Go to the homepage for the Sylva Herald and Ruralite

Ruralite Cafe: Published 12/06/02

By Rose Hooper - Features Editor

Books arrive in time for luminaries

 Rose
book Here at the Cafe we love success stories - like Frosty's deer hunting adventures last week and the successful recipes he shares for cooking the most tender, tasty venison ever.

Here's another success story... one just in time for the Dillsboro luminaries this weekend - the books have arrived! "Dogwood Crafters: A Success Story" debuts Friday.

Susie Ray, author of the new book, will sign copies from 5:30-7:30 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 6, at the craft co-op.

Susie's book, which will be on sale at Dogwood Crafters, tells how a group of people interested in selling crafts worked together to become so successful that the 25-year-old cooperative has become a model for others.

Since this is a local book about local folks, you might find yourself featured between these pages. If not, you are sure to know others who are.

Others like Brenda Anders, who stressed how the co-op is owned by the members and "everybody is made to feel that this is their place.

Even though they share the place with so many other crafters, they know they can say to someone, 'Come on down to my shop' and mean it," she said.

"There is a real family unity at Dogwood," said member Mary Nolan.

Crafter Dorothy Cable can tell you about the family atmosphere. At one time she had three generations of her family in Dogwood, including her daughter, Peggy McClure, and granddaughter Rebecca Freeman.

Larry Walther attributed Dogwood's success to the quality of crafts. Cornshuck dolls sit next to silk. Tatted lace, handmade quilts and tea cozies share space. The ancient arts of calligraphy and marquetry are comfortable next to handmade Christmas decorations, novelty birdhouses, hand-thrown pottery and a variety of baskets.

Susie's craft, and how she became involved with Dogwood, is knitting caps for children. She recently retired from Western Carolina University as director of Career Services, and one of her career accomplishments was building a successful cooperative education program at WCU. She finds it amazing that she was asked to write a book on another successful cooperative.

You will probably find it amazing how she researched so much history about Dogwood Crafters.

The book is dedicated to the co-op's landlords and supporters for 25 years - Wade and Becky Wilson.

"Becky died in August before the book was completed, but we know she would have loved reading it," said Susie.

If you can't make the book signing Friday, Susie will be at it again during the luminaries next weekend. That book signing will be Saturday, Dec. 14, also from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Our Cafe congrats to all involved in this success story.

Back to Archive: 12/06/02.