Winston-Salem was the beneficiary of the massive wealth that came from the industries that were borne out of the tobacco and cotton harvests, specifically cigarettes and textiles. Winston-Salem was the one-time home of the immense Reynolds Plantation and Hanes, the textile manufacturer. However, what is now Winston-Salem dates back to 1753, when a Moravian, Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg, arrived in January at Muddy Creek, a creek he called Der Wachau, later Wachovia.
First settling in historic Bethabara in 1753, Bethabara Park evokes the time of the first Moravian settlers. The visitor can take a self-guided tour at no charge.
A visitor must then visit Old Salem and the community that the Moravians wrought as a planned community in 1766. Much like a small version of Williamsburg, Old Salem is a series of original streets lined by homes built by the early settlers, inter-mixed with re-creations and re-enactments by practicing craftsmen. Based on the time of the year, Old Salem has a number of activities for families as well as ongoing businesses that serve goodies that were part of their pioneer life. Before visiting, go to the official visitor site for special events. Shopping is always in fashion in Old Salem, not only at the bakery but also in gift shops that feature Moravian stars, baked goods, and textiles. Shopping prior to religious holidays is especially fruitful.
Tickets are not required for all of the sites of Old Salem, but are required for entrance into several of the sites that include the activities of the craftsmen and interaction with the actors. Old Salem is closed on Mondays in 2011.
Adjacent to Old Salem is the historic Salem College, one of three colleges and universities in the area. Salem College was established in 1766 by the Moravians who believed that the education of women was as important as educating men, a revolutionary idea at the time. The Moravians had traveled from Pennsylvania to Salem, over 500 miles by foot, and their early settlers included 16 young women. One of the early settlers would become the school's first teacher. Beginning as a school for girls, it became a boarding school for girls in 1802 and later became the Salem Female Academy in 1866. They began granting college degrees in the 1890s. Salem College is the oldest women's college in the US. The Salem Academy for grades 9-12 remains on the campus of what is now Salem College. The records of the college indicate that as early as 1785, African-American women were educated at Salem College and students included the daughter of a Cherokee Indian chief in the 1820s. The school was run by the unmarried women of the Moravian community and these women were financially independent, also radical for the times. Salem College is therefore a must-see for those interested in early women pioneers and women of substance.
Also adjacent to Old Salem and Salem College is the large Moravian cemetery. The shear symmetry of the site is breathtaking. Every grave stone is exactly the same size, evoking the equality in death that was part of the Moravian faith. Family members are grouped together in God's Acre, the name the Moravians' gave their cemeteries. In the spring, the grounds are covered in blooms and the cemetery is the site of the traditional Moravian Easter Sunrise Service, held annually since 1773.
In 1849, Forsyth County was formed and Salem was contacted about becoming the county seat. Not willing to be the capital, Salem sold property north of Salem for the new courthouse which was built in what became the city of Winston. Winston is a name that evokes the tobacco industry and the Reynolds family played a large role in what became the industrial center of Forsyth County. Some of what was wrought with their wealth is now home to Wake Forest University, located on what was a generous gift of Charles H. and Mary Reynolds Babcock of 320 acres.
Wake Forest College was founded in 1834 through the Baptist church organization on 600 acres purchased from the Jones family plantation located then 16 miles north of Raleigh. Through the years, the college struggled and succeeded through the Civil War years and into the 20th century. During a capital campaign during the years of World War II, Z. Smith Reynolds proposed a $350,000 per year gift into perpetuity provided that the college be moved permanently to Winston-Salem. The gift was accepted in 1946 and construction began in 1951 on the first 14 buildings through 1956. A visit to the campus, however, will never indicate that the buildings are only 60 years old! The style of the buildings evokes the history of Wake Forest College on a tranquil college setting, peppered with the names of the wealthy benefactors of the day and founders of the now University.
Adjacent to Wake Forest University is Reynolda Village built on the remainder of the Reynolds lands. Reynolda Village is a collection of shops and restaurants on the plantation grounds housed in former plantation outbuildings and replicas. Shopping includes some local chains and fashionable one-of-a-kind boutiques. A favorite restaurant on my visits to Winston-Salem is Village Tavern, a local fine steakhouse chain.
The third university in Winston-Salem is the historically black university, Winston-Salem State University. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a moderately sized university located near downtown Winston-Salem. Cultural events and events particularly themed in concert with their role in Black America are frequent and well-attended.
Among other places to eat in Winston-Salem is Foothills Brewing, established in 2004. Not only does Foothills Brewing make their own beer on premises, but the chef has concocted an interesting and diverse menu that uses the beer in crafting its food. Foothills Brewing often has live music on the weekends and has outdoor dining available as well as small meeting spaces. Visit their website for the menu, brews on tap, and schedule of entertainment.
Winston-Salem is also home to Krispy Kreme. The first store was in a rented building in Old Salem in 1937. Founder Vernon Rudolf began selling doughnuts made with potato flour, an old Moravian tradition. He cut a hole in the wall of the now-demolished building so he could sell hot doughnuts directly to customers on the sidewalk. Store locations are ubiquitous in the area. It was almost the home of the first drive-thru restaurant, except it was a "walk-thru"!
If traveling to Winston-Salem, travel by car is best. Winston-Salem is located north of I-40 along US-52. Air travel can be achieved through nearby Greensboro.
Local accommodations include all of the main hotel chains such as Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Wingate by Wyndham, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, and Comfort Inn hotels.
The Winston-Salem climate is quite moderate, with a few months of cold weather December through February, but spring comes as early as late February with the azaleas, magnolia trees, blossoming fruit trees, and lush vegetation. By March, days can be into the 80s in temperature with sunny days and cool nights. The fall can be quite warm, though often wet in October-November. The summer months are hot and humid. The spring and fall seasons are my favorite times to visit.
A weekend in Winston-Salem can be quite enjoyable, as well as educational, particularly for lovers of history. Make your own plans to visit soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment