Celebrating our country’s 250th birthday a few days late, Bootsie’s Bed and Breakfast went all out to give Greene County one last hurrah before locals turned their attention to agricultural fairs and fall festivals. Founded by West Greene graduate Ruthie Grooms in 2024, Bootsie’s is a traditional Bed & Breakfast offering a serene country setting. The renovated historic home is nestled in the highlands of Dilliner and was the site for the first ever OLD GLORY IN GREENE COUNTY FESTIVAL on July 11.
This family-friendly community celebration honored the spirit, heritage and traditions of Greene County and the surrounding region with a full day of local vendors, live music, food trucks, demonstrations and engaging local history with the 140th Pennsylvania Volunteers Co. A Reenactors.
Guests of all ages enjoyed the culture, flavor and hospitality that make the region unique while celebrating America’s 250th birthday in a welcoming small-town setting.
The Cornerstone Genealogical Society, the Warrior Trail Association and Visit Greene set up booths to offer those in attendance information and souvenirs. Tales on the Trail set up a self-guided walk-through history which provided visitors with insight on the people, inventions, and traditions that shaped America and Greene County.
Several vendors were on hand to sell a variety of items. Individuals from 2nd Sam 9 offered handmade bookmarks, cookie mixes, suet and friendship bracelets for a small donation. Simply Country had a table full of colorful wreaths, baskets and woodworking items.
Blackberry Design sold art, crafts and home décor. Double Barrel Designs had unique soy candles. Everlasting Design offered to stamp gear on site. Leaves of Greene sold beautiful plants to brighten your home or your garden.
Spreadin’ Sunshine had an array of homemade cards for every occasion. Weeping Willow Treasures Home Fragrances had deodorizers and other great fragrant items. Terri Cartier and family sold wreaths, crafts and home décor.
On site demonstrations included Travis Crouse from New Life Farm demonstrating how to make mini hay bales on a mini baler. The mini bales are often used for fall decorations or in displays. Mary Briggs set up a loom to show how yarn spun from raw fibers can be woven into usable fabrics. Several samples were available for inspection. Both Travis and Mary fielded questions about their demonstrations from curious onlookers.
Local volunteers discussed the history of Bootsie’s during engaging tours of the home, while carriage rides from Kiger’s Rocky Ridge Acres gave guests an up-close look at the property. The historic home is believed to have been built in the late 1830’s by Reverend Thomas Mapel and his wife Elizabeth.
The couple was known for hosting itinerate preachers and using their home as a community meeting house. Named Bootsie’s in honor of her late grandmother Lois Kerr, Ruthie hopes to embody the love and hospitality in all that she does – just like her grandmother. “I come from a long line of amazing women, tenacious in the best ways.”
It seems only fitting that Ruthie is continuing the traditions of the original owners by opening her home to travelers and community members alike for short term stays, events, and celebrations.
In addition to the crafts, Press On Bakes and The Lazy Dough served up a delicious variety of favorites ranging from hot dogs and donuts to fresh brews and gluten-free baked goods.
Musical guests included Grounded, who took the stage at 10:30 AM, while Ruthie’s mother, Debbie Crouse, played the piano for the early afternoon crowd. Michael May and The Project Band rounded out the entertainment for the day.
It was an educational and fun day thanks to Ruthie, Debbie and friends. “I always say the three of us make a good team: me, my mom and God, because without Him, nothing is possible.” Check out Bootsie’s Bed and Breakfast on Facebook for upcoming events or to book your own stay.
