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Kids clogging at Helen's Barn
Kids clogging at Helen's Barn, the next generation of clogging. Photo part of Susan Clarkson's family photos. -
Clogging at Helen's Barn
Adults clogging at Helen's Barn in the 1980s. Image part of Susasn Clarkson family photos -
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Venue Title
Graphic design of venues title -
Kelsay trail
The trail that was used when Gus Baty fell from Fool's Rock. When Highlands was founded in 1875, there was no road to Whiteside Mountain. So in 1881 Samuel Kelsey began work on a wagon road that began at the north end of 5th Street and ended a quarter-mile from the top of Whiteside Mountain. Completed in 1883, the trail wound for 4½ miles through a forest lined with huge hemlocks. Photograph courtesy of Tammy Lowe. -
Highlands Patio Concert -- Jessica Allossery
Jessica Allossery, musician on patio stage at Foor residence in Highlands, NC playing a guitar and singing. -
Helen's Barn, 1980s
Color image of Helen's Barn taken in the 1980s. During this decade Helen's Barn would celebrate its 50th anniversary and close its doors for good. -
Dancing at Helen's Barn, 1940-50s
A crowd of white dancers square dancing at Helen's Barn. A Group of six individuals, three males, and three females are facing the camera while people in the background dance in groups. -
Ballad of Helen's Barn
Ballad of Helen's Barn
The insurance came when Charlie was dead
Leaving Helen with six mouths that had to be fed.
She built a barn and painted it red
And the townspeople turned to her and said,
"Helen what you're doing just ain't right-
Building a dance hall in a town this white.
Shoulda' built a church - a roof for your head.
But not a dance hall, and painted it red."
Her answer above the jingle of coins firmly clears:
"It takes a lot of cheers
To dam a widow's tears."
Helen's Barn opened for dancing on Saturday night.
Folks came a-clogging' their feet feeling light.
Where many a youth first saw the light
Of joy in dancing away fears in the night.
It was Helen's answer to their calls and their jeers:
"It takes a lit of cheers
to dam a widow's tears."
Fifty years of Saturday night digging shins with joy
As many a man-danced away there from being a boy.
Helen's young'uns were schooled, fed and kept warm
With money she earned at her old red barn.
As hoe-down music drowned any complaint
To answer those who don't recognize a saint.
"It takes a lot of cheers
To dam a widow's tears."
-Kate Gillson