ARVAL WOODY, CHAIR MAKER
ITEM LIST - FOLDER #05 - 1990'S |
Note: Items are listed in original order as received from
the donor. |
Box |
Folder |
Item |
Description |
Thumbnail |
1 |
05 |
woo05_0001 |
Newspaper article: Mitchell News-Journal, People,
feature article, "Living Treasure, Master craftsman carrys [sic] on a family
tradition," by Michael Joslin, News-Journal staff. January 31, 1996.
Article celebrates the naming of Arval Woody as a "Living Treasure" of
North Carolina. Woody was notified by the Institute for Human Potential at
the University of North Carolina at Wilmington that he was to be the 1995
"Living Treasure." [19original copies and one photocopy] |
![woo05_0001.jpg (298130 bytes)](woo05_0001_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0002 |
Letter and photographs: From Jane K. Payne, Baldwin,
Georgia, April 29, 1993.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Woody,
Enclosed is a picture of my little girl with her chair that she dearly
loves. |
![woo5_0002.jpg (158027 bytes)](woo5_0002_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0003 |
Photocopy of newspaper clipping: The Denver Post, Sunday
May 26, 1991. :Craftmaking skills alive in the Carolinas," discusses the
Woody shop and other craft destinations in North and South Carolina. Also
appeared in the Washington Post. [3 photocopies of article]. |
![woo5_0003.jpg (309990 bytes)](woo5_0003_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0004 |
Magazine article: The State, January 1993. "Tar
Heel Profile, by Bob Conway. 'A Family Tradition: As chairmakers, North
Carolina mountaineers Max and Arval Woody have lived up to their name over
the years." Features the work of Arval Woody at Spruce Pine and his
relative, Max Woody at Pleasant Gardens, near Marion, NC. Max Woody's
great grandfather was Arthur Woody, who was Arval's grandfather. The
article notes that both have an international clientele. Max Woody
describes the influences on his craft and the Woody tradition of working
in wood. [original and 1 copy] |
![woo5_0004.jpg (289730 bytes)](woo5_0004_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0005 |
Newspaper clipping: Times Journal, July 31, 1996.
"Welcome to the 40th Annual Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair. Article includes
remarks about the Woody brothers and a picture of Arval and Walter with
their chairs seated on the square at one of the early Mt. Mitchell Craft
Fairs. |
![woo5_0005.jpg (300681 bytes)](woo5_0005_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0006 |
Newspaper clipping: Asheville Citizen-Times [?],
K1, n.d. "Crafts: The hills are alive with artistry," discusses multiple
craft sites in the western North Carolina region, including the Woody's
Chair Shop. Other craft enterprises discussed are Riverwood Pewter Shop
in Dillsboro, Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Penland School of
Crafts, Jan Peiser, potter, the Southern Highland Handicraft
Guild's Folk Art Center, and Ralph Gates. broom maker.
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![woo5_0006.jpg (394360 bytes)](woo5_0006_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0007 |
Newspaper clipping: Atlanta Journal Constitution,
Sunday Reader Section, D, Sunday July 6, 1997. "Made in North Carolina: A
proliferation of craft studios and outlets has pumped millions of dollars
into the mountain economy," by John Harmon, Staff writer. Pictures
craftsmen in their workshops and includes Arval Woody, Jon Ellenbogen,
and others. Also discussion of the Handmade in America program
which promotes regional arts and crafts and Penland School of Crafts
that supports a lively arts campus near Spruce Pine. The article cites an
Appalachian State University economic report that suggests that the
economy of the western part of the state is dependent on craft as an
economic contribution. |
![woo5_0007.jpg (481507 bytes)](woo5_0007_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0008 |
Single typewritten sheet with a description of Woody's
Chair Shop and its history. Repeats earlier history in part. Author is
most likely Arval Woody. No signature, or date on the item. |
![woo5_0008.jpg (309039 bytes)](woo5_0008_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0009 |
Single typed sheet: "All Over the Mountain," by Kelly
Thomas, Director of Retail Operation, Sevierville, TN. The letter of
introduction describes the operation of the Southern Highland Craft Guild
Shop,and his appointment as the head of Retail Operations. He describes
his duties and invites Guild members to contact him. |
![woo5_0009.jpg (304725 bytes)](woo5_0009_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0010 |
Newspaper clipping: Asheville Citizen-Times, Sunday
November 3, 1996. "Southern arts and crafts show goes on the road," by
Catherine Agrella, Special to the Citizen-Times. Discusses the
opening of the 'Southern Arts and Crafts 1890-1940 ' exhibition that
opened at the Mint Museum and the some 125 objects in the exhibit from the
Asheville area. The traveling exhibit was also shown at the Morris Museum
of Art in Augusta, Georgia, and later at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
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![woo5_0010.jpg (198869 bytes)](woo5_0010_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0011 |
Newspaper clipping: Mitchell News-Journal, May 22,
1996. "Log cabin mirrors the spirit of Penland School," by Jennifer Reed.
