The Week of November 5, 2009

"Pulling Laurel Mtn. near Gap."

Photo Caption:

“Pulling Laurel Mtn. near Gap” reads the caption inscribed on this historical scene of agricultural life in the High Country. Image courtesy of the archives of the Historic Boone society.

November 2, 1922

With a dateline of “Asheville, N.C.,” a front-page news article entitled “Two Men are Dead and Two Wounded – Deputy Sheriff Lewis Blevins is One of the Killed; Sheriff Pritchard Escapes: Clash Precipitated When Mitchell County Officers Invade Stronghold of Family” relayed that “[o]ut of Bakersville, Mitchell county, at a section in the wilder part of the Blue Ridge, cut off entirely from the outside world through lack of telephones, telegraph or railroad connection, came a story of a mountain feud which, long smoldering, reached a climax, when county officers, headed by Sheriff Clyde Prichard invaded the stronghold of one family in search of blockade stills, at the instigation and under the direction of the rival clan.” Head Sheriff Clyde Prichard had “agreed to wait” for the informants to “bring him three stills within an hour,” and, while waiting, the sheriff “heard shots from the direction where Deputy Sheriff Lewis Blevins had been waiting on his horse for the return of the sheriff.” The sheriff hurried to the scene of this assault and was “in the act of disarming” the assailant (who “according to the sheriff handed over his pistol and said he had killed Blevins”), along with two companions in an automobile, when two other men (one a relative of the killed deputy) “rode up on horses” and commenced an exchange of gunfire with the men in the automobile “before the sheriff could interfere.” “As a result,” reports the news item, “two are dead and two more seriously wounded, while four men wanted on charges ranging from simple assault to murder are at large in the wilds along the upper reaches of Big Rock creek.”

November 4, 1943

“Commissioners to Consider Division Boone Township” reported in this week’s issue of the Watauga Democrat that a “group of citizens of Boone township have given notice through the column of this newspaper today that on Monday, December 6th, they will apply to and petition the Board of Commissioners of Watauga County to divide Boone township into three distinct and separate townships.” The petition was to ask that the existing Boone Township be divided into a township district including “the corporate limits of the town of Boone as now established,” a township called New River Township to the east, and a township to be designated as Brushy Fork to the west. According to the report, “[t]he formal notice of the action to be taken is signed by the following citizens of the township: G.C. Greene, W.H. Gragg, W.I. Cook, Ralph G. Greer, S.C. Eggers, M.C. Hollar, W.C. Carroll, G.F. Cook, Grady Hayes, and L.M. Trivett.”

“Deep Gap Store Robbed on Last Friday Evening” relayed that “the general store of Mr. A.G. Miller of Deep Gap was entered some time during last Friday night, and a large amount of merchandise and ration stamps stolen.” Items taken, as reported by storeowner Miller, included “about 14,000 cigarettes,” “5 Douglas batteries, $50.00 in small change, a number of blankets, a .32 Remington rifle, about 400 gallons of gas ration stamps of the R series, and 200 to 300 of the T series; a number of sugar ration stamps, and all the sugar in store, about 100 pounds.” Mr. Miller “ask[ed] that anyone learning about any of the missing goods, or getting any other information on the robbery, please notify the authorities.”

November 5, 1970

“Speaker Says Russia Interested in Talking” was the headline of an article which began by stating that “[t]he two American generals whose small airplane violated Russian airspace may be in for a prolonged visit in the USSR, a Soviet specialist from the U.S. Dept. of State said here Wednesday.” Michael Wygant, “an analyst with the department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research, said during a speech to students of Appalachian State University that “the Russians probably see the intrusion as an accident,” but that the Soviet leadership would probably “use the incident to protest the presence of American bases in Turkey.” Wygant “added that the USSR still regards the United States as its number one enemy but said that the Soviets have a real interest in negotiations with America.”

“Bookmobile Report Made” stated that the “Watauga County Bookmobile, which is on the road three days per week, has released the report of its activities for last year. Its circulation of books was 2,462 in community stop, 9,774 at stations and 2,214 at schools for a total of 14,450. It listed 38 direct-service stops in communities, 66 at deposit stations, five at schools and three at institutions.”

 

Do you have historical photographs of the Blue Ridge Parkway which you would like to share as part of the upcoming Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Parkway? Please send an email to booneblueridgeparkwaydays@gmail.com.

 

 

The Week of October 29th, 2009

1949: Centennial of Watauga County - Jerry Coe, Mayor Watt Gragg of Boone, and Wade Brown

1949 Celebration of the Centennial of Watauga County. Pictured are (left to right) Jerry Coe, Boone Mayor Watt Gragg, and Wade Brown, in front of the Downtown Boone Post Office. Photo courtesy of the archives of the Historic Boone Society.

October 7, 1907

“Facts about the Appalachian Training School” listed these details about the institution which would one day become Appalachian State University: “1. Two large school buildings; a sixty-room dormitory for women, and several boarding houses for men; 2. A faculty of seven experienced teachers; 3. Two hundred and ninety students last year; 4. Free tuition to public school teachers; 5. Expenses are very reasonable.” This feature concludes, “for more facts, address the SECRETERY OF FACULTY, Boone, N.C.,” and noted that “the next term begins September 6, 1907.” It would appear that this advertisement had been running for some time prior to the current issue, and was continued past the commencement of the aforementioned fall term.

