a fee of $4 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 years, and free to children under 6. Special tours are available year around, and can be planned by calling 931-668-5050 or 931-635-2443.

The Black House is situated on the southeast corner of Main and High Streets in the downtown business district, and is listed on the National Historical Register. It was built in 1825 and received its name from Dr. Black, a general practitioner of medicine operating from the rear of the home.

The house and property were deeded by the late Jean and Nancy Leonard, granddaughters of Dr. Black, to The Eagle Fund Inc. which began restoration of the structure in the early 1980s. It had remained in Dr. Black’s family for over 100 years.

It is truly a treasure in which all Warren countians can be proud.