The A to Zs of Mooresville NC History by Headline Books / Zoom Into Books

A to Zs of Mooresville, NC History: Celebrating 150 Years!

“Vintage Mooresville” by Cotton Ketchie

present accomplishments. A collaborative project with the students at Park View Elementary, Langtree Charter Academy Art Honors Society, award-winning author Kaitlyn Dorroh and 2023 Independent Publisher of the year Headline Books brings local students together with the help of the community and local government to produce this book commemorating 150 years of Mooresville history. The art is done by the students as well as the research. They worked with the teachers at Park View Elementary, the local library, the historical society, and the mayor's office on a journey to discover and preserve their history. This book introduces its readers to the Catawba Nation, the early settlers, Revolutionary War history, the founding of Mooresville, NASCAR, the formation of Lake Norman, and so much more. Readers will discover fun facts about Mooresville, interesting places to visit, and the people who have made and are making a difference.

Kaitlyn Dorroh with Park View Elementary

A to Zs of Mooresville, NC History: Celebrating 150 Years! celebrates Mooresville’s history and

Kaitlyn Dorroh

with Park View Elementary & Langtree Charter Academy Art Honors Society

Illustration by Amarie Phifer

Kaitlyn Dorroh Award-Winning Headline Books Author

with the Third Grade Students at Park View Elementary 2022-2023

A to Zs of Mooresville, NC History: Celebrating 150 Years! by Kaitlyn Dorroh illustrated by Kaitlyn Dorroh with the Third Grade Students at Park View Elementary 2022-2023 copyright ©2024 Kaitlyn Dorroh All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books, Inc. To order additional copies of this book, or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Kids P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 Email: mybook@headlinebooks.com www.headlinebooks.com Front cover illustrated by Sarah Durham Additional illustrations by the Third Grade Students at Park View Elementary with Sarah Durham, Peter Gventer & The Art Honor Society Students at Langtree Charter Academy Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN 13: 9781958914137 Library of Congress Control Number: 2023933665

PR I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D STAT E S OF A M E R IC A

Foreword by The Mayor of Mooresville Dear Readers, On March 3, 1873, the Town of Mooresville was incorporated. Though much has changed in 150 years, Mooresville is still a place we can call home that’s full of love, growth, and community. As we mark our sesquicentennial (that means our 150th anniversary!) in 2023, we can look back on our history and look forward to our exciting future. Today, from A to Z, there is always something to do, see, or learn in Mooresville. From baseball to Lake Norman to our rich racing history and beyond, Mooresville retains its small-town charm with big-city opportunities and amenities. Our 16 world-class parks, our innovative library facilities, and our first-class public safety, along with over 13,000 businesses, are just a few of the things that make Mooresville a great place to learn, play, and grow. Thank you to the students who helped make this book possible! You are forevermore a part of Mooresville’s story, and you are shaping the history our town will look back on for generations to come. I hope this is just one of the many positive impacts you make on our community. To readers of all ages—whether or not you call Mooresville “home”—I hope this book helps you discover a little more about this charming community and the people, places, businesses, and events that have helped shape who we are today. As we embark on the next 150 years, I hope we continue working together to make Mooresville the place we all love.

Sincerely yours, Mayor Miles Atkins

“Early Morning Swim” by Cotton Ketchie 4

Foreword As this book is being published, I am beginning my senior year in high school. A year ago, I began working on my Senior Capstone project on book deserts and illiteracy in communities. I became familiar with book deserts in our area after my first children’s book, Adam’s Cape: The Missing Crew, was published by Headline Books. Literacy is important because it broadens a child’s vocabulary, has positive effects on child development, and gives children endless opportunities. One way my publisher suggested we could help with illiteracy in our community was to give children an opportunity to help author and illustrate their own book. I loved this idea and began to look for an area school in a book desert. Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to work alongside teachers, faculty, and students at Park View Elementary to write this book on the A to Zs of Mooresville, NC History: Celebrating 150 Years!. I have lived in Mooresville my whole life and always felt like I am a part of something bigger. Until I began this project, I did not understand the history of our community or the people who had gone on to do amazing things in their adult lives. Learning about our history inspired me. In Mooresville, we have had Olympic athletes, NFL football players, artists, actors, champion bull riders, and many notable NASCAR drivers. Our ancestors and historical events has shaped our community’s growth. The most fascinating event I researched is President Barack Obama’s speech at Mooresville Middle School in 2013. It drew my interest because it is recent history. I was surprised that the well-traveled, highly educated president had visited Mooresville. Though I was young when it took place, I know people who witnessed his visit. I hope the people you read about in this book will inspire you to dream BIG dreams and think about the legacy we are leaving for the generations to come. Consider what contributions you can make to our shared future success. Boyce Brawley, mayor from 1954-1956, said, “There are no slackers in this town. Everyone contributes in some way to the well-being of our community.” When we work together, we help future residents achieve their dreams and strengthen our community. I hope you will enjoy learning about a few people, places, and events that have made Mooresville’s history memorable for the last 30 years. Kaitlyn Dorroh, Award-Winning Author Gold Mom’s Choice Award Charlotte Dean’s List 20 Under 20 Award 2022 5

“Lake Norman Patriot Four Seasons Marina in Mooresville” by Cotton Ketchie 6

Acknowledgments So many people have participated in this project honoring Mooresville’s history and people from the past 150 years! I want to thank everyone who helped develop this book. Thanks to the 3rd-grade teachers and staff at Park View Elementary for allowing me to involve all nine third-grade classes! Their teachers are Rebecca Overcash, Joanna Tan, Luara Rette, Courtney Cairelli, Andrea White, Chelsey Wheeler, Natalie Sherrill, Erin Anders, and Jennifer Rekasi. I also want to thank the art teacher, Kim Jones, and Debbie Welborn, reading specialist, who assisted with implementation of the project. Thanks also to the Honors Art Society students and Patricia Acuff at Langtree Charter Academy (my high school) for providing some of the illustrations. I especially want to thank Sarah Durham for the cover art and Peter Gventer and Jessie James for assisting with portions of this book. Finally, I thank Shane Lis, my principal, who allowed me and other students time to work on this project. Thank you to Mayor Miles Atkins for his support and encouragement, and David Whitlow at The Mooresville Museum for answering our questions and providing some of the resources we used in this book. In addition, I want to thank the Mooresville Archives at the Mooresville Public Library, especially Andy Pore and Sarah McKee, for helping us research this project and providing input. I also want to thank Kim Saragoni at Four Corners Framing Gallery and The Exchange Club for their support and help completing the project. Thank you also to Cathy Teets at Headline Books for encouraging me to do this project and to the nonprofit Promising Pages for working alongside me to receive donations. In addition, I want to express my utmost gratitude to the businesses and individuals who contributed to this project! We would not have been able to help so many kids receive a copy of this book for their home libraries without your financial contributions. And, finally, I want to thank my mom, Katrina Dorroh, for all the time she invested in helping me research, edit, fact-check the book and connecting me with business sponsors, and my dad, Robert Dorroh, for his support and encouragement.

