The Day Houston Furniture Nearly Went Up in Smoke

Over the last two weeks Picturing the Past has featured businesses that were located at 55 E. Main during a portion of their existence—B&B Feed & Seed from 1928-1940 and Grover’s Office Supply from 1992-2005.  Houston Furniture was located in the building from 1941-1990.

Flames shot from the front of Houston's Furniture on E. Main St.
as firefighters prepare to fight the early morning fire on October 24, 1953.

This week’s featured photograph was taken on Saturday, October 24, 1953.   A delivery man for the grocery store next door to Houston Furniture reported a fire at 7:15 that morning.  Almost all the merchandise on the main floor was destroyed.  However, thanks to the quick and efficient response of the Brevard Fire Department damage to the structure was limited and stock on the lower level received only minor damage.  Store records were also saved.

The following week Houston Furniture set up business in two available store fronts in the Waltermire (Aethelwold) Hotel building.  They also immediately began repair work on their building.  They would move back into their newly remodeled building just over a month later, on November 30.

The work of the firefighters is also credited for saving the adjoining businesses of Belk’s Department Store and Cash and Carry Super Market.  Belk’s Department Store, located on the east side, had opened a year prior to Houston Furniture, in March 1940.  The Cash and Carry Super Market, owned and operated by Curtis Kelley, was in the adjoining building to the west.  Cash and Carry opened on E. Main St. in April 1943 and remained there until October 1957 when it moved to N. Broad and became affiliated with Piggly Wiggly.

The photograph collection in the Local History Room at the Transylvania County Library does not include a picture of Piggly Wiggly.  If you have one that you would be willing to share please contact the Local History Room staff.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.