WHITE OAK — The Harmony Hall group is hoping for a banner event for this year’s homecoming, set for Saturday.
Last year, the board that oversees the historic home experienced upheaval after the sudden death of long-time field marshal Bobby Lewis, and last year’s homecoming saw fewer than 50 guests turn out for one of the two biggest events held on the property.
“I’m hoping it’s a lot better than last year,” said board president Harry La Rock. “I’d love to see over 100 people there, and we’ve been working very hard to get the word out about it. The more people we have there, the better chance we have to recruit members and do some of the work that needs doing.”
Saturday’s activities will include tours of the 1760 home built by Col. James Richardson, the one-room schoolhouse, the General Store, the chapel, and the kitchen house.
For the first time, the organizers are offering Harmony Hall apparel. Short-sleeve T-shirts come in two colors — gray and blue — with the words “I went back in time” on the front and a rendering of Harmony Hall on the back. Children’s small and large are $12, and adult medium, large, and extra-large are $15.
“We have a limited number of all sizes, until we see how well they sell,” La Rock stated.
The blacksmith shop, which La Rock said is “always a favorite attraction,” will be open, and living history will be given by volunteers in 18th-century apparel. A tent will be set up representing the North Carolina 46th Regiment, a volunteer infantry that served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Era-specific firearms will also be on display.
Craft demonstrations will include the making of colonial dolls, needlepoint, and inkle weaving — a type of weaving popular in making narrow products like straps and belts.
There will also be plenty of food to go around. Though it will be cooked 18th-century style, the offerings will include not only some wild game food unique to the era, but also items that would be more palatable to today’s guest, like pork.
The event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted. La Rock said any donations given will be used for restoration of the buildings on the property, which are estimated to be around $50,000.
For additional questions, or to volunteer to help with Harmony Hall Plantation Village, contact La Rock at 910-866-4113.
The Harmony Hall Spring Homecoming will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.