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SPECIAL EVENTS ARCHIVES

"Legacy in Action"...The Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of
Sergeant Alvin C. York, the greatest hero of World War I.

WWI • United States Army • Company G • 328th Infantry • 82nd Division

Congressional Medal of HonorDistinguished Service CrossWorld War I Victory Medal
American Campaign MedalWorld War II Victory Medal
French Légion d'honneurFrench Croix de guerre with PalmItalian Croce di GuerraMontenegrin War Medal

York General Store is headquarters for events (get directions).

SPECIAL EVENTS ARCIVES

CRUISE-IN
SERGEANT YORK DAY
BLACK POWDER SHOOT
VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION

CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY


For more information contact:

Claudia Johnson-Nichols, Executive Director, Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation
Email: sypfdirector@gmail.com
Phone: 931.347.2664
888.WW1.HERO (888.991.4376)
Foundation correspondence: 1010 Christmas Lane, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501
P.O. Box 100, Pall Mall, Tennessee 38577
Web: www.sgtyork.org       Blog: www.yorkgeneralstore.blogspot.com
Foundation correspondence and donations: 1010 Christmas Lane, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501


Black Powder Shoot 2010
The 18th Annual Sgt. Alvin C. York Black Powder
Shoot is set for Saturday, March 27, 2010, in the Valley of the Three Forks of the Wolf River at Pall Mall.
The cost is $35 for 10, one-shot matches, with the score being the total measurement of all 10 shots.
Competition events include X-center, over-the-log, 60 paces and traditional muzzleloading rifles. There are
prizes for overall top score, best “X” of the day and best-costumed man and woman.
The women’s costume contest encourages old dresses, hose with back seams, bonnets, etc. The men’s
competition could include bibbed overalls, wide ties, old suit jacket with wide
lapels, fedora hats and more.

Only traditional rifles, flint or percussion, either traditional hunting or “old style” traditional target
type are acceptable. There is no limit to weight or caliber. No false muzzles, no sealed ignition, no in-line actions, no
thumbhole or adjustable stocks and no padded butt plates are allowed. Rifles must shoot black powder with patched lead
round balls, no bullets. Shaders are permitted, but must not extend past the rear of the breech.

The $35 registration fee includes the $5 membership in Alvin York Rifles and $30 match fee.
Call 317-422-9750 for Black Powder Shoot registration information. Call the Fentress County Chamber
1-800-327-3945 or visit www.bigsouthfork.org for lodging and other tourism assistance.
York General Store and Visitor Center is headquarters for the Black Powder Shoot. Doors
open at 7 a.m. and will sell coffee and light breakfast. Deli open all day!

RULES: Traditional rifles - flint or percussion, either traditional hunting or ‘old style’ traditional target type, no limit to weight or caliber. No false muzzles, no sealed ignition, no in-line actions, no thumbhole or adjustable stocks and no padded buttplates. Rifles must shoot black powder w/ patched lead round balls, no bullets. Shaders are permitted, but must not extend past the rear of the breech. Rear sights: fixed and open - at least 6” in front of the breech. Front sights: blade, pinhead or post. The use of barrel rests (cant blocks) or sandbags on the chunk are permitted and encouraged. Only the shooter’s hand may support the butt of the rifle, no sandbags or blocks of wood are allowed under the butt of the rifle and no gloves of any kind. The butt of the rifle may not touch the ground.

REGISTRATION: $35.00 ($5.00 membership in Alvin York Rifles + $30.00 match fee). Pre-registration before March 15 is $35.00. Please send to: Ron Borron, 496 Village Drive, Bargersville, Indiana 46106. Phone: 317-422-9750, Important cut off date for pre-registration is March 15.

