Saturday offered perfect weather for the planned Harmony Hall Workday event. According to Terry Smith with Harmony Hall Village, Inc., there were over 40 volunteers who helped make improvements around the property this past weekend.
Harmony Hall Village, Inc., President Eric Melvin, said, “It’s an outdoor paradise. We are trying to get Harmony Hall restored and make it a tourist destination. The house is historical to the state.”
The property was added to the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1972. However, due to Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, the properties are in great need of repair.
According to Melvin, the destination not only offers a historical experience but an outdoor adventure.
The Mountains to the Sea Trail runs right by the location and offers a rest stop for those on the trail when the property is open.
Melvin stated, “It’s 100 acres from the road to the river, and about a mile from the house to the river. It is a great place to camp and enjoy the outdoors.”
Smith said the property has been closed for a year due to the hurricanes, but it is a Bladen County treasure, and the children can take pride in it.
As a retired educator, Smith explained the property has an old school that held students from 1880 to 1920. “The old schoolhouse needs a new roof. “It would be a great project for a non-profit to adopt,” she said.
Once some more repairs are made the most of the property will be open to the public again. Melvin said, “I wish every teacher that teaches history in the county would bring their students out here.”
Bladen Community College, Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts Troop and Pack 600, Cub Scouts, local churches, UnitedWay members, and other local volunteers helped with the workday.
Melvin and Smith said the event was such a success due to the assistance of local chamber director Terri Dennison and the staff at Bladen Community College.
Sondra Guyton, with Bladen Community College and Keep Bladen Beautiful, was hands-on at the event. She said, “It was wonderful to be with the community helping to take care of such a beautiful and historic site.”
Kathleen McGurgan, with Bladen Community College Green Technology Committee, had the Arbor Day Tree Campus USA flag proudly displayed at the event with crafts related to trees for children of all ages!
Harold LaRock, Groundskeeper of Harmony Hall was on site helping as well. He said he was pleased with the turnout.
Smith stated, there is an emergency need for volunteers and monetary donations.
Donations for white paint, with primer, are needed, Smith said. Anyone wanting to help can volunteer for painting this coming Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Harmony Hall Plantation Village Inc. holds a 501(c)3 tax exemption. Donation of any amount will be accepted and appreciated according to the volunteers. Donation may be mailed to ATTN: HHPV, Inc.
C/O Treasurer: S. Allen, 1800 Winding Creek Rd, Elizabethtown, NC 28337.
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