Press release from Historic Johnson Farm:
As part of its winter History Bites lectures, local author and Times-News columnist Terry Ruscin will present his “School Days” program at Historic Johnson Farm at noon on Wed., Jan. 16. Tickets cost $5 and include light refreshments.
The fully-illustrated program on the history of Henderson County schools includes one- and two-room schoolhouses, subscription and “old-field” schools, early textbooks, and rules for teachers and students. Early black schools and the county’s more renowned teachers count among the topics and images.
The program covers consolidation, desegregation, and the local schools designed by prominent architect, Erle G. Stillwell.
The dozens of early schools illustrated take in Adam’s Run, Dry Hill, Union Hill, the Port of Rugby School, the School for Little Folks, and Episcopal mission schools. Mills River Academy counts among the earliest institutions, as do Judson College, Fassifern School for Girls, Blue Ridge School for Boys, the Fruitland Institute, and the Rosenwald School at East Flat Rock.
Ruscin’s many books include “Hidden History of Henderson County,” “Glimpses of Henderson County,” “A History of Transportation in Western North Carolina,” “Hendersonville & Flat Rock: An Intimate Tour,” and his latest, “Images of America: Henderson County.” He also writes the monthly history column, “Beyond the Banks,” for the Hendersonville Times-News. Ruscin is a member of the Henderson County Historic Resources Commission. Ruscin will have copies of his books available for sale and autographing after the program.
Historic Johnson Farm is located at 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville, NC 28791. Future History Bites programs include Susan Trotter’s “Quilting through the Years” on Feb. 6 at noon and Janie McKinley’s “Legacy of Bear Mountain” on February 20 at noon. For questions, contact farm manager Mandy Gibson at 828-891-6585.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.