FOOTHILLS life IN
CONTRIBUTORS
Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer
Mark is retired from a career in education, both in and outside of the classroom. He enjoys traveling in his campervan and finding stories about the people and places encountered along the way. You can follow his blog at FoothillsFaces.com as well as at youtube.com/ TheCountryLifeWithColumbusMark.
Linda
List, Writer and Photographer
Linda List’s career was spent in the food industry, often surrounded by chocolate and candy. Retirement and the Tryon Daily Bulletin have provided the opportunity for her to share her writing. Growing up in New York on the Canadian border, she lived most of her adult life at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, Colo. And is now enjoying life in Landrum the foot of the Smokies.
Clay Johnson, Writer and Photographer
Clay is an award-winning documentary producer and writer as well as a contributing producer for PBS NC’s “North Carolina Weekend” show. He also produces educational videos and writes magazine and newspaper articles. Johnson and his wife Debra moved to Tryon in June 2021 and enjoy exploring the outdoors. He can be reached at cj@ clayjohnsonproductions.com.
Emily Williams, Writer and Photographer
Emily Williams is a recent graduate of North Greenville University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing while working as a substitute teacher. In her free time, Emily loves to explore Western North Carolina, try out new coffee shops, and write fiction and nonfiction alike.
Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer
Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina. He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.
Pebbles, Writer
Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman. Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org
Jeff Allison General Manager
ON THE COVER
Warm weather has finally found its way to the Foothills, as we officially kick off summer this month. Now that the kids are out on school break, the days are longer, and summer fun is in full swing, we can take a moment to truly appreciate all of the things that make our area truly special. As you enjoy this issue of Life in Our Foothills, I hope you are encouraged to get out and experience some of what makes our small towns so unique.
One of the many gems that make our small community unique is our very own independent movie theater, Tryon Theatre. It’s a testament to our community’s love for the arts and our commitment to preserving our local culture. We meet with Evan Fitch, managing partner of the theater, and hear a bit about its history, as well as its importance today.
FOOTHILLS
(Story
Story by Emily Williams
We’ll also hear about the PacJAM program and how adults of all ages can expand their horizons by learning to play an instrument. Hosted by the Tryon Fine Arts Center, the program is a great way to meet new people while learning about bluegrass and old-time music. And, we’ll visit two historic stores in Saluda: Thompson’s Store and M.A. Pace General Store. These two locations are almost synonymous with downtown Saluda, showcasing the character and culture of the community.
Additionally, Linda List stops by a roadside garden and learns a lot about a favorite summertime flower, the iris. And, of course, we’ll catch up with our resident “spokespony,” Pebbles, as she fills us in on the latest from the HERD ranch!
In our June issue, you’ll find a wealth of stories and ideas that reflect the vibrancy of our community. We’ve put together this issue with you in mind, and we’re always eager to hear your thoughts and ideas. Your stories are what make our community truly special. So, please don’t hesitate to reach out and share your unique perspective. Email me at jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com with any thoughts or ideas for upcoming issues. As always, thanks for reading!
Jeff Allison Editor
General Manager
Jeff Allison
FOOTHILLS life IN OUR STAFF
Graphic Design
Caitlin Schlemmer
Marketing
MJ Parsons
Distribution
Jamie Lewis
Alex Greene
Administration
Sydney Wilkie
Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Manager, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Columbus Farmers Market
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 8am12pm Courthouse Square
FENCE Community Yard Sale
June 1, 8am-12pm
Equestrian Side of FENCE 3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon FENCE.org
Landrum Farmers Market
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 8am12pm
221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum LandrumFarmersMarket.com
Bayard Wooten
Photography Exhibition
June 1 - July 19
Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon TryonArtsAndCrafts.org
All Members Exhibit + Guest Artist: Road Less Traveled Through June 8
Tryon Painters & Sculptors 78 N. Trade St., Tryon TryonPaintersAndSculptors.com
Saturday Night Lights
June 1, 8, 29 from 4-10pm Tryon International Equestrian Center Resort.Tryon.com/snl
Saluda Tailgate Market
June 7, 14, 21,28 from 4-6pm 214 East Main St., Saulda
Saluda Shop & Stroll
June 7, 5-8pm Downtown Saluda
Saluda Art Stroll
June 8, 4-6pm West Main St., downtown Saluda
JUNE 13-16
Performance: The Last 5 Years
June 13, 14, & 15 at 7:30pm June 16 at 3pm Tryon Fine Arts Center Shakespeare-friends.com
JUNE 15
Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series The Backyard Chorus: Insect Songs Through the Seasons 10:30am Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center ConservingCarolina.org
JUNE 7
Summer Tracks Concert Series: Firecracker Jazz Band 7pm Rogers Park Amphitheater Firecrackerjazz.com
Historic Saluda Tour of Homes
June 8, 10am-3pm
Tickets: Visitors Center, Mewdlic’s, Heartwood Gallery, Saluda Depot
Analogues: North & South Photography by Tema Stauffer
Opening Reception June 9, 2:30-4:30pm On display through Aug. 30 Upstairs Artspace 49 S. Trade St., Tryon
Saluda Library Speaker Series: An Intro to WNC Butterflies
June 11, 2pm
Saluda Library
44 W. Main St., Saluda ConservingCarolina.org
Tales of Tryon: Personalities of the Eastside Community
June 13, 5pm TryonHistoryMuseum.org
Family Concert featuring Café String Quartet
June 16, 4pm
FENCE Center
3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon FENCE.org
Saluda Train Tales
June 21, 7pm
Saluda Historic Depot & Museum
32 W. Main St., Saluda SaludaHistoricDepot.com
Summer Tracks Concert Series: Maya de Vitry Band
June 21, 7pm
Rogers Park Amphitheater Mayadevitry.com
Sean of the South
June 22, 6:30pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon
Music at the Market: Summer Solstice Soiree
June 22, 7pm
Landrum Farmers Market 221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum
4th Fridays in Tryon June 28, 5-7pm Trade St., Downtown Tryon
FOOTHILLS DISCOVERIES
Compiled and Photographed by Mark Levin
Each month you’ll be introduced to something in our area that’s worth some exploration. Some of these will be familiar, but perhaps you’ve never been or haven’t been in years. And others might be things you have never heard of or thought to visit. All of these will be family-friendly and either free or inexpensive. Get out there!
FREEDOM HILL FARM & RESCUE
Freedom Hill Farm and Rescue in the Green Creek Community is home to dozens of animals who, in many cases, had nowhere else to go. They might have been abandoned, abused, neglected, or just not wanted anymore. Taylor and Fernando Lampert-Ventura started the farm to serve as a rescue and a sanctuary for a variety of animals in need.
Part of the farm is a “Petting Zoo,” with various animals ‘begging’ visitors for food, which you’ll get when you check in. Other animals might be considered “free range,” and they’ll follow visitors around until they get a handful of food. Other animals are meant for checking from outside the fenced areas.
Each animal here has a story; the staff and volunteers will happily share those with you. Freedom Hill Farm can also host a child’s birthday party.
The animals in their care change. On the day I visited, I saw goats (tons of goats, including two in wheelchairs), tortoises, chickens, sheep, a pig, a mini mule, a goose, mini and full-size horses, and even some emus.
Freedom Hill Farm & Rescue is a registered non-profit. Taylor and Fernando also offer private horseboarding and related services separate from the rescue division.
MORE TO KNOW
To become one with the barnyard animals, there is a $5 charge per person. Each recipient receives a bag of food, with additional bags available for purchase. The money goes toward the care of these animals.
Freedom Hill Farm is usually open seven days a week from 10 until 6. But call or text 203/ 321-6178 just to make sure. You can also check their Facebook page for updates.
It is located at 311 Mize Nursery Lane, Columbus, off of Chesnee Road, not far from Highway 9.
Younger children will enjoy a little playground fun mixed in with animal visits.
Billy is ready for someone to come over and have a chat, especially if they have a handful of food.
Fern found a loving
home at Freedom Hill Farm after suffering some severe cruelty as a piglet.
Taylor and Fernando Lampert-Ventura have a busy day taking care of all the animals’ needs.
Maggie Songster from Asheville has a word with a tortoise.
Maggie Songster from Asheville and Nick Trogdon from Nashville, TN enjoy some quality time with the goats.
Heidi Towns from Tryon is happy to oblige Ellie with a few extra handfuls of food.
Silvie enjoys munching on some hay while keeping eyes open for an extra handout.
Roll Film!
Tryon Theatre and the Beauty of Small-Town Cinema
The smell of buttery popcorn, the feel of comfortable leather seats, the lure of the big screen—such features of movie theaters are staples of fond memories many Americans hold across the country. Almost everyone can think back to an experience at the movies where he or she was transported by the cinematic experience. Perhaps a young boy was imbued with courage by Willam Wallace’s speech in Braveheart. Or maybe a quiet girl was entranced by a mother-daughter duo singing
Story and photography by Emily Williams
songs (written by the best pop group ever, might I add) in Mama Mia! Elizabeth Gilbert’s travels across the world in Eat, Pray, Love might have given a lowincome single mother a way to see the world in a way she never could afford before.
Without a doubt, the movie theater is a special place, and the Tryon community happens to boast its very own theater in the heart of downtown. Evan Fitch, managing partner of Tryon Theatre, discusses the institution’s history, the inner workings of the cinema, and what makes small-town theaters so valuable to their communities.