Brief items in “Local News” included, “W.H. Parker, the music man from Lenoir, has been here several days talking pianos and organs,” “[a] country barn is being erected on the jail lot. A lot of horse racks for the convenience of the people would now be in order,” “Mrs. C.D. Taylor has returned  from her visit to her mother in Brooklyn, New York, where she spent two months vacation,” and, “[t]he cabbage wagons are now on the road thick and the vegetable is only bringing 60 cts. per hundred on the Lenoir market. And yet some men are opposed to a railroad.”

November 1, 1934

“Armistice Day Event Planned” reported that “[t]entative arrangements are being made by the Watauga Post, American Legion, to celebrate Armistice Day, November 11^th, with a parade and other ceremonies and a public speaking, in which all the people of the county are expected to participate. It is planned to have all veterans, their wives and children, join in a parade at 2:30 p.m., after which the other ceremonies will be held at the courthouse.” Arrangements, including the keynote speaker, were incomplete as of the press time of this article, but it was noted that “[e]fforts are being made, it is said, to have a speaker of national prominence deliver the principal address.”

“Sheriff Captures Two Escaped Prisoners” published on this day that “[l]ast Friday Sheriff A.Y. Howell captured two escapees from the State Prison on Watauga River. Hoke King, formerly of South Carolina, serving a sentence for second-degree murder, was taken with Frank Campbell of this county, who had escaped the second time from prison where he was sent for forgery and larceny. The two men are being held in the county jail pending word from Raleigh.”

“Phillips Says Teague Cast Him in Boiling Mash,” a news item with the lengthy sub-heading “Blowing Rock Man Faces Charge of Throwing Wilkes Citizen into Vat of Boiling Still Sop – was Aiding Federal Officers in Destroying Illicit Outfit. Wataugans are Arrested on Serious Charge,” reported on what the Watauga Democrat called “one of the most interesting cases to come before the Federal Court.” Details of the alleged incident, which had taken place “several month [sic] ago,” indicate that “Hal Teague, Blowing Rock youth” was arrested as being the party believed to have “grabbed [Mr. Phillips] and thrown him into a large container of boiling mash,” following identification by Phillips of “the man who came very near to ending his life.” Teague was being held under a $5,000 bond, which he “has been unable to fill so far.”

November 1, 1956

“Winners are Announced in Jaycee Fire Prevention Week Essay Contest” told this week that “[t]he Junior Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored an essay contest on fire prevention in the four high schools of the county,” and that the first place winner was “Lenny Glenn, a junior at Bethel High school.” The winning essay was entitled “Why Fire Prevention is Important,” and was reproduced in full in the article. Cash prizes for the event were provided by “the Watauga Fire Insurance Agency of Boone.”

“Initial Plans for Burley Opening” noted that the “Board of Directors of the Boone Merchants Association met at noon Tuesday to discuss preliminary plans for an intensified trade-at-home, sell-at-home campaign aimed at promoting Boone as the best tobacco market and Christmas shopping center for the people of Watauga County.” The combined burley tobacco exchange and Christmas shopping bonanza in Boone was suggested by noting that “Boone warehouses will be open to receive the leaf beginning November 15.” Joe I. Coleman, “of the R.C. Coleman firm, operators of the Boone burley tobacco market,” was quoted as saying that “[i]t will be to the best interests of the entire county if Watauga farmers will sell their tobacco on their home market and trade in their home stores.”

A cartoon entitled "Halloween of Yesteryear," by A.B. Chapin, which was included in the October 25th, 1934 edition of the Watauga Democrat newspaper. From the microfilm archives of the Watauga Democrat.

The Week of October 22nd, 2009

Boone Fire Department, 1960

“Boone Fire Department, 1960.” As listed in the accompanying inscription, fire department members pictured are, left to right, first row: Lewis Reese, Howard Cottrell, Charles Blackburn, Raleigh Cottrell, Joe Crawford; second row: Grant Ayres, R.D. Hodges Jr., Phil Vance, Cecil Greene, Cecil Carter, and Cecil Farthing. Image courtesy of the archives of the Historic Boone society.

October 30, 1890

“Railroads in North Carolina” reported on this day that, “[a]lthough railroads are running to only sixty out of ninety-six county seats, they are running their trains within the borders of all but twelve of the counties of North Carolina. These counties are Hyde, Tyrell, Dare, and Greene, in the east; Stanly and Davie, in the center; Allegheny, Ashe, Watauga and Yancey in the northwest; and Transylvania and Clay, in the extreme west. In four of these, Stanly, Davie, Yancey and Transylvania, railroads are now in process of construction. A year hence we shall have railroads to sixty-three county seats and within the borders of eighty-eight counties.” Although the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad had been chartered in 1866 by the Tennessee General Assembly, and had reached Cranberry, North Carolina, by 1882, a line to Boone was not added until almost thirty years after this article, in 1919.

