Community gatherings have always been at the heart of the Folk School, and few traditions carry the same spirit of connection as the Olde Folks Party.

The name might cause some to bristle, but here in Brasstown it has always been spoken with deep affection – a way of honoring those whose years, wisdom, and labor have shaped life in Appalachia.

This year’s gathering was especially meaningful.

As the Folk School prepares to launch its 100th Anniversary celebration, we honored two neighbors who know a bit about long journeys: Ralph Myers and Hoke Henson, both marking their own century of life. On Sept. 4, with friends, family, and neighbors, they leaned toward the glow of twin candles, offering heartfelt wishes.  

The pair sat in the front of the room, World War II caps proudly worn, an increasingly rare symbol of tremendous sacrifice. Strangers often stop Myers when he wears his cap, offering thanks for his service.  

His reply? 

 

“You’re not thanking me; you are thanking my generation.” 

That generation, called “the greatest” by journalist Tom Brokaw, suffered through the privation of the Great Depression and the trauma of a global war. Myers and Henson stand as strong testaments to resilience, service, and quiet influence – pillars of this community whose lives continue to impact those around them

Shown, from left, are Hoke Henson, JCCFS Executive Director Bethany Chaney and Ralph Myers.

The Olde Folks Party itself reaches back nearly as far as the Folk School. In its earliest days, neighbors gathered on the Fourth of July at the Log Cabin Museum, bringing food, music, stories, and sometimes family treasures to contribute to the community’s collection. By the 1940s, the celebration had shifted to the Christmas season, when each guest received a single orange and a stick of candy. Eleanor Lambert Wilson, who wrote about her time at the Folk School in My Journey to Appalachia, explained that “old[e] folks” meant anyone over 60 who lived in Brasstown. By that measure, today’s party would be standing room only! 

Wilson also captured what made the celebration so meaningful: in those days, many elders, especially women, rarely left home. Life was hard, isolated, and marked by the seasons of work. The Olde Folks Party wasn’t just a gathering; it was a rare chance to sit back, laugh, sing, and savor the strength of belonging. 

This year, as we shared songs, stories, and a buffet table heavy with Folk School favorites, we honored not only our centenarian birthday guests, but all the elders who helped the Folk School grow into 100 years of learning, laughter, and community. The Olde Folks Party still shines as it always has – a reminder that life is richer when we celebrate it together.