Evan Fitch became a partner of Tryon Theatre when he came to stay with his family during the COVID-19 crisis. Fitch had grown up in Tryon but moved away for college in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. While in Tryon, Fitch
was drawn to visit the theater he had watched movies in as a child, especially since he knew more about the inner workings of the cinema after obtaining degrees in film. While visiting the movie theater, he met Scott and Gayle Lane, who had owned the theater since 2017.
Wanting to take a step back from the business to have more time with family, the Lanes were looking to find another partner who could actively manage day-to-day aspects of the business, and they soon found Fitch would be a perfect addition.
Tryon Theatre has been an integral part of the community since it opened its doors in 1938. The theater was designed and constructed by local craftsmen who saw the vision of how the cinematic art form could flourish in this area. “The history of the theater, as far as its success, is largely due to how supportive Tryon
The 1950s-style Art Deco exterior of the theater
is of the art community,” states Fitch. It certainly did not take long for the theater to become a hit—not only locally, but nationally as well. In the forties and fifties, big-name Hollywood stars like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire would vacation in Tryon, and the theater would be one of their frequented stops.
Over the decades, the theater has undergone various aesthetic and organizational changes. One difference Fitch remembers from his childhood is that he was not allowed to sit in the balcony area because it was the “Adults Only” smoking and drinking section. Today, the balcony is open to everyone. Aesthetically, the theater was renovated to a 1950s Art Deco style when Scott and Gayle Lane took over in 2017.
“Much of the aesthetic makeup of the theater currently—the exterior and
interior colors, the carpet— was custom work done by my partners to create a unified aesthetic, but also to create a set of colors, fonts, and logos that provide a distinct brand customers recognize as Tryon Theatre,” Fitch says.
The main train logo tied to the movie theater was even designed by Fitch’s partners to pay homage to the railroad tracks that run parallel to the theater’s entrance.
The visuals of the Tryon Theatre are not the only aspects that make the theater unique—the movies Fitch and his partners choose to show also act as branding. When deciding on films, Fitch states, “We’re just trying to find a three-part blend of our personal taste, films we think will be financially successful, and films we think our audience will like.”
Being in a small community, many audience members are regular
Original prices and Tryon Daily Bulletin article marking the theater’s grand opening in 1938
Tryon Theatre’s ‘Coming Soon’ sign
attendees, so Fitch and his partners can cater to their tastes easily. “Their tastes are not necessarily reflective of the broader national taste,” Fitch says. “Sometimes they overlap, like for a lot of the Oscar movies–they’re nominated because the audience loved them, and the critics loved them.”
Since Tryon’s demographic is mainly retired, well-educated, and supportive of the arts, the movies that do well are wittier and more artistic in nature. Fitch has particularly noticed that British comedies, foreign films, and historical dramas are the most successful.
As summer comes into full bloom, the theater also plans to show more kidfriendly blockbusters for families to enjoy together during summer break. While these movies do not always fit the typical brand of the theater, Fitch and his partners look forward to this
time of the year where more members of the community come to enjoy the cinematic experience.
Ultimately, Fitch, Scott, and Gayle want as many people as possible to have this special experience at their theater. According to Fitch, the home-viewing experience simply cannot compare to that of the movie theater. When at the theater, “A movie’s going to play from beginning to end. You don’t have that option to pause it and get up to take a phone call,” states Fitch. “The constraint on that option makes it a more enjoyable experience because people have to immerse themselves in the film—they have to give themselves over to it. It’s like listening to a song for the first time. Just listening to it, closing your eyes, and not doing anything else is a lovely way to enjoy it.”
Fitch believes this is the value of what the cinema
The old-fashioned ticket booth sells movie tickets for only $10
sells: “the multi-faceted package of that experience of the big screen, the surround sound, the immersed in the darkness—and kind of just letting the rest of the world outside fall away.” What Tryon Theatre has to offer in particular makes the cinematic experience even more special than the experience at a big-box theater. Fitch proffers that, while larger theaters can offer more choice, the small-town
theater offers “reliability and a certain amount of charm that you can’t quite quantify.” Many of Fitch’s return customers prefer that their theater has only a few movie options to see on a weekly basis. The customers have come to trust that Fitch and his partners can effectively comb through what Fitch describes as “the disorienting mass of films” to find something they will love.
The small-town theater also allows
a distinct level of personability unmatched by the Regals and Cinemarks in big cities. “A lot of people like coming to a place where they feel known and recognized,” claims Fitch. “Our staff are members of the community. People like coming in and seeing faces they know from the community. But even if that person is known only through the context of this interaction, they see that face
View of the theater and balcony
every time they come.” The community feel of the theatre is so valuable to citizens of Tryon—people who value supporting small business, experiencing the arts, and building human connections.
