Filmmaker announces 'Blanket Town' preview in Swannanoa
Documentary follows the rise and fall of Beacon Manufacturing Co.
The Valley Echo
September 19, 2022
A preview of “Blanket Town,” a documentary that follows the rise and fall of Beacon Manufacturing Co., will be held in Swannanoa, Oct. 7. Photo courtesy of Serpent Child Productions
Rebecca Williams, the director of “Blanket Town,” will preview the film for the Swannanoa community at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, in the outdoor space behind the former Native Kitchen & Social Club, at 204 Whitson Ave in downtown Swannanoa.
Over 12 years in the making, the film follows the life of the Beacon Blanket Mill, beginning with its move from New England to Swannanoa in the 1920s to its collapse due to globalization and the fire that destroyed the entire 40-acre property in 2003. Williams conducted hundreds of hours of interviews, including fourth generation owner, Charles D Owens, Jr. The director also spoke to former Beacon workers, some of whom had over 40 years of service with the company.
“Blanket Town” won the award for Best Documentary at the Longleaf Film Festival in May.
Rebecca Williams, director of “Blanket Town,” began working on the documentary in 2010. The film will make its Swannanoa debut, Oct. 7, in a free preview screening. Photo courtesy of Serpent Child Productions
Beacon blankets, made of all-cotton, were popular with travelers and campers. They were attractive and long wearing, featuring a patented “Ombre” design that blended the colors through a pre-weaving dying process.
Not long after the mill closed, an arsonist burned the entire structure to the ground; a three-day fire that drew fire fighters from all over Western N.C. and was one of the largest fires in the history of the state. Former workers mourned the death of the mill like that of one of their own family.
In gratitude to the community for their support during the making of the film, Williams and her nonprofit, Serpent Child Productions, are offering a free preview screening. Though free, seating is limited, so attendees must get a ticket from Eventbrite.com. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on.
The event is being hosted by Quility, the owners of Native, and sponsored by the Swannanoa Valley Museum and Friends And Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS). Sponsors include The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, The Center for Independent Documentary, The North Carolina Arts Council, and The North Carolina Humanities Council.
Those without internet access, can call the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History (669-9566) to make a reservation. In the event of rain, the screening will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14.
For more information about the project, visit blankettown.org.