Christmas Lights Decorate Brevard's Main Streets

Did you know the first National Christmas tree was a 48-foot balsam fir located on the Ellipse south of the White House in 1923?  A crowd of spectators watched as President Coolidge flipped the switch to light the tree decorated with 2500 red, white and green electric bulbs. 

It was another four years before lights safe for outdoor use were more widely available.  Seeing an opportunity General Electric and other distribution companies soon began sponsoring decorative lighting contests. 

A winter snow decorates the Transylvania County courthouse.

The first mention of lights being used for downtown holiday decorations in Brevard was in 1931.  A front page article in the Christmas Eve edition of the Brevard News reads, “Christmas is here! The magnificent cedar tree standing gracefully in the center of the square, bedecked with ornaments and sparkling decorations cheerfully proclaims the spirit of Christmas.  Lights gleaming red and green are stretched along the main thoroughfares and the store windows arranged with suggestive gifts and tinsel add quaint touches.

The tree was decorated and erected through the influence and labors of the ladies of the Women’s Bureau and the lights were hung by the town and individuals and institutions of Brevard who were interested in dressing up the town for Christmas.”

Over the next several years the lights were loaned out several times and damaged upon return.  So in 1936 replacement parts and new strings of colored lights were purchased.  The decision was made to no longer loan them out.  Duke Power provided the labor and equipment to hang the lights.  The Brevard Kiwanis Club and local business leaders raised funds to pay for the electricity and new materials.

In 1938 it was noted that, “Brevard business places have gone in for windows of a prettier type this year, and especially is this noted in the grocery fronts. Two striking windows are those presented by Ruth’s Beauty Shop on Jordan Street and the Quality Beauty Salon on Main Street.”  Front yards and porches were also being decorated in the residential sections of town.

The following year Christmas greenery and other decorations were added to the shopping district. In addition, a Christmas lighting contest sponsored by the Brevard Garden Club was held.  Prizes were awarded by best outdoor lighting or window effect.  Residents in Brevard and throughout the county were encouraged to participate.  The Brevard Garden Club also had Christmas trees and greens, holly, wreathes and other decorations for sale.

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.

Christmas Shopping in Brevard 100 Years Ago

Have you finished your holiday shopping?  A look through the December issues of local newspapers through the years offers a nostalgic look at some gifts (and prices) from the past. 

For most of their nearly 60 years in downtown Brevard Plummer's was located
on W. Main St., where Highland Books is today.  Their Toyland department
was a popular place for creating Christmas wish lists and for shopping. 

One hundred years ago, in 1919 Plummer & Trantham advertised, “Dolls that go to sleep, dolls that cry, dolls with curly hair” at prices ranging from 10 cents to $8.00.  Their “Toyland” department carried a wide array of gift options for good little girls and boys—dishes, drums, games, pull toys, rattles, trains and more. 

In 1931, during the Great Depression dolls could be purchased for 5 cents to $5.00 at Plummer’s Toyland.  They had a variety of other toys available as well, including doll accessories, musical instruments, aeroplanes, trucks, trains and wagons.  Children’s books were 5, 10 or 25 cents each.

As Belk’s prepared to move to their new store after the 1939 Christmas season they offered big sales.  Scooters, baby dolls that cried and cowboy outfits were all available for just 98 cents.  Tricycles ranged from $1.98 to $6.95.

An advertisement in the November 10, 1949 Transylvania Times stated, “Belk’s is always first in your community with the newest.  Now the nation’s sensation—that talking doll that actually talks.  Come in and see her—she’ll win your heart. Only $12.95.”

In 1959 Belk’s had a life-size vinyl doll that drinks and wets and “cries real tears” for $3.99.   They also carried battery operated toys from $1.99-3.99, including an old-time steam locomotive and a tugboat that made chugging sounds and blew smoke through the stack and a walking seal that did ball balancing tricks.

By 1969 the popular items were an Easy-Bake Over at $10.88 or a See ‘n Say for $5.99 at Crest on Broad Street.  Super Chargers Twin Race sets sold for $9.77 and the Rally Case which held 24 die-cast hot wheels cars was just $2.99.

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.

Ecusta Christmas

The first Christmas party for “Ecusta Children” was held at the Clemson theatre on December 23, 1943.  To accommodate all of the children there were actually five separate parties.  Plant foremen distributed tickets assigning “future Ecusta employees” to start times for each one hour session. 

Santa distributes Christmas stocking to children of employees at one of the
1949 Christmas parties.

The party featured several short films with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Popeye and other favorites of the time.  Santa Claus and his helpers greeted the children as they left the theatre presenting each with a goodie bag and present.  The presents included tin horns and the children were instructed, “Make all the noise you want to on the outside.”

A follow-up article in the January 1944 issue of “The Echo” states that approximately 1000 Ecusta children attended.  Photos show long lines of folks waiting for their turn to enter the theatre and happy families leaving.   

In future years similar parties with movies, a large tree, visits with Santa and his elves where held in the Ecusta cafeteria with every child receiving treats and presents.  In 1946 the party was cancelled due to concern over a few cases of polio in the county.  Santa ensured that each child received their gifts by sending them home with their parents though.

Transportation was provided by the Ecusta shift buses for the children and their accompanying family members.  Many years there were over 2000 children, from infants to 13 years of age, attending the annual event.  Due to segregation, during that time period a separate Christmas party was held for the children of African-American employees.

Teen Christmas Dance at the Ecusta cafeteria, undated.

Beginning in 1950 a Christmas Dance for teens, ages 14 to 19, was held each year.  The dance was for children of employees but each teen was allowed to bring one guest so it extended to the larger community.  A photograph in “The Echo”, December 1953 shows everyone dressed in their best—young men in suits and ties and young ladies in evening dresses.

Issues of Ecusta’s monthly newsletter, “The Echo” are available online at digitalnc.org.

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.

Christmas Tradition Revived At Silvermont

The Rosman home of Joseph and Elizabeth Silversteen was a gathering
place for the community at Christmas in the early 1900s.

In the early 1900s Mr. and Mrs. Silversteen opened their Rosman home each year for all to see the tree and share the spirit of the Christmas season.  Unlike today, many families did not have a Christmas tree in their home but rather enjoyed community festivities like this one offered by the Silversteens.  Trees and decorations were only displayed for a few days so the celebration was held on or near Christmas Day.

A 1908 description of the Silversteen event states, the tree was beautifully trimmed and surrounded by miniature toy animals.  A little green and red picket fence completed the scene.  Entertained was provided in the form of a phonograph player.  The Silversteens shared gifts of oranges and candy for their guests.

Silvermont's front doors decked out for the season in 1941.

After moving to Brevard, Mr. Silversteen continued the tradition of distributing Christmas treats to the children of Rosman from his Gloucester Lumber office.  He held a similar annual event for the children of employees of his Transylvania Tanning operation in Brevard. 

In a 1931 appreciation of Mr. Silversteen, Rev. Ernest Norwood wrote, “He gave hundreds of dollars away every Christmas to the poor and needy, and helped every worthy cause throughout the year as it came along.”

The Transylvania Heritage Museum and Friends of Silvermont have revived the Silversteen spirit of sharing with an Open House at Silvermont following Brevard’s Christmas parade on Saturday, December 7.  The Second Floor House Museum showcasing the Silversteen family will be open from 4:30-7:00.  A Christmas tree, music and treats are part of the free festivities.

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.

McGaha Chapel Still Reuniting The Community

The McGaha Chapel, completed in 1872 and situated on a wooded hillside along the old Johnstone Turnpike, is a reminder of a by-gone time when people walked, rode horseback or came in wagons to their house of worship and listened outside its open windows, if all the pews were filled.

Simple decorations add to the festive atmosphere inside the
147-year-old McGaha Chapel during the annual holiday sing.

