VILLAGE OF YESTERYEAR INC Information

The Village of Yesteryear is an organization dedicated to preserving and encouraging the tradition of handmade crafts in North Carolina. It is a village of "working artists," which means that all the crafters on display are constantly demonstrating some or all aspects of their work, occasionally letting someone else try their hand at it. The crafters are there to sell their wares, but they are all very dedicated to the preservation of our heritage as Americans and North Carolinians. The dress code for the approximate 100 members is colonial period clothing in hopes of creating a more historic atmosphere. My grandfather is the director of the organization, and my family has a long history with the place. My father went there as a teenager to play his dad's instruments for people passing by. When my brother and I began to take up the instruments ourselves we joined the two generations before us in the booth, demonstrating the music and educating the public about music from eighteenth century Appalachia. The Village and the people in it have a unique role in the lives of the people, like me, who work there as children. The crafters realized early on the influence they could have on such young people to pursue traditional handiwork and make it a special point to indulge our questions and curiosities. In my days spent there I have learned numerous crafts at the feet of masters, igniting in me a passion for traditional heritage. Ever since then, the sights, sounds and experiences I have had in the Village have held a special place in my heart. After singing several songs and joining my grandfather in explaining what the Village is all about to a curious visitor, Nana asks me to join her in a stroll around the building. I feel the warmth of being near my grandmother and enjoy her matriarchal presence as we people-watch and greet other villagers stretching their legs. After several minutes I hear my name called from one of the booths. The voice is high pitched and excited and I know it immediately as that of my ...