Decoration Day

April 12, 2013

What you may ask is “Decoration Day”?  Well we had a clue but wanted to learn more.  As it was a nice day we drove to the Mountain Heritage Center at WCU.  The trip took us through Sylva and into Cullowhee.  Now Cullowhee is a typical university town which caters to the students needs, university operation, and supports the local community. 

Arriving at the campus we guessed as to the location of the Mountain Heritage Center and found ourselves at a strip shop with several eateries.  This was fine by me as I was hungry!  Bill obtained directions to the center from a patron while I studied the menu at “Mad Batter Bakery”.  Yes, homemade soup and pizza fit the bill.  The friendly counter clerk suggested we dine on the patio and she was correct.  In short order our meals arrived and we were not disappointed for the food was excellent.  After lunch I could not pass-up the banana bread, another wise decision.

OK, on to the Center…
The museum has several exhibits on local history, authors, and artists.  The story of the Scot‑Irish was the detailed so I now have a better picture of my grandfather McFall’s heritage. However, his linage is still a mystery; perhaps he wanted it that way.  A visit to the museum is worthwhile so stop in when you find you meander to Cullowhee.

At 4 PM the Jabbour’s began a presentation on “Decoration Day” and regional cemeteries.  To me it seemed there is competition as to which cemetery is the best maintained.  The bottom line was each cemetery has a particular method for covering graves with sand or gravel; however, the styles appear to be influenced by each other and styles evolve over time. 

Could we call this cemetery evolution or cemetery copy-cat? 
I will leave you to ponder the facts.