Since 1951, the Village of Yesteryear has been part of the N.C. State Fair, showcasing heritage crafts by local artisans. Inside the Holshouser Building, the village is taking shape as craftsmen work to set up their booths.
Some craftsmen, such as Duane Raver, have been in the Village of Yesteryear for many years. Raver has been in the Village for the past 32 years showing his wildlife art. Raver was an artist for and editor of the Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine for 20 years. Raver is undeniably talented, and we’re grateful to have him in the Village again this year.
This year, the Village of Yesteryear also welcomes newcomers such as Mary Phillips and Hazen and Kate Alward. Phillips, a former sketch artist for JC Penny, is showing her pressed wildflowers. The Alwards will have hand-carved toys and household items.
The Village will continue to focus on N.C. heritage while making old things new, starting with the 18th-century loom. On the final day of the fair, the Village of Yesteryear loom will be dismantled to undergo restoration. The restoration is expected to cost $2,000 and the Village will be taking donations during the fair.
In addition to hosting old and new artisans, the Village is gearing up to finish a commemorative quilting project. Students from 4-H and FFA groups have submitted quilt squares to represent 38 counties in North Carolina. Together, the squares will be quilted together in the Village to make one quilt celebrating the 160th anniversary of the first N.C. State Fair. The finished quilt will hang through the end of the year in the N.C. History Museum following the fair.