May Day Bicentennial Celebration May 19
The Eagle Fund is once again holding its May Day Celebration May 19 at the historic Black House at 301 W. Main St. The event is also being presented as a bicentennial celebration activity observing Warren County?s 200th year.
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.
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy satellite music, antique button displays, a flint carving exhibit, and special activities for the younger set. An Armed Forces Program will be presented by Evening Exchange Club at 11:45 a.m.
A special touch to the day is the button display, with Tammy Jones, president of the Jacksonian Club and the National Button Club, on hand with her wonderful collection. ?Charm Strings? is the first known type of button collection, starting in the 1860s. The idea was that a young lady would start her string with a ?touch button,? and each member of her family and each friend would add the very loveliest button they could find to this string, making a lovely keepsake.
Local button collectors, Peggie McColloch, Susie Cowell and Patsy Webb will also share part of their collections with visitors, as well as several out-of-town button enthusiasts.
A demonstration of Indian arrowheads, knives and other items by the Arrowhead Flint Napping Group will be offered. These artifacts will be carved on the premises from any different types of stone and can be purchased at the event.
It is advised to come hungry, as special meals of crock pot chicken and dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cake and beverage; or southern gumbo, cornbread, cake and beverage will be available for purchase.
Tours of the home will be $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-12 and no charge for children under age 6. The annual fundraiser is held in an effort to maintain the historic site for others to enjoy for years to come.
Admittance is free to the site and the public is invited to take this unique journey into the past.
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.