Photo courtesy of Buchanan TIS
Saturday, Nov. 15, will be both a historical story-telling and dessert tasting event to kick-off the holiday season. It will be held 10-11 a.m. at the Wilson Warehouse, 421 Lowe Street, Buchanan. It is a joint-effort of Botetourt County Libraries and the Buchanan Town Improvement Society, owners of the Wilson Warehouse.
In 19th century Buchanan, next to the historic 1839 Wilson Warehouse, was a small log cabin in which a local woman baked and sold a ginger dessert, referred to as “Ginger Gungus.” The dessert was sold to locals and to people who arrived on James River & Kanawha Canal boats that docked in Buchanan. The cabin was still standing in the 1950s.
Brenda Nozek, of the Buchanan Town Improvement Society, will dress in period attire as that woman, Wilhemina Rock, and tell her story.
The popularity of Ginger Gungus was so great that the recipe has endured into the 21st century. The recipe was part of the “Ginger Gungus Cookbook,” now out of print, and later became part of the “Simply Love Buchanan” cookbook. At the Nov. 15 event, guests may taste this old-time recipe and enjoy other desserts; and bring dessert treats to share, if they like.
For more information, email the Botetourt County Libraries team at bocolibraries@botetourtva.gov or call the Buchanan Library at 540-928-3005.
For information about the Town Improvement Society and the Wilson Warehouse: wilsonwarehouse.org. or Facebook, Buchanan Town Improvement Society.
~ Submitted by Buchanan TIS
