On 23 May 2023, the General William Campbell Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution with Black's Fort Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Over Mountain Trail Association conducted Plumb Alley Day at the Yeary Cabin in Abingdon, Virginia.  Plumb Alley Day is a street fair promoting the health, education and welfare of children in Washington County, Virginia.  The event is held in the town's historic district between Main and Valley Streets.  It features food, music, dance performances, children's activities and vendors.  Demonstrations by the three organizations were seen by 1,000 visitors concerning the colonial era of the valley.  John Britton, Rob Richmond, Lee Saunders, Michael Shaver, Emmitt Yearly and other compatriots talked about the life of long hunters and pioneers in the back country, retelling the history of the frontier.  Activities included baking bread on outside brick ovens, spinning yarn and baking cookies from recipes of the colonial era and SAR guardsmen John Gullion, James Johnson and others, giving presentations on different types of firelocks to include their loading and care.  The demonstration concluded with a live volley fire.  Dr. Kevin Combs, (SAR compatriot) spoke about vaccinations for small pox, amputations and the often unsanitary conditions on the battlefield.  It was noted that doctors would sometimes wash their hands, but it was not always possible due to the conditions at the time.  There was a display of colonial flags along with maps, documents, coins and writing instruments to reflect the life of colonials.  Music was supplied by pipers, fifes and drums from the Appalachian Highlanders.  J.W. Hornsby, event coordinator said "The Historical Committee for Festival Excellence has decreed that all Plumb Alley Day 2023 participants from the SAR, DAR and OVTA be herewith awarded the Golden Horseshoe.  This award is given to worthy participants of the fair who provide outstanding support and participation in the event.  The following is the proclamation provided by Hornsby. 

  "To the SAR, OVTA and DAR, Plumb Alley Day 2023, Abingdon, VA.  Hear ye, Hear ye!  The Historical Committee for Festival Excellence has decreed that all Plumb Alley Day 2023 participants from the SAR, DAR and OVTA be herewith awarded the Golden Horseshoe - the highest available level of recognition. 

  The Yeary Cabin was buzzing with your Revolutionary War re-enactors telling engaging stories to captivated attendees.  Muskets were properly loaded and fired upon command, fifes and drums were played with precision and delicious sweet bread was cooked in a replicated period brick oven.  In addition, delicious ginger and coconut cookies were available (along with cookbooks) and ladies in period costumes used foot pedal-driven spinning wheels to create authentic twisted yarn from local sheep's wool. 

In the 13 years that I've been running Plumb Alley Day, I've never seen a more active and vibrant cluster of activities at the Yeary Cabin...It was all very exciting to see!"

photo is Richard Vogel, OVTA and                                                                         photo is compatriot Rob Richmond preparing to present a Patriots Chest.

Candy Walton, DAR baking bread.