The annual Historic Newborn Schoolhouse festival is set for this Saturday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event, which will be held at 4326 Highway 142 in Newborn, is free with parking just a $1 donation. The 1920’s era festival will feature 46 vendors, including Yellow Rose Farm Soap Company and an alpaca owner selling wool and socks.
There will also be music by the Mayo Brothers Bluegrass Band at 1 p.m. and Georgia Music Hall of Famer, Johnny Roquemore at 2 p.m., along with Dufrane Party of Two.
Children’s activities include crafting such as pottery by Elizabeth from Chicken Tracks Farm Camp.
“We wanted to try something hands on, touchy feely, to show them what it was like.” Linda Woodworth said. Woodward added that storyteller, Denise Mount will also be there, along with animals such as horses, alpacas and kids.
There will also be food trucks and barbecue from Where There Smoke BBQ, funnel cakes and hotdogs. The Newborn Schoolhouse’s Library will also be part of the event, hosting a book sale, “The book sale is to show support for our friends at the library,” Woodworth said. “Newborn has this tiny little library and it is one of the best things about our town.”
The Historic Newborn Schoolhouse holds a lot of history, dating back to 1924.
“Newborn is one of the oldest, or the oldest town in Newton County.” Woodworth said “The schoolhouse faces the road that Sherman’s troops march through on the way to Savannah, on the march to the sea.”
The Historic Newborn replaced the original Newborn High School, which was housed in the former Palmrya Institute building. Newborn Schoolhouse is special to Woodworth, not only because of the hard work she has put into restoring the historic building but because her father attended the school.
“It’s near to my heart because my dad graduated from there in 1934.” Woodworth said. “He has been gone for a while, but I am carrying on for him.”
Linda also explains how she is keeping the building alive by renovating the school. One of the renovations includes an island serving bar. The top of the island is made of an old farm house door, which they painted with a piece of glass that goes on top.
“We’re trying to keep the flavor of the old days, but also making it functional for the community to enjoy,” Woodworth said.
The Historic Newborn Schoolhouse has many fun activities for kids and everyone, and it is also a learning experience for the kids to learn the history of the school, and see how things were done back then. Children can learn from the Historic Newborn Alumni and ask them questions Linda said. Also people can venture into the schools museum and see the history of the school. It is really a fun learning experience.