“Vintage Mooresville” by Cotton Ketchie 8

Thank You To All of our Business Sponsorships This Book Would Not Have Happened Without Your Support.

A Special Thank You To Our Level 3 Sponsors:

Turner & Turner CPAs, PLLC

Illustration by Joshua Dozier

Atlantic, Tennessee, and Ohio Railroad (AT&O Railroad) by Trevan The Atlantic, Tennessee, and Ohio Railroad was brought to Mooresville in the 1850s. John Franklin Moore, the founder of Mooresville, agreed to build the train depot on his land with an area for cotton shipments.

Austin Jetton by Lacy Austin Jetton is a famous African American actor born in Mooresville, NC, where he was the drum major for the middle school and high school bands. Jetton has been on stage for 35 years since starting his career at Carowinds. He acted in the Broadway musical Cats and in the 2017 film Moving Mountains. Illustrations by Camila Reyes & Lacy Tomlinson

Auto Racing Walk of Fame by Ethan In early 1990’s the Auto Racing Hall of Fame opened in Mooresville. In 1997, The Auto Racing Hall of Fame began to honor its members by adding them to the Auto Racing Walk of Fame in downtown Mooresville along the sidewalk. Each driver has made a significant impact on auto racing. (There is a guided tour available on the Visit Mooresville app.)

“Did You Know?”

Did you know Mooresville began as a Mill Town and Reinvented itself as a NASCAR town? When the mills began closing in Mooresville, the mayor and the town needed a way to replace those lost jobs. The town sought a way for Mooresville to be the center for NASCAR teams. Mooresville became known as “Race City USA.” NASCAR not only provides a lot of jobs in Mooresville, but it has brought many visitors to Mooresville through the years.

Illustration by Camila Engombia

Battery F by Sophie Soldiers in Company “F” (Field Artillery Unit) came largely from Iredell, Cabarrus, and Mecklenburg counties, and they fought in World War I. It is said they had a Bible provided by First Presbyterian Church and an American flag. The commanding officer was Captain Reid R. Morrison. A monument honoring them stands at the War Memorial Building.

The Battle of Torrence’s Tavern by Beckett The Battle of Torrence’s Tavern took place in early February 1781 and was a part of the larger southern campaign of the American Revolutionary War.

Banastre Tarleton by Cooper Banastre Tarleton was born on August 21, 1754. He was a British general politician and an army officer. Charles Cornwallis sent him to fight for Britain and not allow America to become a nation. Hated and feared by the Patriots, his nickname was “Bloody Ban.” He brought his troops through Mooresville after the Battle of Cowen’s Ford. When people heard he was coming, they quickly gathered everything and began to leave, except for the Patriot Militia. Some of them tried to stop him. He died January 15, 1833.

Illustration by Roman Hensley

Belk by Melissa Belk came to Mooresville in the 1940s. (When the department store opened, its second floor housed a basketball court used by the Mooresville High School women’s team.) As it grew, it took up a whole city block!

Illustration by Abigail Hernandez 12

Belus Van Smawley by Isaiah Belus Van Smawley was born on March 18, 1918, in North Carolina. Belus was an American basketball player and coach, who is credited for inventing the “jump shot.” He attended college at Appalachian State University. He was the school principal and basketball coach for Mooresville High School and was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. He died on April 24, 2003, in Mooresville. Illustration by Abigail Hernandez

Big Daddy’s Seafood Restaurant by Qualin Big Daddy’s was opened in 1974. Owned by the Lancaster family, it is the oldest restaurant in town. It is a popular destination because of the famous people who have eaten there and their excellent food. Illustration by Landon Leiner

Blue Devil Mooresville High School Mascot by Isaiah Mooresville High School’s sports teams are known as the Blue Devils. Illustration by Marshal and William Freiman

Bobsleds: DeBotech, Inc. by Jean DeBotech was started by Hans Debot, a Mechanical and Aerospace Hall of Fame inductee from North Carolina State University, and his wife Jayme. They are known for building the bobsleds and skeleton pods and saddles the U.S. Olympic teams use for competitions. Their carbon fiber products are light, strong, and fast. The U.S. Olympic teams won over seventy medals in competitions after using DeBotech products. They have also made America’s Cup sailing spars and custom composite components for the Aviation Racing Series. Illustration by Jayvian Herrera

Brawley Family The Brawley Family was influential in helping Mooresville grow. Espy Watts Brawley purchased property in the early 1900s. He ordered his home from a Sears and Roebuck catalog and had it shipped to Mooresville by train and assembled on-site piece by piece in 1904. It was the second house to have a phone in Mooresville. Now a National Historical Landmark, the Brawley Estate has been transformed into an event space for families to gather. Mr. Brawley ran a bank and the flour mill, which is still in operation.

Photo of the Catawba Queen

Carrigan Farms by James The Carrigan family came to Mooresville in the 1750s and began farming in their current location in 1902. They started out farming cotton and tobacco, and now they grow strawberries, apples, sunflowers, and many other vegetables. A favorite local tradition is visiting their pumpkin patch.

Illustration by Malack

Catawba River by Colt Summerfield The Catawba River flows through North Carolina and into South Carolina. The river is about 200 miles long. The water rises in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The river has been controlled by Lake James Dam, Rhodhiss Dam, Oxford Dam, Lookout Shoals Dam, and then Cowans Ford Dam, which creates Lake Norman.

Catawba River Bridge by Braelyn In August 1907, James W. Brown received permission to build a steel toll bridge to cross the Catawba River to connect the residents of Mooresville with the other side of the river. The toll bridge opened in 1911.

Catawba Queen by Camila The Catawba Queen is a Mississippi River boat that has dinner cruises on the water of Lake Norman. Created in the 1990s, it was named after the Catawba River, which was dammed to make Lake Norman. Illustration by Brooklyn Wuesthoff

Central Hotel by Isabelle Dodson The Central Hotel opened as a rooming house in the 1880s in the home of Cyrus Alexander Johnston. Its proximity to the train depot made it convenient for travelers to rent rooms and order meals. Mr. Johnston later added rooms and named it the Central Hotel. One of the first hotels in Mooresville, it remained open until the 1920s.

Charles Mack Citizen Center by Lacy Tomlinson Charles Mack Citizen Center was named after Charles Mack, the father of John Macao businessman. He was from Lebanon and came as an immigrant to the United States. He started a confectionery business and later opened a wholesale business, Charles Mack & Co. in 1912.

Charlotte, NC by Eliza Hovis Charlotte is North Carolina’s biggest city and one of the state’s most populous. Many Mooresville residents work there. Charlotte was named after King George III’s wife Queen Charlotte, who later became queen of Great Britain and Ireland from 1761 to 1818. Charlotte was incorporated as a town in 1768.

Christmas Parade by Jay The Christmas Parade is a tradition in downtown Mooresville. It is always on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. 5,000 to 7,000 people attend the parade. It was first held in 1944. One of the best parts of the parade is waiting for Santa at the end of the parade.

Illustration by Heidi Joyner

Photos submitted by Katrina Dorroh 16

Cheerwine by Jake Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored soft drink manufactured in Salisbury, NC, by Carolina Beverage Corporation. Mooresville residents have enjoyed it since its invention in 1917. Cheerwine is not available in every state, so it is a special treat for visitors to Mooresville to drink it for the first time. Illustration by Josue Gonzalez-Castillo

Churches The many historical churches in Mooresville have all played a big part in helping the town grow as a community as well as supporting its citizens. Centre Presbyterian Church, organized in 1765, is one of the oldest churches. The oldest building on the property was built in 1854. Its cemetery dates back to the Revolutionary War.

Clyde Carr Clyde Carr was a corporal in a Field Artillery Unit in World War I and the first African American from Mooresville to receive the Purple Heart. He was wounded in action on September 8 while fighting with the 92nd Division in Italy against the Germans.

Cotton Ketchie, Artist by Trevan McCracken Noted artist, photographer, and author Cotton Ketchie loved to draw while growing up in the Mooresville area. One day an art teacher encouraged him to try watercolors and Ketchie found a new medium. People came from all over the United States to buy his watercolor paintings and photographs for many years at his business, Landmark Galleries in downtown Mooresville. His work also sold at national landmarks all over the country.

Cowans Ford Dam The Cowans Ford Dam began construction in 1959 on the Catawba River. The dam allowed Duke Energy to create hydroelectric power and form the state’s largest manmade body of water, called Lake Norman. The creation of Lake Norman has allowed our community to grow over the years, as more and more people want to live close to a lake they can enjoy with their family.

Dale Jarrett by Ellison Armstrong Dale Jarrett is a former racecar driver and a current ESPN commentator. He is a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and gives back to the community through the Dale Jarrett Foundation. Mooresville Ice Cream Company even named an ice cream in his honor!

Dale Earnhardt Sr. by Kelson McCauley

Dale Earnhardt was a professional NASCAR driver who lived in Mooresville, NC. He raced the No. 3 Chevrolet car. He was a great driver and was nicknamed, “The Intimidator.” He is only one of four drivers with Cup total wins of 100. There is an attraction in Mooresville called Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, which is a museum dedicated to his legacy. Here, you can view pictures, awards, and history-making cars. Illustration by Sarah Durham

Dale Earnhardt Jr. by Natalie Meehan and Hailey Budhan Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a famous racecar driver like his father, Dale Sr. He was voted one of the 15 most popular drivers and was also named to NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers list. He graduated from Mooresville High School in 1992. He started Jr. Motorsports in Mooresville. Photo printed with permission from DEJ Management

Dan Jansen by Aubree Lee & Liam Dinkel Mooresville resident Dan Jansen is an Olympic Gold Medalist speed skater. A multiple world champion in sprint skating, he broke a ten-year Olympic jinx when he won a gold medal in his final race, the 1,000 meters in the 1994 Winter Games. He was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2004.

Days of Thunder Movie by Elijah Zamba and Kinslee Rowton The movie Days of Thunder was filmed at an old barn on Morrison Plantation Parkway in Mooresville in 1990. Starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, the movie is about a man named Cole Trickle and how he enters the high-pressure world of NASCAR racing.

Depot (Train Depot of Mooresville) by Lance Wolf The train depot was built in the 1890s on land given by John Franklin Moore, the founder of Mooresville. It was built in the center of what was then the town limits. Mooresville was a farming community, and the train depot helped farmers get their goods to places where they could be sold and helped them provide for their families. Southern Railways later rebuilt the old depot as a station for passenger trains. The Southern Railways train depot continues to be a center of community life as the Mooresville Arts Guild now uses it for classes and shows. The depot has also been featured in movies and T.V. shows.

D.E. Turner Hardware by Khaliq Patterson D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware began in 1899 and has been a significant contributor to the Mooresville economy ever since. When it opened, customers could purchase buggies handmade in the store. One of the first brick buildings in Mooresville, it also had the first gasoline pump in the community out front. Jack Moore runs the store now and has been working there for over seventy years, beginning when he was a teenager. D.E. Turner still stocks hard-to-find nuts and bolts and the best sleds in town for a snow day.

Illustration by Symphani Jones

Dorothy Brown’s Famous Picture by Jebron Williamson Dorothy Brown lived in a very small two-room cabin with her family and was very poor. In August 1957, when Dorothy was 16 years old, a photographer took a picture of her posing outdoors and published it in the Mooresville Tribune. Nicknamed “the Backwoods Beauty” and “Nature Girl,” photographers continued to take her picture. Her photos were talked about all over the United States; in fact, Ed Sullivan invited her to be on his TV show.

The Exchange Club of Mooresville by Alyssa Racano

The Exchange Club of Mooresville, Lake Norman is a service organization that helps to improve the Mooresville, Lake Norman area through various service and fundraising projects and has been since 1991. With the goal of making our community a better place for everyone to live, the club promotes patriotism by showing gratitude for the armed services with their Field of Flags event on the 4th of July.

Photo Provided by The Exchange Club of Mooresville

“Did you know?” Did you know President Barack Obama spoke at Mooresville Middle School in 2013? In 2013, President Barack Obama went to Mooresville Middle School to speak about education and his hope for young individuals. Obama said he hoped every student would have an equal chance to succeed in school. His vision was that students would benefit from the Obama administration’s emphasis on empowering the younger generation to build a better future. The students at Mooresville Middle School were encouraged by President Obama as he shared his vision for affordable college, a better education system, and a better economy. Obama stated that he was proud of the Mooresville Middle School students and would keep fighting for their education. Obama came to Mooresville because of the schools’ technology initiative to provide every student a laptop. “So that’s the spirit that’s reflected in the motto of your school district—‘every child, every day.’ …Every child can succeed. Every child, every day, deserves that chance. We’ve got an obligation to give every young person that chance.” —Barack Obama, Mooresville Middle School Speech, 2013

Festival of Food Trucks by Penelope Barnes and Niya Montgomery The Festival of Food Trucks is held the second Saturday of each month from April to October in downtown Mooresville.

Illustration by Penelope Barnes

Fire and Rescue of Mooresville Having a fire and rescue team in Mooresville is important to the health and safety of residents and their property. The Mooresville Fire and Rescue began in 1885 when the town paid $275 for a hand pump, fire hose, and a hook and ladder. In 1921, they purchased the American LaFrance Fire Truck, which has led the Mooresville Christmas Parade for decades. The engine, called ’21, has appeared in eight movies.

Flour Mill in Mooresville by T.J. Campell The mill was started in the 1890s in the front yard of W. W. Melchor’s home (The house still stands on the corner of North Main and Institute Street across from Fire Station.) The name was Big Oak Roller Mill and he operated the mill until 1914. Epsy Watts Brawley, W. C. Johnston, Sr., Dr. A. E. Bell, and H.D. Mills formed a corporation and purchased the mill and named it The Mooresville Flour Mill. Since Mooresville was primarily a farming community having a flour mill helped the local farmers. Today the is flour mill is still working today and is now named the Bay Street Milling Company. Today the flour mill is still working and is now named the Bay State Milling Company.

“Did You Know?” Did you know Mooresville used to be called “Port City USA”? Located on Lake Norman, Mooresville was given the slogan “Port City” after a boom of excitement from the creation of the lake. In 1963, Duke Energy created the lake by damming the Catawba River. This excited residents who anticipated growth for Mooresville. The slogan “Port City USA” became a good fit for Mooresville as the town began further industrializing and growing due to the lake. A Duke Power map shows eight gas stations, five grocery stores, and two restaurants in 1965.

Geese (Canadian) by Iviana Turner The Canadian geese that live around Mooresville’s lakes are a protected species. Canadian geese have black necks and heads, but they have a white chin strap that sets them apart from other geese.

General Nathaneal Green by Paris McCain Nathaneal Green was a commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He was known as one of George Washington’s most talented and dependable officers. Green fought several battles in the Mooresville area against British General Charles Cornwallis. Green and General William Lee Davidson, for whom Davidson College is named fought a battle near the Catawba River that continued to the site of Torrence’s Tavern in now modern-day Mooresville.

Gold- Top Story In First Newspaper! In 1895, the biggest story in the newly formed Mooresville Record newspaper was the discovery of gold in a mine shaft close to Mooresville. The newspaper reported as much as 216 pennyweight was found the day a shaft was sunk. That is equivalent to almost 11 ounces. Before then, the largest piece found was 8 ½ pennyweight (or less than half an ounce.) Though this strike wasn’t made at Reed Gold Mine, tourists can visit that site near the Charlotte area where lots of gold was discovered in the 1800s. It is now a National Historic Site.

Photo by Katie Downs with Lake Norman Sports Photography 23

“Did you know?” Did you know Mooresville residents fought in an American Revolutionary War battle near their homes? Mooresville residents played a part in the militia that fought in a Revolutionary War battle near Mooresville. The Battle of Torrence’s Tavern took place either February 1st or 2nd in 1781. Commanded by General Charles Cornwallis, the British Army traced the southern Continental Army, commanded by Nathanael Greene, throughout the Carolinas. The British Army lost to the Continental Army on January 17, 1781, at the Battle of Cowpens. Following this event, Cornwallis and his army pursued the Continental Army in North Carolina. The Continental Army made it across the Catawba River before the British Army. General William Lee Davidson (for whom Davidson College is named), with the Catawba River defenses and a force of local Patriot militia, slowed the British Army with the battle that took place at the Catawba River. General Davidson died in the fight. The Patriots and militia retreated to Torrence’s Tavern, where they were enjoying some drinks when Banastre Tarleton showed up with his British forces. Victims of the conflict are buried in the Centre Presbyterian Church grave yard.

Lake Norman Sunset 24

Harold Brent McKnight, U.S. District Judge by Jaxon Mooresville native Harold Brent McKnight was appointed as United States Magistrate Judge by George W. Bush. He attended UNC Chapel Hill, Magdalen College, Oxford University, and UNC School of Law. Illustration by Kearstin Harp

Hockenheim, Germany - Mooresville’s Sister City by Elise Hockenheim, Germany, became Mooresville’s sister city in a program to foster transnational friendships. Hockenheim was chosen to partner with Mooresville because it is home to a wellknown German Racetrack. Mooresville is also known for racing and is called Race City USA. Several residents of both cities have participated in exchange trips to visit their counterparts.

Hoyt Wilhelm by Jurnee Hoyt Wilhelm started his baseball career with the Mooresville Moors baseball team, now known as the Mooresville Spinners. He was an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Giants in 1951 and for several other baseball teams. The Mooresville Museum downtown has on display a signed baseball and other items featuring Hoyt Wilhelm.

Did You Know? Did you know there was a time when kids didn’t have bicycles? Many of you cannot imagine a time when bicycles didn’t exist. Pioneers walked or traveled by horses. When the bicycle was invented and became available for purchase in the United States, people in Mooresville like most Americans were excited to ride. The dirt roads were used by wagons, making them too rough to ride on bicycles, so the cyclists began to take over the sidewalks downtown. Soon, there were so many bicycles it was hard for people to walk on the sidewalks. A new law was made to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Any Photo Submitted by cyclist caught going too fast had to pay a $2 fine. The Mooresville Library Archives

Ice Cream- DeLuxe Ice Cream by Ozgenaz

In 1924, a group of dairy farmers and Mooresville businessmen started The Mooresville Ice Cream Company. Later, their ice cream brand became known as DeLuxe Ice Cream. In 2012, Mooresville Ice Cream added a new line of flavors branded Front Porch Carolina Churned Ice Cream, which includes Blackberry Crumble, Nana’s Banana Pudding, Scarlett Red Velvet, Sassy Strawberry, and Peachy Keen. Visitors to the company’s ice cream parlor can also get root beer floats, old-fashioned malted milkshakes, and banana splits sundaes. Their Deluxe Ice Cream and Front Illustration by Brixton Lawson Porch flavors are sold in stores across the state.

Interstate 77 by Ariana Interstate 77 was built in 1965. When the state decided it would build the interstate from Charlotte through Statesville, it helped Mooresville grow through the years. Many people in Mooresville use Interstate 77 to go down to Charlotte or to South Carolina or north to Virginia.

Isaac Harris Isaac Harris was on the first town board that helped set up Mooresville as a town in 1873, and he became its first elected mayor in May 1874. He was always ready to help the town, including loaning the town money to operate on when funding ran low and refusing to accept repayment. He also put down close to $6,000 cash (which was a lot of money for that time) to win Mooresville the bid for a railway junction to connect the town with Winston-Salem. He even had to act as the town judge sometimes, fining someone for breaking the law by putting a string with a tin can full of rocks around a dog. His house still stands today and is the law office of Homesley & Wingo Law Group PLLC. 26

“Did You Know?” Did you know Hoyt Wilhelm, Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee, played for the Mooresville Moors Baseball Team (Now Mooresville Spinners)? Born in Huntersville, North Carolina, on July 26, 1922, James Hoyt Wilhelm made his first major appearance with the Mooresville Moors in 1942. A minor league baseball team, the Mooresville Moors won the N.C. State League Championships six times. Wilhelm was a pitcher who attended and played for Cornelius High School. His career with the Moors was interrupted when he served in World War II and became known as the “Old Sarge” for his service. Though he was wounded after the Battle of the Bulge and earned the Purple Heart, he returned to the Moors in 1946. After leaving the Moors, Wilhelm played for the New York Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers. His baseball career ended in 1972, and in 1985, Wilhelm was selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of The Mooresville Museum

Jim Popp After Jim Popp graduated from Mooresville High School, he played defensive back for Michigan State University. After college, he went on to coach. He was an assistant coach at UNC, The Citadel, Alabama State, and UNC Charlotte. He has served as general manager for several teams in the Canadian Football League. He has won five Grey Cup championships and has been an ESPN commentator. He is currently the director of player administration for the United States Football League (USFL).

