October 15, 2019 – Asheville

We met this morning for our last lecture. We learned background infi on Thomas Wolfe, Carl Sandburg, Chimney Rock. And the Basilica of St. Lawrence.

After lunch we headed to Asheville.   First stop was the Basilica which was designed and built by Rafael Guastivono who was for the tile work at the Biltmore house as well as NYC subway system and many other famous buildings.

Our second stop was the Boarding house that Thomas Wolfe’s mother owned which plays a big part of his book  “Look Homeward Angel”. Thomas Wolfe did not have his own bedroom but was forced to find an available bed each night. The house tour and introductory movie were very interesting.

After dinner, many of us headed into Black Mountain to hear an Irish Jam at a local bar.  There were about 15 musicians taking part. We stayed until 8:30pm when they packed up.