Fitch and his partners look forward to providing an enjoyable and affordable cinematic experience for the people of Tryon for years to come. “We’re very happy to be able to provide this space for our community,” Fitch says. “My partners and I are of the mind that, yes, we’re running this theater for them, but we’re also doing it for us. We’re all people who really value having a theater in our community.”
Without a doubt, Tryon would not be the same without this beloved institution.
To view show times and purchase tickets to upcoming movies, visit www. tryontheatre.com.
Evan Fitch, managing partner of the Tryon Theatre
A view of the big screen
Western Union Telegrams from people all across the country who visited the theater
LEARNING to play MUSIC at any age
Adult PacJAM
George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
The Tryon Fine Arts Center PacJAM program
for adults is certainly one way for adults to learn to play music—regardless of age or skill level.
Known throughout the Foothills for teaching old-time and bluegrass to children, Pacolet Junior
Appalachian Musicians (PacJAM) also offers workshops for adults covering the basics of guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle.
However, these classes are clearly about more
than learning to play an instrument. They are also about making friends and creating a sense of community.
“Building community one tune at a time” is how PACJam Program
Story and photography by Storme Smith
Director Julie Moore describes the program. “PacJAM provides an opportunity for area youth and adults to experience community through the joy of participating in traditional music taught by some great local musicians,” she says. While it may be more challenging to learn something new the older you get, that doesn’t mean picking up a new skill, like playing an instrument, is impossible. The adult PacJAM program shows that learning new things as an adult is not just possible; it’s a great way to strengthen our brains and have fun.
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt structure and function throughout life and in response to experience, does not stop in adulthood. Our brains consistently can change, and we can even encourage this process as we age by learning to play an
instrument.
PacJAM, named for the Pacolet River, is part of a larger program, the Junior Appalachian Musicians. JAM supports youth traditional music education programs that meet its requirements within 150 miles of Independence, Va., and Knoxville, Tenn. It serves over 50 affiliated programs in southwestern Virginia, western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and eastern Kentucky.
Pacolet JAM provides small-group traditional music instruction on numerous instruments. It has a summer camp each year and several sessions spread out throughout the year for kids and adults.
The PacJAM program is focused on teaching traditional music, including the traditional music of the Foothills, known as bluegrass, Appalachian
Amy Buckingham leads a class on fiddle playing.
music, or mountain music. The music taught in JAM programs is historic, with many tunes and ballads that are over a hundred years old. This traditional music includes many historical ballads about actual events and those deriving from folktales. The music taught in JAM programs is also in the public domain, meaning its origination is not copyrighted.
While the PacJAM youth curriculum is based on learning Appalachian culture through old-time and bluegrass, the adult program is about helping people come together in music. PacJAM’s spring semester recently ran from March 6 through May 8. Participants chose from classes such as old-time JAM with Bob Buckingham, intermediate/advanced adult fiddle with Amy Buckingham, beginner adult guitar with Gaye Johnson, and beginner adult mandolin
with Will Trakas. They highlighted each evening with a Bluegrass JAM featuring the instructors.
“We see where the students are starting,” says instructor Gaye Johnson, who is known for performing nationally with her husband Phil, where they appeared on TNN’s Fire on the Mountain and A Prairie Home Companion. “We start with chords, finger placement, developing muscle memory, starting slow with twochord songs from the JAM songbook, and go from there.”
Some of the songs taught in the curriculum books provided by JAM are oldtime favorites, such as Reuben’s Train, Soldier’s Joy, the Crawdad Song, Shady Grove, and Old Joe Clark, along with a few student suggestions thrown in.
Instructor Will Trakas pointed out that teaching music is a great way
Will Trakas teaches a class on beginner’s mandolin.
to sharpen the skills of instructors.
“I’m self-taught on the mandolin after finding a 1912 Gibson in the basement, so I’m learning by teaching,” he says. “Teaching is the best way to learn, I’ve found. The mandolin has its own challenges, so we work on the chords and even basics like how to sit correctly.”
Mandolin student Cher Brown said, “The mandolin is brand new to me, and Will has been a wonderful instructor. I’ve been practicing at home, but it’s also been fun learning to play with other people.”
Bob Buckingham, who teaches along with his wife Amy, said the program is a lot of fun and is a fantastic way to meet new people.
“It’s a great program to meet new friends,” he says. “I enjoy helping someone learn to play, whether kids or adults.”
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ABOVE: Will Trakas and his mandolin.
Instructor Phil Jenkins, the grandson of legendary musician Snuffy Jenkins, said the program has lifelong benefits. “PacJAM is a wonderful program for adults or children because it teaches them something they can take and use for the rest of their lives,” he says.
Known as the ‘Father of Bluegrass,’ iconic mandolinist Bill Monroe said it best.
