White County, Arkansas

 

Two gourd birdhouses painted by the speaker, Billie Willingham.

 

USEFUL & DECORATIVE GOURDS

FEATURED IN

JAN. 23 PROGRAM

        The lowly gourd ranked so high among pioneer settlers that it will be the sole subject of the regular monthly meeting of the White County Historical Society Monday, January 23, at Harding Place in Searcy.

          Billie Willingham of Pickens Chapel, a member of the WCHS board, will present a history of the gourd and how it was used extensively before the development of modern-day containers.

          Evidence has been found that gourds were in use in North America thousands of years ago, Willingham said.   Not only have gourds served utilitarian uses such as containers and floats but also as decorations, she noted.  Several examples of hand-painted gourds will be on display at the meeting.    Many of the society’s members may remember drinking from dipping gourds at public schools, Willingham noted. 

          The meeting is open to the public.  It will be conducted in the dining hall at Harding Place and will start at 7 p.m.