Spirit of Christmas in the Mountains (New Fort Salem)

 

If you are looking for a unique experience for all, then I highly recommend visiting Fort New Salem in Salem, West Virginia for their annual Spirit of Christmas in the Mountains.  

History

This authentic pioneer village settlement over 19 cabins took shape around 1972 when Salem College started the restoration to develop it into The Heritage Arts Center with Professor John Randolph directing the process. You can pick up the book titled, "Fort New Salem in the News. Past Newspaper Stories On the Fort" to learn about how college students (George Pinkham and David Kepler) live in the cabin called Old Kitchen to experienced what pioneer life was like.  George and David built the Farm House cabin, much of the furniture, grew their food as well as taking care of live stock.  After they moved on, many other students took their place to live at the settlement for a more simpler way of life. 

The Farm House

Over the years, cabins from around the state was donated in order to make the settlement.  It was a learning experience for all but their hard work has turned it into what it is today so other can enjoy.  The settlement held its dedication on West Virginia Day, June 20, 1974. In December 2005, Fort New Salem switched ownership from the college to Fort New Salem Foundation, Inc., a 501C3 non profit. 

My Visit

I visited on a Saturday, arriving at noon when they opened.  They have a pretty nice parking area with extra parking at the college and a shuttle that will take you back and forth.  The cost to get in was a reasonable $7 for adult with children 10 years and under free. 

Walking in the gate, the first thing you see is the beautiful tree in the middle of the commons with its simple red bows and real candles waiting to be lit around 5:30pm.  Weather wise, it was around 30 degrees out with a nice dusting of snow on the ground to make it feel even more like Christmas.  Don't worry about the cold as each fireplace was going in the cabins to keep you warm. 

The first cabin I entered was the Block House (1) and learned all about how this type of building was used to fight from.  Many men would stay in this building with no windows downstairs and only very tiny ones upstairs in which to shoot from.  For fun, there is even wooden long rifles there in which can be used for some pretty fun photo opportunity. The gentlemen and lady in this house was fun to talk with and I learn about how oranges was a real treat for everyone at Christmas and how kids used to make small boats out of nut shells. 

From there I went to the Meeting House (2) and got to hear tales of Der Belsnickel who shows up at houses a few weeks before Christmas.  He always seemed to know which child was misbehaving when he would rap on the window with a stick and children would have to answer questions or sing a song in exchange for candy being tossed on the floor.  We also got to sing some Christmas carols. 

Next door was Delilah's Cabin (6) and for $1 you are treated with fresh made fireplace donuts which really was a delightful treat to try.  Hot fried dough with cinnamon sugar is hard for anyone to pass up. 

Next was the Tinsmith Shop (8) and I got to be a kid, making a tin ornament to take home.  That was fun even for someone my age.  There was a young man that worked inside the tin shop with his family who made learning how to do this enjoyable.  I even talked him into taking the picture of me. 

Around the corner was the Old Kitchen (9) and a cooking demonstration.  This lady was from Alaska and was a wealth of knowledge about cooking over the fireplace and using different herbs or items to sweeten your food naturally.  

From there I made my way to the Blacksmith Shop (11).  It was nice to learn about the trade and hear about some of the items that was made for the settlement to use. 

Moving on to the next cabin was the Farm House (12).  This is the cabin that was built by George and David.  It was pretty big inside with a nice fireplace and a loft.  Today it was set up for a children's puppet show and music.  As I was the only one in this cabin at the time, I got to listen to Punch play three different songs while Judy had Santa dancing.  Judy even got out her flute and played a little for me.  Both of them took me back to my younger days when I used to listen to my grandmother and her brothers play their music.  This was one of the highlights for me.  I could listen to that music all day. 

Outside of the Farm House cabin there was a Tomahawk Demonstration (which I really need to practice at) and chestnuts roasting over an open fire.  I can't tell you how long it has been since I had a roasted chestnut and it was just as good as I remembered.  I might have had one...or two.  

Beside the roasting chestnuts was the cracked corn demonstration.  I got to talk to the gentlemen who I found was raised closed to where I was and we got to enjoy remembering the good all days while corn was being made into bird seed.

From there was Apothecary (7) cabin and I got to make a bag of lavender (or floral if you prefer) to take home.  I really loved the spoons that was in each bowl as I was told one was handmade and passed down in their family from around 1800. 

It was time to sample some more goodies so of to McIntyre's House (5) to enjoy a cup of wassail (or hot chocolate if you prefer) and a cookie that you get to decorate yourself.  Wassail is just a hot mulled cider with spices and I have to say it was the best I have ever had.  I loved all the spices plus the hot beverage was wonderful on such a cold day. 

Right next door is the Print Shop (4) were you can make your own paper marbling or just watch one being made.  You can take these home but they do take time to dry so if you plan on doing this, you might want to do it first.  This is the first time I have ever seen this done and it was fun to watch the process. 

 

From here I moved on to the Old Admin (19) to enjoy some old colonial toys and learned to make a candle.  Now this candle took a lot of walking and was around 40-50 dips.  There was a group of us that walked in a circle dipping in hot wax and then dipping in water until it got as big as we wanted.  I've always wanted to learn this skill so now I know how to make my own candles!

The Waldo Run (16) cabin was next but I forgot to take pictures of it as I was enjoying my conversation with the lady making pottery.  Watching her mold the clay and turning it into pottery was fun.  I also didn't get pictures of Bennett Cabin (18) as there wasn't anyone in there and looked like it was having some work done to it.

What is a settlement without a general store!  Weavers Room (17) is the place to grab some souvenirs to take home with you. I grabbed a few toys and books as well as maple cotton candy that was very tasty.  I enjoyed talking to the store keepers and learning about some new colonial games as well as some other events Fort New Salem has over the year. 

I saved Jonathan Bee Cabin (10) for last as it was the place to get a meal.  I wasn't hungry but couldn't pass up a good bowl of beans with cornbread to go. For just $7 you get a bowl of Chili, Beans or Vegetable Soup with cornbread, dessert and a drink. That is a great deal!  I was planning on waiting to eat it once I got home but it smelled so good, it never made it.  I highly recommend the bean soup if you can't make up your mind. Those lady's can cook. 

Now with any non-profit, they are always struggling with money in order to get things done.  This organization is no different. The Green Tree Tavern (15) was closed for needed repairs and they have a Go Fund Me set up if you would like to donate to help.  

The Reynolds House (3) was also closed for restoration as they are turning this cabin into a future visiting center in which they hope to have open Summer of 2025. 

I really enjoyed my visit to this settlement hidden away in West Virginia.  I ended up spending over three hours just exploring and talking to all the volunteers there. I've learned new skills, tasted some great food and added to my historical facts. 

Fort New Salem is only open for special events so make sure to plan your visit according as there is a gate locking you out otherwise.  If you are looking for something different then this is a great place to spend a few hours.