Scholars & Scones: Beyond the Gilded Age: The Cones of Flat Top Manor

Portrait Moses H. Cone.jpg

Portrait of Moses H. Cone Portrait of Moses H. Cone

Date

Thursday, August 22, 2019 -
11:00am to 12:00pm

Location

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
159 Ginny Stevens Lane
Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Join Jordan Calaway of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation as she delves into the history of the Cone family during this installment of the Scholars & Scones series from 11 a.m. to noon, Thursday, August 22, at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM).

Moses Cone built his textile empire during a time of tremendous growth in America. He utilized the advances in technology and management practices in his mills, and particularly benefited from the expansion of the railroad in the United States. While he shared some commonalities with other leading industrialists, Moses and his wife Bertha Cone carved their own path through this era of excess. The Cones used their wealth to benefit the mountain communities of the High Country of North Carolina and to ultimately create a much-needed hospital in Greensboro, N.C. Their Blowing Rock estate, Flat Top Manor, will be discussed and how it contrasts with other grand homes of the period.

Scholars & Scones is a monthly educational program which invites patrons to spend a morning sipping coffee, eating local baked goodies, and learning about the latest research, writing, and creativity taking place in our region. There are complimentary breakfast items from Backstreet Bakery, and fresh cups of Hatchet Coffee Co. Dangerfield Blend will be served.

The program is offered in conjunction with the exhibits, Modern Visions, Mountain Views: The Cones of Flat Top Manor and Modern Visions, Modern Art: The Cone Sisters in North Carolina, on display at BRAHM from August 3 to November 31.

This event is free for BRAHM members and $5 for nonmembers.

Presented to the community by Wells Fargo.

About the Speaker

Jordan Calaway is the development officer for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. The nonprofit is working with the National Park Service to preserve and protect the estate of Bertha and Moses Cone, now known as Moses H. Cone Memorial Park at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She has worked for the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, The Gallery at Old Salem, and The Valentine. As an undergraduate art history student at Wake Forest University, Calaway interned at Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Her interest in Katharine and R.J. Reynolds’ model farm and estate led Calaway to write her master’s thesis on Reynolda - research which has enriched her understanding of the Cone family's estate in Blowing Rock.