The Chapel is a symbol of reconciliation, serving as a means to reunite a community and families divided during the Civil War.  The men of the area built a small, sturdy one-room structure of poplar from the surrounding forest.  Hand-pressed glass filled the eight windows and allowed for plenty of light.  The hand-made pews of single boards illustrate the size of some of the nearby trees.  The simple pulpit and mourner’s bench, and probably the pews, were crafted by A. J. Loftis who deeded the property to the church.

The church had an active congregation until about 1930 when improved roads and transportation enabled worshippers to travel farther for service.

Today the little chapel in the woods is owned and maintained by the Transylvania County Historical Society.  It is open twice a year, in June and December, for community sings.  The rustic chapel, decorated with fresh greenery, is the perfect setting to step back in time and share in the singing of traditional carols followed by homemade treats on Sunday, December 1 at 2:30 pm.

Fresh carnation add holiday color to the fresh-cut tree.

Be sure to check out the December 2019 issue of Our State magazine for a wonderful article, “Tiny but Mighty” by Susan Stafford Kelly about the historic McGaha Chapel and this annual event.

The Historical Society along with the Sherwood Forest and the Greater Cedar Mountain communities sponsor this annual event.  Parking is available at the Sherwood Forest Robin Hood Center with a shuttle to the Chapel—arrive early to allow time to catch a ride or to walk to the Chapel.  The Robin Hood Center is located on US 276 South (Greenville Hwy) with roadside signs identifying parking.

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.

ATOM Display Returns To Heritage Museum

The holiday season is a good time for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Transylvania County offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

The Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum (ATOM) at the Transylvania Heritage Museum takes visitors back to the time of the space race, when modern American families had a sparkling futuristic Christmas tree.  The trees consisted of foil needles on thin aluminum stems of varying lengths which were inserted into angled slots on a central trunk creating a conical shaped tree.  Often an electric roto-wheel light, placed underneath the tree, was used to add color to the shiny tree. 

The 1962 Sears Wishbook advertised a variety of aluminum trees from a basic two-and-half foot apartment-size at $2.29 to a seven-foot tree at $19.95.  The description read, “Gleaming high luster aluminum needles glued and mechanically locked on.  Easy to assemble, stand included.”

They also carried a high-end green aluminum tree that was sure to be “the most talked-about tree in your neighborhood!”  The seven-foot tree had 22 candle-type lights and sold for only $39.95. 

Aluminum trees were popular from the late-1950s into the mid-1960s.  The release of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in 1965 cast artificial trees as a symbol of commercialism that had risen around the holiday and led to a decrease in their status.  Within a few years they were consigned to yard sales and thrift shops.

During the past couple of decades the glitzy trees of the past have seen a resurgence in popularity.  The Transylvania Heritage Museum at 189 West Street features aluminum trees in a variety of sizes and colors decorated by local individuals and organizations.  The ATOM exhibit is open Wednesday through Friday, 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Saturday, 11:00 am until 3:00 pm.  It runs through Saturday, December 21.

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.

The First Armistice Day

November 11, the date World War I formally ended at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918, was selected for Armistice Day to honor veterans of World War I.  President Woodrow Wilson issued the following message to all Americans on November 11, 1919. 

A year ago today our enemies laid down their arms in accordance with an armistice which rendered them impotent to renew hostilities, and gave to the world an assured opportunity to reconstruct its shattered order and to work out in peace a new and juster set of international relations. The soldiers and people of the European Allies had fought and endured for more than four years to uphold the barrier of civilization against the aggressions of armed force. We ourselves had been in the conflict something more than a year and a half.

With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns, we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last our power was a decisive factor in the victory. We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought.

Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.

To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.

WWI Transylvania County soldiers.  Front row: Avery Orr, 2nd from left;
Virgil Merrill, 5th from left.  Middle row:  Jesse Scruggs, 5th from left.
Back row:  Coy Surrette, 2nd from left; Travie Hart, 7th from left.
Others pictured include Harold Harden, Lauder Lyday, Ernest Miller and
Victor Orr.  They served in France in the Medical Department,
at Field Hospitals and with Ambulance Company 324
from Aug. 1918 through Oct. 1919.

