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The original Carter Family was among a tiny group of music pioneers who traveled
to Bristol in 1927 to record their songs at The Bristol Sessions, a
monumental event that blazed the
trail to what we now know and love as Country music. Actually, if Country music was a
tangible object, you would find the fingerprints of A.P., Sara and Maybelle
Carter all
over it.
Today, we can get a weekly taste of that beautiful and historic Carter Family
music and hospitality at the Carter
Family Fold in the southwestern Virginia community of Hiltons,
Virginia. Living legend Janette
Carter and her brother Joe
established this wonderful venue in 1979, fulfilling a promise Janette had made
to her father A.P. before he passed away. He asked Janette to do what she could
to keep the Carter Family's music alive, and she has faithfully done just that
for over a quarter of a century.
But there is more to see and experience at the foot of Clinch mountain than just
"The Fold" - there is also the reconstructed A.P.
Carter Birthplace Cabin and the Carter Family Museum, which is
featured in today's picture.
As you may know, after A.P.'s retirement from his music career, he operated a
small store in Maces Springs. The Carter Family Museum is now located in that
historic store building. Inside is a treasure-trove of Carter Family
memorabilia, including thousands of rare photos and clothing and musical
instruments used by the Carters, as well as items owned and used by the legendary
Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash (Maybelle's son-in-law and daughter).
Although the Carter Family Museum is small compared to most other museums, you
could spend hours in there looking at the displays and marveling at the legacy
these musical giants left for us to enjoy. But be prepared to pay - there is a
whopping 50 cent admission fee - undoubtedly the bargain of the century!
For more information and directions to the Carter Family Museum and Carter
Family Fold, you're invited
to visit the Carter
Fold website.
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