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July 18 is the day that the “Oakdale Cotton Mills: Close-knit Neighbors” DVD will be available to the public. The documentary will be a featured part of the seventh annual Village Fair at Mendenhall Plantation in Jamestown.

More than 200 people have screened the film, either at Jamestown United Methodist Church or the Greensboro Public Library.

Completing this film and making it available to the public was the goal of the Oakdale Cotton Mills Project, sponsored by the Historic Jamestown Society. With release of the DVDs, the final goal will be met.

Individuals who participated in the project will receive free copies of the DVD and have already been notified.

Anyone can purchase a copy for $10, and the Oakdale Project committee expects sales to be brisk. A table will be set up in the Madison Lindsay House for that purpose.

Rounding out the annual event will be an array of demonstrations of 19th century arts, crafts and games.

Natalie Teichman will demonstrate the loom, which has been completely rebuilt by Alan Teichman.

Old-style children’s games will be organized by volunteers. Instructions in making bonnets, fans and Quaker hats will be offered to youngsters.

Most buildings on the Richard Mendenhall home place will be open for visitors to see and thereby gain some understanding of old architecture and lifestyles. The 1811 house, with many rooms, two stairways, fascinating cellar and massive kitchen fireplace, is an experience in itself.

The barn originally built by Richard’s brother James has stalls under the large upper space and a collection of vehicles that includes the famous “slave wagon.”

The spring house, well, and other outbuildings have their own utilitarian atmosphere.
The replica schoolhouse holds rude benches typical of the 19th century, an eye-opening detail that surprises kids.

The Madison Lindsay House, which was moved onto the property in the 1980s from Scientific and West Main streets, holds a doctor’s office museum to honor its past as the site of Dr. I.J.M. Lindsay’s medical school of the 1820s, and also to remind visitors of the long tradition of Jamestown doctors. Visitors getting there at the right time might catch the detailed tour of the collection made by the donor.

A group representing the Outdoor Theater at Snow Camp will provide music and colorful costumes representing their two productions, “Sword of Peace,” and “Pathway to Freedom.”

Barbecue sandwiches and cold drinks can be purchased on the site.

In addition to DVDs, books and other items will be on sale.

The High Point Museum, responsible for the two old Jamestown buildings in City Lake Park, will open the old Meeting House.

Both the Meeting House, built about 1815, and the Richard Mendenhall Store, built in 1824, were important parts of the original village of Jamestown. The entrance road at the park was old Union Street. A new historical sign has been place at the old store building with information about it.

Visiting the annual Village Fair has become a family tradition for many. Come out and join us at Jamestown, across the street from City Lake Park on West Main St., for a free (except for barbecue) and easy July Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For information, visit www.mendenhallplantation.org or call 454-3819.

Mary Browning is a longtime resident of Jamestown. Contact her at maryab30@triad.rr.com.