Jack and Lorne sat soaking in the large tub on the front porch. They had spent the last three Saturdays walking behind Paw’s turn plow in the dirt and dust picking up sweet taters, placing them, first in their bucket, then in the wagon.
They were thrilled it was late October and the harvest season was at an end. They were also excited about this Saturday night. Tonight, instead of work, they would get the chance to have a bucketload of fun. It was the night of the Harvest Music Gathering at Irwin School.
Everyone in Lost Creek would be there. Word was that Danny Beeler, the best banjo player in these here parts, was bringing his fiddling friend John Gully with him and it would be music, music, music.
This was especially exciting because Lorne would get a chance to watch a real banjo player. He and Jack were keenly interested in learning all they could about any kind of music.
Their mother had taught them all she knew about banjo and fiddle and they knew tonight would be special.
Jack took down his grandpa’s fiddle from the wall where it hung. “Tonight I’m going to learn that tune “Sally Goodin,” Jack said. “By tomorrow I’ll know every lick. What’s your favorite, Lorne?”
“My favorite is Wadin’ Up Lost Creek” Lorne said.
The boys dressed quickly in their “Sunday go to Meetings” and out they went to pile on the wagon. Here they went with instruments in hand—Mom, Paw, Jack, and Lorne. It would be a special night at Irwin School, Lost Creek, Sharps Chapel, Tennessee in October 1929.
We are preserving the spirit of the Irwin School Gathering every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. with a Music Jam at the Roy Acuff Union Museum in downtown Maynardville, Tennessee. Admission is always free.