MACC Director Barb Storm, left, accepts a complimentary commemorative ornament featuring the MACC building from Walden's Ridge Guild member Rory Fore. The building is the second of many Signal Mountain landmarks to be selected by the guild for its annual keepsake ornament, of which a limited supply is now available through guild members.
Photo by Emily CrismanFor longtime residents, the former Signal Mountain Elementary which now houses the Mountain Arts Community Center calls to mind a myriad of memories, from first-day jitters to the moment a craft is mastered after weeks of practice.
Others simply remember fondly passing this familiar Signal Mountain landmark, which served as the town's first and only public building from 1918-1926 and was therefore a driving force in shaping the community itself.
This community interconnectivity was a contributing factor in the building's selection by the Walden's Ridge Guild as the featured landmark for the group's second annual commemorative ornament.
"We also chose it for the historical value of this beautiful building," said guild member Rory Fore, adding that it was a difficult decision between the town's many significant sites that was ultimately settled by majority vote of the group's 30 members.
The ornament is an artist's rendition of an old photograph belonging to member LaVonne Jolley, who also supplied the photo used to create the guild's first ornament depicting the famous W Road.
"There are so many people who have moved away who would be interested in this," said Fore, touting the ornament as a great gift idea for faraway family members craving a piece of home, or just a way for anyone to help preserve the community's history.
This year's ornament is available through Fore and guild member Susan Jensen at a cost of $15 apiece.
Proceeds allow the guild to increase its annual contributions to local organizations including Waldens Ridge Emergency Services, Bachman Community Center and Signal Mountain Social Services.
Orders cannot be shipped and pickup must be arranged locally through Fore or Jensen, who may also sell the keepsakes at various locations in the community if supplies allow.
Fore said last year's ornament sold out fast, so interested parties should move quickly to ensure this second installment in the series is a part of their collection. Last year's first edition required a second shipment to meet demand, she said, with the selling of all 300 raising a total of $4,500 for the guild's general funds.
Contact Rory Fore at 886-1816 or Susan Jensen at 886-2889.