Join us for our annual Hanging of the Greens and help us decorate the Hugh Torance House and Store for the winter holiday! The historic Hugh Torance House and Store is the oldest-standing store in NC and one of Mecklenburg County’s few surviving 18th-century structures. Step back in time, to 1779, and engage in this incredible living history experience by reserving your event tickets.

Decorating with evergreens, especially those bearing fruit such as mistletoe, ivy, and holly along with evergreen boughs from cedars and pines, was a common practice to welcome the winter season. The evergreens used for decorations symbolized the promise of Spring and everlasting life, a custom dating back to Roman times and adopted by many cultures through the ages. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe also comes from the British Isles, where the Nordic goddess Frigg vowed to grant a kiss to all who passed under the mistletoe to prevent violence and loss. Today, mistletoe is associated with winter luck and love, and kissing under the mistletoe remains a custom to this day.

In addition to experiencing the history of the site, the Torance Store offers sundries, local goods like honey and lavender, locally made artisan crafts and gifts, historical books and toys, stationary and home decor, and more! Our site is also adjacent to Cedar Grove, the 1831 Greek Revival home of James Torance, son of Hugh and Isabella Torance. While it is a private residence, this immaculately restored three-story red brick home listed on the Nation Registrar is open once a month for HEARTS Happening events.

There is no fee to reserve tickets to this special holiday event. You can support our mission to preserve, restore and share the Hugh Torance House and Store with the community by making a donation.

The Hugh Torance House and Store is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity organization and is fully funded by donations from the community. Thanks to your donation, HEARTS Circle memberships, and support from our local business partners, we are excited to continue growing and sharing our local history and its connection to the great tapestry of history in the Catawba Valley Region!

The Hugh Torance House and Store is open to the public every Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm.