First, close-ups of the kiln built behind the Single Brothers House
at Old Salem during the recent ALHFAM Conference. As I mentioned
previously, the pots (all redware) were stacked, then a brick kiln was
built up around them. It was covered in mud and the sides supported
with a simple wooden frame propped up by a hewed log. The second
photo (taken later) shows that a roof (of tiles?) was added. And it
appears that the whole thing was constructed on top of some sort
of permanent stone foundation. Extra bricks used for building
the kiln can be seen off to the left (in first photo).
another view, from the back:
Next, an up close and personal look at one of the first houses constructed
when Salem was founded centuries ago. It was thrilling to find these as I
wandered around the grounds. I realize they’re privately-owned, and that
they’re merely reconstructions, but I was just awestruck when I came upon
this row of “first” houses. I strongly urge the Museum to at least put them
on the map! They’re an important part of the area’s history.
And finally, the famous tin coffee pot overlooking the Old Salem historic
district up at the top of the hill. It was created by Samuel and Julius Mickey,
two village tinsmiths, in 1858. It was the sign placed in front of their shop.
Since then, the tin coffee pot has become the symbol for the hospitality
of Old Salem specifically and of North Carolina as a whole.
