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People & Places of the Carolina Foothills

The Christmas House

12/8/2022

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This time of year, Bill & Sandra Montgomery flip the switch (well, lots of switches) each evening at 5:30 and welcome hundreds of strangers to drive around their home. For 49 years The Christmas House has been a staple of the holiday season. Check out this video and then head on over. The lights will be on each evening until 10:00 from now until New Year's Eve.
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The Charters of Freedom Find a Home in Columbus

9/17/2019

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Today in Columbus (NC) a special celebration was held on this Constitution Day. A new addition of things to see was officially unveiled in an impressive ceremony held at Veteran’s Park. A program to dedicate a set of “The Charters of Freedom” was held with plenty of pageantry. While the photos can only give you a visual idea, the sounds included the Polk County High School Band, a drummer, a bagpiper, canon fire, and speeches. The Polk County Honor Guard presented the colors and plenty of local and state dignitaries were on hand to accept this impressive collection. The program ended with the canon salute and the release of 13 white doves by L.J Meyers of Homeward Angel White Dove Releases.
 
The document replicas set in sturdy enclosures with two-inch glass covers include The Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. The documents are engraved into brass plates. Attendees could sign a book that will be one of the objects placed in the time capsule, which will be sealed at another upcoming event and not opened until Constitution Day on September 17, 2087. (Check back then to see photos of the capsule being opened.)
 
The Charters of Freedom program is part of Foundation Forward, Inc. based in Valdese. One of their goals is to have similar installations across the United States. 
Click each photo to see an expanded view.
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Landrum Community Dog Park - a Fast Focus story

7/31/2019

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It’s always a good day to be in the park – the Landrum Community Dog Park that is. I stopped by this wonderful dog park the other day just to check it out. And at that same time two folks were checking it out with some brand new (to them) dogs.
 
Jennifer and Braden from Campobello were visiting with their two newish dogs. The big boy is named Sherman. He was formerly a service dog but had to be retired from work when he was injured. The little girl they’ve named Betty. She followed them home recently and instantly became part of their family.
 
Sherman and Betty immediately took a liking to each other and to Jennifer and Braden as well.
 
The Landrum Community Dog Park is located behind Stone Soup Restaurant.
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Braden with Betty and Jennifer with Sherman.
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Chuck Hearon - "Trail Boss" @ FENCE

7/11/2019

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Many of Foothills Faces readers know that just a couple of months into starting Foothills Faces, the Tryon Daily Bulletin invited me to write for their magazine, Life in Our Foothills. Kevin Powell, General Manager, has given me the green light to re-post some of my magazine stories. This story originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of the magazine.
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Thousands of people hike the trails at FENCE each year and most have no clue just how much work it takes to keep them passable. For the past three and a half years and on and off for over 30, much of that work has fallen onto the shoulders of Chuck Hearon. Chuck is the volunteer “Trail Boss” for FENCE though he prefers to be called “maintainer.” Chuck says being “boss” would make people think he has a crew. For the most part, it’s just Chuck who is out on the trails taking care of business. He can ask for help from Joey and Roy, the FENCE maintenance crew members but they have enough on their plates taking care of everything else the nearly 400 acre nature center needs to keep humming along. So Chuck spends several days a week inspecting trails and maintaining them. It’s a never-ending job and Chuck enjoys the challenge and the work.

​It should be noted that he’s 76 years old. When I asked Chuck if I could use his age, he said, “Sure,” and then went on to say, “Hard work is good for you if it doesn’t kill you, but if it kills you, you get the next day off.” Chuck Hearon does have a great sense of humor.

​Chuck says he could use some volunteers and has a gentleman who has recently stepped forward. It’s not easy work and of course, there are those dangers associated with slopes, dead trees, creek crossings, and power equipment. It just isn’t enough to walk along with a pair of snippers these days, but he welcomes stick kickers…where people can enjoy kicking loose branches and twigs off the trails as they hike. Chuck thinks that could be a popular sport on day. He says he’s fortunate that FENCE has graciously provided the equipment needed to make the job possible including a Kawasaki Mule, tractor, chipper, bush hog, and an assorted of chainsaws, pole saws, and other professional gear. 

Chuck knows plenty about trails. In 1999 he became a member of an elite cadre of long-distance hikers when he backpacked the entire 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail in a single season. These days he’s happy just to be able to enjoy and take care of the five and a half miles of trails at FENCE.

Chuck has been involved with FENCE since its earliest year and is pleased to have known all of the founding fathers and has worked with most of them. Dave Kirby, one of those founders, was a special mentor. He says Dave had an amazing work ethic. If Dave Kirby walked with you along a trail and made note that something needed doing and then a month later noticed that the work had not been touched, he would say something to the effect of, “Haven’t we talked about this before?” Dave was a man who liked to see action and Chuck follows that principle to this day. Chuck sees the need and takes care of it. There’s always something to do. The December snow we had followed by the ice left years worth of work to be done. 
Chuck works closely with Tracie Hansen, the FENCE executive director, but for the most part he’s his own shop. He sees a need, makes his notes, collects the gear, and starts to work. His pay comes from seeing the delight of hikers walking and running and experiencing the outdoors at FENCE.

​Chuck says it’s a thrill when he’s coming or going and sees a family about to start out on their own adventure or a couple taking a stroll with their dogs. It brings joy to their lives and that makes Chuck beam with pride. Chuck says seeing these people using FENCE is his reward for his work. It makes it all worth it.

