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Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Körner’s Folly

Name: Körner’s Folly
Address: 413 S Main Street, Kernersville, NC, 27284, US
Telephone: (336) 996-7922
Price range: $
Rating: 4.8

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Kernersville, NC
Körner’s Folly

Eclectic Victorian home of Jule Körner and his family, built in 1880 in Kernersville, NC Körner's Folly now has 22 rooms located on 7 levels with 15 fireplaces.
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Designed to house the portfolio of interior decorator and artist, Jule Gilmer Körner, the 141-year-old Körner’s Folly is a labyrinthine tribute to one man’s unique architectural vision. Located in historic downtown Kernersville, Körner's Folly was built from 1878-1880. Located on the top level is one of the first private little theaters built in the US. Throughout the house you will see murals on

almost every ceiling, elaborately carved woodwork, numerous cast-plaster details, and original furnishings.

11/01/2023

From one holiday straight into another! 🎃⏩🎄
Although Körner's Folly WILL be open for self-guided tours Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am 4 pm (last entry at 3 pm) during the decorating phase, please use extra caution when navigating the home, as our volunteer elves are busy creating spectacular designs for you to enjoy this holiday season. 🪜📦

We recommend scheduling your visit during our Christmas season, November 21, 2023 - January 6, 2024, to enjoy the house decked out in its holiday best! ❤️

🔗 Advance tickets on sale now at the link below:
https://kornersfolly.org/events/victorian-christmas/

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween! 🔮🦇🎃
Much of what people in the Victorian era thought of Halloween was informed by the poem “Hallowe’en” written by Robert Burns, the famed Scottish poet. Here's an excerpt:

Upon that night, when fairies light
On Cassilis Downans dance,
Or owre the lays, in splendid blaze,
On sprightly coursers prance;
Or for Colean the route is ta'en,
Beneath the moon's pale beams;
There, up the cove, to stray and rove,
Among the rocks and streams
To sport that night.

Whatever you get up to this evening, we hope you have a spooky good time! 👻
📷 Image by Derek Huss of Crimson Harvest

10/27/2023

Folly Friends - our Spirited Halloween Ball is officially sold out! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, and we can't wait to see you this evening! 🔮✨
Questions about your tickets? Call the office at (336) 996-7922. 📞

10/26/2023

We are incredibly grateful for all of the people, organizations, and elected officials who have come together to help make the Körner's Folly Foundation's vision of a new Visitors Center in partnership with the Town of Kernersville a reality!

The building, designed by West & Stem Architects and built by Wilson-Covington Construction, is not just a beautiful, accessible design that echoes the unique features of Körner’s Folly, but will also help our organization grow and better serve our community. 🌱

Construction is scheduled to be complete in December of this year. Make sure to save the date for the John & Bobbie Wolfe Visitors Center's grand opening on April 1, 2024! 🎉

10/23/2023

Do you love history AND Halloween? 📜🎃
Then we have the perfect event for you! This Friday evening, Körner's Folly will host our Spirited Halloween Ball. This program will explore the 19th-century Spiritualist movement (and its skeptics), featuring a theatrical reenactment of a Victorian-era séance. 🔮🌙
We'll also have historical refreshments and drinks by Kernersville's Breathe Cocktail Lounge, along with tarot card readings, aura photography, and pop-up exhibit of curious miniatures from artist Derek Huss. Plus, we'll be hosting special guest Amy Greer, co-author of "Ghosts of the Triad" for a book signing!
🍹🍫🥀🌈📸📖
Only 9 tickets remain- purchase yours today at the link below:
https://kornersfolly.org/events/vps-spiritedhalloween/

10/20/2023

"A superlative within a superlative!" writes author Majel Ivey Seay in 1940 of Cupid's Park Theatre, on the topmost floor of "Körner's Folly; that amazing residential shrine at Kernersville, claimed by many authorities to be the most peculiar and most fantastic home in America." 🧐
When Polly Alice Masten Körner first established her theater program for the Kernersville community in 1896, it was called the Juvenile Lyceum, and offered free dramatics education for the young children in town. The program was so popular that she needed more space than the second floor Reception Room could provide. Alice convinced her husband Jule to give up his billiards room in order to create what is believed to be the first known Little Theatre in the United States. 🎭

To find out more about the history of Cupid's Park, the Körner family's connection to the "dramatic arts", and more, check out our virtual exhibit at the link below:
https://kornersfolly.org/connect/virtualexhibits/theater-exhibit/