John Franklin Moore (Founder of Mooresville) by Zakhari The town of Mooresville is named after its founder, John Franklin Moore, born 1822. He owned a small farm. When the railroad was being built near his land, he offered a small piece for a depot to be built. He encouraged others to come and build near his land. Soon, there was a small village named Moore’s Siding that would later become known as Mooresville in 1873. He helped the cotton farmers and also helped establish the first brick-making factory. Many of the brick buildings in downtown Mooresville were built by him. When John Franklin Moore died on July 22, 1877, his wife, Rachel Summrow Moore, continued his legacy and the development of the town.

Photo courtesy of The Mooresville Museum

Illustration by Braelyn Starnes 28

John J. Mack by Brantley John J. Mack was born Hanna Makhoul Fakhoury in Roum, Lebanon. He moved to the United States without his wife and children in 1903, following a friend who had immigrated to Marion, South Carolina. An immigration official at Ellis Island, New York, changed his name from Hanna to John and shortened his middle name to Mack, dropping his surname. Mack eventually moved his family to the United States, and they opened Mack and Sons in Mooresville, NC, on December 24, 1912. It operated until 1993 when it closed after 81 years.

JR Motorsports (owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr) by Jack Jr Motorsports began as a shed on the property of Dale Earnhardt Inc’s backyard. (The business of Dale Earnhardt Sr.) In 1998 he had just one employee. It was originally started to market Dale Earnhardt Jr’s race team. In 2002, Jr turned this into a race team with TJ Majors. When Dale Jr. signed a contract with Hendrix Motorsports, the Hendrick and JR Motorsports teams were merged. Illustration by Hailey Budhan

J.B. (James Burton) Mauney by Jack O James Burton Mauney is a professional bull rider, and one of only three bull riders to stay on the meanest bull, named Bushwacker, for a full 8 seconds. J.B. is considered a legend due to his records and accomplishments. He won several world championships, among other awards, leading some to call him “the best bull rider of his generation.” He and his family lived in Mooresville before moving to Texas.

J.R. Sweezy (NFL Player born in Mooresville, NC) J.R. Sweezy went to Park View Elementary and was a linebacker for the Mooresville High School football team. He was also a wrestler. He played college football at N.C. State. In his NFL career, he has played for the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, and the New Orleans Saints. He helped Seattle beat the Broncos to win Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

Photo submitted of J.R. Sweezy at Mooresville High School by Susan Sweezy

Photo submitted by Susan Sweezy of J.R. Sweezy in NFL

Julius Peppers Julius Peppers was born in North Carolina and is a former National Football League player. He played defensive end and linebacker. Peppers played for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. When he played professionally for the Carolina Panthers, he lived in Mooresville.

Illustration by Ja’Colby Rivers

Kaitlyn Dorroh by Katrina Dorroh

Kaitlyn Dorroh, a native of Mooresville, NC attends high school at Langtree Charter Academy. In the second grade, she dreamed of being an author. Her dream came true in June 2022 at age sixteen when Headline Books published Kaitlyn’s children’s book, Adam’s Cape: The Missing Crew. She won a Gold Mom’s Choice Award and several other honors. She was also chosen for The Charlotte Dean’s List Twenty Under Twenty for 2022 and is also a teen writer for Lakeside Living Magazine. The Mooresville Library featured her as a guest author for their 150th Celebration emphasis. Kaitlyn hopes her story will inspire others to go after their dreams too. Adam’s Cape won a Gold Mom’s Choice Award, a 2023 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award and several other honors.

Kyle Busch Motorsports by Gunner Kyle Busch Motorsports is a NASCAR racing team in Mooresville. It runs the NASCAR Truck Series and, in previous years, competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He holds several records, including the most race wins in a season across three NASCAR series. His nickname is “Rowdy.”

“Did You Know?” Did you know a famous Mexican aviator landed in Mooresville? Captain Emilio Carranza Rodriguez made an unscheduled stop in Mooresville on June 12, 1928. On a goodwill mission to promote aviation relations between the U.S. and Mexico, he encountered bad weather in Spartanburg, S.C. It was a foggy night and the townspeople gathered to drive their cars to flood the small landing strip near town with light so the pilot could see to land the plane. Boys and girls gathered to see the famous pilot. Captain Carranza made it to Washington D.C., and then on to New York, but died on his flight back on July 12 when he crashed in New Jersey. Photo from The Mooresville Museum

Printed with Permission from Visit Lake Norman

Illustration by Madyson Marcum 32

Lazy 5 Ranch by Miller R The Lazy 5 Ranch opened in 1993 and is a drive-through zoo. Visitors can see exotic animals they can’t see everywhere. It is home to 750 animals from six different continents, including giraffes and zebras. It is fun to learn about them and feed them.

Lake Norman by Hanza K Lake Norman was first thought of in 1905 when James “Buck” Buchanan Duke of North Carolina Tobacco Company provided start-up funds for the project. Between 1959 and 1964, Lake Norman was created when Duke Power Company built the Cowans Ford Dam across the Catawba River. Lake Norman was made for generating electricity, but it also helped provide flood control. Today, many people enjoy boating and other water activities and eating at restaurants along the 520 miles of shoreline.

Caleb and Trooper on Lake Norman

Circle art by Kristen Feighery

Boat illustration by Reed Parker

Lake Norman State Park by Sadie N Lake Norman State Park has many biking and walking trails, plenty of places to fish, room to canoe or paddle-boat, and a beach. It is on the northern part of the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, Lake Norman.

Mooresville Little League by Sophie In the summer of 1952, a group of boys from Mooresville made it all the way to the Little League World Series! Don Beaver, the pitcher, stated, “I was very nervous, being a 12-year-old never playing outside of sandlot ball.” They were all kids from in and around the Mooresville area. Don Beaver was later inducted into the Little League Hall of Fame in Williamsport.

Lowe’s Hardware Home Improvement Headquarters by Sam G Lowe’s Headquarters was first brought to Mooresville in 2003. Lowe’s has gone from a hardware store in a small North Carolina town to one of the largest in the world. Lowe’s Corporate Office brought many jobs to Mooresville.

Lutell Sherrill Williams by Emery K. The Mooresville Public Library was started around 1890 when a group of citizens donated their own books to create the Mooresville Lending Library. They used to charge money to check out a book. In 1939, Mrs. Lutell Sherrill Williams learned the library was using her unoccupied family home. She tore down the house and helped to finance the construction of a building for the library on the same site. On December 12, 1940, the new library opened.