A discussion of the Mignon Dunn cabin near Penland School in Mitchell
County. Association with Woody's Chair Shop is unclear. |
![woo5_0011.jpg (372958 bytes)](woo5_0011_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0012 |
Newspaper clipping: Watauga Democrat, Boone, N.C.,
Friday June 13, 1997. "LMC professor's production to air on public TV
Saturday afternoon," by LMC News Bureau. Article discusses the film made
by Dr. Ted R. Ledford, of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC, of four
Appalachian Craftspeople that includes Arval Woody. The other
artists included in the film are Bea and Mike Hensley, wrought iron
artists, and Luther Thomas, a traditional folk artist from Micaville.
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![woo5_0012.jpg (300697 bytes)](woo5_0012_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0013 |
Newspaper clipping: The Atlanta Journal/The Atlanta
Constitution, n.d.. "Cashing in on history of handiwork; OUtside
artists encouraged traditional skills in the mountains; now many live
there," by John Harmon, Staff Writer. An analytical report on area craft
in western North Carolina. Artists and centers mentioned are the Folk Art
Center, the New Morning Gallery, and Handmade in America, John C. Campbell
Folk School, and others. Woody's Chair Shop and specific craftsmen are not
covered extensively. |
![woo5_0013.jpg (316445 bytes)](woo5_0013_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0014 |
Newspaper clipping: New York Times, Sunday, October
17, 1993. "An Appalachian Trail for Carolina Crafts Seekers," by Suzanne
Carmichael (Author of The Traveler's Guide to American Crafts,
E.P. Dutton) An excellent overview of regional craft. Woody's Chair Shop
is mentioned along with other craft in the Spruce Pine area. Also
published in Washington Post, Atlanta Constitution,
Denver Post and the Orlando, Florida, Sentinel [?], according
to note written on second photocopy. |
![woo5_0014.jpg (336651 bytes)](woo5_0014_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0015 |
Newspaper clipping: Johnson City Press,
Monday, January 13, 1992. Picture of Jim Marcus working in the Woody Chair
Shop. Image accompanies article on page 3 of the paper. A photographic
essay on the Chair Shop. Letter from James P. Craig, MD, Sycamore Shoals
Hospital, Elizabethton, TN, Jan 20, 1991 [?], reads:
Dear Mr. Woody,
Enclosed is the January 13 issue of the Johnson City Press that
includes the article about your shop. I hope you enjoy it.
My daughter loves the music box I bought from you. When I am in the
area with my family, we will stop in again.
Sincerely, James Craig |
![woo5_0015.jpg (222736 bytes)](woo5_0015_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0016 |
Newspaper clipping: Asheville Citizen-Times, Sunday
Feb. 11, 1996. People section. "A living treasure...,"describes the
award that came to Arval Woody and the full page article in the Mitchell
News-Journal, January 31, 1996. |
![woo5_0016.jpg (155879 bytes)](woo5_0016_small.jpg) ![woo5_0016x.jpg (202850 bytes)](woo5_0016x_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0017 |
Magazine article: Blue Ridge Mountian Almanac
Edition. Letters to the editor: from Alice Kenimer, Baldwin, Ga. who
writes about the Woody's work. |
![woo5_0017.jpg (367541 bytes)](woo5_0017_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0018 |
Letter; From Nora Woody to Handmade in America, Asheville,
NC. October 2, 1995. Letter takes issue with the misrepresentation of the
address for Woody's Chair Shop as a Pleasant Gardens location, recently
found in Circle of Mountain Tour, a publication which Nora Woody believes
to be produced by Handmade in America. She draws a distinction between the
J.M. Woody Furniture Shop and the Woody's Chair Shop and asks that future
publication of the Circle of Mountain Tour carry the correct address. [2
copies] |
![woo5_0018.jpg (190645 bytes)](woo5_0018_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0019 |
Photocopy of newspaper article with attached note: "Dear
Arval, I think this is the article you want. I hope so. Hope all is well
up there. Take care & tell Nora hello." Article is from The Atlanta
Journal/The Atlanta Costitution, n.d., "Annual craft fair a highland
fling: Can traditional and newer crafts coexist? by John Harmon, Staff
Writer. Discusses the contentious debate of the sponsors of the Craft Fair
of the Southern Highlands regarding the future of Appalachian art and how
to preserve the region's unique cultural heritage. Marketing and sales
considerations are at the heart of the debate. The mix of traditional and
contemporary craft found at the Folk Art Center is arguably one source of
conflict for those debating the issues. The Guild membership, according to
the article doubled since 1980 to some 700 and revenues from craft sales
in Asheville, Blowing Rock, and Gatlinburg, TN in 1994 were in excess of
$2.5 million. |
![woo5_0019.jpg (420986 bytes)](woo5_0019_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0020 |
Application Form for Oldest Family-Owned Business in
Mitchell County.
