Grinding corn
The public is invited to the fifth annual Pioneer Day to celebrate local history and culture as hosted by the Soddy, Daisy & Montlake Historical Association this Saturday at Poe’s Tavern Historical Park, 9835 Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy. Pioneer Day event hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and admission is free.
"Come see Civil War reenactors, old timey crafters and multiple displays on early settlement as part of this special Soddy-Daisy event," officials said. This year’s event is geared towards education and “life on the frontier” during the 1800's, but also includes activities like an apple press for cider, cabin tours and live demonstrations.
SDMHA president and local historian Steve Smith said, "Chattanoogans share this pioneer heritage since most of the area was once part of Tennessee's rugged frontier that existed even after we became a state in 1796. The families who settled this region, whether at Poe's Tavern or Ross's Landing, they all experienced a similar lifestyle to that represented at the Pioneer Day event. It was common to have trading posts along the Federal Roads and at important crossings. Due to the influx of people traveling through Hamilton County or who settled here, there has been 200 years of fascinating history since the county was incorporated in 1819.
"Later the towns of Soddy and Daisy grew based on the introduction of coal mining and other industries. You can usually see the coal mining display at the Good Old Days Museum in Soddy, which is run by SDMHA volunteers."
The museum will be closed Friday and Saturday, but will open again on Friday, Nov. 8. Artifacts and other items from the museum will be on display at the Pioneer Day event to highlight a full range of historical periods.
Mr. Smith said, "We try to cover early settlement, emphasizing Native American history, along with the Trail of Tears. Then with demonstrations to highlight trades and skills typical of these times, we try to show what a day in the mid 1800's might have been like."
Pioneer Day also focuses on the Civil War era, since the Poe's Tavern site was used as a field hospital. Event Coordinator Scott Brogdon states that the Civil War encampment will provide reenactors an opportunity to share stories and answer questions while engaging with the public.
The list of planned displays and demonstrations includes:
o Pioneer Cooking - Shelia Nelson
o National Park Service - Chris Young
o Woodworking - Frank Sevy
o Native American Culture - David Webster, Carlos Wilson & Pam Glaser
o Pioneer Quilting - Gayle Patterson & Rebecca Brogdon
o 18th & 19th Century Signaling - Doug Carson
o Civil War Camp - led by Scott Brogdon & Jared Burt
o Civil War Blacksmith - Brandon Spurling & Hugh Bowie
o Gunsmithing - Jim Robinson
o Coal Mining, Shingle making and Apple Cider - Steve Smith, & SDMHA Volunteers
o Leatherwork - David Helton
o Period Music - Phillip Stewart
o Moonshining - Mark Campbell & Louis Varnell
For more information on Pioneer Day and SDMHA events, check www.soddydaisymuseum.com, see our Facebook page, email slsmith01@comcast.net or call 423-718-0528.
Pioneer ladies