Cedars of Lebanon to Host Works Progress Administration Day Oct. 1

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 | 06:41am
Day of Observance to Honor WPA’s Creation and Impact on Tennessee
 
LEBANON, Tenn. – Cedars of Lebanon State Park will host its annual Works Progress Administration Day on Saturday, Oct. 1. With the theme, “Building a Park,” the event will feature historical and cultural programs throughout the day, along with unique demonstrations – all portraying life during the period when Cedars of Lebanon State Park was created. All events are free to the public and will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
 
The Works Progress Administration was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration to help provide economic relief to the citizens of the United States who were suffering through the Great Depression. Cedars of Lebanon State Park was created to bring jobs and economic activity to Middle Tennessee by reclaiming approximately 9,000 acres of deforested lands unsuitable for agriculture in Wilson County. The land was purchased from 60 local farmers, many of whom were resettled. Jobs were provided for 300 members of the WPA to replant and develop the park for recreation and conservation.
 
“WPA Day is designed for all ages, with numerous activities and educational opportunities planned,” said Park Ranger Wayne Ingram. “ We encourage everyone to join us for a day of fun – rain or shine.” 
 
WPA Day presenters and exhibitors include: 
  • Jennifer Folsom – Spinning 
  • Wanda Shotwell – Weaving 
  • Sue Williams – Traditional basket making 
  • Roy Harper – Musician, artist and painter. A retired brakeman, Harper received the Tennessee Heritage Artist Award and numerous other awards recognizing his traditional folk country music. 
  • Lex Conaster and Chuck Linville – Fiddles. These avid fiddle collectors will demonstrate the rich history of fiddle playing in the park.
  • Brent Higgins – Metal working on an original WPA forge
  • Jeremiah Barnes – Crosscut saw demonstration and competition, which begins at 2 p.m. 
  • Mark Newberry – Third generation traditional chair maker
  • Mac Davidson – Traditional tools. Davidson is a devoted antique trader and collector of traditional devices and tools required for daily living and work.
  • David Roland – Traditional wood shingle making 
  • Tom Jackson – Stone carver, fiddler and wood cook stove specialist. This “Jack of all trades” will offer his homestyle beans as well.  
  • Michael Defosche and the Wilson Warblers – An award-winning fiddler and complementing vocals, making up a traditional Southern string band.  
  • Wagon rides and free beans and cornbread will be offered throughout the day.  
  • Visitors are encouraged to also visit Cedars of Lebanon State Park’s historical photographs and documentation exhibit at the Lodge.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park and State Forest are located in the southwestern part of Wilson County within the central basin of Tennessee. Both were established during the 1930s as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s program to resettle people and replant the Cedar trees that had been heavily harvested. The area now contains one of the largest juniper forests in the country.  For more information about the park, visit www.tnstateparks.com/Cedars or call (615) 443-2769. 
 
 
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