During the performance, visitors will travel to the year 1907 and hear the story of Tommy Hodges, a student of the Biltmore Forest School, who mysteriously disappeared one autumn night. A guide will lead the audience around the paved Biltmore Campus Trail at the Cradle of Forestry to find out what happened. As audience members approach each historic cabin in the forest, they will meet characters who lived in the Pink Beds area at that time. For instance they will meet Mr. Jenny, storekeeper for the Biltmore Forest School’s commissary, students from the forestry school, and even Director of the Biltmore Forest School Dr. Schenck.

Characters are based on Biltmore Forest School student diaries that families donated to the USDA Forest Service for the Cradle of Forestry. Students recorded their experiences in these diaries between the years 1903 and 1907. As the audience meets each group of characters, they will leave with a sense of what life was like a century ago. This is the 18th year the Cradle has offered the play, with each year presenting a different twist to the tale. The show is one mile long, meaning audience members walk one mile to see the entire play. It is most suitable for ages six and up. Audience members are asked to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight.

Admission is $6 for ages 16 and up, $3 for ages 15 and under and holders of America the Beautiful and Golden Age Passports. Hot cider and cookies will be served after each show. Ponchos and other raingear are welcome if the weather is showery, but please leave umbrellas at home. 

828.877.3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.org.