Beauty, Nostalgia and Lessons in History, All in a Pleasant Day’s Visit
From the first crisp day of fall throughout the Christmas season, it’s a beautiful time to enjoy Old Salem, whether you plan your visit around organized events or prefer to explore on your own. This uniquely preserved Moravian community is a perfect escape from the fast pace of modern life, with quaint buildings and talented craftspeople demonstrating everything from pottery to sewing, and bakers creating mouthwatering breads and pastries in wood-fired brick ovens.
 Located south of downtown Winston-Salem, the village of Old Salem features faithfully preserved and cultivated buildings, churches, shops, museums and gardens that offer a glimpse into colonial life of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can stroll through the streets, learning about the life of the Moravians and early Southerners of the period from guides in costume and craftspeople who interact with visitors while practicing such skills as woodworking, leatherwork and blacksmithing.
During the holidays, traditional wreaths and fresh greenery decorate doors, lamps and fences, providing a welcoming backdrop for candlelight tours, shopping, or savoring a still-warm treat from the famous bakery. Among the nearly 100 restored buildings at Old Salem, those open to the public include an apothecary, a shoemaker’s shop and the oldest authentic gunsmith’s shop in the United States. Bill Bailey of Salisbury is one of the gunsmiths.
Favorite items among shoppers include Moravian cookies and other baked goods, reproduction pottery, Moravian beeswax candles, Moravian stars, and angels created by the Old Salem tinsmiths.
 A National Historic Landmark, the Old Salem Historic District features numerous restored homes and shops, as well as historical highlights such as the Single Brothers’ House (where the single men of the community lived and worked), the 1799 Winkler Bakery, and Salem Tavern, where George Washington stopped in 1791. The St. Philip’s Moravian Church complex is the site of a now-reconstructed 1823 “Negro Church” built to segregate worship in accordance with North Carolina state law in 1816. The campus of Salem College lies partially within the historic district, with buildings of interest including the Main Hall, the Single Sisters’ House, the Inspectors House on the Square, and Gramley Library.
Salem Square, in the center of the district, is still owned by the Moravian Church and hosts events year-round. The famous water pump, which is a restored portion of the 1778 Salem waterworks, is on the square. On Easter Sunday, Salem Square is the destination of thousands who attend the traditional Moravian sunrise service that has been held every year since 1773.
Each December, the Candle Tea is held at the Single Brothers’ House by the Home Moravian Church Women’s Fellowship to raise funds for local charities. During the first two weeks of the month, guests can see beeswax candles being made using original molds, enjoy love feast coffee and Moravian sugar cake, sing Christmas carols, and tour a series of traditional holiday scenes. The Home Moravian Church hosts a love feast on Christmas Eve, which ends with each worshipper holding a lighted beeswax candle while the closing hymn is sung.
 One of the more visible landmarks of Old Salem is the Coffee Pot, a huge tin representation located at the north end of the community. Originally built by Moravian brothers Samuel and Julius Mickey in the 1850s as an advertisement for their tinsmith shop, it has become a sentimental symbol and has been restored and moved several times before coming to rest in its current spot, safer from traffic than former locations.
Another of Old Salem’s claims to fame: It is home to the largest surviving pipe organ built by David Tannenberg. Considered one of the finest organs of the period, the organ underwent an extensive 15-year restoration by Old Salem Museum & Gardens. It was built for and is still owned by Home Moravian Church. Visitors to Old Salem can take advantage of free organ concerts by checking www.oldsalem.org ahead of time.
By visiting the Web site before your visit, you can take advantage of a full slate of activities, events, workshops, and even hands-on classes including cooking, woodworking, pottery, wreath-making and more. If you prefer to tour on your own, maps and other information are available at the Visitor Center.
Hours and admission prices vary at different areas and attractions throughout Old Salem. Visit www.oldsalem.org for details. Old Salem is located at 600 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 336.721.7300.
Story by Jan Boone
Photography courtesy of Old Salem
|
Share your feedback with us!
Become a fan on Facebook!
| |
|
Advertise with the only magazine dedicated solely to Rowan County.
|
 |
| |
We want to hear from our readers.
Ask us a question. Tell us what you think. Or just drop a note to say hello.
Click here to reach us!
|
| |
|