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Nonprofit Organization
A Collaborative Publication of the Chapel Hill Heritage Alliance Permit No. 241
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Chapel Hill Historical Society
PO Box 9032 A Collaborative Publication of the Chapel Hill Heritage Alliance
Chapel Hill, NC 27515-9032
Fall 2008 Vol. 1.1
A New Direction
The first edition of The Compass is a collaboration of the Committee, a group commissioned by the three organizations
Chapel Hill Heritage Alliance, an informal partnership of the to think strategically about the separate and collective activities
Chapel Hill Historical Society, the Chapel Hill Museum, and the of the historic groups. The Futures Committee will continue
Preservation Society of Chapel Hill. The newsletter, as its name this fall its exploration of ways the organizations can serve their
suggests, marks a new direction for the three organizations and members and the town most effectively.
points the way to continued cooperative efforts to document,
display, and preserve the history and traditions of the Chapel Comments about the newsletter and suggestions for serving
Hill community. the community are welcome. Please address comments to the
Chapel Hill Heritage Alliance, PO Box 9032, Chapel Hill, NC
The decision to produce a combined newsletter, with one calendar 27515-9032 or to chheritagealliance@mail.org.
for all fall activities, results from discussions of the Futures
Town Treasures
On Thursday, October 2, the Chapel Hill Historical Society will seuM, with an opening reception to honor the recipients’ years of
Historical Recognitions unveil the charter class of its new Town Treasures commemora-
tions. The Town Treasures exhibit, opening at the Chapel hill Mu-
achievements. Each picture captures one of the Town Treasures
in a documentary-style setting in the home or other location that
Several individuals have recently been recognized for their sig- to Doug Eyre for his commitment to recording the history of seuM, honors outstanding senior citizens who have made and/or reflects his/her contributions to our community. Accompany-
nificant contributions and service to the Chapel Hill commu- Chapel Hill and its environs through monthly columns in The documented Chapel Hill-Carrboro history. Their contributions ing each photograph will be the individual’s remarks on Chapel
nity. Chapel Hill News. The annual award is now and examples help us to link the past with the present, remind Hill’s past and future.
named the J. Douglas Eyre History Award. us how far we have come, and herald a town of which we can all
The Chapel Hill Historical Society selected Bill be proud. This commemoration of excellence embodied in Town Trea-
and Virginia Powell as recipients of the Mary The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill pre- sures will be an annual program of the Chapel Hill Historical
Arthur Stoudemire Award for their exemplary sented the inaugural Horace Williams Award Award-winning lo- Society and Chapel hill MuseuM, acknowledging respectfully and
and tireless work in the preservation and doc- to Roland Giduz for his lifelong service to the cal photographer, gratefully the contributions that so many individuals make to
umentation of the history of Chapel Hill and community. The award, which was given by Catharine Carter, our community through lifetimes of extraordinary service.
the University and for their efforts to distrib- William Friday at the Preservation Society’s has photographed
Roland Giduz and Bill Friday
ute historical materials to libraries throughout Old Fashioned July 4th celebration, consisted of 12 remarkable
North Carolina. Bill was recognized as the first president of a ink pen made from the 150 year-old walnut tree which fell on residents for this
the Historical Society. Also in May, a new award was presented the Horace Williams property in March 2007. charter class. Her A Look Inside....
exquisite photos Chapel Hill Historical Society................ Pg 2 & 3
One of our town’s treasures — Mildred Council will be displayed at Preservation Society of Chapel Hill ...... Pg 4 & 5
the Chapel hill Mu- Chapel Hill Museum ............................. Pg 6 & 7
Join Us... Calendar ....................................................Insert
Look Inside—your fall calendar, a preview of exciting events, reflections on historic
happenings, stories about local citizens, and much more. Come, join us —and share the fun. Chapel Hill Historical Society • Preservation Society of Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill Museum
2 Chapel Hill Historical Society Chapel Hill Museum 7
“Historical Notes” Fall 2008: Chapel hill MuseuM:
On the third Sunday of each month, The Chapel Hill
News prints “Historical Notes”, columns prepared by
for Postwar Culture” by Linda Jacobson.