10/19/2023

For all of humanity's history, the owl has been a powerful symbol, whether of good or evil. In ancient Egypt, the bird was called "the one who wails" due to its unusual call. This was perceived as a bad omen, symbolizing sudden death or mourning. It was also believed that an encounter with a hooting owl meant that the listener was receiving a message from the afterlife. 🦉
However, in ancient Greece, the owl was Athena's loyal companion, perching on her shoulder in most depictions of this goddess of wisdom. Greek coins featured an owl on one side, creating an association with wealth and prosperity.
🌙 In the Victorian era, the owl was considered a guide between the physical, material, and spiritual worlds, serving as a symbol of mystery and intelligence. Whatever reason Jule Körner had for choosing this tile for the Foyer fireplace, our owl swoops in lovely olive-green iridescence before a crescent moon for all visitors to enjoy.

10/18/2023

Due to the chilly morning forecast, the tea will be served piping hot at Saturday's Girl Scout Day: Playing the Past! 🫖✨
Junior Girl Scouts and their troops, groups, and families are invited to join us for a memorable experience of Victorian life, including fashion, manners, etiquette, sport, art, history, entertainment, and more!
👧👒🎨🏸
We still have a few spots available - register now at the below:
https://kornersfolly.org/events/junior-girl-scout-day/

10/16/2023

Today's the day! Our Christmas tickets are open at the link below:
https://kornersfolly.org/events/victorian-christmas/

We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! 🎄✨

10/15/2023

It's a good day to be cozy! 🧣
Take a look at this beautiful woven coverlet that was passed down through Polly Alice's family, the Mastens. It is believed to have been woven between 1835-1845. Coverlets were woven on a loom and usually made of wool and cotton. The wool was generally hand-spun and dyed with natural dyes (purple and black in this case). The cotton was most often machine-spun and left undyed (as seen in the cream sections here). They were used as the top most bed-covering, particularly to add another layer of decoration and extra warmth in the colder months of the year. Designs were often repeating geometric patterns created by a second or third weft. Specific designs were often handed down through family members and shared within communities like a good recipe 🧶🛏🧺

10/14/2023

Next Saturday is our annual Girl Scout Day: Playing the Past! If you know a Junior Girl Scout that has some empty room on their sash or vest, this is the perfect opportunity to satisfy requirements for not just one, but TWO badges! 🏰🦋👧
🔗 Register today at the link below:
https://kornersfolly.org/events/vps-spiritedhalloween/

10/13/2023

Happy Friday the 13th! 🐈‍⬛👀
It's an auspicious day to purchase tickets for our Spirited Halloween Ball if you have not yet done so!
🔮🧹🍹🍰🌙🖼🗝
We're looking forward to seeing you all as we explore 19th century Spiritualism (and its skeptics), enjoy historical food and drink, get our cards read, and admire the macabre miniatures presented by artist Derek Huss of Crimson Harvest on Friday, October 27 from 6:30 - 10 pm Körner's Folly!

🔗 Limited tickets available now at the link below:
https://kornersfolly.org/events/vps-spiritedhalloween/
📸 Artwork by Crimson Harvest (Derek Huss)

10/12/2023

Happy Anniversary to Doré & Lan! 💍🥂🎩👰
Doré Körner married Drewry Lanier "Lan" Donnell on October 12, 1916! Doré was the daughter of Jule Körner. The wedding ceremony was held on the North Lawn and the wedding reception in the 2nd floor Reception Room at Körner's Folly. It was considered the society event of the year, with many local newspapers writing about the event.
An article described the event as such: "The perfect October evening made the moonlit lawn, with its many lovely trees, a lovely outdoor chapel in which the wedding scene was effectively staged. Gay Japanese lanterns twinkled among the trees and numerous cathedral candles were used to light the charming picture." 🏮💐✨

10/11/2023

Thank you to all who came out to celebrate Oktoberfest and to support Körner's Folly on Saturday! 🌭🪗🧁☀🍻🍂
We are so grateful for our sponsors, our volunteers, and our Folly friends who came out in full force to enjoy the beautiful weather and the delicious food and drink! Special thanks to the Town of Kernersville, the Kernersville Police Department, and the Kernersville Parks & Recreation Department for helping to make this year's event run smoothly. 🙌
Many more photos to come - stay tuned! 😆📸

10/06/2023

☀️ The forecast for tomorrow's Kernersville Oktoberfest couldn't be better: sunny with a high of 70 degrees, and a 100% chance of fun!
😆 We can't wait to enjoy the lovely weather, an amazing variety of seasonal drinks and dishes, and most importantly, the company of our Folly Friends!
🎫 Advance Ticket Sales for this event are closed, but a limited number of tickets will be available at the gate ($45 per person, card or exact change please).
If you've purchased tickets already - thank you so much for supporting our organization as we restore and preserve historic Körner’s Folly for the education and enjoyment of the public! SEE YOU TOMORROW! 🍻