17th ANNUAL SGT. ALVIN C. YORK MEMORIAL BLACK POWDER SHOOT (was held)
Saturday, March 28, 2009 • swansonsandi@hotmail.com • Entry Fee $35 • Annual Results
Valley of the Three Forks of the Wolf River

X-CENTER / OVER-THE-LOG / 60 PACES / TRADITIONAL MUZZLE-LOADING RIFLES
PLACE: ALVIN YORK’S FARM - PALL MALL, TENN.
MATCH FEE: $35.00 FOR 10 ~ 1 SHOT MATCHES. SCORE: TOTAL MEASUREMENT OF ALL 10 SHOTS
GRAND PRIZES FOR TOP OVERALL SCORE! SPECIAL PRIZES FOR BEST ‘X’ OF THE DAY! FRESH CUT BEEF FOR THE TOP 40 PLACES !!!
DRESS: 1920-30’S ATTIRE – MEN: BIBBED OVERALLS, WIDE TIES, OLD SUITS JACKETS W/ WIDE LAPELS, WIDE BRIMMED FEDORA HATS, ETC. WW1 UNIFORMS WELCOMED. LADIES: FANCY OLD DRESSES, HOSE W/ SEAM UP BACK, BONNETS. LOOK LIKE MRS. GRACY !
PRICES FOR BEST DRESSED - BOTH MEN AND WOMEN!
sgt_york
shoot

RULES: Traditional rifles - flint or percussion, either traditional hunting or ‘old style’ traditional target type, no limit to weight or caliber. No false muzzles, no sealed ignition, no in-line actions, no thumbhole or adjustable stocks and no padded buttplates. Rifles must shoot black powder w/ patched lead round balls, no bullets. Shaders are permitted, but must not extend past the rear of the breech. Rear sights: fixed and open - at least 6” in front of the breech. Front sights: blade, pinhead or post. The use of barrel rests (cant blocks) or sandbags on the chunk are permitted and encouraged. Only the shooter’s hand may support the butt of the rifle, no sandbags or blocks of wood are allowed under the butt of the rifle and no gloves of any kind. The butt of the rifle may not touch the ground.

REGISTRATION: $35.00 ($5.00 membership in Alvin York Rifles + $30.00 match fee). Pre-registration before March 15 is $35.00. Please send to: Ron Borron, 496 Village Drive, Bargersville, Indiana 46106. Phone: 317-422-9750, Important cut off date for pre-registration is March 15.

 


Christmas Invitation

Christmas in the Valley of the Three Forks of The Wolf River
Everyone is invited to a free event in Pall Mall on December 11, 2010.

Santa Claus will be at Christmas in the Valley festivities in Pall Mall on Dec. 11. The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with holiday tours of Sgt. York's home and York Grist Mill, which will be decorated for Christmas. York General Store’s deli and gift shop will be open all day. At 6 p.m. the Community Choir sings at Wolf River Methodist Church. After the performance, everyone gathers at Sgt. York's Home for caroling led by Sgt. York’s children, Betsy York Lowery and George Edward York. Later, local musicians will play at York General Store while children whisper their hearts' desires to Santa, who will have small gifts for each child. Photos will be taken with Santa, and light refreshments will be served. For more information visit www..yorkgeneralstore.blogspot.com.


Schedule
9 a.m. - 9 p.m. – Christmas Open House at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Park, including home, grist mill, general store and visitor center
6 p.m. –  Community Choir performs at Wolf River Methodist Church
7 p.m. – Return to Sgt York Home for singing by Betsy Lowrey and George Edward York
7:30 p.m. ­– Santa, gifts, appetizers, beverages and music at York General Store

CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY...DECEMBER 12, 2009 • 9AM-8:00PM • CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Everyone invited to a free event in Pall Mall.
Santa Claus will be at Christmas in the Valley festivities in Pall Mall on December 12. The day kicks off at 9am. with holiday tours of Sgt. York's home and grist mill, which will be decorated for Christmas. Santa will arrive at 4pm York General Store. Guitarist Craig Allen will play at York General Store while children whisper their hearts' desires to Santa, who will have small gifts for each child. Gifts are being donated by the BRASS car club. At 6 p.m. the Community Choir sings at Wolf River Methodist Church. After the performance, everyone gathers at Sgt. York's Home for caroling with Betsy York Lowery and George Edward York. Afterward, York General Store will be open for visitors to enjoy free refreshments and enjoy more music by Craig Allen. No reservations are required for any of the activities, but to ensure that enough gifts are available for all children attending, please email the gender and ages of each child who will be present to yorkgeneralstore@gmail.com.


