Medusa, Samson, Rapunzel, and Sif (Wife of Thor) all have on thing in common hair.
Hair, while physiologically dead once it leaves your scalp, is a vibrant piece of our lives as humans, during and after we have departed.
For many of our legendary heroes and villains, such as Medusa and Samson, hair is regarded as a symbol of power, status, and beauty.
Many Native cultures believe hair is a direct representation of one’s self-esteem, self-respect, belonging, and holds a higher purpose than simple ornamental beauty. Some European sources echo this statement saying that “the virtues and properties of a person are contained within that person’s hair,” explaining why multiple cultures have rituals and superstitions when it comes to cutting, coloring, covering, and styling their locks.
By Justyn Kissam
This photograph was taken on May 8, 1921. Bishop Leo Haid, of the Order of St. Benedict, dedicated the church “to the service of God.”
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
Here is a picture of the church, built in 1921 and the rectory, built in 1929. (Photograph courtesy of David Wright via Surry County Digital Heritage
Communion is a ceremony that marks a child or adult’s first reception of the Eucharist. Here is a picture of a Communion taking place in 1921.
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
A Communion from this year.
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
Pictured here are 11 stonemasons quarrying dimension stock. To the far left in the hat is J.D. Sargent, head of the North Carolina Granite Association. Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church was built with stone from the quarry.
By Justyn Kissam
Drive-ins were a popular place for couples to go on dates. Opened before 1955 and operated by J. Wick Gordon and Joseph Pell, the Pilot Drive-In could park 225 cars. It closed in 1985 and was demolished. Today the Howell-Nelson Funeral Services & Crematory is located there.
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
Horne Creek Living Historical Farm is a North Carolina State Historic Site and was once the Hauser family farm. The site allows visitors to experience rural farm life and hosts programs throughout the year to bolster that mission. One of the well-known programs is the annual Cornshucking Frolic. Pictured here is the mound of corn waiting to be shucked in front of the farmhouse.
By Katherine Jackson
The Coca-Cola mural on Main Street was restored and debuted to the public in 2015.
Images courtesy of the Isaac Martin Gordon Business Collection via the Surry County Digital Heritage/Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
A “ghost sign” was revealed after the demolition of the adjoining building in the 1980s, located at 185 N. Main Street in Mount Airy.
Images courtesy of the Isaac Martin Gordon Business Collection via the Surry County Digital Heritage/Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
A postcard of Mount Airy Bottling Works, located on Moore Avenue, circa 1898. Pictured, from left, are an unknown gentleman, B.E Herman, founder of Mount Airy Bottling Works, and delivery horse Snowball. After 1900, the name of the company changed to Mount Airy Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
March 22, 2021
CRITZ, VA – Curious adults ages 50 and older who are looking for opportunities to explore history, art, fitness, and more, are invited to join the Reynolds Homestead’s College for Older Adults (COA). The spring session for COA will begin April 19 and run through May 28. This session will be a hybrid session with lectures and discussions delivered via Zoom, and fitness and art classes held outside where social distancing can be observed safely.
COA is a membership program that offers 32 classes for members to enjoy. Those interested in fitness can choose among Moving to Motown, a gentle aerobics class designed to keep you moving and flexible, gentle yoga, line dancing, hiking and golf.