10/04/2023

We're getting ready for the 13th Annual Kernersville Oktoberfest this Saturday at Harmon Park! Featuring fun, music, the tastiest drinks and dishes, historic house tours, and all of your Folly friends, this event is one the highlights of our year!
😆🥨🍻🍷🧀🧁🍯🌭🪗
Tickets will be available online at the link below until 5 pm TOMORROW, October 5 - We recommend snagging yours today!
https://kornersfolly.org/events/kernersvilleoktoberfest-390/

10/03/2023

Now through October 8, make sure to make a trip to Winston-Salem for the Carolina Classic Fair to enjoy rides, games, and of course, the food you can't find anywhere else!
🎡💡🎠
Fairs were an important part of American Victorian-era life as well, with the world’s fairs serving as extraordinary expositions of Victorian ingenuity, inspiring many new ideas of possibilities in art, technology, and industry for attendees, including the Körners!
Follow the link below to learn more, including about Jule Körner's own design for a Bull Durham-themed Ferris Wheel, through our virtual exhibit on our website, Ingenuity & Intrigue: The World's Fairs!
https://kornersfolly.org/connect/virtualexhibits/the-worlds-fairs/

10/02/2023

This image of Jule Körner, taken circa 1870, captures him a pivotal moment in his life.
Jule was educated at the Kernersville Academy, and upon his graduation in 1865, was sent to a Quaker School in Indiana, where he worked hard and received good grades. Jule loved the arts, especially music, poetry, reading, photography, and painting. However, it was painting that became his passion, and he remained in Indiana to study art under William Allen Mote and then advanced art under J.E. Bundy, the noted artist and Civil War photographer. 📸🖌
In 1869, Jule returned home to Kernersville and moved into his brother Joseph’s house to set up a studio to paint and practice photography. Clara, known by the nickname “Aunt Dealy,” who helped raise him and his siblings after their mother passed away, moved in with the two bachelors and helped to run the household while they worked (and courted young ladies). This image, perhaps taken as a self-portrait, shows Jule in the fashion of the time, including what appears to be a Norfolk-style jacket and ascot, as he writes in a journal or notebook. He poses in front of a painted backdrop, featuring classical columns and a garden scene. 🏛🌿

09/29/2023

We're so excited that Stardust Cellars will be joining us again for this year's Kernersville Oktoberfest! ✨🍷🍯✨
Nico and his team create delicious wine and mead at their Wilkesboro-based cellars and taproom, including a juicy and peppery red Reserva, a toasty-oak Chardonnay, as well as Lavender and Apple Pie meads for you to sample (and buy)! 🥧
Even if you're not a fan of the hops, there's still lots to enjoy at this year's event! Tickets available at the link below until Thursday, October 5!
https://kornersfolly.org/events/kernersvilleoktoberfest-390/

09/29/2023

🚧 Construction alert! Crews are working on Main Street until about 12 pm today. Entrance to Körner’s Folly is still possible - we've been given permission to direct visitors around the barricade on Main Street near Pineview (entrance is not currently possible on the Salisbury Street side).

☎️ Please call the office at (336) 996-7922 and we will be happy to help direct you!

09/28/2023

Friendly reminder that Junior Girl Scouts are invited to join us for Girl Scout Day: Playing the Past on Saturday, October 21!
🏸🎨🫖🍽👒🔎
Where else can you play badminton, go on a historical adventure, learn about Victorian fashion and etiquette, partake in a lovely tea party, practice observation and writing skills, enjoy art activities, AND earn not just one, but TWO badges?!
🔗 Register today at the link below!
https://kornersfolly.org/events/junior-girl-scout-day/

09/27/2023

Mark your calendars for another fantastic season of at Körner's Folly! 🎄✨
Join us during extended public hours and for special guided tours, as well as our unforgettable Christmas by Candlelight evening events on December 2 & 16! 🎅
🎟 Tickets go on sale October 16 at kornersfolly.org. We recommend purchasing tour tickets in advance for the holiday season to guarantee your preferred entry time. To book a guided tour, please reach out to [email protected]. 📨

09/26/2023

The 13th Annual Kernersville Oktoberfest is next Saturday! 🍻🍂

Come enjoy seasonal beverages and bites while contributing to a great community cause! Craft beer enthusiasts can look forward to tasting German, Oktoberfest, and Pumpkin brews, as well as wine and mead! Local restaurants are busy cooking up delicious small bites for you to enjoy! Bring your lawn chair and round up your friends for an unforgettable lawn party in support of Körner’s Folly.

