The White’s Mountain Chimney Corner Celebration recalls aspects of rural life during a period when many every day necessities were grown, built or produced at home. Many items of subsistence as well as abilities to entertain originated at the family level as numerous procedures and techniques were passed from generation to generation.

The method for warming and cooking within the standard rural dwelling was usually a wood or coal fired stove or fireplace. These radiant sources of heat were often positioned in or near one corner of the largest room of the house and during damp or chilly evenings created a toasty warm area where many home life activities transpired. Gatherings in the chimney corner or nook often hosted discussions of family activities and news, school work, many household and farm chores and produced solutions to family problems as well as brief naps. It was here that the homegrown sound of a fiddle, harmonica, guitar, banjo and other musical instruments produced and nurtured the delightful harmonies that enriched and motivated so many lives. White’s Mountain Chimney Corner Celebration recalls, amplifies and preserves these activities as we celebrate the contributions of these innovative and talented generations.

On White’s Mountain, period musicians and dancers demonstrate the techniques and roles that filled such very important needs for home entertainment. As this homegrown music gained popularity it naturally became a very widely accepted part of social activity in many small Appalachian communities. The present day means of reproducing music during this time frame were rare or non-existent so many musical skills were self-taught and reflected the traditions ingrained in the ethnic backgrounds of the Appalachian settlers. The resulting beautiful harmonies and dances flourished during these rural periods and descendants of these early immigrants will perform them at the Chimney Corner Celebration. Scottish bagpipes and Celtic dance, bluegrass music and buckdancing along with country music and its clogging will be an impressive part of the celebration.

The newest addition to the program is the “Gathering of Fiddles.” During this segment of the program the important effect of the old time fiddlers and their instruments will be highlighted as this huge group presents the great fiddle music. For the first time at White’s Mountain the lilting sounds of Celtic fiddle will fill the hollows as the band “MOHR-4” performs live. The Lake Guntersville Music Academy also performs Celtic music as presented by Keith & Carla Sullivan.

An abundance of great things to see and experience awaits visitors who travel to White’s Mountain. The rolling hills of the park are radiant with colorful autumn foliage and seasonal flowers. The giant white oak, hickory, maple and gum trees are ablaze fall colors. The old General Store invites travelers to enter its doors to explore the many Inside the store the gristmill transforms homegrown corn into cornmeal and grits after the “modern” hand turned corn shellers separate the grain from the corncobs and shucks.

An excellent display of Lester Flatt memorabilia is located on the balcony. This collection is one of the best around and celebrates the life of this super musician and singer. Mr. Tom Thomas, the proud owner and an advanced musician, will be available for chatting.
<
Old Number 97 departs the General Store at hourly schedules and a tour of the park is urged for all who so desire.

A functional blacksmith shop complete with a hand turned forge will be producing metal products as well as the distinctive sounds of the hammer and anvil. The wild cherry tree out front shades the well where with a little priming the old hand pump produces flowing water.

Vendors and craftsmen will produce everything from great food to wooden hand-carved collectables. These products filled the need for the useful staples for rural homes during this period and are sure to impress all visitors.

Native mountain songbirds will share exhibition time with segments of music and dance from varied ethnic cultures and ancestral backgrounds. “Southern Heart Bluegrass Band” presents their great Bluegrass music venue and shares the spotlight with the “Alabama Pipes & Drums” who thrill audiences with their traditional bagpipe music and Celtic culture. Their director is Steven Giles, Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant Scott Bable.

Native Americans made huge contributions to the developing society of Appalachian settlers. Their cultural, ethnic and genetic addition to the growing population is quite beneficial and obvious today. A great sampling of their music, dance and craftsmanship is presented by the “Alabama Cherokees” with Chief Bobby Sterling and the MOWA Choctaw group directed by Nichole Williams.

These many talented and dedicated people gather annually in the rolling hills of St.Clair County, Alabama and adorn the beautiful surroundings of White’s Mountain Park with their sounds and abilities in a dedicated effort to preserve talents and techniques from so many cultural backgrounds. It is the intent of this celebration to encourage and enhance interest in our past heritage and to portray this relevance for the enjoyment of all who have or will visit White’s Mountain Chimney Corner Celebration.