The Dickson-Williams Mansion Historical Association is inviting the community to the mansion to celebrate America 250 where history is shared daily in Greeneville and Greene County.
The Board of Trustees of the Dickson-Williams Mansion will open the doors of the ancestral home of the Williams family on Thursday, September 17 at 7 p.m. for the community to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Greene County’s contribution to freedom. Guests will be treated to an old-fashioned ice cream social and an evening of Appalachian storytelling.
Marci Nimmick and E.J. Swatsell will be the headlining storytellers for the evening.
“What better way to honor our nation’s heritage, than in a beautiful house museum where history is served up daily,” said Carla Bewley, secretary of the Mansion’s board and chair of the Events Committee which includes, Mona Binkley, Josh Brenner, Christy Hoeke, Elaine Johnson, and Benjy Ryans. “It seems most Americans have been aware and many involved in this important recognition of the nation’s founding and struggle for independence, especially during and leading up to the period around Fourth of July festivities. It was the desire of our Events Committee to create an event just as unique and memorable as the house that Catharine and Dr. Williams called home. A delicious bowl of creamy ice cream and a great story shared with friends is about as American as you can get.”
A good story crafted by talented spinners of tales and yarns has become synonymous with East Tennessee, and Greene County has its share of masters of this traditional art form. In early times it was the most popular form of entertainment in the isolated regions of Appalachia and by far the most cost effective, according to a news release from the association. “Our neighbors to the north in Washington County realized a few years back how a simple story in a friendly environment can be very entertaining and a major economic tool. Jonesborough embraced it, identified with it, and capitalized on it. Identified as heritage tourism, it is a major economic catalyst for their local economy,” the release said.
“A celebration involves having a good time and that is what is planned for the evening at the mansion,” said Rich Boyd, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “We will enjoy the talents of two popular local storytellers, who have a reputation of fully engaging their audiences and leave them wanting more. Marci Nimmick has entertained from the Opry Star Spotlight to the International Storytelling Festival. Give her a stage and she will entertain you. She is a highly popular singer songwriter leaning towards the bluegrass sound. As a storyteller she takes audiences on epic journeys of home, of highway, of heroism, and of hilarity. Her friends call her Marci, the Entertainer.”
“E.J. Swatsell, is known as the personable man around town who wears many hats: farmer, minister, politician, businessman, college administrator, and knowledgeable in all things Greene County. In the South that is called ‘being well–versed.’ Boyd said. “He is a member of our board and everybody likes to claim a small part of the multi-talented E.J. his greatest quality is his love and dedication to his family. A deeply spiritual man, he has never met a pulpit he didn’t fall in love with and does not wear his religion on his sleeve, he lives it. And oh, what a storyteller he is! Our guests on September 17 are in for a treat.”
Event organizers are promising additional surprises for those who want an evening of relaxation, merriment, and a little ice cream to enjoy. A modest admission of $20 is designated for the continued upkeep and operations of the Dickson-Williams Mansion. Reservations are required for the evening and tickets can be pushed online at: dicksonwilliamsmansion.org .
