MATTHEWS FARM CLOSES 2005 SEASON

Families began gathering under and around the brush arbor, and some spreading blankets for their family around 2 pm. The events began with the singing of old time gospel hymns by Elizabeth and Phillip Vaughan, of Fries. They were later joined by Elizabeth’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Frost.

Shirley Gordon, of Matthews Farm Museum welcomed everyone and thanked “The Master Gardeners of the Blue Ridge” for their help in the building of the Brush Arbor. The Brush Arbor is a tent like structure, framed of small locust trees and covered with small limbs and branches to provide shade. Gordon turned the service over to Dr. Palmer Fant, who opened the service with the playing of a hymn on his harmonica. Dr. Fant then led congregational singing of several favorite gospel hymns. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. John A. Duvall, retired United Methodist Pastor, who now lives in Elk Creek. Rev. Duvall gave a wonderful history of Brush Arbors that had been in the area, as well as local churches that developed out of a brush arbor. Rev. Duvall’s sermon was given on “A Promise to Count On”.

Directly following the arbor service there was an old fashion “Potluck Meal on the Ground”. Matthews Farm Museum provided the fried Chicken and drinks and those that joined us brought an array of covered dishes. Many people dressed in old fashion clothes. Shirley Sexton looked elegant in her beautiful blouse and long skirt. Mrs. Sexton’s covered dish was also a big hit.

The event had a wonderful turn out. It was a beautiful day and the fellowship and food was wonderful.

Matthews Farm Museum would like to express their deepest sympathy to Noah Johnson, the caretaker of the farm, and Noah’s family, in the recent lost of Noah’s wife, Mary Lou Johnson. Mary Lou Johnson, of the home died on October 27, 2005. You are all in our thoughts.