Schedule

9:00am - Sgt York Home Christmas Open House All Day & Evening
 
4:00pm - Santa Clause will arrive @ York General Store to take childrens' Christmas wishes and hand out treats.   Also, entertainment by Craig Allen begins @ York General Store.  
 
5:45pm - Leave for Wolf River Methodist Church to hear Community Choir. 
 
6:00pm -  Community Choir performs @ the Methodist Church
 
7:00pm - Return to Sgt York Home for singing by Betsy Lowrey and George Edward York.  Then to General Store for more entertainment by Craig Allen 

7:30pm - Entertainment by Craig Allen continues @ York General Store. Free coffee, cocoa and cider along with desserts.

VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION...November 11, 2009
Veterans Day Program

The public, school children, all veterans and current military personnel are invited to attend Veteran's Day services at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall on Nov. 11. hosted by Sgt. York's son, George Edward York, who is joined by his brother, Andrew York, and sister, Betsy York Lowery, the annual event is designed to pay homage to the men and women who have served and are serving the United States in the armed forces.

The state park and the York General Store, operated by the non-profit Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation (SYPF), open at 9 a.m. Free tours begin at the store visitor center and include the York home place, York Grist Mill, Wolf River Cemetery and York burial site and York Bible School. Lunch is available at York General Store following the services, which begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. adjacent to the home.

Agenda

Call to Order, John Evans, President of Next Generation Underwriters;
Board of Directors, Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation (SYPF)

Posting of Colors - York Institute JROTC

Invocation - Colonel Sam Wood, Tennessee National Guard 
National Anthem - "Note Worthy" York Institute Chorus, Leslie Holt, Director 
Pledge to the Flag - Phil Brannon, York Institute Superintendent
Remarks on Scholarships of Last Year  
Taps - Cheryl Crabtree 
Welcome and Salute to Veterans - John Evans 
Note Worthy - York Institute Chorus
Key Note Speaker - Tony Zachary 

V.I.P Guests and Remarks:

Lincoln Davis - United States Congressman, 4th District 
Jim Allred - Retired Colonel; Past Director of ROTC now working with Depressed Veterans

John Mark Windle - Tennessee State Representative, District 41  
Bruce Catlett - Chief Warrant Officer, York Institute JROTC Director

Dr. Sam Barnes - Dedication of Sgt. York Bust 
Dr. Michael Birdwell - Professor of History, Tennessee Tech University; SYPF Board of Directors
Dr. Calvin Dickinson - Tennessee Historical Commission Board of Directors; Professor Emeritus, Tennessee Tech University Department of History
Dan Brown - Executive Director, Tennessee Preservation Trust
John Williams - Retired Colonel from United States Air Force 
Gwenith Duncan - Mayor of Jamestown 
Lou Lattanzi - SYPF Vice Chairman

Claudia Johnson-Nichols - SYPF Executive Director
Recognition - Members of SYPF and Sgt. York's Family 
God Bless America - Mike Allen Singers
Comments/Benediction - John B. Mullinix, Fentress County Executive
For additional information or directions to the state park visit www.sgtyork.org or call 931-879-3657.


Sergeant York Day 2009

SERGEANT YORK DAY 2009...October 17, 2009 • 9am-4pm • Sgt. York State Historic Park,
Pall Mall, Tennessee
(over 2,000 attended last year)

Directions: To the park | From the park
HOMESITE TOURS BY ANDREW YORK
PHOTOS
Park Manager, Robin Peeler - Email: Robin.Peeler@tn.gov
TENNESSEE STATE PARKS (Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park)
See Sergeant York Day 2008 Photo Gallery

For more information call:  1-888-WWI-HERO (1-888-991-4376)
View and print park map with activity locations!