“This issue of the Democrat will be the last until after the election,” announced another item. “In our next we will publish the result, and it is with the democrats to say what the result shall be. If you go to work and work vigilantly until the sun goes down on the 4th of Nov. and bring out all the voters, you will gain a victory to be proud of. The republicans are unusually active and will vote every man in their party. Boone township is wide awake and will do its full duty, and will roll up such a majority as will astonish the natives. Every man to his post and fight the battle of the ballot to its finish and victory is ours.” It was also not until some thirty years after this issue that the newspaper publicly proclaimed itself “politically independent”.

October 25, 1934

“John D. Rockefeller Jr. to Pay Brief Visit to Mrs. Milton at Blowing Rock” captured a featured spot in this week’s edition. “John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Mrs. Rockefeller left Blowing Rock on Tuesday of last week, after having been guests since the previous Saturday of Mrs. David Milton.” Reported the Democrat, “[t]he coming and going of the celebrated oil magnate’s heir and his wife were veiled with such secrecy, it is said, that even the residents of Blowing Rock were unaware of their visit until after it had ended. Since that time, however, there has been speculation as to whether or not the Rockefellers may establish an estate in the Blowing Rock country.”

“Bulwinkle Cites New Deal as Boon to Great Masses” was another front-page item in this edition. “Hon. A.L. Bulwinkle, Major in the Thirteenth Division during the World War and representative in Congress from the tenth district for the past twelve years, answered the foes of the New Deal in an address to a large crowd of Wataugans who gathered in the courthouse Tuesday evening… Repeating the charges being made by Republican leaders that the liberties were being taken from the people, Mr. Bulwinkle entered into a vigorous endorsement of the Roosevelt era and decried the kind of liberties which brought hunger, cold, and general unemployment to fifteen million breadwinners in a land of plenty.” Also in defending the Roosevelt Administration’s policies, “Mr. Bulwinkle declared that mistakes were bound to occur in putting over such a stupendous recovery program, especially as regards the direct relief, but stated that the life of one hungry child was worth the expenditure.”

October 29, 1979

“Dedication,” a caption to a front-page photograph, reported that a “larger crowd than the meeting room could accommodate gathered Sunday afternoon for the renaming of the county senior center to the Lois Evans Harrill Senior Center, in memory of Mrs. Harrill who died this spring. Mrs. Harrill was instrumental in acquiring services for the elderly in Watauga. She also founded and served as director of the Project on Aging.”

“Halloween is for Little Kids” quoted then-Sheriff Ward Carroll as saying that, “Halloween’s the night for little kids, not grown folks,” emphasizing the commitment of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office to making Halloween a safe night for young Trick-or-Treaters and preventing dangerous and illegal activities. According to the article, “[t]wo of the most dangerous pranks that Carroll warned against doing are throwing eggs or blocking small county roads with stones or trees.” Tips on safe trick-or-treating from the Boone Police Department were also included.

Daniel Boone Hotel, once located in Downtown Boone

The Week of October 15th, 2009

Cranberry, N.C.

For a time in the early Twentieth Century, ore mining operations existed in such High Country locales as Elk Knob and Cranberry. Pictured here is the Cranberry operation, in a photo inscribed with the date of 1923. Image from the archives of the Historic Boone society.

October 17, 1929

“Two Imprisoned on Forgery Count” was among the local news items in this week’s edition of the Watauga Democrat. “A young man clad in working clothes, and unknown to the officials at the Watauga County Bank, appeared at one of the windows last Wednesday afternoon and sought to have a check in the sum of $43 cashed.” According to the story, this “check was charged against the account of Mr. A.C. Watson, but Cashier Hagaman was quick to note a discrepancy in the signature and refused to honor the draft.” The suspicious personage was pursued by a law enforcement officer, who “apprehended him a short distance west of the city.” The suspect had “made a complete change in his clothing” during the time after his exit from the bank, and was described as “well dressed, neat, and thoroughly presentable” when arrested.  A similar incident occurred the following day, when “a second offender, giving his name as Bynum Holman, attempted to buy a suit of clothing at the Davidson Store and offered a check in payment which was said to have borne a forged signature.”

“To Honor Memory of Late Educator” reported that “[p]lans are rapidly nearing completion for the memorial services which are to be held in the auditorium of the Appalachian State Teachers College on Saturday evening.” The program was organized to honor the then recently-deceased co-founder of the college, D.D. Daugherty, and it was expected that “former students of the institution from all over North Carolina as well as from other states” would gather for the memorial. The planned order of the event was to include a song, an invocation, an address entitled “Life and Character of D.D. Daugherty,” a vocal solo, and the unveiling, presentation, and acceptance of “life-size portrait of the well-loved scholar.”

An advertisement placed by Boone Drug Company announced “Prevent early colds! Colds caught in the Fall often last all Winter. Build up bodily resistance now by taking PEPTONA, our Best Tonic for enriching the blood, toning the nerves, increasing appetites and strengthening the system. Sold only at Rexall Stores.” The product’s advertised price was “Full Pint $1.00.”