The first Armistice Day in Transylvania County was to be celebrated with a parade by the students of the Brevard Graded School and Brevard Institute, followed by the singing of patriotic songs, prayers and speaking.  The parade was cancelled due to inclement weather but the other events went forward with a large audience at the Baptist church.

Following World War II and the Korean War veterans’ organizations advocated for changing of "Armistice" to "Veterans" to honor those who had fought in all wars and those who served in the U.S. military forces during times of peace.  Congress officially renamed November 11 as Veterans Day in 1954.

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.

City Market Played Vital Role in Brevard

Sam Allison, far right, with several employees inside his
City Market butcher shop.

In the first decade of the 1900s there were several butcher shops or meat markets located in Brevard. W.H. “Bill” Duckworth was involved in the business as early as 1907.  Duckworth had a couple of different partners and different locations initially.  By late 1910 Duckworth’s shop, known as City Market, was located on West Main St. and it was reported that he had purchased an electric mill to aid in processing meats into sausage.

Between 1915 and 1919 City Market changed hands several times being owned by S.F. “Sam” Allison and Younge, Allison and Johnson, and then Allison solely for a while.  In August 1918, Allison sold the business to J. Frank McCall who added a refrigerated counter and showcase.  McCall sold it to W.J. Smith but by May 1919 City Market has back in the hands of Duckworth and Allison. 

An employee and Sam Allison stand with knives
at the ready outside the City Market on the south
side of West Main St., circa 1920.  Also pictured is
Allison's wife, Cora.

In early 1920 Allison bought out Duckworth and would continue to operate City Market for many years.  In addition to beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey and fish, the market carried produce and eggs. 

In February 1922 Allison moved the business across the street to a storefront between Clement Jewelry and Plummer and Trantham’s Department Store on the north side of West Main Street.  Allison also announced that the shop would carry a large supply of grocery items, foreign and domestic fresh and cured meats, along with local meats, eggs and produce.

Allison announced his retirement in May 1945.  Through the years he had made many friends and become known for his barbeques and fish fries.  He was often in charge of benefit dinners for local events and held large wild game feeds and fish fries at his home on the (Old) Hendersonville Hwy. for large gatherings of friends. 

Allison died as the result of a car accident in October 1950.  Sam and Cora Allison are buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Brevard.

Sam Allison with large fish outside his City Market shop.

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.

Planned Boys' Camp Becomes Lake Sega Properties

During the 1920s real estate was a booming business in Transylvania County.  Properties were being developed for business and residential use.  Residential development ranged from farm land and acreages to construction of subdivisions and new homes within the town of Brevard.

A 50-acre property two miles west of Brevard was originally planned as a boy’s summer camp.  In September 1924, Robert Lawrence began construction of a lake and planned to build cabins as well.

The following June, Lawrence announced a prize of $5.00 gold for the best name for the camp.  The name Sega, meaning welcome, was chosen but had not been suggested by anyone so the $5.00 gold was giving away at a July Fourth celebration at the lake. 

Although the camp itself never can to be, the lake was open to swimmers.  Tennis courts and boats were furnished to visitors and picnic parties were welcome.  Lake Sega became a popular picnic spot for school, church and other groups.

Lawrence had served as the first Transylvania County Farm Agent from 1917 until 1920 and then as the Cleveland County Farm Agent 1920-1925.  He returned to Brevard in late 1925 and opened a real estate and insurance company with business partner, Jim Mallory.  At that time they began to develop the Lake Sega property into a residential subdivision.  Work included grading roads, installing water and sewer lines and electrical and telephone service. 

Lot prices ranged from $450 to $1000.  The lots, which sold quickly, were purchased by people from outside of the county looking to build summer homes. 

North Carolina State College head football coach, Gus Tebell had a home at Lake Sega.  The Wolfpack team used the facility as a training ground in September 1926.

