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Tags Helen's Barn, Highlands Historical Society, Methodist Church, Mountain Music, The Ugly Dog, Venues

Charlie Wright, Helen's first husband and Highlands hero. He received a gold medal for the rescue of Gus Baty after he tumbled over Fool's Rock. Charlie died young and Helen used the cash award from the Carnegie metal to open Helen's Barn providing a space for the Highlands community and support her five children.

Tags Charlie Wright, Helen's Barn, heroic rescue, Highlands Historical Society, Highlands Mountain Music

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

Tags Helen Cabe Wright Wilson, Helen's Barn, Highlands Historical Society, Highlands Mountain Music