Collaborations are Key
members of the Historical Society. Here are excerpts July 20: “It was not until the 1960’s that theaters
from this summer’s columns at www.chapelhillnews. would become fully integrated—an integration that This autumn finds the Chapel hill MuseuM in new places, with by the Museum’s community. The success of these efforts weigh
com. occurred not without protest...[E. new initiatives, many new collaboration, and some very promis- partially on the Museum’s continued collaborations throughout
Carrington] Smith refused a request ing developments on the horizon. In January the Museum chose the town and county. Launching an event with Kidzu Children’s
May 17: “Back in the 1920’s and from a ministerial association
‘30’s, Chapel Hill had a volunteer to show Porgy and Bess … to a Bob Broad, Stephen Rich, Don Boulton and Verlene Kuoni to Museum, our ongoing educational efforts with the CHFD, to a
The Chapel Hill fire department and a small fire desegregated audience at the all- enthusiastically represent the Museum in a series of ongoing shared event with the Historical Foundation of Hillsborough
Historical Society truck that is housed in the Chapel white Carolina theater. His action discussions with the Chapel Hill Historical Society and the Pres- and Orange County, Chapel hill MuseuM relishes its impact on the
2008-09 Hill Museum… And just how prompted a boycott … by a group ervation Society of Chapel Hill regarding closer collaborations community and the number of organizations that are interested
Board of Directors were these volunteers to know the called Citizens for Open Movies….” between the three organizations. in working closely with us.
location of the fire? Well, that’s the From “Going to the Motion Picture
Officers story we unfold here today….” From “ ‘Ponk’ from Show” by Charlene Regester.
Terry Barnett, President Firehouse Alerted Town to Site of Emergency” by Last February the Museum received its first individual repre- The Museum’s education programs remain our focus and foun-
Eleanor Morris, Vice-President Clarence Whitefield. August 17: “On a hot day [in 1847]… President sentation in local government by being assigned Town Coun- dation for a strong and vital future –watch for additional news
Nancy Tannenbaum, Secretary
James K. Polk set out from Raleigh … on a nine- cil member Bill Thorpe. Council member Thorpe has been a about this fall’s Fire Safety Program, (including a performance in
Mitch Virchick, Treasurer
June 22: “Glen Lennox Apartments … provide an hour journey to Chapel Hill by horse and carriage…. positive asset to the Museum’s mission and we look forward front of the State of North Carolina’s General Assembly), spring
excellent case study for understanding both the In 1993, President Bill Clinton arrived by jet
Board Members
architecture and culture of the postwar years. After and motorcade….Eleven other U.S. presidents, to working with him further in 2009. Two additional local and 2009’s Lost Colony program, and self-study programs on the
Elston “Skip” Brown
the [Second World] War, American architects largely presidents-to-be, and ex-presidents, visited the state government officials have spent time with the Museum’s history of Franklin Street. The Museum is committed to offering
Catharine Carter
Emilie de Luca
abandoned historical styles based on European UNC campus, along with one first lady, Eleanor executive board this last spring. Congressman David Price and area students educational experiences that can’t be replicated
Lynden Harris
precedents and adopted Modernism. Modernism Roosevelt….” From “Presidents visited Chapel Hill Representative Verla Insko have both eagerly pledged support in a classroom and that will foster a love of life- long learning to
Tony Hawkins
… emphasized function and had little or no by Carriage, Train, Motorcade and Jet” by Harriet and assistance in the Museum’s future—very welcomed news all who participate.
Linda Jacobson
ornamentation….” From “Glen Lennox was a Center King.
Harry McLean
Moreton Neal
Laurie Norman Town, Gown, and Altar
Laurie Paolicelli
founding of the mainline churches that line Frank-
Steven Petrow
Charlene Regester
The Chapel Hill Historical Society will begin a series
of programs this fall on the intertwining of our faith lin Street, most of whom have their roots well es- Sally Bowen Prange Remembered:
communities with UNC and town tablished in the pre-Civil War era
Sandra Roberts
Carolyn Sturgess
of Chapel Hill. The series, “Town,
Gown, and Altar,” will begin on
and were built to serve the campus
community. The second program
an exhibit of her life and work
Mary Frances Vogler
Sunday, October 26, in UNC’s his- will recall the founding of Cha-
Rosemary Waldorf
toric Gerrard Hall. Dr. James pel Hill’s major African-American Sally Bowen Prange was one of the most important and influen- vision. After a fifty year career, Prange continued to push the
Mary Webb
Leloudis, Associate Professor of churches during and following the tial ceramic artists in the Southeast. She is beloved by collectors boundaries between form and function. Prange died in 2007
Catherine Williams
History, will speak about religion Civil War. and fellow artists alike and the seventeen museum collections at the age of 80 after having spent 46 years in her Chapel Hill
and the founding of the University. that house her work are a testament to the lasting value of her home and studio.