Program
10:00-10:30 a.m. York Agricultural Institute Junior ROTC Colorguard
Hull-York Chapter Disabled Veterans
Pledge by Cumberland County Young Marines
Taps by Cheryl Crabtree
10:30-11:00 a.m. Welcome by Fentress County Executive John B. Mullinix
Presentation of K-12 student art contest awards
11:00-11:30 a.m. Sgt York Interpreter-Cpt. Russell M. Spry
11:30-12:00 a.m. Music by Bluegrass Traditions
12:00-12:30 p.m. Dance by Allardt Cloggers (regretfully cancelled due to illness)
12:30-1:30 p.m. Keynote Speech by Gerald York, grandson of Sgt. York
Presentation of Senior Citizen essay contest winners
Jana Flower Humphrey, Senior Essay Contest Winner
1:30-2:00 p.m. Music by Leonard Anderson
2:00-2:30 p.m. Music by Buster Davis-Mountain Rose

Southeast Veterans Museum traveling WWI exhibit sponsored by Community Bank of the Cumberlands ($300 donation)

Sergeant York Day 2009 (see photo gallery)

Robin,

Just a note to you and your staff. This weekend was great despite the weather. I was really glad to have been a part of it and to have an opportunity to honor the memory of Alvin York. It was a pleasure to meet so many of the family and the Board. My thanks to those who arranged our stay at Pickett State Park. The lodging was just fine. We even saw a bear!

The York home and the people of Pall Mall reminded me so much of my grandparents home in rural North Carolina. The whole town had a great feel to it that will make any trip back a special for me. I look forward to having the opportunity to serve his memory again and to help preserve the legacy of Alvin C. York.

Cpt. Russell M. Spry, Interpretor


The second annual Sgt. York Day, was held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (CST) at the home place and park in Pall Mall, TN, offered a wide variety of festivities for all ages, including tours of the original home place and ranger-led hikes along the nature trail, Wolf River, gravesite, Bible School and Wolf River Methodist Church.

The event commemorated the 91st anniversary of Sgt. York's heroic actions in the Argonne Forest during World War I.  The York General Store, where the official tour begins, served lunch and concessions, and the 2009 commemorative limited edition pewter ornament depicting the original York Agricultural Institute. 

The Southeast Veteran's Museum will exhibited its WWI Living History Exhibition. Bruce York was there with his York Genealogy Database (email bruceyork1243@yahoo.com). The Cumberland County Young Marines, the YAI Color Guard, and the Hull-York Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans began the ceremony.

The winners from the Sgt. York Student Art Contest were recognized and their art displayed in the historic Grist Mill. Also being celebrated are the winners in the Senior Citizen's Essay Contest, in which citizens aged 65 and over, are writing an essay on the life of Sgt. Alvin C. York and how his ideals and character have impacted their life, views on Christianity, WWI, Education in Rural Areas or other pertinent topics. 

York family members were on site to welcome guests and sign books, tapes and souvenirs. Food and craft vendors offered their wares. There was live entertainment provided by local gospel and bluegrass bands throughout the day. 

A new print of the historic York Grist Mill was available for the first time. The limited edition print is of a watercolor by Bill Maffett, a Cookeville businessman and artist. Maffett, who only began painting in recent years, has depicted several of Tennessee’s historic places in his works, including the Cookeville Depot and Downtown Gatlinburg. His painting of the mill was inspired by the plight of the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation to save the original building of York Institute in Jamestown from demolition. Maffett donated 70 unsigned 16x20 prints to the Foundation for sale in its York General Store in Pall Mall and donated another 30 signed prints for the SYPF to give as appreciation gifts for other donors to the restoration fund.

New activities included a classic and collector car cruise-in, a museum bus and the opening of the Sgt. York memorabilia room at the York General Store. Back Road Runners and Speed Shop partnered with Sgt. York Day sponsors to present a cruise in, and all vintage car enthusiasts were encouraged to drive to Pall Mall for the day.

Community Bank of the Cumberlands sponsored a museum on wheels created by the Southeast Veterans Museum in Chattanooga. “The educational artifacts, uniforms and demonstrations presented by nine WWI re-enactors of Southeast Veterans Museum pay homage to Sgt. York’s participation in WWI and his patriotic and military role in the Tennessee and the U.S. during WWII,” Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation Executive Director Claudia Johnson-Nichols said.


