HEARTS events are known for bringing history alive at Huntersville’s historic Cedar Grove and the Hugh Torance House and Store (HTHS). In January HEARTS goes one step further by taking the show on the road. Join us Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 1:00-4:00 PM for “Milling Around,” an outing to the ruins of the historic Torrance Mill, featuring renowned mill historian, Chuck Ketchie, and the authentic traditional music of the Carolina Thundermugs.
This month’s featured speaker, Chuck Ketchie, has been researching, photographing, writing, and talking about North Carolina mills for over 45 years. He recently became editor of Old Mill News, the international publication of The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM). His knowledge of mill history is extensive and his passion is contagious; don’t miss this chance to learn more about this fascinating piece of local history from a true expert.
This month's musical guests, The Carolina Thundermugs, bring the music to the mill with a special performance at the ruin. This five-member band of musicians, reenactors, and historians will showcase a wide range of authentic traditional music styles of the time. The Carolina Thundermugs will play two sets, one before and one after the lecture.
The site of the mill, once located on the vast Torrance plantation, is currently privately owned and normally inaccessible to the public, making this event a very special occasion. There is no parking allowed nor pedestrian access on the mill property. Guest parking is in the field beside Cedar Grove with complimentary shuttles to and from the site before and after the lecture. Please note, the terrain to the mill and the site of the mill ruin is not level nor cleared, and not advisable for guests requiring steady footing or level paths.
RSVPs are required to receive tickets. Tickets are limited for this event, so please register early to save your spot! Please wear attire and shoes for outdoors and muddy conditions, and feel free to bring a chair or blanket. Admission is free, and donations are very appreciated. In the event of rain, this event will be postponed to a later date. All ticket holders will be notified in the event of cancellation. Click here to RSVP for your tickets.
The historic Hugh Torance House and Store will be open for guests before and after the lecture selling snacks, beer, wine, sundries, and more. The Hugh Torance House and Store is one of Mecklenburg County’s few surviving 18th-century structures and is adjacent to Cedar Grove, the 1831 Greek Revival home of James Torrance, son of Hugh and Isabella Torance.
HEARTS happenings are monthly community gatherings featuring the arts with lectures exploring local history, nature, and our shared sense of place. The Store and HEARTS events are operated by the Hugh Torance House and Store (HTHS), a private 501c3 nonprofit. Group tours and volunteer opportunities for stewardship, preservation, and conservation are available. For more information, visit www.hught.org, email info@hughtorancehouseandstore.org, or call (704) 920-9931. The historic Hugh Torance House and Store is located at 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.
This is a free community event is made possible by dedicated volunteers, HEARTS Circle members, community sponsor Lake Norman Realty, and community donations. All proceeds benefit HTHS’s efforts to further the HEARTS mission of historic preservation, ecological conservation, and forging community connections in our region. For more information visit www.hught.org.
Additional Torrance Mill Details from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission Report http://landmarkscommission.org/2016/12/21/torrance-mill/