October 17, 1963

“Lost Lad was Only Visiting” related on this day that “Jerry Ralph Hodges, the 14-year-old youth who ran away from his Trade, Tenn., home last Saturday night, was reported found shortly after the Democrat went to press last Tuesday. The boy, in good condition, was discovered at his grandfather’s home in Meat Camp, where he apparently had spent Sunday night and Monday. He returned home with his mother on Tuesday.”

“Watauga Citizens Sell Bonds for Shoe Plant,” an article with the sub-caption “Breakfast on Monday Kicks Off Campaign,” reported that “Watauga Citizens., Inc., a nonprofit corporation formed by the Watauga Industry Committee to construct and equip the new Blue Ridge Shoe factory of Melville Shoe Corporation, which is now under construction on Greenway Road and is expected to begin operations early next month, is presently making an offering of $650,000 of its 4 ½ % 15-year bonds at a purchase price of par plus accrued interest for sale in North Carolina to only bona fide residents of North Carolina.” This announcement was made “at a breakfast meeting at the Gateway Café in Boone” by Stanley Harris, “secretary-treasurer of the organization.” Members of the organization were encouraged to sell investment bonds in the company prior to their next scheduled meeting at the Gateway.

October 15, 1984

“County Retail Sales Record Set in July” reported positive economic news for the area, noting that “Watauga County recorded its highest monthly total of retail sales ever during July, according to a report from the N.C. Department of Revenue.” A figure of $25,345,660 was cited for the gross retail sales total in that month, exceeding by over one million dollars the prior record, which had been set in July of the previous year.

“Boone Construction is Setting Record Pace,” “Leaves Attract Crowds,” and a photo of motorists with a caption stating that “[a]ttendance records were broken at several area attractions” were other front-page features reflecting a boom economy in the Boone area.

On a more somber note, “Forest Becoming Vulnerable to Fire” highlighted the dangers of the autumn forest fire season. This article featured fire prevention tips from North Carolina Forest Ranger Ruby Johnson, who stressed that many Watauga County wildfires were caused by burning of debris gone out of control and “improperly maintained” electric fences. Recommendation for safety precautions in these areas were detailed in the article.

“Students are Getting Job Help” noted that, although many Appalachian State University students were able to enter the job market immediately after college, the economy had created a situation where “the job market [was] very competitive,” so that “[e]ach year, many students graduate from college only to be rejected by one potential employer after another.” The University’s Career Planning and Placement Office was listed as a resource for job-seeking students. A “sooner the better” job search policy was particularly recommended, both in job-seeking and utilizing career advisement opportunities at the Office.

Do you have historic photographs or other memorabilia about the Blue Ridge Parkway which you would be willing to share with the public for the upcoming 75h Anniversary of the Parkway? Please email booneblueridgeparkwaydays@gmail.com if you have photos to share!

The Week of October 8th, 2009

1920s downtown Boone

Bearing the caption “down town Boone, 1920s,” this old photograph shows an unpaved King Street with automobiles of the period. Courtesy of the archives of the Historic Boone society.

October 11, 1900

“Dr. J.M. Hogshead, Cancer Specialist, Banner’s Elk, N.C.” had an advertisement in this issue of the Watauga Democrat, under the heading “No Knife; No Burning Out.” According to the ad, “[h]ighest references and endorsements of prominent persons successfully treated in Va., Tenn., and N.C.” attend this physician. The notice also urges, “[r]emember that there is no time TOO SOON to get rid of a cancerous growth – no matter how small. Examination free, letters answered promptly, and satisfaction guaranteed.”

Another public notice entitled “Attention, Please” read, “I am now situated in the old post office building in Boone. WHAT FOR? To sell goods, and I will sell them cheap FOR CASH, too. I carry Notions, Groceries, Laces, Lace Curtains, Lace Pillow Shams, Curtain Poles, Stationary, etc. Also a full line of spice, cloves, ginger, nutmegs, chocolate, shredded cocoanut [sic], seedless raisins and flavoring extracts, etc. Give me a call and be pleased. YOURS FOR TRADE, (Mrs.) R.M. Green.”

In news of the week, “Washington Duke, of Durham, the great benefactor of Trinity College, has again given that Institution the princely sum of $100,000, making in all over a half million of dollars he has given to the school. The College now has an endowment fund of about $700,000, which, it is said, makes it the richest College in the South Atlantic States. This enormous endowment fund was created nearly entirely by the Duke family.”

October 10, 1940

“Famous ‘Tweetsie’ Gains Temporary Salvation in War” was a headline on this date. According to the article, datelined “Raleigh, Oct. 4,” the “[w]ar now raging may mean at least temporary salvation for ‘Tweetsie,’ rather famous train that operates on the only narrow gauge railroad east of the Mississippi. The August floods damaged the line of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina railway to the extent of about $50,000, so the company asked the interstate commerce commission for permission to abandon the line between Cranberry and Boone. Now it develops, conservation department officials said last week, that the 60-odd miles of lines between Johnson City, Tenn., and Boone form the only railroad outlet to a section rich in iron and other ores needed in wartime. Therefore, there is a possibility the I.C.C. will refuse to let the road be abandoned, and that tourists still may see and ride on ‘Tweetsie’.” Despite this optimistic report, the train line to Boone was not continued, and tourists were only later able to see and ride the historic locomotive after its restoration in a theme park setting in the 1950s.

“All Must Register – These Are Exempted” was another notice relating to the crisis of World War II. “You must register for draft unless: You are already in the armed forces or in the armed reserves, subject to call,” began the announcement, which continued with the allowed exemptions for those whose draft number was drawn, who would be expected to report for active duty unless falling into a specified set of criteria, including physical unfitness, having dependents who would be placed in hardship by the absence of their provider, conscientious objection, being “a member of a religious sect which does not permit military service,” holding the status of “a minister of the Gospel or a student in a theological seminary,” being “engaged in some industry the draft boards declares to be of the ‘essential class,’” or being “mentally deranged”.

October 11, 1956

The banner headline “Old Grads to Gather For Homecoming at College” called attention to several events slated for the upcoming celebration of Homecoming Saturday at the Appalachian State Teachers College. “All efforts at the college on that day will be toward welcoming back for the annual Homecoming celebration visiting alumni and their families, friends of the institution, and other visitors,” announced one article. “One traditional event of Homecoming – the annual ‘Old Timers’ reunion will be held in the college auditorium at 10:00 a.m.” Especially encouraged to participate in this year were “those who graduated from Appalachian before 1929, when it became a four-year college.”

“Registration Start Set for Saturday” made notice of a perennial occasion at this time of year – voter registration. “The registration books for the general election will open Saturday of this week, and will also be open Saturday October 20, and Saturday October 27, states R.T. Greer, chairman of the Watauga County Board of Elections… [v]oters who have reached the age of 21 since the last election and those who have moved into the county qualified under the residence section of the statute must register if they are to vote in the November 6^th election. There is no general new registration, however.”

1918 ad for Swift Meat

Fight! ad

The Week of October 1st, 2009

“Hospital – Boone” reads an inscription on the reverse of this photo, which also contains the handwritten note “Dr. Bingham Home (now Daniel Boone Inn)”. The Bingham residence served as a hospital for Boone until the building of a brick-and-stone edifice, which survives as Founders Hall at Appalachian State University. Courtesy of the archives of the Historic Boone society.

October 1, 1925

“Tells of Wonderful Growth of Miami” was a front-page headline in this week’s issue of the Watauga Democrat. “We are using a paragraph from a letter recently received from Mr. H. W. Horton of Miami, Fla.,” reports the editorship of the Democrat. According to the letter in question, “[t]his town has enlarged its boundaries so as to take in some territory that has built up over the edges of the old corporation, and has more than doubled its population. We now have about 250,000 people, and if they had taken in Coral Gables, Miami Beach and Hialeah, all of which is really part of the city, there would have been another 100,000 population, and they are coming so fast that the railroads cannot haul material fast enough to build homes for them. There is demand for all the men that can be found, but the question is getting material fast enough for housing them.”

‘Confederate Resolutions” reported on this day, “Confederate reunion for the year 1925, camp Nimrod Triplett No. 1273: we the committee on resolutions, in behalf of the veterans tender our thanks to the faculty and students of the Appalachian State Normal College at Boone, Sept. 24-25, for their tender care, keeping and feeding veterans and friends through the reunion, and the cordial invitation to hold the next Reunion by kindness of the Normal School. E.M. GREER, GEORGE ROTEN, Com.”.

September 29, 1938

“Log Cabin Craft House Opens Oct. 7” made announcement that the “opening date for the log cabin craft house of Watauga handicraft is set for Friday, October 7^th. At this charming little log house in Boone, on Highway 221, open house will be held all day with the public especially invited for a brief program and tea from 2 to 5 in the afternoon.” The article continues, “Everyone interested in seeing this building and the display of handicrafts from various parts of western North Carolina, or to know about the work to be carried on, are invited. Classes in weaving and other handicrafts will begin Monday, October 10, and registration may be made at any time. There is no charge for this instruction, which is under the supervision of the state department of trades and industrial education.’

“Goes to market” made announcement that “John Conway, manager of Belk-White Company store here, left Monday for New York City, where he will shop the northern markets and buy merchandise for the new Belk-White store which will open in Spruce Pine sometime in October. Mr. Conway will also buy merchandise for the local Belk-White store.”

October 8, 1964

“Watauga Craftsmen Will Exhibit at Winston Fair” announces that, “[a]mong the arts and crafts exhibits displayed at the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston-Salem, October 6-10, will be the work of several well-known Watauga County craftsmen.” Among those exhibiting were Wood Lay artist Anne Moore, a “former art instructor at Appalachian State Teachers College,” whose craft was described as a “raised form of veneer pictorial decoration,” combining “the beauty of drawing and wood textures”, Mrs. Howard Carlson, “famous for her skill in weaving”,” “Mrs. Evelyn C. Nichols” with “the almost forgotten art of mixing potpourri”, “Mr. And Mrs. James McKinney, who operate the Gem Mine in Spruce Pine,” with handcrafted jewelry, Ben Hensley (a Spruce Pine ironworker), and “well known area wood carver Baxter Presnell,” who was “also known for his interest in folk music, which he plays expertly on the dulcimer.”

