McCoy Farm & Gardens Newsletter
Volume Eleven: Issue Nine — September 2026
New Themes for Open Houses
Mickey Robbins, right, shows how to make cider on his family’s cider press. Come to McCoy on Sunday, September 13, from 2:00–4:00pm to see a cider press demonstration and learn more about the history of apples at McCoy.
Photo credit: Jeremy Rardin
Sally, left, and her mother, Martha McCoy, early 1940s.
There’s always something new to learn about McCoy, and in the coming months, each Open House will have a theme featuring the history, people, trees, and stories connected to McCoy Farm & Gardens.
September 13: Apples and the Bachman-McCoy Orchard
Our September theme will be apples. A cider press demonstration will be set up near the Apple House, where the Bachman family once sold apples grown right here in the Apple Orchard. Come see this important part of McCoy’s story brought to life and learn more about the orchard restoration project.
October 11: Emma Bell Miles
In October, our theme will be Emma Bell Miles, in honor of her 147th birthday (October 19, 1879). Emma was a noted naturalist, author, and artist, whose contributions to Southern Appalachian literature and art are an enduring inspiration. Her parents built a home on what is now the McCoy property in 1892, and the steps and foundation are still visible today. We will offer walks to the homesite at 2:30 and 3:30pm. McCoy is honored to own more than 20 of her original works through gifts from private collections, and these will be on display in the Bachman-McCoy House.
November 8: Trees of McCoy Farm & Gardens
In November, we will focus on the trees of McCoy Farm & Gardens. In 2020, McCoy Farm & Gardens was awarded Level 2 Arboretum Certification, and currently has more than 70 species labeled. Tours of the property will be offered at 2:30 and 3:30pm, highlighting some of McCoy’s most interesting and beautiful trees.
The Bachman-McCoy House is open on the second Sunday of each month from 2:00–4:00pm. Docents are on hand to welcome visitors, give tours, answer questions, and share the property’s history and the stories of the families who have called it home.
McCoy merchandise is also available for purchase at the Open House, including a limited seasonal supply of McCoy honey, Emma Bell Miles books and prints, and McCoy T-shirts.
McCoy is seeking friendly volunteers to serve as docents, welcoming visitors at community events and open houses. Please contact Katie Whitmire at katie@mccoywalden.org for more information.
“Lunch & a Matinee”
McCoy’s Movie-Themed Antique & Vintage China Auction & Luncheon
Don’t miss McCoy’s 3rd Annual Vintage and Antique China Luncheon and Silent Auction.
Inside the historic Bachman-McCoy House, sip on a mimosa and find 16 movie-themed tablescapes created by local designers using antique and vintage china, all available for silent bids.
Later, gourmet boxed lunches will be served in the pavilion, where Nick Wilkinson of the Tivoli Theatre Foundation will be our speaker.
Golf cart service will be available from the parking lot.
Early bird tickets are $50 each before midnight on September 1. Beginning September 2, tickets are $60 each.
Tickets for “Lunch and a Matinee” — Wednesday, September 23
Tickets for “Encore Sale” Next Day Viewing & Sale — Thursday, September 24
Fall Migratory Bird Walk
Join Members of the Chattanooga Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society on our Fall Migratory Bird Walk on Saturday, October 3 at 8:00am. Birders at McCoy have recorded 132 species, and migration season is an excellent time to see our year-round feathered friends as well as those just passing through. All ages are welcome. Bring your binoculars if you have them, and meet at the Welcome Station at the edge of the Horse Ring Parking Lot.
McCoy-Wild Ones Partnership
McCoy is excited to partner on a new native plant project with the newly formed Wild Ones Signal Mountain Pod.
Together, we’re exploring ways to bring native wildflowers back along the boardwalk near the headwaters of Shoal Creek, creating a more beautiful and ecologically rich experience for visitors while providing valuable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. The project is inspired in part by the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail on Pigeon Mountain, a wonderful example of how native plants can transform a trail experience.
Interested in being part of the project? Join us on Thursday, September 3 at McCoy. Email signalpodwildones@gmail.com to RSVP, or express interest even if you can’t attend the first meeting.
What’s Coming Up
Garden & Grounds Groups Need Your Help!
Evening Garden Group
First & Third Wednesdays
September 2 and September 16
5:30–7:30pm
Daytime Garden Group
Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 26
9:00–11:00am
Volunteers maintain all McCoy gardens, and joining the team is a rewarding way to learn more about native plants and gardening in general. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s a place for you. For more information about the daytime or evening groups, contact info@mccoywalden.org or join the GroupMe.
Grounds Group
Every Tuesday, 5:00–7:00pm
The Grounds Group meets every Tuesday evening to keep McCoy looking its best. Activities vary by week and include invasive removal, storm cleanup, and planting natives. Times may vary seasonally according to sunset. If you’re interested in joining this group, contact Beth Myers at 330-256-1472.
Open House
Sunday, September 13, 2:00–4:00pm
Docent-led tours are held on the second Sunday of each month at 2:00pm.
McCoy merchandise is also available for purchase, including honey, t-shirts, Emma Bell Miles prints, and notecards.
Interested in Volunteering?
Volunteers are essential to McCoy Farm & Gardens.
If you have other particular interests, just let us know how you’d like to volunteer. Sign up below to receive information about regular volunteer days and events.
Interested in Scheduling an Event?
Contact McCoy Farm & Gardens at katie@mccoywalden.org to learn more about renting space at McCoy for your next event.
Give Online
Or mail your check to McCoy Farm & Gardens, P.O. Box 443, Signal Mountain, TN 37377.
We are now able to receive your contribution of securities. If you would like to support McCoy in this tax-advantaged way, please contact our office at 423-598-1658.
McCoy Farm & Gardens is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All contributions are charitable and tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.
Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors
McCoy Farm & Gardens is grateful to our Annual Sponsors, whose support allows the continued restoration and improvement of the property and buildings, as well as the expansion of McCoy’s programming. If you are interested in more information about becoming an Annual Sponsor, please check out our Partners page on our website or contact the office at 423-598-1658.
McCoy Farm & Gardens encompasses 38 acres and features the Bachman-McCoy House, gardens, and several outbuildings, including the Pavilion, Carriage House, Barn, and Blacksmith Workshop. Our Level 2 Arboretum contains 72 species. With over 2 miles of trails, the grounds also include the site of the former home of artist, poet, and naturalist Emma Bell Miles.
NEWSLETTER TEAM
Juanita Wade, Joe Davis, Mickey Robbins, Susan Snow, and Karen Stone
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mickey Robbins, President
Joe Davis, Vice President
Larson Mick, Secretary
Leanna Jones, Treasurer
Bob Franklin, Historic Preservation
Elizabeth Hamilton, Gardens
Andy Jones, Grounds
Anne Leonard, House
Beth Myers, Volunteers
Susan Snow, Policy
Karen Stone, Publicity
Fred Wildman, Projects & Property Maintenance
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Mary Catherine O’Kelley, Community Event Co-Chair
Annette Wildman, Community Event Co-Chair
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Melissa Nimon — 423-598-1658 — melissa@mccoywalden.org
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Katie Whitmire — 423-212-3437 — katie@mccoywalden.org