Laura Dean Bennett
Staff Writer
Colonial history enthusiasts won’t want to miss the 18th Century Trades Fair being held this Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31, and Sunday, September 1, in Highland County.
The fair will feature museum-grade tradesmen-and-women – blacksmiths, silversmiths, riflesmiths, horners, weavers, spinners and many more.
The family-friendly event will take place at Fair Lawn Farm in Mill Gap, which is just a hop, skip and a jump across the state line from Pocahontas County.
The farm was established in 1887 and is the ideal setting for stepping back in time to experience a taste of life as it was “back in the day” on the Early American frontier of Virginia.
Fair Lawn Farm is the pride and joy of Tim and Terry Duff, who purchased the property in 1998 and have since restored it to its original glory.
They collect 18th Century tools and equipment which our ancestors used in the days of our founding fathers. And they have passed down their reverence for history to their son, Sean, daughter, Brianna, and their grandchildren.
The Trades Fair is a rare opportunity to meet more than 30 well-known colonial era artisans, including several who have partnered with Colonial Williamsburg as exhibitors and consultants.
“This will be the largest assembly of 18th century trades being demonstrated in Virginia west of Richmond and Williamsburg,” Duff said.
“Though the 18th Century encompasses the years 1701 through 1800, our event focuses solely on the trades common to the Virginia frontier, circa 1750-1780,” he explained.
“We have nationally known exhibitors coming from Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Kentucky and New York.
“All exhibitors are known to me personally, and they all have decades of experience in their trades.”
Those who have attended Pocahontas County’s Hunt-ersville Traditions Days in years past, or this summer’s open house at Ft. Warwick, will recognize Pocahontas County artisans and artists Melondy Phillips, Vivian Blackwood and Philippe Willis, who will be in attendance.
Exhibitors will demonstrate their skills, explain the history of their trades, tell tales of life in the Early American colonies and answer questions.
Guests will have the chance to try their hand at some of the skills that were once such an important part of life on the frontier.
And youngsters are more than welcome.
“You never know what may spark a lifelong love of history in a young person,” Duff said.
“The exhibitors really enjoy interacting with children. I’m happy to say that we’re getting more young folks involved every year.”
In addition to demonstrating colonial-era trades, many artisans will also be offering their wares for sale.
Guests interested in colonial-era arms will by fascinated by the gunsmithing demonstrations, the Duffs’ rustic gunsmithing cabin and the firing demonstrations, which will occur throughout the day.
All exhibitors, and the Duffs themselves, will be dressed in authentic period clothing, bringing the charming 18th Century scene to life. Of course, attendees are encouraged to join in the fun and wear period clothing themselves.
This is the fourth year for their 18th Century Trades Fair, but besides this event, the Duffs welcome visitors to Fair Lawn Farm for many other historically-oriented events.
In the spring, the farm is a favorite stop on sugar camp tours during the Highland County Maple Festival and, in the fall, it welcomes visitors during the county’s Hand and Harvest Festival.
It’s the ideal location for student trips, educational family fun, homeschool adventures and family outings. Throughout the year, they also offer farm tours and lessons and other historical skills, all with an emphasis on the history of the late 18th to early 20th Century.
Their restored, original 18th Century gunsmithing cabin and their rustic maple sugar house are two of the most beautiful examples of buildings which would have been common on the 18th Century Virginia frontier.
“We fell in love with Fair Lawn Farm, purchased it in 1998 and have since spent 20 years restoring it to its former glory,” Duff said, proudly. “The house is one of the few original brick Victorian homes in the county.”
The Duffs have each recently retired from long careers – having spent long years in careers caring for their community.
Terry worked as a Special Education teacher for 35 years. She is now enjoying her gardens, her grandchildren and life at Fair Lawn Farm.
Tim is a former Coast Guard officer, with a 22-year career working in narcotics, search and rescue and immigration. He served as Sheriff of Highland County and a Special Agent for the Commonwealth.
He can now concentrate all of his energy on his passion – restoring 18th and 19th century tools and equipment, gunsmithing, maple sugar and apple butter making.
“Some of the exhibitors will be bringing musical instruments and a young lady from Highland County will be singing Appalachian-style songs periodically throughout the day,” Duff said.
Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs and/or blankets.
“Most guests will spend two or three hours engaging with our artists and with Terry and me,” Duff told me. We really enjoy meeting people and sharing our love of history.
“It’ll be nice to see some of our friends from across the mountain. Fair Lawn Farm is well-known to our neighbors in Pocahontas County,” he added.
You can purchase a one-day pass for $7 or a weekend pass (admission for all three days) for $15. Children may attend for free.
Lunch, provided by a local Amish family, will be available at a modest cost.
Fair Lawn Farm is located at 3228 Mill Gap Road (Rt. 84), just a few miles outside of Monterey, Virginia.
If you have questions you may call 540-468-3094.
