‘Sentimental Journey’ aids museum, honors war effort
Although nearly three-quarters of a century has passed since the guns of World War II fell silent, the veterans of that conflict and the work of those on the home front will be honored on Saturday, Nov. 10, with a special event at the Penegar Event Hall in Loray Mill.
“Sentimental Journey: A Salute to the 1940s,” a cocktail party and dance, will also serve as a fundraiser for the Kessell History Center, located on the first floor of the restored Loray Mill.
“We seldom have an opportunity to honor our World War II veterans, whom we are losing steadily,” said former Gastonia Mayor Jennie Stultz, who serves on the planning committee for the event.
“Sentimental Journey will celebrate our local industry, our veterans, and our rich textile history in a most unique way,” Stultz continued. “We encourage folks to dress in 1940s attire, enjoy the wonderful music of that era, and step back in time to benefit one of the great treasures of our city.”
The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. with Spindle City Cafe offering up heavy hors d’oeuvres with a 1940s theme throughout the evening.
The Stardusters Big Band will be playing tunes from the 1940s throughout the event and two instructors from GottaSwing Charlotte professional dance studio will be on hand to help keep the dancing going.
“This event has been really fun to plan,” said Kessell History Center Director Amanda Edwards. “It’s highlighting a little known aspect of our community’s history (the honoring of the Firestone plant). We want to celebrate that effort with the community, and also use it as a chance to honor the veterans. It’s going to be a really fun evening, complete with a 15-piece big band and 1940s food.”
Ginger Penegar Rowe, another member of the event’s planning committee added, “I am very much looking forward to travelling back in time and celebrating such a unique chapter in our country’s history, especially as it relates to our home town, our own amazing and famous Loray Mill, and our veterans. I can’t wait.”
Tickets for “Sentimental Journey” are $75 per person and may be reserved by calling 980-266-9923 or online at www.kessellhistorycenter.org/sentimental-journey
(Gaston Gazette, 10/16/18)