We are NOT ready for the crazy winter weather, are you?
RINSE AND REPEAT
Last summer our very own Joseph Hudson gave a stellar presentation about Echo Valley Amusement Park to an overflowing audience. So many people loved it (or were bummed they missed it), so he’s doing it again! Join us at our first meeting of 2026 – and hear Joseph share stories and highlights of the beloved park using his 15+ years of research and artifacts.
Were you ever at Echo Valley Amusement Park? Feel free to bring any mementos, photos, or stories when you come to the program on February 24, 2026 7pm-8pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 405 Trailblazer Drive.
UP NEXT
Our second spring program will be hosted by William Caldwell, Trail Ranger, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, National Park Service on Tuesday April 28, 2026 7pm-8pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 405 Trailblazer Drive. The hour will focus on the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, pivotal to the outcome of the Revolutionary War Battle of Kings Mountain – both its historical story as well as its status as one of only 21 National Trails in the US.
INN-CREDIBLE ARTWORK Mr. Douglas Walker reached out to us after touring the Spring Park Inn with his wife and shared this beautiful piece he created using colored pencils and alcohol markers. He also gifted a copy to us for display, so you can see it when you come to visit the Inn on Fridays 2pm-5pm or Saturdays 10am-2pm.
We’re smack dab in the middle of downtown on the Swamp Rabbit Trail behind the gazebo.
AND SPEAKING OF THE INN We could not be more proud of the sensational restoration work that made our cherished Inn visitor-ready this past fall. Our volunteers, board members, and especially our opening committee, put the final touches on every inch of the space, and we began welcoming guests this past September. If you have dropped in, taken a tour, or are planning to come by soon – THANK YOU! We love the continued support we get from our community. The History Museum is only a short walk up the trail so it’s easy to do both in one trip.
TAKE A SEAT (WE’VE ADDED A FEW!) Thanks to a generous donation, the Greenville Woodworkers Guild delivered new custom-made benches to the Spring Park Inn.
Their newsletter recognized the project as part of their charitable work, noting that 12 volunteers and 220 hours were devoted to this project. We’re so grateful for their continued support – so come pull up a bench and stay a while!
IN LOVING MEMORY In November we lost a friend and huge supporter of the Historical Society. We pause to remember Mr. Dennis Chastain, whose kindness and dedication touched so many in our community. We were honored to have him as our guest speaker last spring, talking about “The Cherokee of the Carolinas”. If you missed it or would like to view it again, watch the replay here. *Forward to timestamp 7:40 for the program beginning*
THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR MORE
If you’ve got a little time to share or a soft spot for local history, we’d love for you to get involved as a member or volunteer. Come lend a hand, meet some good folks, and be part of the future.
If you’d like to help out, meet other community members, and support something meaningful, we’d love to have you. Reach out to us at volunteer@travelersresthistoricalsociety.org for more information or to sign up!
PRESIDENT’S NOTES: We are so proud to be the stewards of the Spring Park Inn and the History Museum. Our accomplishments are only possible because of the people who believe in our mission. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. Your support – whether through membership, volunteering, or simply cheering us on – means more than words can say. It’s neighbors like you who make this all worthwhile and keep our history close to home. We look forward to all that’s ahead in 2026 – continuing this work together. Sincerely, Mark Garrison
Leave a Reply