HC Magazine August 2019

Dog Days of

Summer

Vulcan Quarry Watauga Arts Space Boone Golf at 60 Guide Fishing BROTHERS in BUSINESS • Carroll • Goodnight • Phillips August / September 2019

High Country Magazine

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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS!

DIANNE DA V ANT &ASSOCIATES Margaret Handley,

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Dianne Davant, ASID Pamela McKay, ASID

Priscilla Hyatt,

Banner Elk, North Carolina 828.963.7500 Stuart, Florida 772.781.1400 davant-interiors.com B

High Country Magazine

August / September 2019

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High Country Magazine

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Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change, prior sale or withdrawal at any time without notice or obligation. Drawings, photographs, renderings, video, scale models, square footages, floor plans, elevations, features, colors and sizes are approximate for presentation purposes only and may vary from the homes as built. Home prices refer to o theubase theahouse options or premiums,2019 unless otherwise indicated for a specific home. Nothing on our website should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Sotheby’s gh C n tprice r y ofM g a zand i ndoenot include August / September International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Asheville | Banner Elk | Blowing Rock | Charlotte | Lake Norman | Linville Ridge Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

August / September 2019

High Country Magazine

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High Country Magazine

August / September 2019

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High Country Magazine

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C O N T E N T S

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Rock Crushing in the High Country Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of crushed stone, sand and gravel. One of the company’s 20 North Carolina locations is here in Boone.

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Art in Watauga County

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Celebrating Half a Century

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Hamming It Up

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From Spruce Pine to Clemson and Back

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The Blue Ridge Art Space is home to many artistic passions and is sure to continue to meet the needs of the artistic community in and around Boone.

Carroll Companies, Inc. marked its 50th anniversary of operation in Boone. Carroll Leather Goods started in a 1,000square-foot basement in Boone and is now recognized worldwide.

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Goodnight Brothers Ham in Boone continues to add more and more to its product line and while expanding its brand across the country.

John and Hank Phillips share their stories about becoming college football standouts at Clemson and coming back home to build professional success.

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Fishing the Tennessee Tailwaters High Country fishing guides offer a wide variety of experiences, from catching trout and smallmouth bass to walleyes and muskellunges.

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60 Years of Boone Golf Club The iconic Boone Golf Club has seen its fair share of golfers hitting the course with an average of 30,000 rounds of golf played every year.

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on the cover Jan Todd - Our August cover

is from Jan Todd, who looks forward to photographing the goldenrods in the mountains at the end of every summer. Jan and her husband are “Boone-a-rangs” — Appalachian grads who return to live in Boone. Her work has been published in regional magazines in the Carolinas, and you can see more of her photographs at deepcreekphoto.com.

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READER SERVICES ABOUT US

The first High Country Press newspaper was published on May 5, 2005, and the first issue of High Country Magazine went to press in fall 2005. In March of 2012 the newspaper made the transformation to an online newspaper at our new website: www.HCPress.com. Our new “webpaper” is still packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts.

Our magazine represents our shared love of our history, our landscape and our people. It celebrates our pioneers, our lifestyles, our differences and the remarkable advantages we enjoy living in the mountains. Our guiding principles are twofold: quality journalism makes a difference and customer care at every level is of the greatest importance.

Our offices are located in Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Our magazine is a wonderful way for businesses to advertise to our readers. Our magazines tend to stay around for a long time, on coffee tables and bed stands, and shared with family and friends. To find out about advertising, call our offices at 828264-2262.

Natural Perspective Loren DiBenedetto July 30 - August 17 Artist Reception August 3, 4-6pm

BACK ISSUES

Back issues of our magazines are available from our office for $5 per issue. Some issues are already sold out and are no longer available.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography and page reprints are available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call our office. Some photos may not be available and some restrictions may apply.

FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Writers and photographers may send queries and samples to the editor at hcmag@highcountrypress.com.

Contact us at:

9LVXDO 5HÀHFWLRQV Noyes Capehart August 20 - September 7

High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 1600 Highway 105 Boone, NC 28607

Artist Reception August 24, 4-6pm

www.hcpress.com info@highcountrypress.com

artcellaronline.com | 828-898-5175 Hwy 184 Banner Elk, North Carolina

828-264-2262

August / September 2019

High Country Magazine

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FRO M T HE PUB L ISH ER

A Publication Of High Country Press Publications

Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie

Art Director Debbie Carter Advertising Director Jeffrey Green

Ken Ketchie

You Could Say It All Starts at Vulcan

T

his month’s issue ended up having a business theme as our stories celebrate two business anniversaries plus three stories on a bunch of brothers who stuck together to build successful businesses.

It could be said that our leadoff story on a rock quarry sets the foundation for all businesses to grow and prosper, and has helped build our communities across the High Country.

Vulcan Materials operates the Vulcan Quarry that is located on Highway 105 just outside the Boone city limits. The quarry has been in operation since the mid-1960s and has been providing the base materials of rock that shows up in all kinds of products that go into building our roads and helps provide the concrete for the construction of our buildings.