Name of Business: Woody's Chair Shop
Address: 110 Dale Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Phone: 704/765-9277
Present Owner(s): Arval J. Woody - Nora N. Woody
Type of Business: Handcrafted ladderback chairs, other wood items
# of Location/Where: One -- above address.
History of Business From Startup to Present: Where/When/Founder(s),
etc.
We do not know where and when the first WOODY'S began making furniture and
other wood products. The five generations we know about lived in Mitchell
Co. The first that was personally known was Arval's grandfather, Arthur
Woody. He was born in 1856 and died in 1952, a month shy of his 97th
birthday. He was still making an occasional chair when he was 95. We know
his father, Henry Woody, and grandfather Wyatte Woody were makers of
chairs, wagons, and general farm- and household furniture. None of these
three generations had a formal business - they were simply known as being
woodworkers; mainly ladderback chairs. We do know that Arthur shipped
chairs to many parts of the country. His son, Charlie Woody, worked with
his father until his death in 1943. Another son, Martin Woody, worked with
his father to learn the trade, then was with the builders of the railway
through this area with a particular expertise of building trestles and
tunnels. He then operated his own wood shop, with a strong preference for
making chairs, until well into his 80's.
The present shop was built in 1946 by brothers Arval and Walter Woody.
Each had been in service in WWII, and were considering career choices.
Arval was teaching agriculture to a veteran's group under the GI bill.
Walter was training under the Gl bill for a profession in mechanics. They
built the building that is the site of
today's WOODY'S CHAIR SHOP. Arval operated a general store and service
station, while continuing to teach. Both brotherss then decided they
wanted to try chair making. They started on very small scale
with a roped off corner of the store as
a showroom, working at building chairs part time and continuing
their other jobs. Very gradually the chair-making became their sole
business. The general store and service station were gradually
phased out as they began to get enough business to support themselves
through the woodworking.
Walter Woody retired as of January 1,1980.
Arval's vife, Nora, purchased his partnership interest.
Arval Woody and Nora Woody now operate the
business as a partnership.
The present shop is the only one that can be
documented as to the date it was begun. The ancestor's just made their
chairs and other wood pieces, and became known for this work, as 'did a
majority of other business people during these years. |
![woo5_0020.jpg (319170 bytes)](woo5_0020_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0021
woo05_0021a |
Certificate of LIFE MEMBERSHIP in the Southern Highland
Handicraft Guild in recognition of interest in and dedicated service to
the Guild and its purposes. From James M. Gentry, Director, and Freida M.
Terrell, President, 1990.
Has an attached letter from Becky Orr, Administrator, Southern Highland
Craft Guild, that reads:
Dear Mr. Woody:
I'm enclosing a duplicate copy of your SHHG membership certificate. It
took me a while to get both Mr. Gray and Freida Terrell together to get
signatures.
If this is not the correct certificate (I wasn't sure if you had lost
your "life" membership certificate or your original membership
certificate), please let me know and I will do it again.
Hope you had a good show. Also hope you are feeling well. I guess you
have completed your treatments by now. Please know thaqt I am thinking
about you and pray for your continued improved health.
My very best regards to Nora!
Sincerely, Becky
Enclosure: Certificate. |
![woo5_0021.jpg (299716 bytes)](woo5_0021_small.jpg)
![woo5_0021a.jpg (136875 bytes)](woo5_0021a_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0022 |
Certificate: IN APPRECIATION For outstanding service to
the community through Grassy Creek Fire & Rescue, Mitchell County
recognizes, Arval Woody, Presented this 28th day of August, 1994. From
Chairman Board of Commissioners and Emergency Management Coordinator.
