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The Banjo Lesson by Henry Ossawa Tanner
Painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Banjo Lesson, completed in 1893. It is believed that Tanner painted this image after visiting Highlands, NC, and may have been inspired by the area. -
Mountain Landscape, Highlands, NC
Oil Painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner, "Mountain Landscape." Tanner was an African American painter who visited and was inspired by Highlands, NC. -
Charlie Wright
Charlie Wright, Helen's first husband and Highlands hero. He received a gold medal for the rescue of Gus Baty after he tumbled over Fool's Rock. Charlie died young and Helen used the cash award from the Carnegie metal to open Helen's Barn providing a space for the Highlands community and support her five children. -
Old-time musicians
Old-time musicians part of Smithsonian folkways project, https://folkways.si.edu/david-bill-and-billie-ray-johnson/old-time-north-carolina-mountain-music/bluegrass/music/album/smithsonian -
"Hunt is on for Original 'Kidder Cole' Tune" pt 1
Parris, John, "Hunt is on for Original 'Kidder Cole' Tune," Asheville Citizen-Times, Sunday, March 19, 1972. https://www.newspapers.com/image/195570185 -
Ballad of Helen's Barn
Ballad of Helen's Barn
The insurance came when Charlie was dead
Leaving Helen with six mouths that had to be fed.
She built a barn and painted it red
And the townspeople turned to her and said,
"Helen what you're doing just ain't right-
Building a dance hall in a town this white.
Shoulda' built a church - a roof for your head.
But not a dance hall, and painted it red."
Her answer above the jingle of coins firmly clears:
"It takes a lot of cheers
To dam a widow's tears."
Helen's Barn opened for dancing on Saturday night.
Folks came a-clogging' their feet feeling light.
Where many a youth first saw the light
Of joy in dancing away fears in the night.
It was Helen's answer to their calls and their jeers:
"It takes a lit of cheers
to dam a widow's tears."
Fifty years of Saturday night digging shins with joy
As many a man-danced away there from being a boy.
Helen's young'uns were schooled, fed and kept warm
With money she earned at her old red barn.
As hoe-down music drowned any complaint
To answer those who don't recognize a saint.
"It takes a lot of cheers
To dam a widow's tears."
-Kate Gillson -
Porchfest 2022
Musicians playing at the Ugly Dog Pub as part of Porchfest 2022. -
Dough Bowl Banjo
Image of a dought bowl banjo courtesy of Shane Speal
https://www.cigarboxguitar.com/ -
Oil Can Banjo
Oil Can Banjo, part of the physical exhibit Mountain Music of Highlands loaned to the Highlands Historical Society by Shane Speal. -