“The Mountain Came Down” was a front-page feature, illustrated by a black-and-white photograph of a local landslide. “The mountain came down last Wednesday after heavy rainfall in the area,” reads the photo caption. “A spokesman for the highway department said the big slide on Highway 321, about a half-mile below Green Park Hotel, occurred around midnight, Sept. 30 – Oct. 1. Last spring a slide piled up at the same place – in front of an overlook where traffic fortunately could be diverted. A bulldozer clears the highway: rock and dirt is stacked in the gutter directly behind the dozer.”

An advertisement for the A & P Supermarket announced in this issue “Super-Right” Heavy Corn-Fed Beef Steak (Boneless Top Round) for 85 cents per pound, Eastern Golden Delicious Apples at 2 lbs. for 29 cents, mild cheese for 45 cents a pound, and vine-ripe tomatoes for 19 cents a pound. “Open all day Wednesdays,” proclaims the A & P ad, as well as “open each Friday evening ‘til 8:00 p.m.” The A & P store was once located on the site now occupied by the Watauga County Health Department’s facilities, near West King Street and Poplar Grove Road.

“The Mountain Came Down” photo – a Rivers photo, courtesy of the Watauga Democrat newspaper (October 8, 1964)

1938 political cartoon

The Week of September 24th, 2009

"Class of 1913" reads the brief caption affixed to this photograph. School name and location unknown. Courtesy of the archives of the Historic Boone society.

September 22, 1932

“Whiskey Still Seized in Boone’s Fork Section” was among front-page news items for this week. “A thirty-gallon copper still, with all the equipment necessary for making whiskey was seized Monday in the Boone’s Fork section by deputies Harrison Byrd, Fred Hatley, and Tom Shook. A shed covered with rubber roofing housed the illicit outfit, and appearances indicated that it had been in operation for about five years. The operator was absent when the raid was made, and an attempt had been made to hide the equipment, but all parts were discovered by the officers and the shed was burned. A large quantity of ‘backings’ was poured out.”

“Relics of Ancient Man Found in Pennsylvania,” an article with a dateline of “Elrama, Penn.,” relayed that “[e]vidence of a people who inhabited the hills and valleys of what is now Pennsylvania 10,000 years ago, has just been discovered near here. Mr. G.S. Fisher, state archaeologist, completed the task of exhuming the bones of 45 mound builders yesterday and will assemble them and place them with their flint knives, stone tomahawks and boar tusk drills, discovered with the bones, in the Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisbury [sic].”

“Nine-Year-Old Boy is Arrested for Murder” reported from Danbury, N.C., that “a nine-year-old boy Friday was arrested near hear [sic] and charged with the slaying of a playmate.” According to the story, “Agnew Bogles,” the boy in question, “who resides near Carthage” was arrested for “the slaying [which] is alleged to have happened last March.” The report states that “[t]he boy was reported to have been playing with a gun and the girl, whose name could not be learned, was shot to death at the hands of the boy.” The article states that, ” [i]t is said that the boy left home after the shooting and could not be located, but after a long investigation it was learned that he was visiting his grandfather, J. Mart Culler, in Stokes County.”

September 23, 1954

The reflective feature “King Street” by then-editor Bob Rivers observes of “Blue Monday”: “Ever notice, in traveling about, how the clothes lines fill with freshly-laundered garments every Monday morning… It seems from time immemorial Monday has been wash day… Used to be there would be a big ring of fire placed around the big iron pot in the back yard every Monday morning, and the flames would be fed with wood chips and kindling wood until the water boiled… And there were the washing tubs and the washboards upon which the garments were scrubbed by hand until snowy white, and the long clothes line where the clothes hung in the sun… Nowadays the wash is crammed into an automatic machine and the housewife does her other household work while the clothes are coming white… But it’s Monday just the same, and we wonder if the old kettle, and the washboards, and the hard labor about the washplace had anything to do with Monday’s being known as ‘blue’ Monday.”

“Elections Board Open Office” announced on this day, “[t]he Watauga County Board of Elections has opened its office in the building next door to the Boone Flower Shop on East King Street. Applications are now being received for absentee ballots for soldiers, says Chairman R.T. Greer. Civilian absentees will be available the first of October.”

September 24, 1979

“4.16 Inches of Rain Fall on Watauga” captured front-page attention and much of the news coverage for this week’s installment of the Watauga Democrat. According to the story, “[n]inety-seven patients of the Watauga Nursing Care Center in Boone had to be evacuated Friday evening as a nearby rain-swollen river threatened to flood the facility.” Residents were temporarily sheltered at Hardin Park Elementary School and Blowing Rock Hospital, after having been transported in “buses furnished by Appalachian State University.” A front-page photograph entitled “Deluged Datsun” showed a “Datsun sports car [which] was caught in a flooded area at Watauga Village Shopping Center during the rain Friday night.” The news story also reported “[t]he Boone Police Department was also advising limited travel on flooded roads and in the vicinity of the Town House Restaurant off Blowing Rock Road.”