[Names are illegible] |
![woo05_0022.jpg (430001 bytes)](woo05_0022_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0023 |
Proof sheet for article in The High Country. "Traditional
Furniture," Arval J. Woody. Promotional material. |
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woo05_0024 |
Newspaper clipping: Mitchell News-Journal February
12, 1997., Section B. "Four Appalachian Craftspeople. Ted Ledford
produces documentary highlighting the lives of area craftsmen," by Michael Joslin, News-Journal Features. Features background information on Arval
Woody, Bea and Mike Hensley, and Luther Thomas. Discusses the making of
the video for the Appalachian Consortium. [2 copies] |
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woo05_0025 |
Correspondence regarding the Woody family genealogy. From
Margaret Heinek, New Carlisle, IN. October 14, 1991 to Arval Woody.
October 14, 1991
Woody Chair Shop
Spruce Pine, NC
Dear Mr. Woody:
It was nice talking to you about the Woody family and getting
me in touch with
the Woodys in Bakersville. We visited with Bruce Woody, and I gave
him some of my research with the
understanding he will share with me when he can find time to write.
I would like to have some information from you as to
some of your family. You said your
ancestor was Arthur Woody and I need the names of his children and
if you know their names, the names of his wife. Charlie Woody's birth and
deaths dates, his wife's name, and
their children. Any dates,
names, etc. will really help in my research.
I am enclosing a chart on the first Wyatt Woody who was born
abt 1774 in VA to
Henry Woody and Susan Martin. Henry and
Susannah were married in Goochland, VA 13 Jan 1761. They are buried
in Franklin Co. VA. Henry died 7 Dec 1807 at the age of about 72 yr. Susan
died in 1835, but I do not know when
she was born.
Wyatt
married Mary Emily ROBERTSQN/ROBERSON daughter of John.
Robertson.
John Roberson brought his sons to NC in the late
1780s and one son, George, went back to
VA to get his "child hood sweetheart", Judith Woody and
settled in the Burke Co area. George and Judith are buried at Double
Island in Yancey Co. Another Woody man, Martin, also married a
daughter of John, Susannah Roberson. She and Martin stayed in VA.
There was another Woody brother, Henry who married
Judith Webb, who I know nothing about,
but would like to find out about. Where did he go? The Woodys in
Orange Co., NC was not your family, but I do not know where they came from
or when. They may have come from a
Mass, family.
I am descended from Judith Woody and George Roberson through
Judith
Roberspn
and Rev. Thomas Wilson of Rebel's Creek, Mitchell Co. My Mother was
grand-daughter of William Willis
(Uncle Will) and Lucinda Wilson.
Her mother was a Totley.
I
am going to try
to attend the Woody Reunion in June 1992. Bruce Woody asked me to try to
attend and if possible to bring some written information. That is why I
would like to have information from you.
Sincerely, ... |
![woo05_0025.jpg (290347 bytes)](woo05_0025_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0026 |
Original program for THE NORTH CAROLINA AWARDS, 1998. Fine
Arts Award presented to Robert W. Gray, friend of Arval Woody, in
recognition of his work as director of the Southern Highland Craft Guild
in Asheville and for his work in the creation of the Folk Art Center in
Asheville. The North Carolina Awards were instituted by the North
Carolina General Assembly in 1961 to recognize the "notable
accomplishments by North Carolina citizens in the fields of scholarship,
research, the fine arts and public leadership." It is the highest honor
the state can bestow. Gray was one of the strongest advocates for the
Crafts Movement and was instrumental in the promotion of the traditional
forms of craft as well as the evolving forms of craft. Gray retired and
stepped down from his position as Director of the Guild in 1981. |
![woo05_0026.jpg (233727 bytes)](woo05_0026_small.jpg)
![woo5_0027.jpg (279767 bytes)](woo5_0027_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0027 |
"The Savvy Shopper: The Insider's Guide to Shopping
Around the World," Vol. 2, No.1. March 1991. Mentions Spruce Pine, NC and
the shop of the Woodys. Brief guide by Andrea Gross. [2 photocopies of page] |
![woo5_0027xx.jpg (321363 bytes)](woo5_0027xx_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0028 |
Newspaper clipping: "Guidebook sends N.C. tourists
right to crafters' doors," by Margaret Mannix, U.S. News & World
Report. Clipping is attached to another newspaper clipping:
The Charlotte Observer, May 18. 1997. "Book Guides tourists to N.C.
