October is Thomas Wolfe month

From a press release:

October is Thomas Wolfe month

Every scrap of truth that could be mined from the early years of Thomas Clayton Wolfe growing up in Asheville found its way onto the printed page and helped to establish him as a great American writer. In celebration of his life and work, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial will commemorate his Oct. 3, 1900, birthdate with a month of special programs. Donations are not necessary, but are much appreciated.

“We are fortunate that the house many people know as ‘Dixieland’ was the boardinghouse Wolfe’s mother Julia ran as ‘The Old Kentucky Home,’ and is now the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site,” says Site Manager Tom Muir. “We have a month of celebratory programs that start with free tours for North Carolina residents Oct. 3.”

In partnership with Lenoir-Rhyne University, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m., an announcement of the launch of the Thomas Wolfe Center for Narrative will be made. Readings from “Child By Tiger” will be given by center Director Laura Hope-Gill, local historian Andrea Clark and author David Madden, followed by a public reception.

Programs will be offered on Saturdays in October:

• Oct. 4 and 11: “Look Homeward” Riverside Cemetery Tours at 10 a.m. based on the people who became characters in Wolfe’s works. Tickets $5, available at the visitor center at 52 N. Market St. before the tour.

• Oct. 11: “Read with Wolfe Workshop” presented by the Friends of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial and board members Georgeanne Spruce and Laura Hope-Gill at 2 p.m. The free program explores a variety of Wolfe’s writings for new and experienced Wolfe readers.

• Oct. 18: The Thomas Wolfe 8k race begins at 10 a.m. in front of the Old Kentucky Home. Winners of the Thomas Wolfe “Tell Our Tales” student writing competition will be announced at 1 p.m. with readings by the students.

• Oct. 25: “Write with the Wolfe” free workshop with Laura Hope-Gill, director of the Thomas Wolfe Center for Narrative, at 10 a.m. Beginning and new writers will be encouraged to start a new work and to experience a productive hour of writing. At 3 p.m. Hope-Gill will lead a “Thomas Wolfe’s Asheville Architecture Tour” tracking the early 1900s “boon town” development.

For more information about the events and how to join the Friends of Thomas Wolfe support group, please call (828) 253-8304 or visit www.wolfememorial.com. Wolfe Memorial is located at 52 N. Market St. and within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.