Special thanks to...
Progressive Savings Bank
for underwriting the cost of professional office space for the SYPF at the Progressive Financial Center in Cookeville
Bill Maffett (donated 70 unsigned 16x20 prints to the Foundation for sale in its York General Store in Pall Mall and donated another 30 signed prints for the SYPF to give as appreciation gifts for other donors to the restoration fund)
Pepsi (10 cases of soda)
Wal-Mart (gift certificate for bread)
York Agricultural Institute Colorguard
Cumberland County Young Marines
Tennessee State Guard
Fentress County 4-H Club
City of Byrdstown (stage)
Millennium Sound-William Bilbrey
Pall Mall Fire Department
Wolf River Valley Growers (event decoration)

Congratulations Student Art Contest Winners
167 total entries were received form Fentress and Pickett County Students.
(photo below: 1st place 9th-12th-Amanda Ashburn, Clarkrange High School)
by Amanda Ashburn

K-2nd
1st place-Dylan Barber, Pickett County K-8;
2nd place-Colby Alley, Pickett County K-8;

3rd-5th
1st place-Noah Redwine, South Fentress Elementary;
2nd place-Dustin Fulton, Pickett County K-8;
3rd place-Luke Barber, Pickett County K-8;
Honorable Mention-Blanton Hunley, Pickett County K-8;

6th-8th
1st place-Sarah Threet, Pine Haven Elementary;
2nd place-Hunter Fowler, Allardt Elementary;
3rd place-Amy Wood, Allardt Elementary;

9th-12th
1st place-Amanda Ashburn, Clarkrange High School;
2nd place-Kayla Johnson, Pickett County High School;
3rd place-Reuben Atkins, Clarkrange High School;
Honorable Mention-Tammara Garrett, York Institute

2009 Student Art Contest Prize Sponsors
East Fork Stables-1 night cabin stay ($125 value)
Janet Hopson-a photography session at the Grist Mill ($180 value)
Betsy Ross York Lowrey (4 $25 gift certificates to the York General Store)
Henbos BP (300 piece tub of bubble gum)
The Lost Sea (4 tickets-$75 value)
Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation (4 York General Store gift baskets)
Pit Row Quality Quick Lube (1 year of free oil changes-4 total)
Midway Quick Stop (2-$25 gas cards)
Cedar Creek Cattle Company (a two hour horseback trail ride for 2 people)
Southeast Pack Trips (a two hour horseback trail ride for 1 person)
McDonalds of Jamestown (5 free Big Macs, 14 free french fries & 10 free ice cream cones)
Dairy Queen of Jamestown (12 Blizzards and 30 ice cream cones)
Against the Flow (free kayak rentals for 3 people-$75 value, valid through spring)
Friends of Cordell Hull (t-shirt, hat, video, cd, patch & postcards)
The Discovery Center (art lesson host)
Sunset Marina (five $10 gift cards to use at Sunset Restaurant or Sunset Marina)
Coffee Time Cafe (breakfast for two gift certificate, t-shirt, sweatshirt & mug)
Pork Ryan's BBQ 931-303-9189 (2 gift certificates for a family meal for four-includes meat and side dishes for 4 people)
Sally Boone (2 art lessons-painting or drawing)
Mara Trumbo, J-CAT, OSCI Art Expressions Studio
(1 full day oil painting workshop for 3 people-$55 value
& one 3 hour one stroke acrylic painting lesson for 3 people-$25 value) www.ArtTeachers.org


Senior Essay Contest Winners & Sponsors
Union Bank ($300 cash donation)
First Volunteer Bank ($100 savings bond)
Congratulations Senior Essay Contest Winners
1st Jana Flower Humphrey, Oak Ridge, TN (read essay)
2nd Charlene W. Dickinson, Cookeville, TN (read essay)
3rd Ann Maxine Nivens, Allons, TN (read essay)

Student Art Contest Rules (click here to view and print)
An art contest hosted by the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation for Fentress and Pickett County Students K-12 and home school students will be a highlight of the second annual Sgt. York Day on Oct.17 in Pall Mall.

