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Dancing at Helen's Barn, 1940-50s
A crowd of white dancers square dancing at Helen's Barn. A Group of six individuals, three males, and three females are facing the camera while people in the background dance in groups. -
Random Thoughts and the Musings of a Mountaineer by Judge Felix E. Alley
Random Thoughts and the Musings of a Mountaineer by Judge Felix E. Alley. -
Fool's Rock
“Fool’s Rock,” less than five feet wide, juts out over the valley floor, 2,000 feet below. Rock outcropping that Gus Baty fell off precipitating the Charlie Wright rescue. Today, a guardrail protects visitors from the sheer drop. -
Clogging at Helen's Barn
Clogging is a type of step dance in which the dancer strikes the floor to create a rhythm. While clogging is sometimes called Buck Dancing, in the latter dance, performers keep their bodies immobile and their steps low to the floor. -
Square Dancing
A caller would call out the steps to keep dancers together. All three types of dances are done to fiddle music and are common throughout the southern Appalachians. -
Don Green Band
The Don Green Band was a typical Mountain String Band with a guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. Siblings Donald, Dixie, and Mel played at Helen’s Barn along with an unknown mandolin player. Proprietor Helen Wright Wilson can be seen standing at the far right in this photograph. The fiddler in the color photograph is Don Green, accompanied by his brother on guitar.
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Helen's Barn, 1934
Re-built in 1934, the new barn was constructed in the center of Helen’s four acre plot. For 50 years, the site served as a venue for local exhibition teams who danced several times a week at the request of summer visitors. Because there were no other public buildings, roller skating, auctions, plays, craft shows, and reunions were booked into the barn. -
Helen's Barn, 1932
Helen’s Barn was built in 1932 on four acres of land bought with the $2,000 received from the Carnegie Institute for the bravery of her husband, Charlie Wright. After his death in 1927, his widow—left with five children—decided to open a square dance hall. The barn was located in the heart of Highlands, on the corner of 1st and Main Streets, but burned suspiciously in 1934. Apparently, not everyone in Highlands appreciated the music, dance, and beer. -
Helen Cabe Wright Wilson
Helen Cabe Wright Wilson and her children hosted more than 50 summers of square dancing and brought visitors and local residents together to enjoy traditional music and dance. After Helen’s death in 1959, her children managed Helen’s Barn until 1984.
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Nitrograss--Highlands Patios
Nitrograss performing at a Highlands patio concert on August 27, 2021.