🔗 Purchase tickets at the link below!
https://kornersfolly.org/events/kernersvilleoktoberfest-390/

09/26/2023

Did you know that every ticket purchased, dollar donated, and event attended helps our nonprofit organization carry out its mission to restore and preserve historic Körner's Folly for the education and enjoyment of the public? 🫶

Thanks to you, we are able to return this amazing landmark home to its original grandeur, promote learning in local history and the arts, and welcome thousands of visitors each year! 🛠

Image: Blue Room before, during, and after restoration 💙

09/25/2023

Gather your ghouls - remaining tickets for our Spirited Halloween Ball are going FAST!
🔮🍹🍫📜
This event will be jam-packed with fun, including a Spiritualist scavenger hunt, tarot readings, drinks by Breathe Cocktail Lounge, historical hors d'oeuvres, aura photography by Spirit Quest, and much, MUCH more! 🎃
🔗 Purchase tickets at the link below:
https://kornersfolly.org/events/vps-spiritedhalloween/

09/23/2023

Here's Doré peering out a window of the second floor Reception Room, one of our favorite things to do at Körner's Folly! 😯
The view is fantastic, whether you're watching the traffic down Main Street, or imagining what it might have been like to live in this wonderful, whimsical home! 💭

09/21/2023

Don't let this weekend's weather rain on your parade! 🌧
Grab a morning coffee or tea and then come take a tour of historic Körner's Folly's mazelike floorplan. We promise you'll stay nice and dry while exploring one of North Carolina's most unique Victorian-era homes! ☕
With hands-on activities, a photo adventure, and scavenger hunts for the young (and the young at heart), we have plenty to see and do, right here in . 😁
Tickets available online at kornersfolly.org and onsite inside Aunt Dealy's House (cards only at this time). 🎫
While you're cruising around, stop by the Kernersville Auto Museum, open from 10 am - 4 pm! 🏎
Images by Becca's Pics 🙌

09/20/2023

We're looking forward to hosting the fine folks from Cycle North Carolina for a guided tour as part of the 24th Annual Mountains to Coast Ride on October 3rd! 🚲

These intrepid riders will cover about 50-60 miles per day between overnights in towns from Banner Elk to Emerald Isle, making a stop in on their way! Thankfully, bicycle technology has advanced since the 19th century, ensuring a much smoother (and faster) ride! 🥲

Want to learn more, or sign up? Visit the link below!
https://ncsports.org/event/cyclenc_mountainstocoast_ride/

09/19/2023

Junior Girl Scouts and their troops and families are invited to join us on Saturday, October 21 for our annual Girl Scout Day: Playing the Past!
🎨🏸🫖👒
Register now at kornersfolly.org!

09/18/2023

Thank you to all who came out for our Homeschool Day: Fun with Fibers and Textiles today! We had a fantastic time exploring the clothing, accessories, and textiles used and worn by the Körner family, as well as this incredible historic home. 🎩🪡🏸🎨

Special thanks to the Kernersville Auto Museum for lending us a 1931 Model A Ford! 🛻
We can't wait for our next Homeschool Day, scheduled for March 4, 2024! Stay tuned for the registration link, coming soon! 🔗

09/15/2023

The weather for tomorrow's Fall Vintage Market is looking spectacular! 🤩🍂🎃
We've got 35+ vendors ready to bring you some incredible vintage, handmade, and locally sourced items from the small businesses that make our community great! 🛍

Due to construction on the new John & Bobbie Wolfe Visitors Center, parking will be available across the street at Kernersville Moravian Church (map below). 🚗

Please remember these tips for a great shopping experience:
🐕‍🦺 No pets allowed, but service animals are always welcome!
🚫 Please no smoking
💳💸 Most vendors take cash or card, but please be prepared for either!
☕Coffee provided by Savage Roasters, LLC
🌮 Food provided by Taquería Tierra Caliente
🏰 Add to your shopping experience with a self-guided tour of all 22 rooms of historic Körner’s Folly, available 10 am - 4 pm, with the last entry at 3 pm.

We'll see you tomorrow, bright and early! 🐦
Questions? Call our office at (336) 996-7922 and we'll be happy to help you!

09/14/2023

Are you ready? 🔮
Tickets for our Victorian Parlor Series: Spirited Halloween Ball on Friday, October 27 drop tomorrow at 5 pm!
🔗 https://kornersfolly.org/events/vps-spiritedhalloween/

09/14/2023

Did you know that Victorian architecture has not just one style, but many? 👀
This period was heavily influenced by the Industrial Revolution, which produced new materials and technologies for building that had never before existed. Mass production in factories and mass transit via the railroad system made ornamental, elaborate architectural details and parts affordable. Jule Körner and other Victorian architects and designers borrowed from many different time periods, adding assorted decorations and ideas from their own imaginations.