The archives of the Historic Boone society, as well as the complete microfilm archives of the Watauga Democrat newspaper, are available to the public at the Watauga County Public Library in Downtown Boone, North Carolina. Call the Library at (828) 264-8784 for further information.

The Week of September 17th, 2009

Photo Caption: Reverend Rhonda Horton, Boone Mennonite Brethren Church. “The much beloved and greatly missed REV. RONDA [sic] HORTON, a long-time community spokesman and leader in the Junaluska neighborhood,” reads the typed caption on the reverse of this photograph. Courtesy of the archives of the Historic Boone society. Along with the Reverend Rockford Hatton, Rev. Horton was a prominent leader in the Boone community and in the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church in the Twentieth Century. The Mennonite Brethren Church has a short biographical tribute to Rev. Horton, entitled “Moses on This Mountain,” on its  historical website, at http://www.mbhistory.org/profiles/horton.en.html.

September 20, 1900

“On the same day that the so called Populists in Raleigh were approving everything Republican from the gold standard to imperialism,” reports the then-politically-affiliated Watauga Democrat on this day, relaying an item from the Raleigh News and Observer, “the vice-chairman of the Populist National committee was rejoicing in the fact that the republicans have sustained heavy losses in Maine and Vermont, and rejoicing that this indicates [William Jennings] Bryan’s election. The Nebraskan isn’t in the pay of the republicans.”

An advertisement entitled “A Word to Mothers” suggests that “[m]others of children affected with croup or severe cold need not hesitate to administer Chamberlain’s Cough Remedy. It contains no opiate nor narcotic in any form and may be given as confidently to the babe as to an adult. The great success that has attended its use in the treatment of colds and croup has won for it the approval and praise it has received throughout the United States and many foreign lands. For sale by dealers.”

A lengthy letter to the editor in this issue read, “Mr. R.C. Rivers, Boone, N.C., Sir: – I saw a piece in your latest issue of the Democrat, stating that one G.W. Trivett, a minister, was badly treated at the Association at Watauga, etc., on account of him voting the democratic ticket, and I must say to you that I do not know how he voted, nor do I care. But you say further that you want to impress it upon the minds of the people, that a man who was elected to a high position at the last election, was one of those who slighted this servant of the Master because he voted the democratic ticket. Now, Mr. Rivers, I do not know whether or not you had any reference to me, but I wish to say if you did, that I gave it the lie without the fear of successful contradiction. If I slighted Mr. Trivett I slighted everybody else. It is well known that I am not housekeeping and could not entertain any one, which I was very sorry of. I think the people of my county are acquainted with me. Now Mr. Rivers I am satisfied you have had a reporter, and I think you ought to give the name, and I ask you to do so in the next paper. I think you are doing me an injustice without cause, if you had reference to me, and if you did not you will kindly correct. I write this to you to let you know where I stand in this matter, and as to what others have said I am not responsible in the least. Yours respt., W.H. Calaway, Foscoe, N.C., Sept. 14, 1900.” Apart from printing this submission in full, no editorial response appears to have been included in this issue.

September 17, 1931

“Work Progresses Fast on Watauga Hospital Building” reported on this day that “[t]he brick work on Watauga Hospital has been completed to the second story, and a large force of men is now engaged in pouring the reinforced concrete floor. The brick work is of mingled design, the window sills are of Indiana limestone, and the building, when completed, is expected to be one of the most imposing structures in the city.” This building is currently known as Founders Hall at Appalachian State University, and houses the Office of Public Affairs for the University.

“Wharf Rats Becoming Numerous in County” was another featured news item this week. “Reports coming in from various sections of the county indicate that wharf rats are appearing in ever increasing numbers and have in some instances played havoc with the flocks of baby chicks. The first of the rodents are supposed to have come to Boone by rail from other points and to have distributed themselves throughout the city, multiplied, and many of them moved to the country. At any rate, they are here, and Roy McBrayer exhibited a specimen the other day which he shot with a rifle near the Jones building, and which weighed three pounds. No organized effort to exterminate the pests has yet been started.”

September 17, 1959

“Coot Haigler Funeral Held” was an obituary announcement which was featured on the front page of this week’s edition of the Watauga Democrat. “’Coot’ Haigler, 78, well-known resident of the town, died at the home of a son, Rev. Rosalee Hagler in North Wilkesboro, last Thursday, from a short illness. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 o’clock at the Mennonite Baptist [sic] Church in Boone, and burial was in the Clarissa Hill cemetery. Rev. Rockford Hatton took part in the rites.” The Mennonite Brethren Church of Boone (occasionally listed in newspaper reports as the “Mennonite Baptist Church”) is located in the historic Junaluska section of downtown Boone, and is part of the North Carolina Mennonite Brethren Conference, a predominantly African-American part of the Mennonite – Amish family of faith communities. Reverend Rockford “Rock” Hatton was a pastor of the Boone church and a local leader in the Boone community and in the struggle for Civil Rights in the 1960s.

“Mrs. Harold Rice visited her daughter, Barbara Anne, in Cary, N.C., last week, and visited friends in Rocky Mount,” according to another local item.

September 10th, 2009

“A Look Back at Watauga” is on a post- Labor Day vacation this week.

