Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Shook-Smathers House is one of the oldest homes in Western North Carolina. Studied by preservationists and historians, the home has a rich history that spans almost 200 years. 

 

Built by Jacob Shook and later owned and expanded by Levi Smathers, the home was the site of early Methodism in the area and hosted revivals and singing schools. Quay Smathers' great-great grandmother, Mary Agner Smathers, lived here until her death in 1868.

 

The Shook-Smathers House is owned by the Haywood County Historical and Genealogical Society, sponsors of the Quay Smathers Memorial Singing School. Participants will be given a tour of the home before the singing school begins; of particular interest is the third floor chapel where shaped-notes were sung  generations ago.