Lake Enforcement Unit on Lake Norman by Braysen R. With 520 miles of shoreline on Lake Norman, the sheriff made a lake watch program called the Lake Enforcement Unit to make the lake-front communities safer and help boaters on the lake.

“Did You Know?” Did you know Mooresville elected a “Dog Mayor”? Did you know Mooresville has a ‘Dog Mayor’ that is elected each year through votes on Instagram? The first Dog Mayor was Daisy Saragoni, the Honorable Daisy, a mini Australian Shepherd elected in 2021. The dog mayor idea came from third graders at Rocky River Elementary who were learning about how local government works and reached out to Mayor Miles Atkins to see if they could run an election for a dog mayor. Today, the elections are run by the Mooresville Youth Council. The next furry friend elected dog mayor was the Honorable Buttercup, a Corgi. Photos submitted by Laura The Corgi Mamma

“Vintage Mooresville” by Cotton Ketchie

Marshall Steam Station Marshall Steam Station, on Lake Norman in nearby Sherrill’s Ford began as a coal-powered plant owned by Duke Energy. It has been converted to create power with both coal and gas and makes enough electricity to give power to about 2 million homes. Many updates have been done on the plant to make the energy they produce as clean as possible. The station is named for E.C. Marshall, a former company president. Marshall Steam Station began operation in 1965.

Melissa Morrison Howard by Zyionna Melissa Morrison Howard was born on July 9, 1971, in Mooresville, North Carolina. She is an Olympic athlete for the U.S. Olympic Team in Track and Field. She is best known for winning two Olympic Bronze medals in Sydney (2000) and in Athens (2004) in the 100-meter hurdles. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1993. Illustration by Zephariah Cardona

Memory Lane Museum by John B. Memory Lane Museum is a car museum that has antique drag cars, go-karts, NASCAR, and more. With more than 15 kinds of racing cars on display, visitors can learn the history of the automobile beginning from 1901 to today.

Miles Atkins by Cynthia C. Miles Atkins has been mayor of Mooresville since 2011. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Auburn University. In addition to being the current mayor, he is also the Director of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations for Iredell Health Systems. He advocates for many health and social issues. When asked what he loves about being mayor, he said, “As Mayor, I am passionate about serving the greater Mooresville community and believe we have made significant strides towards becoming a more enduring, connected, inclusive, and innovative town.”

Michael Bay, Owner of Alino’s and Barcelona Burger Michael Bay was born in a small Mesopotamian village along the Euphrates River in Eastern Turkey, where his family lived in a mud hut. He grew up always seeking a better future. He started his career in the United States selling antiques out of the back of his truck. He was on a boat in Northern Italy when he got a call asking if he would like to Illustration by Sophie Howard buy a vacant cotton mill in Mooresville, N.C. After looking at the picture on Google Earth, he said, “Yes, I will take it!” He changed the name to Merino Mill. He has built a successful business and owns three mill buildings in the southeast. Merino Mill in Mooresville houses two restaurants, Alino’s Pizzeria and Barcelona, along with an antique mall, high-tech companies, and space for several artisans and craftspeople.

Mills Family Farm by Karsyn A. Mills Family Farm is an over 200-acre, veterinarian-owned cattle farm in Mooresville. The farm has been in the Mills family since 1935. All of their cattle are pasture raised and fed a custom veterinary-designed vitamin and mineral mix. All of their beef and pork products are all-natural. Families can purchase fresh meat and products from their country store. For times, visit their website, millsfamilyfarm.com.

Mooresville Town by Abigail B. John Franklin Moore offered land to the AT&O Railroad for a depot. He also sold property to people interested in building a town. In 1873, John F. Moore and five other men applied for a Town Charter. The state approved the town charter on March 3, 1873, and the name was changed to the Town of Mooresville. What once began as a small one-mile town and a dream of John F. Moore, became a fast-growing community with the establishment of the railroad, passenger rail, and the lake.

Illustration by Kinslee Rowton

M.J. Grierson by Ellie O. M.J. Grierson was the founder of the first library in Mooresville. In 1879, she started a library in her house. She offered subscriptions for $1.25 a year in 1899. The Mooresville Library was operated in many homes in the first few years, including the home of Mrs. Lutell Sherrill Williams.

Mooresville Arts Gallery by Keasia R. The Mooresville Arts Gallery is in downtown Mooresville at the old train depot. There are three spaces that host exhibits by artists from all around the world. Once a month, an artist reception takes place. The gallery offers art lessons and summer art camps. Admission to the gallery is free.

“Moore’s Siding” by London M Moore’s Siding was the first name given to the area now known as Mooresville.

Mooresville Spinners Baseball Team From 1936-1953, the Mooresville Moors were a minor league baseball team. They won six North Carolina State League Championships. Their name came from the Mooresville Mills textile plant across the street from their field. Today the team is a summer collegiate baseball team known as the Mooresville Spinners, named for the cotton spinners. In 2022, the Mooresville Spinners were the Southern Collegiate Baseball League Champions. One of their players, Nolan Devos, was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2022.

Illustration by Medwid Dinkel

Mooresville Cotton Mills Mooresville Mills was established by J.E. Sherrill in 1893 as a cotton mill. It eventually produced wool, towels, draperies, and apparel. The Mooresville Cotton Mills employed a lot of people in our community, and they provided houses for their employees to live in, which they called the Mill Village.

Illustration by Heidi Joyner

Mooresville Stars by Sophie The Mooresville Stars were an undefeated Little League Team in Mooresville in the 1950s. “When we went to play, we went to play hard,” said Phillip Clodfelter. This group made it all the way to the Little League World Series in the summer of 1952. “I guess, my love affair with baseball goes back to when I was a kid hung on to me,” said Don, pitcher for the team, who now owns the Charlotte Knights.

Philip Clodfelter holding a photo of Little League Team

Norman Atwater Cocke by Cole B. Lake Norman is named after Norman Atwater Cocke, who directed the Piedmont and Northern Railway during the 1920s. He also helped start Duke Power’s forestry program and became president and CEO of Duke Power.

Normie the Lake Norman Monster by Austin H. Is “Normie” a myth or real? A man who was fishing, reportedly spotted a large fish that resembled “a dinosaurlike creature” in Lake Norman. It is said to be ten feet long. There have been hundreds of sightings of what has become known as “Normie the Lake Norman Monster.” The Lake Norman Monster seems to be more fish-like, and witnesses say the creature is friendly when it is encountered. “Normie” sightings are posted at LakeNormanMonster.com.