Körner’s Folly incorporates many elements from ancient Greece and Rome including columns, porticos, and parapets. The historic house also features a steeply pitched roof and arched windows borrowed from the Gothic style. Inside Körner’s Folly, there are many decorative elements including cornices, molding, and carved supports, which could be borrowed from the Queen Anne style. 👑

In short, Körner’s Folly could be called “Victorian Eclectic” style, meaning it borrows from many different styles to create something entirely new! Take a wander through Jule Körner's unusual home this fall and see what sparks your imagination! ✨

Körner's Folly is open to the public Tuesday - Saturday, from 10 am - 4 pm, with the last tour at 3 pm. Tickets are available online at kornersfolly.org or onsite inside Aunt Dealy's House.

09/14/2023

If you love COLOR, you'll adore the amazing products that our vendors bring to Fall Vintage Market!

This Saturday, make sure to stop by these booths and get feast your eyes on their incredible creations!
Repurposed Garden 💐
MadebyMelz 📿
Sarah Pritchard Art 🖼

Market admission is FREE and open to the public! Parking is available at Kernersville Moravian Church - follow event parking signage to the lot across the street from Körner's Folly! 🚗

09/13/2023

Looking for a unique gift for someone special? Or maybe something just for you!? Our Fall Vintage Market is a one-stop shop for vintage and handmade goods that you just can't find anywhere else!

Make sure to visit these wonderful vendors this Saturday, from 9 am - 2 pm!
Badkatbeadworks 💎
Gal-vanized 🏺
Jessica Shouse Creates 🪡
Katelyn’s Wreath Boutique ✨

09/12/2023

We're looking forward to seeing some fabulous functional art at this Saturday's Fall Vintage Market from 9 am - 2 pm at historic Körner's Folly! Make sure to stop by Woodnglueworkshop and Busy Wren Creations for these beautiful pieces and much, much more!

Parking available across the street from Körner's Folly at Kernersville Moravian Church - look for event parking signage and follow directions from our local Boy Scout Troop 944 to get a great spot! 🚗

09/11/2023

Pottery, Art, and Jewelry galore! Join us for another incredible Fall Vintage Market this Saturday from 9 am - 2 pm!

Parking will be available in the Kernersville Moravian Church parking lot, located across the street from Körner’s Folly - look for event parking signage. Special thanks both to the church and to Boy Scout Troop 944 for assisting our shoppers and visitors with parking for this event! 🙌

Vendors shown below:
Art By A.K. Landreth
Dandelions In December
Mary Kirk Pottery

09/11/2023

Our fall Homeschool Day: Fun with Fibers & Textiles is coming up on Monday, September 18 from 10 am - 2 pm!

Search for secret passages and cool artifacts with a scavenger hunt, play historic yard games, and enjoy hands-on art activities focused on the clothing, shoes, and other textiles used and created by members of the Körner family.

Plus, look forward to exploring an antique car on loan from the Kernersville Auto Museum!

Register now to secure your spot at the link below:
https://kornersfolly.org/events/homeschool-day/

Address

413 S Main Street
Kernersville, NC
27284

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

(336) 996-7922

Website

www.KornersFolly.org

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Videos

Junior Girl Scout Day: Playing the Past 2023

Next Saturday is our annual Girl Scout Day: Playing the Past! If you know a Junior Girl Scout that has some empty room on their sash or vest, this is the perfect opportunity to satisfy requirements for not just one, but TWO badges! 🏰🦋👧 🔗 Register today at the link below: https://kornersfolly.org/events/vps-spiritedhalloween/

Explore Korner's Folly this Spring!

Explore the 22-room Victorian house museum and see what sparks your imagination www.kornersfolly.org

Christmas is just around the corner ✨🎄 Our holiday elves have been hard at work decorating this holiday season! We open for ‘A Victorian Winter Wonderland’ on November 26, Black Friday! Tickets available at www.kornersfolly.org

Capital Campaign for Körner's Folly

#HistoryIsHappening! 🧐 The Körner’s Folly Foundation is in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime fundraising campaign to build a beautiful new centerpiece in Kernersville – a Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly that will also serve as a community gathering place. Join the effort to make this vision a reality! Donate now and be #HistoryMaker on our secure website: https://www.kornersfolly.org/donate/capital-campaign/