“Bluegrass has brought more people together and made more friends than any music in the world,” Monroe said many years ago. TFAC’s Adult PACJam program continues to prove Mr. Monroe’s statement to be true.
The PacJAM is sponsored by Junior Appalachian Musicians, the Wayne C. Henderson Fund, and the NC Arts Council. To learn more about the program or upcoming sessions, visit tryonarts.org/pacjam or call TFAC at 828-859-8322.
BELOW: Instructor Gaye Johnson plays guitar for her students.
Saluda’s Historic Stores
This is a tale of two old stores that share the heart of one old town.
Thompson’s Store and M.A. Pace General Store sit less than 200 feet
Johnson
apart in downtown Saluda and together represent touchstones to the town’s past.
“To have these two stores so close together in the same
town and be so old I think it’s great because it’s what people come here for, to see the history, and it’s what makes us Saluda,” says Thompson’s Store manager
Story and photography by Clay
Thompson’s Store and M.A. Pace General Store
Lindsey Holmes.
George L. Thompson established his store in 1890, making it the oldest continually operating grocery store in North Carolina. His daughter, Lola Thompson Ward, grew up working in her father’s business in the early 1900s. In 1940, she and her husband Roy, along with sons Jack and Charlie, moved the business to its current location on Main Street.
“They were here for the railroad workers, so upstairs used to be housing for the railroad workers overnight when they would stop in, and then they would have food down here for them,” says Holmes.
The store also served locals with fresh meats, cheeses, produce and other grocery items as it continues to do today. In 1960, the Ward’s opened Ward’s Grill in an adjacent space that used to be a hardware store.
“You had your train
conductors that would come in, and they would have coffee and eat their breakfast and the next train conductor would switch out,” says grill owner Joshua Holmes.
Ward’s served locals, too, of course, and operated as a 1950s-style diner until it closed in the fall of 2020. Holmes, who had been in the restaurant business, dropped by Thompson’s Store one day, saw the closed grill and its potential and decided to buy it. He and his wife Taylor re-opened the grill in May 2022, preserving its original look.
“I have one gentleman who remembers being six years old and sitting on this barstool, and we’ve never replaced them so that’s the original barstool and he sits there and drinks a milkshake just like his dad did and you know it’s people’s history and you’re losing that in a lot of your big cities,” says Holmes. Holmes has updated the
Inside Thompson’s Store
diner’s menu to reflect the times while maintaining some of its traditions.
“We have different things on the menu like you would a typical diner, so we have hamburger steak, we have open-face roast beef, stuff like that,” says Holmes. “We’re known for our burgers and sandwiches most of all so we have what I like to say is one of the best burgers around.”
Holmes also wanted to recreate Charlie Ward’s famous sage sausage and got the original recipe from his wife Judy.
“It just said a handful of this and a handful of that and we don’t know how big the handful was so it took us a while to figure it out, but the locals say we’ve got it back to where it used to be,” says Holmes.
Next door, Holmes’ sister Lindsey also carries on many of the traditions of the original Thompson’s Store.
Pace’s Store owner and mayor Tangie Morgan serves ice cream
“We have a lot of people who come in and say I remember going to these kinds of stores with my grandfather and now they can experience that with their children,” she says. “You can come in here and get candy cigarettes with your kids and a glass bottle soda and some peanuts. You can’t really go into an Ingles or a Publix and do that. It’s not the same experience.”
You’ll find a similar experience just down the street at Pace’s, which unlike Thompson’s, is a traditional general merchandise store that also sells hardware and ice cream.
M.A. Pace founded the store in 1899. After his death his son Robert took over and the Pace family ran the store until Robert’s death in 2010.
In April 2011 the Morgan family, which has been living in Saluda for generations, bought the business.
“We try to keep
it updated without modernizing it too much since we love the history of our town,” says store owner and Saluda mayor Tangie Morgan. “The store’s been here since the 1800s and we don’t want to lose that. We embrace that as you can look around the store and see the history of our town.”
It smells like history inside the store, sort of like stepping into your grandfather’s den. There’s memorabilia all around, much of it from the Pace and Morgan families.
“There’s things in this building that I see that my great-grandaddy would have touched,” says Morgan.
There’s the original cash register that dates to the late 1800’s, a scale from 1901 and the original pot-bellied stove that people still sit by and play checkers.
“We have people come in year after year and say I remember coming here as
Diners at Ward’s Grill (Erik Olsen)
a kid and getting ice cream or coming here and getting a little bag, we still have the little brown bags with the penny candy. They say my grandmother used to come in here and then they bring their kids and their grandkids,” says Morgan.
The store sells oldfashioned cut nails by the pound and locally made products from cutting boards to jams and jellies.
“We try to find things that’s kind of old-fashioned that you can’t get just anywhere,” says Morgan. “You can’t get it at Wal-Mart. You can’t get it at Dollar General. You can only find it here.”