Illustration by Lacy Tomlinson

“Did You Know?” Did you know Native Americans lived in the Mooresville area before it was settled by the German and Scott-Irish Settlers? For thousands of years before German and Scotch-Irish settlers arrived, members of the Catawba Nation lived in the Mooresville area along the river. The Catawbas were farmers. They planted crops along the banks of the river, like corn and squash. They also fished and hunted. The Catawbas lived in rounded homes with roofs made of bark. The Catawbas were known as the fiercest warriors in the land. In 1540, explorer Hernando de Soto led his troops west to search for gold and recorded the first contact with the Catawba Indians. This group of people was best known for their pottery, the earliest of which dates back to 1979 BCE. The Catawba tribe was known as “the people of the river,” so the Catawba River was named after this them. You can visit the Catawba Cultural Center located in Rock Hill, SC. www.catawbaculture.org

Courtesy of the Cultural Services Division of The Catawba Nation”

Great Horned Owl by Amaya J. Great horned owls are common in North Carolina. These owls are quite large, weighing 2.5 to 4 pounds, and look fierce. They can’t move their yellow eyes from side to side, so they have to swivel their heads. Nature lovers can often see one in person at the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, which rescues and supports injured birds.

Illustration by Tess Adair

Paddle Boarding on Lake Norman by Sadie L. Paddle boarding is one of several fun things to do on Lake Norman. Visitors can also kayak, water ski, ski surf, canoe, or just swim.

Park View Elementary by Mia J.

Park View Elementary School is one of the elementary schools in Mooresville. It was built in 1926 and exists for the purpose of preparing all students to become future-ready students in the 21st century. Park View received its name from Stewart Park, a local park with a pool, merry-go-round, play equipment, sports fields, and picnic areas. The school overlooked the park, so they named it Park View School.

Illustration by Isabella

Team Penske by Michael K. Team Penske is located in Mooresville and was started by Roger Penske. His team has won 43 National Championships, including 17 in the INDYCAR SERIES. They fully moved into a new facility in 2007. Outside the structure, there’s a one-mile nature trail and two lighted baseball fields. The investment by Team Penske represents the company’s long-term commitment to racing and the Mooresville area.

Illustration by Nehmiah Cardona

Peggy Popp by Sophie P. Peggy Popp had three children and decided to do what she’s always wanted to do: own a business. Popp bought a building on Main Street around 1978 and opened Peggy’s Shoe Fashions. She went on to own five businesses and won Mooresville’s Merchant of the Year Award in 1986, a first for a woman. She was such an influential part of downtown that a statue of her sits on Main Street today. (One of her children is Jim Popp, whose accomplishments as a former football player and coach are listed under the J entries.)

Pie in the Sky Pizza by Connor P. Tim Whitener opened Pie in the Sky Pizza in 1986 and built it into a destination for Mooresville High School students to gather before and after football games. Pie in the Sky Pizza is known as NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s favorite pizza place.

Pike Stewart Pike Stewart was an African American leader in the Mooresville community. He opened Pike’s Gulf Station in 1969 and owned the gas station and wrecker station for more than fifty years. He cared for his customers by collecting donations when one of their family member’s died and by giving regular customers a small Christmas gift. He lived to be eighty-eight years old and passed away in November 2020.

Phones In 1904, Mooresville businesses and residents had a total of 98 phones. The first phone was put in at the locally owned pharmacy, Goodman’s Drug. Phones in the early 1900s operated differently from today’s phones. Users had to crank the phone with a lever and speak with an operator who would connect the caller with someone else who had a phone.

Police Department The police department started in Mooresville in 1887 when the town hired two policemen to patrol the streets at night. Those streets would have been lit by lanterns. Some interesting laws during these early days included: 1) It was against the town ordinance to tie any rattling thing to a dog’s or cat’s tail. If you broke the law, you would have to work on the city streets for two days. (Changed from a previous $2 fine.) and 2) It was a misdemeanor for anyone to drive his team of horses across a bridge at a pace faster than a walk. 47

Q Quarry at Carrigan Farms by Channin S. Among the entertainment options at Carrigan Farms is the Quarry, a natural spring of water that is open in summer months for swimming. It also has a beach area. In the fall, visitors can walk a haunted trail called Scarrigan Farms. Throughout the year, Carrigan Farms hosts birthday parties, where guests can take wagon rides and roast hot dogs. Illustration by Kailyn Butts

Race City USA by Robyn S.

Mooresville became known as Race City USA because many NASCAR teams and drivers live and work here. Mooresville is home to more than 60 NASCAR teams and racing-related businesses, including IndyCar teams. In Mooresville, fans can visit race shops and take tours. The town sought to serve the racing industry as a way to provide alternative jobs for its residents when the mills closed.

Randy Marion Randy Marion began working at a local gas station when he was 12 years old and started selling cars at age 21, hoping to one day have his own dealership. In 1990, Marion opened a small dealership in downtown Mooresville. Within two years, he expanded and built a new facility. He has won many awards, including Time Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year in 2003, National Dealer of the year in 2010 and 2020, and the Duke Energy Citizenship Award.

Rankin Dry Goods by Chuckie S. Rankin Dry Goods was a store built in Mooresville during the 1890s to provide goods for farmers and their families. It was the first building to have an electric elevator and it stayed open until the 1950s. Now, it houses the restaurant Epic Chophouse. Illustration by Brooklyn

Ricky Steamboat by Haydan V. Ricky Steamboat was born on February 28, 1953. He is best known as a professional wrestler His ring name was Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, but his full name is Richard Henry Blood Sr. He is often regarded as one of the best professional wrestlers of all time and was admitted to the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame. He resides in Mooresville. 49

Selma Burke by A’Miriyana S.

Dr. Selma Burke was a famous African American sculptor who was born in Mooresville on December 31, 1900. She is best known for creating a sculpture of Franklin D. Roosevelt for the Four Freedoms plaque on the Recorder of Deeds building in Washington, D.C. She was able to meet him personally to sketch him before she made the sculpture. That image can now be seen on the dime. Illustration by Eliza Hovis

Surfing on Lake Norman? Did you know you can wake surf on Lake Norman? Ride Lake Norman teaches people how to Wake Surf. Wake Surfing is a water sport in which a person surfs the wake behind a boat without being directly pulled by the boat like a water skier is pulled. Riders will use a rope to get up onto the water, then drop the rope and surf the wake! Picture submitted by Jason Nacey of Mooresville

Sun-Drop by Kingston Sun-Drop’s connection to Mooresville is its sponsorship of both Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr.’s racecars. The Earnhardt racing family has its headquarters in the town. The citrus soda was developed in 1949 in St. Louis, Missouri. Mooresville is in one of a handful of states where Sun-Drop is sold.

Illustration by Ma’Kayla Mayhew

Teeter’s Food Mart by Alli The Teeter’s Food Mart was founded in 1939 in Mooresville by Willis L. Teeter and his brother Paul. In 1949, W.T. Harris opened his own grocery store in Charlotte. In 1960, the two stores merged, and the American supermarket chain is now called Harris Teeter.

Trump National Golf Club by Braylen Adams Trump National Golf Club is located on the Lake Norman peninsula, six miles from downtown Mooresville. It was purchased by Former President Donald Trump in 2012. Several famous people have lived at The Point. President Donald Trump visited the golf course in 2013 and in 2020.

