Sandra Watts, Leading Fort Defiance with Passion

and go see what was there. They were having a Colonial Christmas Program. It was wonderful. There was food and decorations and music. I just loved it and wanted to start volunteering. That’s how it all got started for me.”

About passion, Sandra says, “It is what you love. And this is what it is for me; taking care of the house and the collections, telling the story of William Lenoir and the history of life back then.”

I asked Sandra what was the best part of her job here and with no hesitation she smiled, “Talking with visitors, making connections to people up and down happy valley...there is so much history here. One thing I enjoy is giving tours of the house and making it come alive for visitors. When they hear William Lenoir was the first President of the Board of Trusties for the University of NC at Chapel Hill they have the ‘Wow’ look. Think of that. A man from the backcountry with minimal formal education was so well esteemed to be given that honor. He was an extraordinary man.”

An amazing fact about the house...in 1788, Thomas Field was contracted to build the house. William Lenoir’s papers show precise and explicate directions for construction including design of door panels, mantels, window panes, shutters and colors. Lenoir used cash and a bartering system to pay for the house. Today the house remains as it was when finished in 1792. Sharing little known details creates a meaningful tour for visitors.

After retiring from 38 years in banking Sandra has moved on to other interests in her life. When Sandra is not the Fort she actively volunteers at the Boomer Volunteer Fire Department where she is President of the Fire Core, serves on the Board of Directors and helps with fundraising. She is treasurer of the NC Genealogy Society. In her spare time, if she has any, Sandra is a working in her garden, quilting and sewing cross stitch and enjoying the outdoors.

To learn more about Fort Defiance, become a supporter or volunteer log on to www.historicfortdefiance.org or follow in Facebook.

Fort Defiance, a frontier stockade was built prior to the American Revolution and utilized during the Second Cherokee War in 1776 but later abandoned. The location was well known in the area and near the Lenoir property. William Lenoir gave this name to his home.

Historic Richmond Hill Law School Site

July 22, 1 to 4, docent guided house tours

1:30 & 2:30 “Tom Dula Trial”

Presenter: Greg Luck

Aug 19, 2 to 4

Open house with docent guided tours of house & grounds

Picnic shelter reservations: 336-849-7751.

4641 Law School Road, East Bend.

The Windsor’s Crossroads community building has played many roles over the years. It was originally built in 1916 as a school house. With its towering red roof and stately bell tower it stands proudly at the corner of Windsor and Buck Shoals Roads in the southwest corner of Yadkin County. The school closed in 1935. The building sat unused for a few years.

In 1955, the Windsors Crossroads Grange purchased the building from the Board of Education and started using it for their club meeting house. They did many improvements to the building over the years, including adding a kitchen and bathrooms during their club years. They also moved the stairwell from the back of the building to the main foyer.

After the Grange became inactive, the Windsor’s Crossroads Ruritan Club continued on page 80