Although UNC was a public uni- Gerrard Hall The series will continue thereafter
versity, its culture and curriculum with programs on the faith com-
The Chapel Hill
were heavily influenced by a faculty primarily Pres- munities in the civil rights and anti-war eras of the
Historical Society 1950’s and 1960’s and the flourishing of non-Chris-
byterian and by a requirement that its students attend
Boundary Street chapel services. tian communities during recent decades.
Entrance at the Chapel Hill Membership Update
Chapel Hill Museum The series will continue in the spring of 2009 with All programs will be free and open to the public
PO Box 9032 two additional programs. The first will explore the
Many, many thanks to the members of Chapel hill MuseuM who have administrative and material expenses. Your dues will now be applied
Chapel Hill, NC so positively responded to the Museum’s new membership schedule. to the Museum’s ongoing education efforts for area schoolchildren
27515-9032
Tel: 919.929.1793
The History of Print Media in Chapel Hill By doing so, you are helping the Museum significantly save postage, and help foster a love of lifelong learning.
www.ibiblio.org/chhistsoc/ As the internet threatens newspapers, we particularly Editor of The Chapel Hill News, will report on the
need to understand the role that the print media has history of that paper, and others, and their implica-
played in reporting on, and fashioning, our town’s tions for today. Sunday, November 23, 3-5:00 at the
culture and character. Don Evans, former Assistant Chapel Hill Historical Society.
6 Chapel Hill Museum Chapel Hill Historical Society 3
Party with a Purpose 2008 Marvelous Movie Nights
With open doors and warm hearts, Chapel Hill the community has embraced this concept like The Historical Society has partnered with UNC’s Carolina Club Cornelius Ryan’s book The Longest Day,
hosts have wined, dined and entertained hun- no other-- allowing this fundraiser to be more to host over 50 Classic Movie Nights, with dinner and a classic for which Ryan wrote the screenplay, and
dreds of attendees since last April when this successful than any in the Museum’s history. movie shown on a giant screen. The movie-dinner starts at 7:00 which took its title from German General
event series was first introduced by Chair, Bitty Hosts and themes are currently being consid- and is preceded by a conversation related to the movie’s theme Rommel’s description of the 24 hours on which the outcome
Holton. From Barbecuing with Bob Garner, to ered for 2009—have an idea or wish to host a and led by a local movie buff. Open to members of the Society or of the invasion would hang. John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Rich-
the Big Night Banchetto, from British fare with party? –call CHM at 967-1400. the Carolina Club. Call 962-1101 for reservations. ard Burton, Sean Connery, Robert Mitchun, Rod Steiger, Robert
a southern twist, to a ladies only pool-side party, Ryan, Red Buttons, Peter Lawford, Eddie Albert, and Edmond
The Longest Day. Friday, November 21 – 7:00 p.m. O’Brien, and many more. Join us at 6:00 for a conversation with
Chapel hill MuseuM
One of the finest World War II films ever made, almost a docu- Gerhard Weinberg, Kenan Professor of History Emeritus, recog-
mentary of the Allied landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944 nized worldwide for his knowledge of World War II.
Board of Trustees
Who is Lt. Dan & – D-Day. Forty-two stars signed on for the movie version of
Stephen Rich
Chair Why is He Singing About Fire Safety?