When you peer in the windows of Pace’s or Thompson’s stores you won’t just see things to buy. You’ll see pieces of Saluda’s past.
“These are landmarks and we’re lucky to have them,” says Morgan.
A historic photo of downtown Saluda (Saluda Historical Committee)
Iris
The
Sometimes, a country drive leads down a path you weren’t expecting. Wandering along a shady Campobello back road brought me to a sunny open field with hundreds of iris in full bloom. When I spied two women cultivating the flowers, I slowed to a stop, hoping for some conversation to learn more about these tall, showy spring flowers. Elaine Lister and her
daughter, Pam, were happy to accommodate me with their extensive knowledge.
Elaine chats with me explaining how she started with all this. “I met Rev. Everette Lineberger of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spartanburg back in the ’80s. He was a former president of the Spartanburg Men’s Garden Club. He was known for his irises and daylilies which he
and his wife grew and sold from Quail Hill Gardens in Inman for many years. I started buying iris rhizomes from him, and now I have this beautiful iris garden. It’s filled with many varieties and colors.”
Some of the varieties have unusual names. There’s Myrtle’s Sunday Dress, Halloween Halo, Concertina, Kilt Lilt, and About Town to name a few. Sometimes, the name refers to
Story and photography by Linda List
Flower Named for the Rainbow Goddess
the color. Halloween Halo is white with an orange border. Concertina is a delicate pink; About Town is a deep purple. Kilt Lilt has ruffles and lace of apricot and gold.
Elaine has lived in the Campobello area most of her life, but she is well-traveled having visited every state except Hawaii, plus other countries including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Iceland. She is a busy lady, bowling twice a week and delivering mobile meals. Elaine has never met anyone who didn’t quickly become a friend.
Elaine’s daughter, Pam, has been working in the iris fields for about 15 years and is full of knowledge about growing iris. “You need to divide the iris about every three years. They grow from a rhizome which you pull up from the ground. The large middle is the ‘mother’ and she produces several offshoot rhizomes.
Red iris form a border
Separate these rhizomes from the mother with a sharp knife and discard the mother, as it will no longer produce blooms. Iris need full sun to bloom, so avoid planting under a tree,” she smiles. I take note of a beautiful tree in the middle of the iris field. No flowers are growing in the cool shade under the spreading limbs.
Another tip from Pam relates to fertilizer. “It needs to be low in nitrogen described as 0-10-10 or 5-10-10. Also, here in South Carolina, we have hot summers. When planting rhizomes, set the rhizome just below the soil surface. When planting in groups, separate by 1 to 2 feet apart.”
Elaine adds information about water and soil. “Good drainage is critical: Irises prefer ‘wet feet, but dry knees.’ They will not tolerate wet soil in winter. And this applies to picking iris blooms to display in your home.
Place them in the vase with only a small bit of water in the base. The bloom will last much longer.”
I inquire about the best time to plant. “Plant most irises in late summer to early fall. This gives them plenty of time to get established before the coming winter. But if you receive rhizomes or irises at some point earlier in the year, plant them as soon as possible. It’s better to get them in the ground rather than wait until the ideal’ time.”
This brings back a memory of my mother, who was a teacher. We lived in cold country near the Canadian border. One spring, one of her students gifted her with several iris rhizomes. She wasn’t a gardener, but after just sticking them in the ground with little thought of proper planting methods, the iris survived and continued blooming for many of my growing-up years.
Pam working in the garden
White with a purple border
I’ve enjoyed my visit with Elaine and Pam, viewing their gardens, and learning about this regal plant. I decide to explore the internet to gather more information. I gain some basic knowledge. “After blooming is finished, cut flower stems down to their base to discourage rhizome rot, but do NOT trim the iris’ leaves. When to divide? Do this task after flowering finishes, and then trim the foliage back to six inches.”
I continue reading about when to cut the leaves back. “In mid-summer, when the plants begin to look ratty, cut all the foliage down by half to create ‘fans’ of leaves. Always cut at an angle. Cut
away any remaining leaves and stems to just above the soil line in mid-fall. Allowing the leaves to die back naturally in fall, before winter frosts, allows the plant to gather and restore its energy in preparation for the following spring. At the end of the growing season, after the leaves have been killed by a few fall frosts, completely remove all foliage. Most of the iris diseases overwinter on the leaf debris.”
With all the planting information, I’m now curious to learn the history of this plant. The iris is first traced to Syria and Greece where myths abound. Iris was the Goddess of the Rainbow.