Under the Lake Norman by: Sophia, Khaidyn, Jacorion, Navaeh What’s under Lake Norman? Is it more than just fish? Is it more than “Normie,” the Lake Norman Monster? Lake Norman is a manmade lake created between 1959 and 1964. Because the lake was created by damming the Catawba River and flooding property that held farms, wilderness, cotton mills, churches, and cemeteries, there are many surprises under Lake Norman. Area scuba divers love to go down under the water to see these pieces of history left for them to discover.

Underwater Airplane On September 5, 2013, area firefighters using sonar technology discovered a submerged airplane. Local news media, including DavidsonNews.net, reported several accounts on the possible origin of the plane and how it came to be underwater.

Long Island and East Monbo Cotton Mill and Villages The East Monbo Cotton Mill and houses surrounding it were flooded in January 1961 for the formation of Lake Norman.

John Oliphant’s Grist Mill John Oliphant operated a grist mill located on Oliphant’s Creek from the 1750s until after Revolutionary War. The water-powered grist mill ground grain for early settlers and farmers in the Catawba River Valley.

Remains of a Summer Camp Fellowship Camp opened in 1938 for area residents. The buildings were flooded as the new lake filled up.

Old Plantation Houses and Communities Old plantation houses and whole communities lie 100 feet beneath the lake’s surface.

Illustrations by Annabel Wheeler

Veteran’s Living Military Museum - Richard’s Coffee Shop by Luca Richard’s Coffee Shop is named after Richard Warren, a combat pilot in Vietnam who flew an attack helicopter with the call sign “Mustang 53.” The coffee shop opened on July 4, 2009 in Mooresville as a gathering place and support system for active military and veterans. It is also a Living Military Museum that exhibits donated military artifacts from different wars. More than 21,000 veterans have visited the Coffee Shop and signed the “Book of Honor.” Everyone is welcome at Richard’s Coffee Shop. www.welcomevets.com.

Victory Lanes Bowling Alley by Vivian Victory Lanes is a bowling alley and arcade in Mooresville, built in 2007. Players earn tickets to buy prizes from the redemption center which has a huge selection of prizes. Victory Lanes hosted the 2019 U.S. Open bowling tournament. They also have hosted the Pro Bowlers Association (PBA50) Tour. The alley runs a “Say No to Drugs and Yes to Bowling” campaign that allows all students to bowl for free during the summer months.

Illustration by Carter Dison

War Memorial Community Center by Jack and Elly The War Memorial Community Center was dedicated in October1948. This memorial was built to honor the veterans of World War I and II. Everyone in the community worked together to pay for the building and held a parade as part of a big celebration when it was built. In addition to inviting visitors to remember fallen warriors, the property has a public outdoor pool, a gymnasium, and hosts after-school programs and summer camps.

Will Grier by Nehemiah Norman William Grier was born on April 13, 1995, in the Lake Norman area. He is a professional NFL quarterback who has played for the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys. Illustration by Ja’Colby Rivers

Winnie Hooper by Brenton Winnie Hooper was an African American leader in the community who worked tirelessly for Mooresville’s younger and often ignored citizens. She organized support for a community center for black residents during the 1950s. She supported programs at the Dunbar School, working with home economics and academic classes. The Winnie Hooper Center was built in 1965 with space for the community to gather and learn.

The World Bowling Tour by Ryan The World Bowling Tour is a professional bowling tour that unites bowlers from selected major professional and amateur organizations. Victory Lanes in Mooresville was the host for the 2019 U.S. Open Tournament.

Illustration by Carter Dison

X Illustration by Nathaniel “Tanner” Hughes 56

The YMCA by Natalie Lowe’s YMCA is located on Joe V. Knox Avenue and provides a lot of fun activities for people of all ages, including sports leagues. The YMCA hosts a huge celebration of our country on July 3rd every year with a Field of Flags by The Exchange Club, bounce houses, food trucks , and a big fireworks display at the end of the night. Thousands of people attend.

Author, Kaitlyn & Her Friends at the Field of Flags outside the Library

Illustration by Cian Humphrey

Zebulon Vance Turlington by Frankie Zebulon Vance Turlington was born in Johnston County in 1877. He studied law at the University of North Carolina and came to Mooresville in 1900on a train carrying everything he owned in one suitcase. After getting off the train, he was hoping to make a good impression on those greeting him, when to his embarrassment, his suitcase popped open, dumping all his clothing on the ground. He gathered them up and hurriedly went to the Central Hotel. He was the town attorney for sixty years. He served in the North Carolina Legislature in the early 1900s and was able to get a bill passed allowing Mooresville to have its own school district. He also helped start the town’s Rotary Club.

Illustration by Makayla M.

Photos

Mooresville Ice Cream Company

Kaitlyn and Cotton Ketchie

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 59

Pine Lake Preparatory Football

John Franklin Moore

Mooresville Cotton Mill

Austin Jetton 60

Mooresville High School Band

Langtree Charter Academy Softball

Lake Norman High School Band

Jack Moore at D.E. Turner Hardware

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About the Authors Kaitlyn Dorroh is a high school student living in North Carolina. Kaitlyn is an award-winning author for Headline Books, having won multiple honors including a Gold Mom’s Choice Award for her first book, Adam’s Cape: The Missing Crew. Kaitlyn loves the beach, skateboarding, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. She is also passionate about helping children who live in book deserts access literature. A to Zs of Mooresville, NC History: Celebrating 150 Years! , was written with Kaitlyn’s goal of providing books to children in Mooresville as a part of her senior capstone project. Portions of this book were written by the 2022-2023 Third Grade Classes at Park View Elementary. This project aligned with their N.C. Standards of Study for 3rd Grade Social Studies. Six of the nine third-grade classes contributed to the written sections.

About the Illustrators Sarah Durham is a high school student from North Carolina who feels passionately about art, music, baking, and helping others. Sarah did more than just the illustrations, she took part in helping the students with their artwork and research. Sarah illustrated the front cover of this book along with other pictures within the book.

Peter Gventer is involved in the Art Honors Society at Langtree Charter Academy. Peter enjoys creating art, trail biking, and learning about history and politics.

Annabel Wheeler is involved in the Art Honors Society at Langtree Charter Academy. A gifted digital artist, Annabel’s work is featured in the “What’s Under Lake Norman” section of this book. Annabel will attend Lipscomb Academy beginning Fall 2023 to pursue an animation degree. She hopes to be able to create her own animated shows one day.

Three of the third-grade classes at Park View Elementary assisted with illustrating this book. Their art teacher, Kim Jones, went above and beyond to help the students with this project. 64

A to Zs of Mooresville, NC History: Celebrating 150 Years!

“Vintage Mooresville” by Cotton Ketchie

Kaitlyn Dorroh with Park View Elementary

A to Zs of Mooresville, NC History: Celebrating 150 Years! celebrates Mooresville’s history and

Kaitlyn Dorroh

with Park View Elementary & Langtree Charter Academy Art Honors Society