How many times have you heard or said, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite?” I know I’ve said it millions of times, myself. But do you know its origins? I didn’t until I visited the Museum of the Waxhaws this weekend with my family.
Nestled along Waxhaw Highway, just outside of town, you’ll descend down a windy driveway - if you don’t miss the entrance! Back beyond the woods, you’ll come upon the Secrist Homestead and Garden before parking just alongside the tiny museum. Only open to the public on Saturdays, the Museum of the Waxhaws is rich with the history of our town - the oldest town in Union County, recieving its charter in 1889.
Home to the Waxhaw Indians, The Garden of the Waxhaws was first settled by Scott-Irish settlers. Deciding that it was a perfect location, rich with beauty and fertile land, they stayed. Later, Waxhaw became home to a great many notorious families, including the Jacksons and Belks.
We began our tour down at the Secrest Homestead - a one room wood-board home that housed all 7 members of the Secrest family. The downstairs held the kitchen and a bed - that was it! My boys were astonished to learn that there was no running water or electricity (remember, they are 5 and 3) and couldn’t believe that the children had to sleep upstairs in a loft on the floor!
The home was surrounded by a smokehouse (for preserving meats) , a spring house (for keeping cold items “cold”) a blacksmith shop and a small garden. In the garden, the boys got to touch lambs ear - which was used both for wrapping wounds and for wiping tooshies!
The tour guide was incredible, telling stories and engaging the littles. He let them touch some old toys similar to what the Secrest children may have played with and asked them questions to keep their attention. He also told us the origins of that old adage above
In the 1700s, beds were made of pegs and twine - so before bed, they had to tighten the twine around the pegs (sleep tight). The “mattresses” were made of gunny sacks filled with soft items found outside - bits of cotton, leaves, grass, etc. Children were often charged with filling those sacks as part of their chores - and they weren’t too careful. Little critters like bugs and snakes, mice or other animals, might end up inside those sacks and the parents would sometimes get bitten (don’t let the bed bugs bite).
Heading inside, you’ll find a few exhibits, including an old school room, a covered wagon and a tent used in the Civil War. While the museum isn’t large - in fact, its TINY - the history is rich and the volunteers are knowledgeable and passionate about our little town. We had a blast and think you will too - especially as the weather warms up and the garden is in full bloom!
For more information about the museum, visit the website. Some of the details are here below:
- 8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, NC 28173
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Admission: Ages 6-12 $2; Seniors $4; Adults $5
- (children under 5 are free)