She was one of the divine messengers of Greek mythology, most commonly imagined delivering messages to gods as well as mortals. Because of the many colors displayed by the iris plant, the name from the Rainbow Goddess seemed to fit. European settlers brought the plant to Virginia in the 1600’s. Vincent van Gogh’s paintings of the iris add to the popularity and mystery of the plant. According to the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, “Van Gogh painted this still life in the psychiatric hospital in Saint-Rémy. For him, the painting was mainly a study of color. The irises were originally purple. But as
Mixed grouping
White miniature iris
Rhizome
the red pigment has faded, they have turned blue. Van Gogh made two paintings of this bouquet. He called the painting ‘the lightning conductor for my illness’ and started painting irises seen in the hospital garden so that he could keep himself from going insane. In 1987, “Irises” became the most expensive painting ever sold. “Irises” was later re-sold in 1990 to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
Now that I’ve learned all about this showy flower, I will be planting an iris garden this fall. I think a small grouping will give me some spring color after the dreary, gray skies of winter. I’ll beg some from neighbors’ gardens when they need to divide the rhizomes, plus scour the garden centers for special colors. Thank you Elaine and Pam for showing me your beautiful plantings and answering questions from an ignorant passer-by.
Elaine shows me the rhizome
A Fairy Tale
“ M irror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of us all?”
Why, I am, of course!
Furthermore, I don’t need seven dwarfs to look after me as I am extremely spoiled. I am
By Pebbles
HERD’s official “spokespony,” the one and only Pebbles!
In truth, my saga rivaled Cinderella’s story. From rags to royalty best reflects my transformation. I was saved from a kill pen run by an infamous
horse trader who has been highly publicized for his cruelty. He ships truckloads of nice horses to slaughter weekly. That little glass slipper that fit Cinderella was made for my tiny, wellshaped hooves. I did not need
Fairy Godmother Pebbles
a pumpkin turned into a golden carriage nor mice into horses to transport me to my destiny. I got to ride up front in the dressing room of a spacious horse trailer all the way to Campobello, S.C. The other horses on the trailer stood side by side like sardines in a can. They were situated behind my comfortable, private accommodations. They could not lie down and rest on the long journey. Since arriving in the Carolinas in 2016, my life in HERD rescue has allowed me to become a fairy godmother to many equines.
A fairy tale is a story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending. The word “fairy” is derived from the Latin fata, meaning “fate.” In ancient French, faerie means “enchantment.” Fae, also known as fairies, are mythical creatures that have been a part of human folklore for centuries. They are often depicted as small,
winged beings with magical powers. Their appearance and abilities vary greatly depending on the culture. While some people believe that fairies are purely fictional, others think they are real creatures existing in a parallel realm. Originating in English folklore, the earliest mentions of fairies are in the writings of Gervase of Tilbury, a 12th-century English scholar. During his travels to different kingdoms and provinces, Gervase compiled hundreds of stories about the unexplained marvels of the natural world. Fae are known for their mischievous nature and their ability to manipulate reality. They are represented as having wings and pointed ears and are associated with natural elements such as flowers, trees, and water. They are said to be immortal and have magical powers such as the ability to fly and cast spells.
Tinker Bell in her new adopted home
Fairy lore has always been prevalent in Cornwall, Wales, and Scotland. It is captured in literature from the Middle Ages, according to Britannica. In America, the Cherokee tribe of North Carolina believed in “Yunwi Tsunsdi” or “little people.” In Cherokee mythology, these “dwarves” or “fairies” were usually invisible. They appeared as miniature individuals when they chose to reveal themselves to humans. The Yunwi Tsunsdi were benevolent spirits who sometimes helped humans in Cherokee stories and had superpowers.
Our latest rescue pony, Tinker Bell, is a fine example of a life-changing fairy tale. Named after the fae in Peter Pan, our “Tink’ was saved at the spur of the moment. HERD had sent the funds to rescue a senior gentle gelding, Buck, that one of our members had her heart set
Glenn, messenger of music
Tinker Bell with her new little partner
on saving. The livestock dealer that had Buck did not acknowledge our payment for the gelding. He sold the horse to someone else. So, with approval from the donor, the funds were transferred, and we bought Tink Bell instead. The dealer described her as a young twoyear-old, unhandled horse. She was thin and frightened but otherwise looked to be in good shape considering the illtreatment she received waiting on her potentially deadly fate.
Sugar Hills Farm in Boiling Springs, S.C. offered to take her under their wings and quarantine her. They would work with HERD to get her trained to find a new home through adoption when she was ready. It turned out that Tinker Bell was not two years old, rather she was age three. She was also an adorable pony, not a young horse. Another surprise was Tink was already trained under saddle to ride. She was also exceedingly sweet and gentle. Tinker Bell took to the trail
riding experiences at Sugar Hills Farm like a duck to water. Creek crossing was no problem. The pony was happy to follow along or lead the way. She proved herself to be an ideal mount for a young child. It was incredible how well-behaved she performed during each outing.