​Chuck experienced how the trail towns he passed through on his AT hike had a welcoming feel to hikers. He wants FENCE to be that welcoming place for hikers when they’re out on “his” trails. Dave Kirby had a favorite saying, “If you love the outdoors, come love it at FENCE.” Chuck takes that to heart and he’s determined to help you love your nature experience at FENCE. 
More to know

FENCE is located at 3381 Hunting Country Road outside of Tryon and its trails are open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year. Check FENCE.org for information on upcoming programs. Volunteers are welcome and Chuck would be happy to have you giving him a hand out on the trails. But if you’re out on your own, feel free to kick some sticks off the trail.

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Spreading Christmas Joy for 45 Years

11/26/2018

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Bill & Sandra Montgomery's The Christmas House
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Bill and Sandra Montgomery
Chances are if you’ve ever driven I-26 toward Exit 5 (Campobello) during this time of year you’ve noticed a cheery glow up the hill on the right. It’s impossible to miss. And for thousands of people each year, they take that exit and within minutes jumpstart their Christmas spirit. You can’t help but be moved by this incredible display of holiday lights and scenes at Bill & Sandra Montgomery’s “The Christmas House.”
 
Bill & Sandra look forward to the Christmas season just about as much as kids – and maybe more. It’s in Sandra’s DNA for sure and somehow or other that has taken hold in Bill. 
 
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Check out all the photos at the end of this story to get just a sense of the magic.
Sandra’s dad, James Blackwell, started putting on this festive show in 1973. At the time James was head of maintenance at Bigelow Sanford in Landrum and was put in charge of decorating the company’s property. That set off a spark in James’s mind and that ignited an idea to start decorating the home that was built in 1884. James’s wife, Doris, must have given her nod of approval because decorating the Blackwell home was underway. And now, 45 years later it is one of the most visited winter attractions in the Upstate. Officially the house is now referred to as “The Christmas House.” It’s an obvious choice.
 
Bill & Sandra took over the house and grounds decorating in 2005 and have made this a mission of love. The live for this season, which begins the second weekend in October when the first decorations are moved from their storage buildings to the grounds. Setting up for something of this scale takes a small army made up of relatives, neighbors, and friends. On some days as many as a dozen elves are on-site helping with the setup and late in the evening it might be just Bill out there taking care of ever last detail. 
This is no small operation. Every single item is checked and repairs or rebuilds are made when necessary. Just about all of the displays are homemade and even store-bought items are reimagined to make them better. Bill and Sandra estimate that this year’s display contains over 100,000 bulbs. Their power bill nearly triples during this season but they say it’s worth every penny to see the joy it brings people. Folks have told them that they came as a child and now they bring their own kids. No doubt in thirty years from now, those kids will be bringing their own wide-eyed youngsters. 
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Getting ready for showtime.
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Just some of the organization needed.
Bill keeps photos of each year’s display to help remember just where they had everything placed the year before. But things change. New ideas are constantly brewing in their minds. Bill mentioned a couple of ideas already on the drawing board for the 2019 version but I’m sworn to secrecy.  It’s all about being organized and being creative. Bill and Sandra live for this and see it as one way they can remind people that Jesus is the reason for the season.
 
Families driving through are caught up in the moment and probably can’t appreciate what it takes to make this happen. Just last year alone they had to buy 15,000 light bulbs to make sure they had what they needed. Bill says one of the best things to happen recently was the invention of LEDs, making lighting the displays more energy-efficient. The extra expense is worth it. It’s a good thing their son-in-law is an electrician as plenty of upgrades had to be made over the years. Even with that, it’s not simple to get this show running. The miniature donkeys and a sheep get moved from the pasture into their viewing barn and then about ten minutes before opening, Bill has to flip 14 switches and plug in four outlets. Then he and Sandra retreat into their beautiful home (also decorated) and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie as the real entertainment outside begins.
Bill and Sandra do this for the enjoyment of others and to help remind everyone that we’re celebrating the birthday of Jesus. Sandra says, “That’s what Christmas is all about. We want to keep traditions going and to keep family close. We want something families can do to help keep them connected to each other.” 
 
The Christmas House opens every year on Thanksgiving night and closes on New Year’s Eve. Hours are 5:30 until 10, though if you’re in line at 10…Bill keeps it open. There is no charge. Visitors can leave a donation and often Bill and Sandra will find coins left by a child in a plastic bag in the donation box or a hand-scribbled note or card. They love to read how much the children, and the adults, love this place.

If you weren’t in the holiday mood before driving in, you will be by the time you leave. And as many people do, they get back in line and go through again…and again. And you can be sure they’re already planning to be back next year. Looking into the future, Sandra wistfully mentions that she has a daughter and a granddaughter that are showing a sincere interest in keeping The Christmas House going for another 45 years and beyond.
 
Bill has a tagline he uses on his occasional videos he posts, and that is “Come out and see the lights and hear the sounds of Christmas at The Christmas House.” I can assure you, the invitation is genuine.
 
We’re the lucky ones.
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More to Know
The Christmas House is located at 360 Foster Road, Inman. Your GPS will bring you right there but if that starts to fizzle, you can’t miss it. The Montgomery’s do ask that all visitors remain in their car because of plenty of trip hazards. You can ride through as many times as you wish and look for your favorite scenes from last year and new ones that are added each year.


Click to check out a video of The Christmas House

Photo Gallery. Click each photo to see an enlarged version. Better yet, drive over to 360 Foster Road in Inman between now and December 31.
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    Mark Levin

    ...retired in 2017 from a life of work, mostly in education. I decided it was time to stop commuting and stay at home a while. Foothills Faces is meant to bring you short snippets of life through photography, videography, and audio recordings of some of the wonderful people and places of the Carolina Foothills..

    And for something new:
    Check out Mark's new YouTube Channel, The Country Life with ColumbusMark. It's a lighthearted look at life in the country.

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