crafters," continued from Artisans, [2G].Lists galleries and stores
carrying Appalachian crafts. Article is reprinted from the 1997 edition of
Great Vacation Drives (U.S. News & World Reports). |
![woo5_0028xx.jpg (459013 bytes)](woo5_0028xx_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0029 |
Newspaper clipping: Mitchell News-Journal, July 31,
1991.Toe River Traveler section."Woody's Chair Shop: A Part of Appalachian
Culture," describes the shop and the process of creating chairs. Images
shows a worker crafting a chair post. |
![woo5_0029xx.jpg (286217 bytes)](woo5_0029xx_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0030 |
Newspaper clipping: Mitchell News-Journal,
September 25. 1991.Fall Festival of the Arts. Supplement to the Mitchell
News-Journal. "Woody's Chair Shop: A Part of Appalachian Culture: Local
crafters represent Appalachian culture," describes the shop and the
process of creating chairs. Images shows a worker crafting a chair post.
[article and image same as above] Complete 'Fall Festival of the Arts'
section. |
Same as above |
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woo05_0031 |
Newspaper clipping: Mitchell News-Journal,
Third Annual Fall Celebration of the Arts, September 22, 1993. "Woody's
Chair Shop: Five generations of craftsmanship," by Kim Goris. A brief
description of the business.Images- one of shop and apprentice and
one of Arval and Nora seated in their chairs and in the shop. |
![woo5_0031a.jpg (321132 bytes)](woo5_0031a_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0032 |
Newspaper clipping: Mitchell News-Journal, June 11,
1997. "Rhododendron festival craftsmen to appear on public television June
14th," is a report of the film completed by Dr. Ted Ledford for the
Appalachian Consortium. It tells the story of Arval Woody, Bea and Mike
Hensley, wrought iron artists, and Luther Thomas, a well-known folk
artist.. |
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woo05_0033 |
Newspaper clipping: Mitchell News-Journal, February
12, 1997. "Four Appalachian Craftspeople: Ted Ledford produces documentary
highlighting the lives of area craftsmen," by Michael Joslin |
![woo5_0033a.jpg (358299 bytes)](woo5_0033a_small.jpg) |
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no image |
Personal letter: August 21, 1991 from Woodys [?].
Addresses a long-standing debt that they request be paid. |
No image |
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woo05_0034 |
Letter: From Gerald H. Shinn, Director of the University
of North Carolina at Wilmington, Institute for Human Potential, May 9,
1995. Informs Arval Woody that he has been chosen as a North Carolina Living
Treasure for 1995.
Dear Mr. Woody:
The selection council of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Institute for Human Potential is pleased to inform you that you have been
chosen the North Carolina Living Treasure for 1995. Your devotion to your
craft is an exemplary model for others to emulate. Public and media
announcements will be made at a later date and will be coordinated by Mrs.
Mary W. Cunningham, executive director of university relations.
We will look forward to you and your wife's arrival in Wilmington,
Wednesday afternoon, October 25, 1995. Thursday is set aside for media and
meeting students. If possible, could you bring with you some examples of
your work? The press and the students would be most interested. Friday
evening, October 27, 1995, at 6:00 pm., you will be honored with a banquet
in the University Center. Invitation are to be mailed about three to four
weks before the banquet. Please send me your list of those individuals you
would like to receive an invitation.
Congratulations on your new honor. We are very proud to have you
visitor campus and represent North Carolina as a living treasure.
With all best wishes, Gerald H. Shinn, Director. |
![woo5_0034.jpg (204278 bytes)](woo5_0034_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0035 |
Letter: From Gregg Thompson, Representative, North
Carolina General Assembly, February 1, 1993 to Arval Woody. Dear Mr.
Woody,
Congratulations on being featured in the January 1993 issue of The
State magazine. It is great to see hometown folks recognized for their
wonderful talents. I remember studying North Carolina history not too many
years ago and reading about your chair shop. I believe we even took a tour
of your shop.
Once again, congratulations and if I may be of assistance please feel
free to call. Have a nice week.
Sincerely, Gregg Thompson, Representative |
![woo5_0035.jpg (183582 bytes)](woo5_0035_small.jpg) |
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woo05_0036 |
"Here's How the Book and Your Craft Business is Being
Publicized," from Peachtree Publishers. Probably from the American
Craft Museum in New York. Describes the activity surrounding the
publication of HANDCRAFTED from Peachtree Publishers. [Refers to the
book by Andrea Gross and Irv Green. Handcrafted in the Blue Ridge:
Discovering the Crafts, Artisans, and Studios of Western North Carolina,
Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd., 1997. Book,
contains information on Woody's Chair Shop and other artisans in western
North Carolina. |
![woo5_0036.jpg (172376 bytes)](woo5_0036_small.jpg) |