The Joyner family, who own Sugar Hills Farm, was thrilled with what a lovely find she turned out to be in their riding program. Tink pulled on their heartstrings. They wanted to keep her but if they did, they could not continue to help HERD foster and train other rescue horses in need. So far in 2024, Rene Joyner had already helped HERD train and place Clancy, a senior sweet quarter horse gelding, and Grace, a fiveyear-old large pony mare.
A few potential homes contacted Rene and HERD about Tink. Some went to see her and said she was too young, not large enough, or not what they needed. Then like the perfect-
fitting glass slipper intended exclusively for Cinderella, the right family came to meet Tinker Bell. She was exactly what they had wished for, an ideal partner for their little young rider in training. With the adoption of Tink by Donna Fennell, three generations— grandmother, mother, and young daughter—all had a steady trail mount for riding together as a family. This is a true fairy tale ending in the making. It is no surprise that Cinderella is such an enduring story. Her fairy godmother transformed Cinderella’s fate from a life of struggle to pure enchantment by casting a magical spell. Similarly, our Tinker Bell went from a horrible situation to a doting family. It was meant to be through fae power and a sprinkle of pixie dust. Two lives were saved. Buck, the gelding, and Tink were spared an unthinkable trip to Mexico. Now, I can put down my magic wand for a bit. We fairy godmothers need rest after casting life-changing spells.
Tinker Bell when we discovered her
Tinker Bell in training with Sugar Hills Farm at the crossing of the creek
SCRUMPTIOUS WAYS TO SIMPLIFY SPRINGTIME MEALS QUICK BITES
From everyday weeknight dinners to picnics in the park, warmer weather and longer days mean families want to spend more time together and less time in the kitchen. This spring, look for kitchen hacks that can make fresh and healthy weeknight seasonal recipes a cinch.
Skipping complicated prep work is the first step toward simplifying springtime meals. Rather than recipes that call for a lot of prep or cooking time, consider easy dishes that require only a handful of steps and use everyday ingredients you may already have in your pantry, fridge or freezer.
For example, these Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers with Lemon and Thyme can let you put a little spring in your weeknight dinners. Grilled
skewers keep the whole family happy and come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick and healthy meals without the hassle. The versatility of potatoes means you can grill them, and this version calls for a 5-minute microwave steam first to cut down on grill time. With easy-to-prepare potatoes, The Little Potato Company makes family dinners like this one a breeze as they come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough they don’t need to be cut. This allows for less time in the kitchen and more time for outdoor play to enjoy a little moment of happiness. Plus, the Microwave and Roast or Grill Ready kits come with their own seasoning packs for added convenience.
Grown on family farms, Little Pota -
toes are a fresh whole food packed with nutrients you can feel good about serving your family and are ideal for this Easy as 1-2-3 Potato Salad. With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, this delightful dish becomes an ultimate springtime solution for busy families. Plus, it’s easy enough that little ones can join in on the fun of preparing it.
Simply pop the tray of Microwave Ready Little Potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes then add the included Savory Herb seasoning pack, chopped green onions and mayonnaise for a delicious side - no potato boiling or peeling required.
To find more ways to savor springtime meals outdoors with your family, visit littlepotatoes.com.
EASY AS 1-2-3
POTATO SALAD
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS
•1 package A Little Savory Herb Microwave
Ready Little Potatoes, with included seasoning pack
•2-3 tablespoons green onions, chopped
•1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
DIRECTIONS
•In microwave, cook potatoes 5 minutes according to package directions.
•Combine seasoning pack, chopped green onions and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
•Pour dressing over cooled potatoes.
•Stir gently and serve.
SHRIMP, BROCCOLI AND POTATO SKEWERS WITH LEMON AND THYME
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS
•1 pound bagged Little Potatoes
•1 bunch broccoli
•12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
•1 1/2 lemons, juice only
•3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•salt, to taste
•pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
•In large, microwave-safe bowl, microwave potatoes on high 5 minutes.
•Chop broccoli into large pieces.
•Add broccoli and shrimp to bowl once potatoes are steamed.
•Add lemon juice, thyme and olive oil; evenly coat potatoes, shrimp and broccoli.
•Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
•Build skewers and grill 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat, until shrimp is cooked through.
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FOR LEASE Newly
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S.A.S.Y.
Summer Arts Series for Youth
June 17 - 21
Half-day (9 am - noon), Ages 5-7
Full-day (9 am - 2:15 pm), Ages 8-8th grade
SASY is designed for campers to explore different forms of visual and performing arts in an immersive and creative environment.
J uly 29 – August 3 9 am – 3 pm
PacJAM Summer Camp
June 24 - 28 8:30 am - noon
Music making to start summer off right. Explore Appalachian instruments, crafts and more!
The ins and outs of theater from auditions to a fullys taged show with lights, sound, sets, props & costumes!
