News from Preservation Statesville
February 14, 2018
Trial Date Set for Murder Suspect Tom Dooley
Tom Dooley Project May 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Evening Performances
Sunday May 6th Matinee
Tickets are available from Theater Statesville and are $15
More information and tickets at:
www.tomdooleyproject.com
https://www.showclix.com/event/tomdooley
- A reenactment of the historic trial of Tom Dooley for the 1866 murder
of Laura Foster, will take place at Iredell County Government Center (the old Iredell
County Court House), 200 South Center Street, on May 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
The Tom Dooley Project presentation includes selected scenes from the play
“Tom Dooley A Wilkes County Legend” written by Karen Reynolds. The drama, in two
acts, presents Tom’s story from the time he leaves Wilkes county and a “hanging jury” to
Statesville, where Governor Zeb Vance represents him at his trial and stays by his side
until the story ends. The Tom Dooley project will include live bluegrass, murder ballads
and blues performances by local musicians.
This presentation is produced by the staff of WAME Radio 92.9FM/550AM Real
Country. Proceeds will be used for educational programing and support for the
Statesville Historical Collection, the Vance House Museum, the Historic Sharpe House
and Theatre Statesville.
The story of Tom Dooley has been passed down in song, folk tales, books, plays and
movies. Descendants of the original trial jurors or people who attended the trial may
know a story that’s been passed down or have references to these events in a family
history. Preservation Statesville and WAME Radio invites anyone with a personal
connection or story to share these links to the past and be part of The Tom Dooley
Project by contacting us.
Cathy Cash 336-692-3850 cathy.cash12@gmail.com
Steve Hill 704-397-6959 steve@statesvillehistory.com
Preservation Statesville has honored the six victims of the Race Street cave-in that occurred on that site on March 8, 1907. The men were digging a 23 foot deep trench for the city when the walls gave way, burying them alive. The ceremony included a short recap of the tragic event, a moment of silence, and the reading of the victim's names. This event took place on Tuesday March 8th at 11:00am on the sidewalk in front of 219 North Race Street. Some of the descendants of the victims did attend along with the Mayor and neighbors. The victims are: Arthur Grant, Dillard Stockman, John Wood(s), Riley Howard, Lee Moser, and Belvin Williams.
