Join us for Coffee at the Museum in July 2023!

WHEN: July 27, 2023 @ 10:00 am

WHO: Our guest speaker is author Sherrie Sigmon

Weaving the Heart Threads of a Mill Village: Rhodhiss, North Carolina tells the story of Rhodhiss from the late 1800s to the present. The town was named for John Rhodes and George Hiss and was incorporated in 1903. Rick Justice, the Rhodhiss Town Manager, and Sherrie Hartsoe Sigmon, the author, will speak about the book and the upcoming festival to be held for the town's 120th anniversary. Weaving the Heart Threads of a Mill Village gives a detailed perspective from the point of view of the mill workers, villagers, and children of workers. In 1988 over 70 people were interviewed to give voice to the town's history. The Covid isolation time was spent transcribing the tapes. Out of that came a book that shares their accounts of child labor, living and working conditions, entertainment, education, religion, and textile products. The book discusses the trials, tribulations, joys, and love within the village.

The book is published by Redhawk Publications in Hickory, NC. The author, Sherrie Hartsoe Sigmon, was born in Caldwell County and educated at Rhodhiss Elementary, Granite Falls High, Caldwell Community College, UNCC, Appalachian State University, and Lenoir-Rhyne University.

She is a retired Iredell County English teacher (West Iredell High) who also did two interims at East Burke High. She lives in Hickory with her husband Michael and son Lance. She is a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Hickory. When not researching, she spends her time gardening, reading, and walking.