"In 1913, before electricity and paved roads, Dr. Mary Martin Sloop founded a boarding school “in the middle of nowhere” for impoverished mountain children. Today, almost a hundred years later, The Crossnore School has come full circle in once again providing a residential education for children in need, weaving together experiential learning and highly focused, individualized care."
This stone cottage houses The Crossnore Weaving Room - a working museum which is actually where the weavers have been since the school opened. Some of the first looms are still here and on display.
"Women would weave their rugs and clothes on looms in a special building at Crossnore, and sell their wares from the site. They would pass on their tradition to young Crossnore residents in the process. Today weavers still ply their craft in the river rock building on the edge of campus and travelers the nation over visit to marvel over their skills and purchase unique items."
The cottage also now houses The Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery "which represents regional painters, sculptors and fine craft persons who want to take part in benefiting the children of The Crossnore School. The gallery specially supports the school's Stepping Stones program which transitions students from foster care to successful independent living."
Behind the stone cottage is a labyrinth and healing garden. Not looking so great right now, but I'd love to go back this summer when things are green again to see what it's really like when it's alive.
And next to this wonderful labyrinth complete with some ancient looking statuary and one lone stone wall with windows
is a delightful sculpture built over a creek. The sculpture is named "Follow the Dream."
Crossnore is one of those small towns tucked into these mountains that seems frozen in time.
We love it, and expect some of you might also. Others, however, seeking a more lively sort of entertainment would not be as charmed by its simplicity. Which is, I suppose, one of the reasons it remains exactly what it is. Which suits us to a "T."
3 comments:
What a beautiful place! We'll have to make plans to see it when we're over that way. Thanks, Kaye!
Wow! My brother-in-law once lived in Spruce Pine. I thought I'd visited every little town in the region, but missed Crossnore. It makes me want to go back.
Speaking of weaving ... Donald's loom has been in the background of a posted pix or two. When do we get a view of his work?
Elizabeth - you will love it! And Chloe will too (they're very doggie friendly - & use dogs as therapy for some of the students).
Bo - your brother was within spitting distance of Crossnore! Donald hasn't woven anything on that loom in FOREVER! But, another good thing about the stop in Crossnore, it seemed to stir the beginnings of wanting to get back to it. There are classes offered by The Crossnore Weavers twice a year, and Donald asked to be put on the mailing list for the next class which will be held in June. I'll keep you posted!
Post a Comment