Fearrington, Goldston, Pittsboro, Siler City
Looking for a unique Christmas gift while supporting the Chatham Council on Aging?
Pittsboro, NC – When we think of Afghanistan, most thoughts would immediately go to the conflict, turbulence and terrorism that have consumed this country for so long. We would not necessarily think of "afghan blankets."
The first reference to the "afghan" blanket in the English language can be traced back to 1877. As a popular holiday gift, the afghan brings back memories and produces new ones. For some, we may remember it on the back of our grandmother's favorite chair or at the foot of our parents' bed. Others still see it as a blessing on a chilly Friday night at the local high school football game.
When the Chatham County Council on Aging opened the doors of its Eastern Chatham Senior Center in Pittsboro in 1996, it also introduced a knitted afghan especially designed to highlight some of Chatham's treasured landmarks. While Chatham's landscape has changed over the past 20 years and will certainly do so in the future, this 100% cotton afghan, produced in the USA, captures some of what has made Chatham such a special place to live and visit.
In the center of the afghan is a depiction of the county Courthouse that was built in 1881, ten years after Chatham County was founded. Surrounding the courthouse are such other notable and historical markers of Chatham's character as the Paschal-Womble House in Goldston, Hadley's Mill, Mt. Vernon Springs, Camelback Bridge, Fearrington Village and its Belted Galloway Cows, Reno Sharp's Store, the Cape Fear Steam Plant, Bynum Mill, and City Hall in Siler City. All of these have a rich history and are special in what they meant and still mean to Chatham.
Recently, the Chatham County Council on Aging reproduced this 4' by 6' afghan in its three original colors: blue, red and green. "As people are thinking about a holiday gift that is practical and attractive, I recommend you consider this afghan," encouraged Dennis Streets, director of the Council on Aging. "You can enjoy it in your home or send it to family and friends so they can better appreciate why we proudly call Chatham home," remarks Greg Lewis, owner of the Pittsboro Roadhouse. The afghan is on display at the Roadhouse's general store as well as at the Council's two senior centers.
"Not only will you appreciate the beauty of this afghan, but you can also be assured that the proceeds of the sale of these afghans will go toward services needed by our growing senior population," added Sadie McLaurin, Deputy Director of the Council. Mrs. McLaurin was involved when the afghan was originally produced by the Council in 1996. "It truly is a unique gift—one that people of all ages can treasure for many years to come."
The afghan can be purchased for $60 at the Pittsboro Roadhouse and at the Eastern Chatham Senior Center in Pittsboro, 365 Highway 87 N (919-542-4512) and the Western Chatham Senior Center, 112 Village Lake Road (919-742-3975.) You can also contact either Senior Center for information about the Council's services.
Tags: afghan Camelback Bridge Chatham County Council on Aging Eastern Chatham Senior Center Fearrington Village Paschal-Womble House Pittsboro Roadhouse
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