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The Tryon History Museum on Maple Street has been busy, especially with Covid easing up a bit.  In October, The Tales of Tryon was presented at the Tryon Train Depot. Our special guest was Susan Story Speight, author of The History of White Oak Mountain.  We all look up at White Oak Mountain every day, but many of us did not know that this mountain had such a rich and interesting history. The story of Rixhaven alone has intrigued this writer for many years.

Speight’s research is extensive and the history buffs among us all owe her a big thank you for filling this in. Her books are available for purchase at the Museum’s small gift counter.

The Tales of Tryon is one of our most successful ventures.  After all, our “tagline” is Telling Tryon’s Story.  We are open to suggestions about what topics our friends might like to see presented.  

The November Tales of Tryon will be on November 18 at The Tryon Train Depot. Refreshments are served at 4:30 and the program begins at 5:00 pm. 

We all (if we have been here any length of time) know of Garland Goodwin’s deep knowledge of all things Polk County.  He grew up here, left for careers and service to his country, but thankfully came home as so many folks around here seem to do.  The Tales of Tryon is pleased to have Garland come and talk about three of the memorable characters from his early life in and around Tryon.  You may know of some of these folks, but trust Garland to give us some inside information.

Please bring your friends to hear Garland and learn of his connection to Nina Simone, his ability to tune a piano and do many jobs around town.  Did you know how Seth Vining made the Tryon Daily Bulletin the BEST and the smallest newspaper ever?   Another memorable person is Clement Douglass Stevens.  He was a Mayor of Tryon who made an impression on young Garland.  

You may have noticed that the Museum is hosting the Tales of Tryon series in various historic locations. We quickly outgrew the available space in the museum itself.  So don’t be confused when we move around each month.  The next Tales of Tryon will occur in February.  The Museum Board will spend January refreshing and cleaning the museum. 

Since the Tryon History Museum also serves as the Official Visitor’s Center for Tryon, we are attending the Tourism and Development Board meetings so that we all are working in tandem to make Tryon attractive to visitors and locals alike.  We are very excited about Tryon’s new Branding Project which will be unveiled in the next month or so.

AS 2021 draws to a close, the Museum will host a Member Meeting/Drop-in in December.  We will say a big thank you and farewell to four board members who have served for at least six years each.   They have done yeoman’s work and are ready for a well-deserved break. Much of our 2021 Work Plan was executed by these folks and we really appreciate them.

We will also welcome five new board members who are eager to get to work.  The Board Retreat in February will outline all the areas of work to be tackled in the coming year. The Work Plan will be updated and assignments made.   In the meantime, have a happy holiday season.We also have welcomed new docents recently.  They have undergone training and are already on duty.  We depend on these volunteers to staff the Tryon Visitor’s Center and to learn about Tryon history to share with visitors.  The Board wishes all a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

 

Submitted by Wanda May