The Heritage Weekend Committee is pleased to announce that the former Methodist Parsonage located at 208 North Main Street in Moorefield has been selected as the Heritage Weekend Tile House for 2008.

The home will be open on both Saturday and Sunday, September 27th and 28th with guided tours available. Currently owned by and home to Yvonne Rowland, the semi-Georgian Colonial has had only three owners in its 155 years of serving as a landmark on Main Street. The original four front rooms were built by Sallie McNeill Harness for her daughter Mary Katherine in 1853 after the death of Mary Katherine's father George Casey Harness. The elder Mr. Harness had refused to build a house for Mary Katherine as he had done for this other daughter Anna Rebecca whose wood frame home on Main Street was called Rosedale. He disapproved of Mary Katherine's choice of John Francis Williams but the couple married on June 15,1848 in Frederick, MD without his blessing . . . and no promise of a house. However, after his death in 1853, Mom came to the rescue and construction began in late 1853 or early 1854. Unfortunately records show that Mary Katherine married Dr. John W. Cameron in June of 1858, so her first marriage was obviously of a short duration.

The house was then purchased by the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1874 and was used as a parsonage for approximate 37 Methodist pastors and their families until June, 2004 when it was purchased by Ms. Rowland.

The house is Greek Revival and built of brick in a basic T design with the base of the "T" probably being added at a later date. Because of the composition of the bricks, it is believed that the entire structure was finished before the Civil War. The interior and exterior walls are of 14-inch brick construction covered with horse-hair plaster. Slave quarters once were at the rear of the lot.

In addition to the tours, Ms. Rowland is planning other activities on the side porch and yard. Tiles are being completed of the home and will be available for sale in early summer.

The Committee is also happy to announce the return on a live auction to the line-up of events for 2008. It is planned for Saturday morning at Moorefield High School. Details for participating will be announced soon. Vendors, both crafters and food, can now go on-line now and download an application to participate in this year's event. Urgent questions can be addressed by calling the Heritage Weekend office at 530-0280.

The Potomac Eagle Train will depart Moorefield at 6:30pm on July 4th for a delightful ride north through the Trough. All passengers can enjoy the scenery, and keep a watchful eye out for the national symbol, the bald eagle, which nests in the area. First Class and Table Car passengers will also enjoy a delicious meal served on board. This year's menu on the First Class and Table Cars consists of either chicken or "world-class" meatloaf, 2 vegetables, salad, rolls, beverage, and dessert. Coach passengers are invited to bring a picnic basket dinner with them or can purchase snacks on the train.

Tickets are now available at the Capon Valley Bank in Moorefield, or at the Lost River Craft Cooperative in Lost River. Credit card purchases can be made by calling the Potomac Eagle office at 304-424-0736. First class dining tickets are $50, and table car dining tickets are $40. There are a limited number of those seats available, and they need to be purchased in advance. Coach seats are $20 for adults and $10 for children 6-16. Children under 6 ride free. The open air car will be available for those who want to experience an unobstructed view.

The train will arrive back in Moorefield in time for the fireworks sponsored by the Moorefield Lions. Passengers can stay on the train for the spectacular light display.

The entire experience should end around 10:30PM.

The train ride, which departs from Jefferson Street, is sponsored by the Hardy County Tour and Crafts Association. For more information, call 304-530-0280.