East Marion, Clinchfield & Stumptown Homecoming to Celebrate Community, History, and Connection

East Marion, Clinchfield & Stumptown Homecoming to Celebrate Community, History, and Connection East Marion, NC — Residents past and present are invited to gather for the East Marion, Clinchfield & Stumptown Homecoming, a community-wide event dedicated to honoring shared history, reconnecting neighbors, and building a stronger future together. The event will be from 1-5PM on April 25th at 635 Baldwin (formerly the East Marion Baptist Church Fellowship Hall and East Marion School Cafeteria). This public homecoming welcomes former and current residents, families, church members, educators, school alumni, business owners, former Marion Manufacturing employees, and all friends of the East Marion, Clinchfield & Stumptown communities. The event will feature meaningful activities, including a community welcome, live music, oral history interviews, photo scanning and memory collection, community conversations, free lunch (as long as supplies last) and even ballgame! If you would like to contribute to support the lunch (either monetarily or by providing a dessert) please reach out to Debora Workman (by emailing [email protected]) as soon as possible. A highlight of the event is participation from the Beyond 1842 Project, whose team will be on-site to record personal stories, conduct short interviews, and preserve community memories as part of a growing historical archive. Attendees are encouraged to bring family photos, memorabilia, and keepsakes to be digitally scanned and preserved. All original items will be returned immediately after scanning. “This homecoming is more than a reunion—it’s a celebration of resilience, history, and connection,” organizers shared. “It’s an opportunity for our community to reflect on the unique history of McDowell’s mill communities and our shared futures.” Food will be provided, and all are encouraged to participate, share stories, and reconnect with neighbors old and new. RSVP Information: Attendees are asked to confirm their participation by: Clicking “Going” on the event page, Sending a message to organizers, or Completing the RSVP form on the Facebook page. Community members are also encouraged to share the invitation widely, especially with those who may not be active on social media. About the Event: The East Marion, Clinchfield & Stumptown Homecoming is a community-driven initiative focused on preserving local history, strengthening connections, and celebrating the people and stories that define McDowell’s unique communities. The project is made possible by the Marion East Community, the Beyond 1842 Project (a McDowell County America 250 initiative), and with special assistance from the Spring 2026 Music and Work in the Mountain South class at Warren Wilson College, taught by Dr. Jordan Laney. For more information, please contact event organizers directly. Debora Workman [email protected] Beyond 1842 Project Director, Jordan Laney, [email protected]