Yesterday’s Journeys
The Nissen Wagon that is usually housed in the Nissen Wagon Museum at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, North Carolina was pulled out recently for an up-close inspection by attendees of the 4th Annual Yadkin Valley History Fair & Conference.
Let’s Go!
Let’s take a trip together, shall we? We’ll journey back in time — as far back as 300 years ago — and get a glimpse of the various modes of transportation used in Piedmont North Carolina, beginning with the early settlers. And while we’re at it, we’ll stop by a few local historic sites.
In the 1700s and 1800s, traveling was downright hard and was often dangerous. With a little help from the folks who sponsored the 4th Annual Yadkin Valley History Fair & Conference on Saturday, August 8, 2009, we’ll learn about such challenges as making one’s way over the Indian trails, dirt roads and treacherous rivers of earlier times.
Please continue to the NEXT SECTION for more HISTORY, PHOTOS and AUDIO on early transportation in the Yadkin Valley/Piedmont area of North Carolina. CLICK for more on Yesterday’s Journeys
Nissen House Families
The John and Almira Kiger family are shown above with seven of their eleven children standing in front of the Nissen House about 1900.
Striking poses similar to the Kiger family’s photo are the Dampiers. Brother and sister, Doug and Tina Dampier, are former co-owners of the Nissen House. Photo taken October, 2008.
Nissen House Celebration
Following a program held at the Lewisville Library honoring those who helped save the Nissen House, Dan Jennings (foreground) enjoys some refreshments while watching a presentation highlighting the house's relocation. In the background, U.S. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (left) speaks with individuals interested in the future of the Nissen House.
On Sunday, February 8, the Lewisville Historical Society hosted a reception at the Lewisville Library to celebrate and to thank all those who have played a role in the relocation and the ongoing restoration efforts of the Nissen House.
Addressing a full auditorium, members of the Lewisville Historical Society recounted the various stages involved in finding a new home site for the Nissen House and in completing the relocation in January. The house movers, town officials, donors, laborers and volunteers who participated in a number of ways were individually recognized for their respective roles.
Among those in attendance were Michael Blake of Blake Moving Company in Greensboro, U.S. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Forsyth County Commissioner Debra Conrad, and Lewisville’s mayor and town council members.
Light refreshments were served at the conclusion of the program. While everyone mingled and enjoyed the refreshments, a slide presentation was projected, showing scenes of the house’s relocation process — interspersed with a variety of interior house images.
To see photos of the reception, please visit the Nissen House Celebration photo gallery.
If you’re looking for more Nissen House information, please check out all of the Nissen House articles featured on this website.
Moving History
Scott Wierman, President of The Winston-Salem Foundation, spoke with members of the Lewisville Historical Society after presenting them with a $25,000 check toward the Nissen House Restoration Project. LHS member, Margaret Lee, is pictured on the right.
Generous Gift
On Thursday, January 29, the President of The Winston-Salem Foundation, Scott Wierman, presented a $25,000 check to the Lewisville Historical Society for the Nissen House Restoration Project. A small group of the society’s members gathered to witness the passing of the foundation’s check to John Byrd, the society’s interim president.
The foundation’s $25,000 gift brings the total donations received thus far to just over $75,000, and serves as a hearty boost toward the $400,000 needed to restore the house to a historical state.
Looking Ahead
Excitement was in the air as the society’s members discussed the next phases in the house’s long journey toward restoration. Upon the replacement of some old beams underneath the house, work on the house’s foundation will begin. Bricks that closely represent the type made during the time of the house’s construction around 1876 have already been purchased and delivered to the property.
It Takes a Community
It was not always a foregone conclusion that the Nissen House could be saved. Yet many individuals, organizations and businesses joined together to save the house from demolition. Though the path was winding, solutions were earnestly sought, and obstacles were eventually overcome. That kind of vision, effort and cooperation comes from “community,” the kind that characterizes the people of our small but vibrant town.
Recognition and Celebration
In recognition of those who have contributed in some way toward saving and restoring the Nissen House, the Lewisville Historical Society will host an informal reception on Sunday, February 8, at 3:00 pm at the Lewisville Library. Light refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend this celebratory event.
More Pictures
Meanwhile, if you’d like to see more pictures taken during and after the presentation of the $25,000 check from The Winston-Salem Foundation, please visit The Winston-Salem Foundation photo gallery.
If you’re looking for more Nissen House information, please check out all of the Nissen House articles featured on this website.
