David Broyles | The News
Scott King lets 4-year-old Caleb Kelley try his hand at cranking an apple press at the Horne Creek Living Historical Farm annual corn shucking frolic Saturday. A large crowd attended the 21st annual event held at the living history site.
David Broyles | The News
Two-year-old Ivan Clifton chomps down on an ear of roasted corn during the Horne Creek Farm’s annual corn shucking frolic.
David Broyles | The News
Karl Eisenhauer stirs apple butter simmering in a kettle. A variety of traditional skills and groups participated in the annual corn shucking frolic at Horne Creek Farm Saturday.
PINNACLE — Horne Creek Living Historical Farm held it 21st annual corn shucking frolic on Saturday as large crowds roamed the grounds and appeared to enjoy a sunny fall afternoon on the lawn of the former Hauser family farm.
The living history farm offered a day full of activities revolving around the tradition of a corn shucking frolic with demonstrations, music, dancing and food throughout the day.
Historically, corn was one of the major crops grown in the northwest Piedmont at the turn of the century. Corn shuckings accomplished a given task and provided an opportunity for rural families to socialize. As shucks and ears of corn were separated, folks talked, perhaps began courtships, ate plates of chicken and dumplings and listened to stories and music.
When the harvest was ready, families would invite their neighbors over to help with the harvest. As the men worked in the field to bring in the harvest, the women prepared a large meal for everyone. The work at hand then became a social event.
Bob Remsburg, who is with the state division of historic sites, took time out from talking with frolic participants about the apple butter cooking in a kettle before them to consider the frolic’s significance.
“Horne Creek’s corn shucking is one of my favorite events,” said Remsburg. “This is one of the best. If it were not for sites like this, persons wouldn’t have an opportunity to smell, hear and see history. You get to use all your senses. There’s something different about learning this way.”
Remsburg said he has observed attendance at historic site events like the frolic has remained steady at many locales statewide. He did say he had recently noticed less school groups taking field trips to the sites. He explained school groups are still coming to learn but not in as great a numbers. He theorized the economy and high fuel costs have had an impact on school budgets resulting in less field trips.
“This makes it all the more important for parents to take their children to events like this,” continued Remsburg. “Looking back on my time in grade school and high school, field trips are what I remember most. Trips leave an impression. That’s why it’s important to have these facilities available. We do our best to make sure we are accurate.”
First-time frolic participant Erica Stephens had brought her 4-year-old Caleb Kelly to the frolic as part of a Pinedale Christian Church and Triad Christian Singles group field trip. Stephens, a Missouri native, was impressed.
“This is one of the best historic events I have experienced,” said Stephens. “I am definitely pleased. It’s important for them to see something before we had all this technology. Kids need to be reminded people survived before it existed. This is educational and fun for children.”
Pinedale Christian Church fellow traveler with Stephens, Nina Ellis, said she returns to the frolic because it is good wholesome fun. She said she especially enjoys the friendly people, music, the dancing and the chicken stew.
A variety of groups including civil war re-enactors, vendors as well as groups including the Yadkin County Bee Keeping Association participated in the frolic. Booths and the country store even featured heirloom apples, many of which are grown on the farm.
Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.
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