WHITE OAK — For the first time in several years, the annual Harmony Hall Plantation Village homecoming event will be missing a familiar face.
The homecoming events will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic plantation, but long-time Field Marshal Bobby Lewis will be present in spirit only. Lewis passed away suddenly earlier this year.
“Bobby is definitely missed out there, especially on Sunday afternoons,” said Harry La Rock, acting president of the Harmony Hall Plantation Village Committee. “He could rattle off the history of Harmony Hall better than anyone; he was very important at Harmony Hall.”
The homecoming is one of the organization’s top two events each year, and La Rock is hoping this one will be no different.
“The homecoming and Christmas events helps bring in pour largest crowds and best donations,” he said. “And we always hope to get new people out there to give us a chance to recruit members.”
Saturday’s activities will feature tours of the Plantation Village’s numerous buildings — including the 1760 home built by Col. James Richardson, the kitchen house, the one-room school house, the chapel and General Store.
There is also expected to be a living history given by members of the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in period costume, as well as events by the Bladen Militia group. According to the Harmony Hall Facebook page, there will also be hikes to the Cape Fear River and “black-pot” cooking.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Harmony Hall Plantation Village Committee (membership is $10 per year) and/or participate in the homecoming can call La Rock at 910-866-4113.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.