Verlene Kuoni
1st Vice Chair
The Chapel hill MuseuM has successfully operated
a Fire Safety Education Program since 2000.
contrasts old and new fire apparatus. One live
character, Johnnie, and five puppets teach valu-
2009 Calendar Now On Sale
This program, held annually, provides a presen- able life saving skills through interactive fun and 2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the first movie theater in dents rocking the silent screen, Thomas Wolfe upstaging Wild
Doug Lay
tation of fire service personnel as community song. This program is offered to Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, The Pickwick. In its honor, the Chapel Hill Historical Bill Hickok, blacks overcoming segregated theaters, stars on set
Treasurer
helpers from the inception of the department –Carrboro School Society has printed a 32-page, four- color on campus, and month after month of fasci-
in 1896 to the present day lives of Chapel Hill District, Orange calendar for 2009 that reprises a century of nating facts and you-read-it-here tales. Stay
James Anderson
Michael Ashworth
firefighters. The Museum’s education committee County schools, movies in our town. This calendar contin- organized for a whole year. And a bonus:
Laurence Avery utilizes the Museum’s 1914 fire truck to bring area private school ues a Society tradition that recalls our past two pages of Bill and Ida Friday revealing
Mary Cahill Barron this idea to life for area second -grade students. and home school- as time ticks forward. Recollections and the secrets for making their famous peanut
Donald Boulton CHFD members participate during this program ers, free of charge essays by Val Lauder, Woody Durham, D.G. brittle (a prelude for our 2010 calendar).
Robert Broad by demonstrating their equipment. and will be held Martin, Kimball King, and Charlene Rege-
Kamie Edwards Mondays, Tuesdays ster inform and entertain. Photos of Clark Now on sale for $14.95 at fine stores, in-
Beth Isenhour In October 2008 the Chapel hill MuseuM’s Edu- & Wednesdays at Gable, Richard Chamberlain, Dorothy Dev- cluding the Chapel Hill Museum Gift &
Marian Lane
cation Committee and the Chapel Hill Fire De- the Chapel hill Mu- ore, Bette Davis, Gary Cooper, Lena Horne, Book Shop. For quantity discounts, call
Becky Robinson
partment will debut Johnnie Joins the Fire De- seuM from October and many others will adorn your desk and the Chapel Hill Historical Society at 919-
Martha Schutz
Rebecca Tomasini
partment: a puppet musical. This 25 minute 6th to November 14th, 2008. This program is refrigerator. Feast on stories of rowdy stu- 929-1793.
Catherine Williams long theatrical production will accompany the sponsored by the North Carolina Jaycees Burn
Louise Winstanly original education program that compares and Center at UNC Hospitals.
Glen Lennox Neighborhood History
Director: Seats for Safety Campaign Continuing our series of meetings that celebrate neighborhood his- unique part of Chapel Hill. Society Board member Linda Jacobson
Traci Davenport tories, the Society was pleased in May to gather residents of homes extended this exploration in June with an article in the Chapel Hill
The Chapel hill MuseuM’s education programs an engraved plaque acknowledging the donor in the Glen Lennox neighborhood. Hosted by Betsy and John An- News on the history of the Glen Lennox apartments. And Ernie Dol-
523 E. Franklin Street are expanding! This fall we will expand our Fire by name. Please help us continue the quality of derson, guests heard a series lar, Executive Director of the
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Safety Program for area second graders. To help our educational efforts as we expand our pro- of stories, read old clippings, Preservation Society of Cha-
919-967-1400 kids enjoy the enhanced program, the Museum’s grams and their impacts. Call 967-1400 to make reviewed photos of residents pel Hill, extended the history
www.chapelhillmuseum.org Education Committee is in need of child-sized a donation by phone or email chmuseum1@ and guests (including famous further with a subsequent ar-
seating. You can help by donating $40 for one bellsouth.net for additional information on these astronauts), and pledged to ticle on “Glen Lennox and the
chair or $75 for two chairs to our Seats for needed sturdy and stackable chairs. foster the collection and ap- Space Race.”
Safety campaign. Each funded chair will include preciation of the heritage of a
4 Preservation Society of Chapel Hill Preservation Society of Chapel Hill 5
Preservation Update! Director’s Report
An important home in Chapel Hill is on the have been soliciting tax deductible pledges to The dog days of summer have been busy for the Preservation Another preservation event highlighted the endangered Mod-
verge of extinction and we need your help. As assist in attracting the right buyer to restore the Society. We started the summer off with our Old Fashioned July ernists houses in the Triangle. A symposium entitled, Atomic Age
the Edward Kidder Graham house continues to house to its former glory. If you love Chapel Hill, 4th celebration on the lawn of the Horace Williams House. The Architecture, was held at the Chapel hill MuseuM on August 2. We
deteriorate daily, our community moves closer please consider making a tax deductible dona- highlight of the day was the presentation to our friend Roland discussed the intellectual framework of this unique architecture
to losing a true historic landmark. In the past tion to the Edward Kidder Graham House Fund Giduz, the inaugural Horace Williams Award for his lifetime of movement of the 1950-60 and the wide variety of styles in Cha-
several months, offers for the home have not and save this historic treasure. service to the community of Chapel Hill. Roland was presented pel Hill. Most importantly the symposium explored ways to save
Preservation Society of met the asking price of $850,000. The cost of with a hand-turned pen from the walnut tree which fell on the these treasures for future generations. Look for a tour of these
Chapel Hill restoration is a notable factor in the home’s sale Here is some good news! property in March 2007. wonderful homes next year.
