The Sheridan Historical Society is getting festive this fall and will have a special fundraising event serving beans and cornbread from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 in Sheridan Veterans Park near Boxley Cabin.
Boxley Cabin in Veterans Park in Sheridan will be the scene of a ham and bean fundraiser next month. (Photo provided)
The outdoor meal will be $8 per person, which includes cornbread, and CrossRoads Youth has teamed up to assist in serving a variety of soft drinks. Desserts will be available at extra charge. Both the society and Crossroads are not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.
Chair Laura Stapleton-Robbins has invited bluegrass jammers to bring their instruments to Pioneer Hill for the evening to enjoy the historic setting. George Boxley’s pioneer cabin was built in 1828 by the Virginia abolitionist who escaped jail and operated the surrounding grounds as a farm with country schoolhouse. The log cabin is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Pioneer Hill is one of Hamilton County’s highest elevations.
The Sheridan Historical Society has been developing funds for its new museum, now being remodeled at 315 N. Main St., and much of the work is being done by members and volunteers, per Ron Stone, society president.
“The building has served as a vintage motorcycle shop and a dime store/license branch, but originally the structure was constructed in 1917 to serve as the site of the Hippodrome movie theater,” shared Stone. “The cabin is a great place for this first-time event because the society preserved it as a landmark restored in 2008.”
The Sheridan Historical Society was incorporated in 1969 and features genealogy, a collection including a 1909 Black motor buggy, Civil War memorabilia with a restored American flag carried in Tennessee battles by then local Lewis Kercheval, and other features highlighting pioneer years.
Funds raised will be dedicated to the museum relocation and expansion and Crossroads Youth, a private youth initiative, will share in some of the proceeds donated.
Participants should bring lawn chairs, flashlights and insect repellent. In case of rain, the event will be staged at the nearby Sheridan Public Library.