Please check back again next week for a new installment!

"Calamity Howlers" editorial advertisement from 1933

(From the microfilm archives of the Watauga Democrat newspaper, Boone, N.C.)

The Week of September 3rd, 2009

This photograph depicts a scene from the 1949 celebration of Watauga County’s Centennial. Earl “Jerry” Coe, Mayor Watt Gragg, and Wade Brown (in cap and beard) are gathered in front of the Boone Post Office, Downtown Station. Photo Courtesy of Historic Boone.

September 5, 1912

Modern allergy sufferers may feel a kinship with an announcement / advertisement from this week’s edition of the Watauga Democrat: “Hay fever and asthma make August a month of intense suffering to many people. Foley’s Honey and Tar Compound gives prompt ease and relief, and is soothing and healing to the inflamed membranes. Wm. M. Merethew, N. Searsport, Me., says: ‘A few doses of Foley’s Honey and Tar Compound relieved me of a severe attack of asthma and less than a bottle caused a complete cure.’ Refuse substitutes. For sale by all dealers.”

“From the melon wagons to be seen on our street during this and last week,” reads a notice reprinted from the Lenoir Topic newspaper, “it seems that Caldwell farmers are all successful melon growers. We do not remember a time within years when large melons were so plentiful. One remarkable feature about them is most of them all have excellent flavor and are very sweet. The prices are not prohibitory and the citizens of the town do not seem to want to wait until the tariff is revised downward before making investments in this luscious fruit.”

A short witticism asks, “[d]id you ever notice that some people when the collection basket is being passed begin to admire the stained glass windows or look to see if there is a crack in the ceiling of the church?”

September 6, 1934

“Parkway Route Hearing on 18th” continues ongoing reporting in the Watauga Democrat about the origins of the Blue Ridge Parkway, seventy-five years ago this week. “Postponement Announced from Capital. Ickes Will Not Hear Cases in Asheville, as First Given Out. Many Will Attend,” proclaims a bold-faced sub caption. “Secretary Ickes of the Department of the Interior will preside at the meeting to be held in Washington on September 17th [sic - apparently at odds with the date in the heading just quoted], when the location of the Parkway boulevard will definitely be determined from Blowing Rock to the Smokies. The meeting had formerly been scheduled for Asheville on the 10th.” Two possible routes were under consideration, one through western North Carolina and another routed through eastern Tennessee. According to this report, “[i]nformation is that the North Carolina delegation is very hopeful that it will be possible to convince Secretary Ickes of the wisdom of adopting the Carolina routing.”

“Rev. A.H. Askew is Freed Under Bond of $5,000.00,” with a dateline of “Goldsboro, N.C.,” reports that “Rev. R.H. [another headline discrepancy] Askew, 28-year-old four-square evangelist charged with attempted extortion for the kidnapping hoax he perpetrated last month, is free under $5,000 bond.” The story relates that “Askew was jailed August 20^th after confessing he left Goldsboro voluntarily and himself wrote notes to his wife and Aimee Semple McPherson, head of the four-square gospel movement, demanding $25,000 ransom for his return.” The note also allegedly “contained a threat to blow up Angelus Temple.” Bond was reportedly “signed Saturday night by his wife, the former Miss Hattie Greer of Blowing Rock, M.L. Jones, J.Z. Hinson, Jesse James, and Mrs. W.L. Pierce.” The minister’s trial date was set for the seventh of September.

“County Schools Open Next Week” reported a relatively late start to the school year, by today’s standards, and also noted that “Cove Creek and Valle Crucis are the only two schools in the County which will fail to open their doors next week.” The article explains that “these two institutions are not expected to open until the 17th, due to the fact that the buses to serve them have not arrived,” according to Superintendent Howard Walker. The combination of the Boone and Poplar Grove schools into one was also noted as a major change for Watauga County schools this year.

September 3, 1953

“’Horn’ Attendance Record Given” notes that “[t]otal attendance at ‘Horn in the West’ for the 1953 season climbed to 39,832 this week,” and stated that “Saturday night again set a record, with 2,086 in the audience.” The outdoor drama’s scheduled run extended into September in this year; the article announced that “’Horn in the West’ will be presented nightly at 8:15 through September 7. The performance on September 7, Labor Day, will be the only Monday night performance of the entire season.”

Items in the classified advertising section of the Watauga Democrat on this date included:

“WANT – We still buy Green Catnip Herb at 4 cents per lb., Galax at 70 cents per thousand, Wild Cherries, ripe, not dry, at 7 cents per lb., Life Root Plant at 9 cents per lb., Blue Cohosh Root at 13 cents per lb., Spearmint Leaves at 35 cents per lb., Log Moss at 8 cents per lb. Jerusalem Oak Herb is being purchased by us by contract. WILCOX DRUG COMPANY.”

“Good 6-Room House, bath, full basement, 2 acres land. Located Junaluska Road, Boone, N.C. Price $5500.”

1930s-era Labor day cartoon, from the Watauga Democrat

Ads from the 1950s (Watauga Democrat)

More 1950s Real Estate ads, from the Watauga Democrat