Old Hemlock Foundation

05/14/2026

05/09/2026

WV Wildflower Pilgrimage Visits Old Hemlock 🌿

Today we welcomed a wonderful group from the West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage to Old Hemlock, where history, art, and the living forest weave together into one long, unfolding story.

Pilgrims stepped back into the world of George and Kay Evans—he, the artist, mystery writer, and upland bird hunter; she, the editor, partner, and quiet force behind the legacy. Together they shaped not only a life of creativity but also the beloved line of Old Hemlock Setters that still carries their vision forward.

Inside the Evans home, built in 1815, guests walked the same wide-plank floors George and Kay once crossed daily, surrounded by their books, paintings, and the echoes of a life lived with intention.

We set out for a bird walk next. Though the mist nets were too wet for a banding demonstration, the group learned about the long-term scientific work at the Old Hemlock Bird Observatory, where each tiny banded bird becomes part of a much larger story about avian life in Appalachia.

The day ended beneath the towering quiet of the Virgin Hemlock Forest on the Fountain property—trees older than our state, older than our country, standing as they have for centuries. A fitting place to close a visit rooted in wonder, history, and the wild beauty of this land.

Thank you, Pilgrims, for sharing the day with us. May the forest stay with you long after the walk ends.

04/30/2026

Today Chris Langford and I joined Bruceton School’s Eighth Grade for their School of Hard Knocks, where students stepped into future careers and navigated the twists and turns of adult life. At the Pet Adoption and Pet Care station, we watched students fall in love with imaginary pets—and then realize that food, vet visits, and supplies add up fast. Their reactions were priceless, and their problem‑solving impressive. The Old Hemlock Foundation is proud to support hands‑on learning that prepares our young people for the real world.

LeJay Graffious
Administrator of Old Hemlock Foundation

04/23/2026

“Ruffed grouse dogs are bred, not born, and once born they are developed, not made.”
A truth George Bird Evans carried into every line he drew—this sketch lifted from his own field‑worn journal.

Post produced by Christopher Langford, AmeriCorps member, serving as archivist at Old Hemlock Foundation.

04/15/2026

“George Bird Evans’s 1940 Cosmopolitan illustration: Tax Day on April 15, with the bulldogs dutifully carrying the taxes ready to send.”

04/13/2026

Tonight I joined the Preston County Board of Education on behalf of the Old Hemlock Foundation, where the Board offered kind recognition of our work at Bruceton School—especially our shared commitment to strengthening Arts and Literature Education. George and Kay Evans believed deeply in opening doors for young people, and their legacy continues today through scholarships awarded by the Bruceton High School Alumni Association and medical scholarships for Preston County residents at WVU. It is an honor to help ensure their vision continues to serve our community.