Rose Glen Literary Festival

The Friends will offer two old favorites for sale: Estalena Brabson’s “History of Boyd’s Creek,” which was first published in 1989 and republished by the Friends in 2019, and a datebook first published a couple of years ago and which soon sold out. A limited supply of the datebook is now available. It is similar to a calendar but without specific dates. It can be used from year to year as a reminder of recurring dates such as birthdays and appointments. The datebook is lavishly illustrated with local artists’ and photographers’ views of Seymour and Boyds Creek historic homes and other landmarks. Price is $25 for the datebook, $10 for the “History of Boyd’s Creek,” or $30 for both.

The Friends are also preparing for publication of a new and more comprehensive and up-to-date history book this fall. It will be titled “The Chattering Child: The History of the Seymour-Boyds Creek Valley.” It is the result of three years of research by Colleen Shannon, Anna Garber and Steve Petty. All proceeds will go to the Friends. Visitors who are interested in the book may leave their contact information at the Friends table. Please share family histories, photos, maps and documents about the Seymour-Boyds Creek area with Petty and Garber. The title of the book “The Chattering Child” refers to Boyds Creek itself; the French Broad is known to the Cherokee as the Long Man; its tributaries, such as Boyds Creek, are his chattering children.

Anyone interested in joining the Friends of Seymour Library may also sign up at the festival. The Sidecar Inn was proud to host Anna and Shannon to talk about the history of Boyds Creek during our Grand Opening last year.

Photo: In Cherokee lore, the Long Man river has his head in the mountains and his feet in the sea. Tributaries such as Boyds Creek are his chattering children. Shown is Boyds Creek, foreground, one of the chattering children, meeting the Long Man (French Broad, background).