Community house at Lake Sega.

In 1928 Lawrence and his family moved to Canton where he was an insurance agent but he continued to own and operate Lake Sega cottages and recreational area.  The Lawrences returned to Brevard in 1941.

Cabin rentals were available at Lake Sega until at least 1965.  The property included a community house, badminton, croquet and shuffleboard courts along with swimming and boating at the lake.

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.

Civil War Letters Were Written To Lover Ones

The Local History Collection at the Transylvania County Library includes several letters written during the Civil War that express the struggles and fears of people trying to make a living and raise a family in troubled times.

On the day before the newly created Transylvania County was to hold its first official meeting and elect county leaders, Amanda Lankford wrote to her brother, “This week is to be court & it is raining now. I think they will hold court at the camp ground. It is said there is to be a flag hoisted & a cannon fired on Tuesday next & a speech by Jordan to make up a company in this part of the state as hard times are here and worse coming I fear.”  The following day, May 20, 1861, North Carolina declared its secession from the U.S.

In March 1862 Addie Duckworth wrote, “You say my dear cousin for me to give Mr. Duckworth up. Cousin Mollie, I never can. He is so ill able to endure hardships that I can never bear to say farewell. God help me if he is ever called off, for I will despair of ever seeing him alive again. No I cannot give him up. I love my country but I love my own dear husband better.” 

Joseph Duckworth did serve for the Confederacy and survived the Civil War.  However, Addie died in April 1863, leaving seven young children.  Duckworth married Addie’s cousin, Mollie in December 1863 and they had thirteen more children.

James Adolphus Bagwell, was buried at Chicago City
Cemetery.  After the war his remains were exhumed and
re-interred in the Confederate Mound (mass grave) at
Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago.

Before leaving for duty James Bagwell addressed a letter to his children, “There are dangers abroad and dangers at home and life is uncertain and death is sure. It seems as if the time has come for me to leave home.  It seems necessary that I should leave on record some remarks for instruction to my family. They will need my labor, but will need my instruction worse. I want you all to live uprightly if you die by it.  I want you to live with your heads up, be ashamed of nothing but sin and consider yourselves as good as anybody if you behave yourselves as well. Never pass an insult without just provocation. Never make sport of anybody. Don’t tell a lie, don’t swear, don’t steal. Pay all your just contracts. Take no advantage of anybody and keep them from taking advantage of you…Be faithful and industrious…get all the education you can. Get all the religious instruction you can. Remember that all these things are my desire and will and prayer to Almighty God.” 

Bagwell served in the 62nd NC Infantry for less than six months before being captured.  He died at Camp Douglas Prisoner Camp in Chicago on December 20, 1864. Three of Bagwell’s seven children died of illness in late 1864, as well.

On a lighter note, 19-year-old Martin Orr wrote to his cousin, Julia Mackey on October 10, 1861 describing his first visit to the “Atlantick Ocian.”  Orr continued with a plea, “I want you to write to me soon and let me know how the girls are coming on in Transylvania. I have not heard from any of them since I left Asheville.”  He concludes by filling the back page with a variation of an old English folk song, “To the Girls I Left Behind Me” that was popular among Confederate soldiers.

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.

World War I On the Transylvania Home Front

Handwritten letters were the leading means of communication for hundreds of years.  Correspondence of well-known historical figures have long been used for research, however letters of everyday people are typically undervalued.

Nora Ross with family and friends.  The man to her right is
unidentified, Rufus Barton is to her left.  The photo also includes
Nora's sisters, Emma and Addie and brothers, Ed and
Boyd (in front of Emma and Addie).

On October 13, 1918 Nora Ross of the Selica community wrote to her “true friend till death”, Lester Wilson who was serving in the U.S. Army in France.  In her letter she states, “Several more of the boys have got their war papers.  Joe Lance, Rufus Barton, Frank Turner and Odd Bryson.  A lot of people here think the war will soon end and I hope and trust it will.”  She shares that, “Chester is still at Camp Severe.  Bud is still at Augusta, GA.”

She mentions other newsworthy events, including a fire that destroyed Toxaway Tanning and several thousand pounds of leather ready for shipment on Friday afternoon, October 11.  Apparently the blaze did not have much significance to her personally as she only briefly mentioned, “Last Monday night the Tannery at Rosman was burned down,” getting the day incorrect.

Of much more importance to her was a recent outbreak of illness.  Nora writes, “There is a new disease here now called influenza.  There is a good many cases at Brevard and several at Cherryfield.”  Later in the letter she adds, “Geneva is at home now.  Her school has stopped two weeks on account of the influenza.” 

In between Nora told of a chestnut gathering party on Kuykendall Creek and her disappointment over not receiving a letter from Wilson this past week.  Her letter shows the effects of major events like WWI and the influenza outbreak in a personal way not found in official or news accounts.

Just five days after writing this letter, Nora would learn that her brother Boyd had died of pneumonia at the hospital at Camp Hancock near Augusta, Georgia.  His obituary states, “Owing to the epidemic of influenza only the family and a few friends were present at the interment.”

Nora Ross and Lester Wilson were married on December 25, 1919.  The Wilsons had three children.  Nora was also a beloved aunt to her sister’s ten children, ages 2 weeks to 23 years at the time of the death of their mother.  Lester died in 1936 but Nora lived another 62 years to the age of 101. 

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.

Bridal Veil Falls

Early postcard of Bridal Veil Falls.

Like High Falls featured in last week’s Picturing the Past article, Bridal Veil Falls on the Little River in present day DuPont State Forest has long been a popular destination for sightseers.

As the Little River approaches the falls it flows down a granite slope, then drops over a projecting ledge which leaves a relatively dry space behind the top of the falls.  It immediately spreads out and continues down a long curving slope, becoming steeper before plunging down to small pools and rock slabs.  From a distance, the entire stretch gives the appearance of a bride’s long veil, with the tumbling water representing billowing lace giving it the name of Bridal Veil Falls.

This illustration from Reid's novel, "The Land of the Sky" shows
the danger of wandering behind Bridal Veil Falls.

In her 1876 novel, “The Land of the Sky”, Christian Reid promotes the mountains of western North Carolina.  The story is formulaic fiction of the time with damsels in distress and gallant rescues in romantic mountain landscapes.  The narrative, although overly descriptive, paints a vivid picture of the scenery. 

When the adventurers visit Bridal Veil Falls Reid writes, “It is a trying operation, this passing behind the falls.  The space for passage is very narrow, the wet stones are exceedingly slippery, the rock above shelves in a manner which makes it necessary to bend nearly double, the tumult of the falling water is almost deafening, and the spray fairly blinding.  We draw a breath of relief when we emerge on the other side.”

Other early accounts promoted Bridal Veil Falls as a destination for travelers as well.  “Azure-Lure: A Romance of the Mountains”, a 1924 guide to Western North Carolina states that, “They stopped at the trail leading to Bridal Veil Falls, climbed under and across the fall, and strolled along the ‘veil’ for a few hundred yards.  The name comes from the resemblance to the flowing, filmy veil of a bride, but this veil is between a quarter and half mile long.”

Although these writing promote venturing behind the falls, today walking along the side of the waterfall is not permitted due to the risk of injury.  Bridal Veil Falls is best viewed from the safety of the observation deck or the flat rocks at the base of the waterfall.  Learn more about waterfall safety at waterfallsafety.com.

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.

DuPont State Recreational Forest Holds Deep History

High Falls in present day DuPont State Forest has long been a popular destination.  Beginning in the 1850s the Little River Turnpike ran from the valley through Grange, Buck Forest and Cedar Mountain to Jones Gap Road.  Along the way travelers could stop at the Buck Forest Hotel and spend several days exploring nearby sites.

