McCoy Farm & Gardens Newsletter

Volume Eight: Issue Ten xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx October 2023

The New Dismembered Tennesseans

To Play Here October 15

According to their website, and to the memories of oldtimers of Chattanooga, The Dismembered Tennesseans, "played for every local civic group in existence, every charity, and most of the conventions in town looking for cheap entertainment." That was definitely "back in the day" when the group of McCallie boys got together over 70 years ago and ended up with that interesting name for their bluegrass band.

As the years went by, the boys grew up while they made music together. No longer did they play as cheap entertainment. Their brand of bluegrass became much in demand and drew large good-paying audiences. They cut records (as pictured above) and became the most popular group in the Chattanooga region. The original pickers were Ansley Moses, upright bass; Fletcher Bright, fiddle; Frank McDonald, guitar; and Ed "Doc" Cullis, banjo, who still plays as a member of the NEW Dismembered Tennesseans.

Special Concert on the Grounds

Join us for a very special concert by the New Dismembered Tennesseeans on October 15, from 4 – 6 PM at McCoy. Bob Bernhardt, retired conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, will be our master of ceremonies. Tickets are $45, available in advance only (through October 7), and online at Fiddles & Vittles at McCoy.

At intermission, you'll be served a picnic fare in a basket made by Shipley Baskets, a local family-owned business started in 1956. They'll be filled with a delicious down-home supper and two tickets for beer, wine, or water.

Don't miss this magical evening to benefit McCoy Farm & Gardens. Get your tickets now.

The New Dismembered Tennesseans will play in a benefit for McCoy Farm & Gardens October 15.

SAVE THE DATE: McCoy Tree Lighting, November 30, 5:30-7:30 PM

New, But Traditional, Handrails

The new iron handrails by the steps at the McCoy house are not only sturdy but also attractive. McCoy friend Eric Parker, pictured below at right, generously designed and fabricated the new rails in the style of the existing handrail by the kitchen door. Fred Wildman and Earl Hereford, pictured at left, have carefully installed seven of them to make it easy to navigate steps when you visit. 

Orientation "Valuable" Say Volunteers

Prospective volunteers who attended the two orientation sessions on Tuesday, September 12, and Wednesday, September 13 were positive in their reactions to the sessions.

Melissa Nimon and Anne Hayes Pearce presented a brief slide show illustrating where we started at McCoy Farm & Gardens and how far we have come - progress achieved through volunteer efforts. Board President Mickey Robbins provided an interesting perspective on the Bachman-McCoy family and their place in the broader historical picture of Walden's Ridge. Other board members welcomed attendees.

Guests were able to learn more about volunteering, ask questions, meet others, and chat with board members. If you would like to learn more about helping in a way that suits your interests, please contact Anne Hayes at volunteers@mccoywalden.org

Above, leaders of the boardwalk project are, left to right, Terry Knox, Annette Wildman, Fred Wildman, Earl Hereford, and Andy Jones accompanied by faithful companion Shelly.

Below: Melissa Nimon, Andy Jones, Vice-Mayor Lizzie Schmidt, Mayor Lee Davis, Alderwoman Angela Cassidy, Fred Wildman, Earl Hereford, Mickey Robbins, and Town Attorney Sam Elliott.

The Art of Blacksmithing

One important thing on a farm is a way to form simple tools and make repairs. The Bachman and McCoy families had a small forge under the shelter of a workshop roof, but the shop had deteriorated badly. In 2017, the Lions Club of Signal Mountain took on the job of tearing down the old structure and constructing a proper workshop and shelter for the blacksmiths’ forge. Blacksmith demonstrations are one of the most popular features of Memorial Day picnics.

Oliver Nimon became interested in blacksmithing a few summers ago when he was 14. From a very young age, Oliver had learned woodturning under the guidance of his Walden neighbor, Farrell Eaves, now 93. Oliver was inspired to attend the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, where he discovered a blacksmithing class taught by Dave Smucker.

Board member Andy Jones is our all-around Renaissance Man who also has talents in several fields. He and Oliver, pictured above, decided to bring the forge to life again by making something together. They are now forging wrought-iron hooks for the barn. We hope they will go on to create other things, and we hope to recruit Oliver for future demonstrations of blacksmithing at the Memorial Day picnics.

Walden’s Ridge Guild Meets

and Serves at McCoy

Walden’s Ridge Guild members enjoyed a delightful luncheon in the McCoy House on September 21. The Guild meets at 10:30 on the third Thursday of the month from September through May in private homes, at the Walden Town Hall, The Walden’s Ridge Civic League, or other special locations. The Guild is a service organization open to women of Walden’s Ridge and is very helpful with operations at McCoy. The Guild has organized the Memorial Day picnic for the past two years. Members will serve as hostesses for the upcoming “Fiddles & Vittles” concert featuring the New Dismembered Tennesseeans on October 15. They will also assist at the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 30.

The Walden’s Ridge Guild welcomes new members. To learn more about the organization or to volunteer, contact McCoy Community Event co-chairs Mary Catherine O’Kelley or Annette Wildman through the McCoy office 423-598-1658.

Explore the new McCoy Farm & Gardens website

www.mccoyfarmandgardens.org.

and discover

• Maps of the trail, arboretum, and gardens
• History of the property and former residents
• Event Venues illustrated by photographs
• Rental information for weddings and other occasions
• Passes for Professional photographers
• Tours of the McCoy home
• Archives of monthly Newsletters beginning in 2015

Contact McCoy Farm & Gardens Event Director Cynthia Pennington

at cynthia@mccoywalden.org

to learn more about renting space at McCoy for your next event.

Or mail your check to McCoy Farm & Gardens, P.O. Box 443, Signal Mountain, TN 37377

McCoy Farm & Gardens covers thirty-eight acres and features the Bachman-McCoy home, gardens, and several outbuildings including the Pavilion, Carriage House, Barn, and Blacksmith Workshop. The perimeter walking trail is 1.1 miles.