2008 Board of Directors
and contractors have hinted rehabilitation costs • The mural preservation program provided
Officers may equal the initial purchase price. But look- the funds necessary to restore the first mu- The most unique event the PSCH hosted this summer was the In closing, please mark your calendars for the annual PSCH
Laurie Norman, President ing past the “sticker shock,” the Edward Kidder ral. Michael Brown will continue this proj- special showing of the 1968 film, Three in the Attic, filmed Holiday House Tour on December 13 and 14. We have named
Graham house offers one of the last opportuni- ect as funds permit. in the endangered Edward Kidder Graham House. A large and this year’s tour, “The New Treasures” because it will highlight
Stephen & Sandra Rich,
Vice Presidents ties to own a piece of old Chapel Hill. Besides • The PSCH is also involved with helping lo- enthusiastic crowd packed the Horace Williams House lawn for historic homes which have recently been renovated and re-
walking in the footprints of one of UNC’s presi- cal citizens restore some of Chapel Hill’s the “cinematic experience”, to put the endangered home back stored. This is going to be one Holiday House Tour not to miss!
Susan Shaffer,
2nd Vice President dents, the property’s large double lot offers a famous stone walls. in the spotlight. Call the Preservation Society for more details.
chance for wonderful gardens. The location of
Barbara Pipkin, Secretary
the property also offers the luxury of being able • Our petition to change the town’s historic
Ellen Johnson, Treasurer to walk downtown. Living in this home would be structure ordinance was granted by the
a priceless experience. N.C. Legislature. We are now working with
Sarah Snow, Asst.
the town to write a new ordinance, which
Treasurer
William & If restoring the historic home is not for you, will hopefully discourage reckless demo- PCSH Membership Celebration
Mary Brenda Joyner, we are seeking contributions to help potential lition of our architectural heritage. Only
Past Presidents four other North Carolina towns have such Come kick up your heels with other members of the Preserva-
buyers restore this grand home. Our partners
an ordinance! tion Society in October. Each year the Preservation Society hosts
Board in this project, Preservation North Carolina,
a party where all of our members can get together and meet
Terry Barnett
Betsy Buchanan
others who care about saving Chapel Hill’s historic treasures.
Betty Cloutier All PSCH members are invited to come and party at the Horace
Sue Coutret
Williams House on October 16th at 6 p.m. This year’s entertain-
Painted Walls Project Update
Mary Alice Dorton
Bitty Holton ment will be provided by our favorite house band, the Puritan
Beth Isenhour
Georgia Kyser
Rodeo Show. Please make plans to attend and enjoy some great
Diane Lea You may have noticed that Chapel Hill became Franklin Street. Several local businesses on food and fun while supporting our organization.
Florence Peacock
Carolyn Rugen more colorful this July. The project sponsored West Franklin Street have volunteered to host a
Betty York by the Preservation Society of Chapel Hill, the party as artist Michael Brown begins his work.
Staff Chapel Hill Historical Society, and the Downtown Stay tuned for more details.
Partnership is raising both awareness and
Ernest Dollar
Executive Director funds to restore the murals painted by Michael
Brown over the past eighteen years. Enjoy the
Sherril Koruluk
Assistant to the Director newly restored pencil mural on Henderson
Street and consider making a donation to help
bring the other murals back to life. Visit www.
610 E. Rosemary Street chapelhillpreservation.com/mural.htm to learn
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-942-7818 more about the program and how you can
help. The next mural in the Painted Wall Project
www.chapelhillpreservation.com
scheduled to be restored will be the musicians
on the side of Studio Art Supply at 421 West