All entries will be displayed at an art show in the Grist Mill at Alvin C. York State Historic Park during Sgt. York Day festivities. Individuals and businesses are donating gifts to honor contest winners, and commemorative t-shirts will be awarded for 1st-3rd places in the following grade categories: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th,9th-12th. Contest winners will be recognized on www.sgtyork.org, in the SYPF newsletter and by local media.

Drawings (original artwork only) must be black ink or pencil line art on white 8.5 x 11 paper and submitted by Sept. 30 to the main office in each school. The name of student and parent, address, phone number, email, school and grade must be included on the back of entry. More information about the contest and classroom lesson plan is available from Janet Hopson (931-879-4345) or email sypf@sgtyork.org.


Senior Essay Contest
Writing contest targets most experienced citizens.

Citizens 65 and older are invited to submit stories or essays in a nationwide writing competition, with winners recognized on Sgt. York Day 2009 in Pall Mall.

The second annual Sgt. York Day, set for Oct. 17, 2009, at the Sgt. York State Historic Park, honors the legacy of Sgt. Alvin C. York and commemorates the 91st anniversary of the victorious World War I battle in France’s Argonne Forest.

Sgt. York’s children will present contest prizes, sponsored by area businesses, to the winning writers. Winners will also be special guests for the day of the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation, the nonprofit organization that sponsors Sgt. York Day.

Original, unpublished work, which may include essays or short stories, submitted for the writing competition by Tennesseans aged 65+, should be no longer than 1,000 words. Topics must explore or address a theme focusing on the life and legacy of Sgt. Alvin C. York, such as Christianity, WWI, education in rural areas, patriotism or other pertinent topics.

One grand prize winner will receive $100 and publication of the winning story in a regional publication and online at www.sgtyork.org. Two runners-up will each receive $75 and $50 respectively and will have their stories published online on www.sgtyork.org.

Manuscripts will be accepted through Oct. 7, 2009. Submitted material cannot be returned or acknowledged. Winners will be announced at Sgt. York Day in Pall Mall on Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. Mail entries to Box 100, Pall Mall, TN or email to sypfdirector@gmail.com. More additional information call 931-347-2664.

Short Story/Essay Contest

HOW IT WORKS:  Send your short story/essay to Box 100, Pall Mall, Tenn. or email to sypfdirector@gmail.com by submitting a short story no longer than 1,000 words on a theme that focuses on the life of Sgt. Alvin C. York and how his ideals, his character has impacted your life, your views on Christianity, WWI, Education in Rural Areas or other pertinent topics. Submission must be original, not previously published or a finalist for any other prize or award.  Please include your full name, address, daytime phone number, cell number and email address.

ELIGIBILITY:  Contest is open to anyone, age 65 or older, who is a legal resident of Tennessee, the United States. 

DEADLINES:  Manuscripts will be accepted and postmarked beginning on Aug. 20, 2009, through Oct. 7, 2009.   All entries must be received by Oct. 7, 2009.  Only one entry per person allowed. Submitted material cannot be returned or acknowledged. Winners will be announced at the Sgt. York Day, Oct. 17th, 2009 at 11 a.m.  Decisions of the judging panel are final.

PRIZES:  One grand-prize winner will receive $100 and possibly publication of the winning story in The Senior Times issue and online at www.sgtyork.org. Two runners-up will each receive $75  and $50  respectively and may have their stories published online at www.sgtyork.org


2009 Sergeant York Day Vendor Application (click here view and print)


CRUISE-IN...was held June 20, 2009
Sponsored by BRASS www.backroadrunnersandspeedshop.webs.com

The first York General Store "Cruise-In" was held on the beautiful green grass next to the store.  It was a huge success.  There were over 50 unique cars from different areas along with other guests who came along to view these gorgeous cars.  Participants included several cars from our local car club, Southfork Cruisers, also some cars from Byrdstown & Monticello, KY. Several motorcycles that stopped by as well.  Wonderful entertainment on the porch of the "Honeymoon Cottage" by members of our co-sponsor "Brass" car club. See photos

 

Cruise-In

 

 

If you are planning to visit Sgt. York's home in the Wolf River Valley of Pall Mall, Tennessee,
click link for MAP, TOUR INFORMATION, or BROCHURE.