events
The second Saturday of each October is “How’d Dey Do Dat? Day”: A Rural Heritage Celebration.
A variety of the “old” crafts are demonstrated throughout the day. You might find the blacksmith, soap maker, candle maker, potter or quilters at work. You can hear the musicians playing under the trees. The old farm equipment will be out. There might be a horse or two pulling a plow, snaking a log or giving wagon rides.
In December, Grandpa’s House hosts a Storytelling Day the second Saturday of the month. Resident storyteller Karen Davis shares stories of Christmas memories past. She often invites the audience to share their stories. Karen is the storyteller, writer, poet and graphic artist of the family. She keeps alive the oral traditions of the Ritter Farm. A member of Toastmasters International and the National Storytelling Network she has written several small books that recount her parent’s tales of growing up in middle Tennessee during the early 20th century and has recently recorded a CD of her stories.
Both these events are free to the public.
Grandpa’s House is also a mini-museum. Its focus is to preserve a history of the way life used to be for most of us that lived in Macon County in the early part of the 20th century. Be sure to read all the pictures and signs posted throughout Grandpa’s House to learn some of the history of this old country home and farm. Walk around the house, sit and visit on the porch. Bring your guitar and enjoy the shade of the trees. You are welcome to stay as long as you want at Grandpa’s House.
We have hosted head-start groups, senior citizen groups, bus tour groups, and family reunion groups. We would love to have your group visit the Ritter farm, Grandpa's blacksmith shop and Grandpa's House. Click here to request more information.
Be sure to visit the Walking Quilt Trail in downtown Red Boiling Springs the next you are in town. It is a one-of-its-kind exhibit that allows us to exercise our legs and lungs in walking while we exercise our hearts and minds as well. You will love it!
