Rosa Mickey was born on this day in 1860, in Salem, to Julius Edward and Lavinia Vogler Mickey.
She attended Salem Female Academy from 1873-1877.
Rosa married Henry E. Fries in 1881. They had one daughter, Marguerite, who died in 1916 of scarlet fever.
In 1882, the newly-married Mrs. Fries helped organized the “Wheat Fair,” held in a tobacco warehouse on North Main Street. Grains were very important in Forsyth County and every community had a flour mill. The fair was such a success that organizers planned a fair for the next year. A few years later, tobacco was included in the fair. Tobacco companies prepared elaborate displays to show their products. And later, entertainment was added to the fair.
Mrs. Fries was very active in Home Moravian Church from her youngest years. She and her husband helped organize East Salem Chapel, and Mr. Fries served as Sunday school superintendent for over 50 years. The church was named Fries Memorial Moravian Church in honor of Henry and Rosa Fries, for their years of service.
The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the church in 1931.
Mrs. Fries was a musician and a composer. She set to music several songs that were written by her husband.
Mrs. Fries experienced poor health stemming from an operation in 1926, and she passed away in 1938.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