Early newspaper accounts provide numerous stories of adventurers.  A 1929 Brevard News remembrance states, “In the days of our grandparents and great-grandparents, it was a favorite amusement for the young bloods to get up a party and spend a week or two at Buck Forest, with side trips to Caesar’s Head, Table Rock, Cedar Mountain, Rich Mountain and Connestee.  The parties often contained twenty or thirty couples.”  They spent their days exploring and their evenings dancing at the Buck Forest Hotel or lounging on its long shady piazza.

High Falls is located on the Little River downstream from Bridal Veil Falls and above Triple Falls.  At approximately 120 feet it is the highest fall on the river.  The river drops down an incline plane of granite and fans out in a sheet, divided by projecting portions of the ledge with a few small, hardy trees.  At the base of falls are masses of boulders varying in size, some weighing thirty to forty tons.

The Little River could by forded on a natural rock base,
except on rare occasions when the water was high.
Both photos are from a Bromfield family album and
were taken in the early 1900s.

The 1929 article includes a description of access, “The road crosses the river, by ford, about fifty yards above the top of the fall.  You have to be almost to the fall before you can see it.  Many cross the ford without even realizing that they are at the falls, although the roar tells them there are falls not far away.”

By the early 1900s changes had left the hotel off the beaten path and it had fallen into ruin.  The article concludes, “The scenery and the falls, still make the section a most attractive one, and it has numerous visitors every year.  But the noise and dust of the passing herd, the rumble of the old stage coach, the halloo of the hunting parties, the wailing minor chords of the old string band, and the calling of the figures of the Virginia Reel and others of the old fashioned dances, are no more.”

Today, High Falls and the surrounding Buck Forest area is part of DuPont State Forest.  Staff from the Transylvania County Library will be at the Friends of DuPont Forest Festival on Saturday, September 28 sharing a few stories and photos from the Buck Forest of yesteryear.  Stop by and see us!

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.

'Explore Over 100 Scrapbooks Documenting Transylvania County' At State Digital Site

This week’s Picturing the Past article comes from the Digital North Carolina Blog by the staff of the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center which features highlights from the collections at DigitalNC, an online library of primary sources from institutions across North Carolina. 

This image from the 1958 Balsam Grove scrapbook is a good
example of the types of information and photos you might find;
it shows newly placed town signs.

The Transylvania County Library is fortunate to have numerous items available online through the website (digitalnc.org) including newspapers, photographs, high school annuals and Transylvania County architectural survey documents from 1990-91.

Their recent entry titled, “Explore Over 100 Scrapbooks Documenting Transylvania County Communities” featured our newest contributions.

From Balsam Grove to Brevard, we’ve recently added over 100 scrapbooks documenting communities and organization in Transylvania County.  These scrapbooks were scanned by the Transylvania County Library, which forwarded the scans to us for DigitalNC.  They represent a number of organizations, many focused on community development. 

·        Community Development Club of Balsam Grove (1954-2011)

·        Community Development and Home Demonstration Clubs of Cedar Mountain (1955-1974)

·        Community Development and Home Demonstration Clubs of Little River (1952-2011)

·        Community Development Club of Sapphire-Whitewater (1962-1983)

·        Fortnightly and Junior Women’s Clubs of Brevard (1919-1977)

·        Home Demonstration Club of Glady Branch (1955-1958)

·        Little River Band

·        Friends of the Transylvania County Library (1957-2006)

·        Transylvania County Library Children’s Department (1979-1998)

Community development scrapbooks from the 1950s-1960s are common throughout North Carolina.  These typically document efforts at beautification of homes and public areas, upgrading infrastructure like hospitals and sanitation, and fostering community spirit through local gatherings.  These scrapbooks include photographs, many with descriptions and captions, along with newspaper clippings, and ephemera from programs and events.  Search all of them along with other items from Transylvania County at the Transylvania County Library’s partner page, digitalnc.org/institutions/transylvania-county-library/ .

New items are regularly added to DigitalNC which covers communities statewide.  Another 60 scrapbooks have been sent from Transylvania County communities and organizations and will be added this fall.

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.