If you live in the High Country, chances are you have driven by the rock quarry a million times, not realizing what lies behind the log cabin building and the carefully manicured landscaping that frames the entrance to the Vulcan Quarry. There’s a 192-acre site where rock is being blasted from the mountainside and hauled to a processing plant on site where the rock is crushed into various sizes of stone used by many construction firms.

The tour that Vulcan officials took us on reveals just what a massive operation that goes on at the Highway 105 site. A dozen employees carefully operate the heavy machinery that turns big rocks into small rocks. The heavily-regulated industry takes great strides at every turn not only for the safety of its employees but also the best standards for managing and protecting the surrounding environment. It’s a very fascinating operation and very well operated business whose product touches all of our lives.

We also have three different stories on businesses that saw brothers start with humble beginnings many years ago, and from hard work, bright ideas and a little bit of luck laid the foundation for successful businesses that continue to prosper and grow today.

Brothers Sterling and Royce Carroll formed Carroll Leather Goods with brother-inlaw Paul Perry in 1970 after purchasing parts of their parents business that was operated out of the trunk of a station wagon owned by Talmadge and Parlee Carroll. According to Sterling, he paid his dad $1,600 for a typewriter, tape machine, a list of 12 customers and about 600 small leather items, including coin purses, wallets, and small handbags.

Goodnight Brothers Ham was started first as a produce business that grew into a ham house and is now one of the largest country ham suppliers in the region. The first Goodnight Brothers on Howard Street was built around 1948 when they were first incorporated and the first ham house was built in 1969 at the same location. The five Goodnight Brothers were Howard, Joe, JC, Neil, and Olan.

Finally, Hank and John Phillips are the co-owners of Avery Tire Pros in Newland. The brothers went to Clemson and were football standouts before returning to Spruce Pine.

They purchased the family business in 1996.

We hope you enjoy reading about our selection of business stories.

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August / September 2019

Contributing Writers Nathan Ham Jan Todd Tim Gardner Sherrie Norris Joe Johnson Blake Sorensen Harris Prevost

Contributing Photographer Jan Todd

High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga and Avery counties of North Carolina

HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Follow our magazine online where each issue is presented in a flip-through format. Check it out at:

HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2019

by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.

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High Country Magazine

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Calendarof Events

august 2019

15 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-295-7851

15 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

24 High Country Beer Fest, High Country Fairgrounds, hcbeerfest.com

24-25 Railroad Heritage Weekend, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061

15 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: The Starlighters with The Gumbo Gang, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

26 Bayou Concerts in the Courtyard: Rastacoustic, Bayou Smokehouse and Grill, 828-898-8952

16 Best Cellar Music on the Lawn: Soul Benefactor, The Inn at Ragged Gardens, 828-295-9703

29 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: Rain back-up date, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

29 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-295-7851

29 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

30 Best Cellar Music on the Lawn: Shelby Rae Moore Band, The Inn at Ragged Gardens, 828-295-9703

30 Music in the Valle: Carolina Ramble Review, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

30 Concerts on the Lawn: Jonah Riddle & Carolina Express, Rick Ward, Orville Hicks, The Corklickers, Surefire , Jones House, Boone, 828-268-6280

16 Music in the Valle: The Sheets Family Band, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

16 Concerts on the Lawn: Shelby Rae Moore Band, Fwuit, Jones House, Boone, 828-268-6280

16-24 Ensemble Stage: “The Redeemer“ Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844

17 Music at the Linville Falls Winery: Bearwallow, Linville Falls Winery, 828-765-1400

17 Music at the Vineyard: Typical Mountain Boys, Grandfather Vineyard, 828-963-2400

17 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-355-4918

31 Summer Concerts at 5506’: Brad Heller & The Fustics, Beech Mountain Skybar, 828-387-2011

20 Bayou Concerts in the Courtyard: The Collective, Bayou Smokehouse and Grill, 828-898-8952

31 Music at the Linville Falls Winery: Jukebox Boys Linville Falls Winery, 828-765-1400

22 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-295-7851

31 Music at the Vineyard: Shelby Rae Moore Band, Grandfather Vineyard, 828-963-2400

22 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

31 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-355-4918

22 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: Jocassee, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

22-25 Ashe County Little Theatre: “Calendar Girls” Ashe Civic Center, 336-846-2787

31-1 Mile High Kite Festival, The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, 800-468-5506 31-1 Art on the Greene, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-387-0581

SEPTEMBER 2019

23 Best Cellar Music on the Lawn: Out of the Blue, The Inn at Ragged Gardens, 828-295-9703

23 Music in the Valle: Soul Benefactor, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

23 Concerts on the Lawn: Cane Mill Road, Hank & Pattie and The Current, Jones House, Boone, 828-268-6280

3 Bayou Concerts in the Courtyard: The Collective, Bayou Smokehouse and Grill, 828-898-8952

23 Beech Summer Music Series, moe. with The Mantras, Beech Mountain Resort, 828-387-2011

5 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-295-7851

24 High Country Half Marathon, Kidd Brewer Stadium, https://triplecrown.appstate.edu/half-marathon

5 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

24 Music at the Linville Falls Winery: The Broken Angels, Linville Falls Winery, 828-765-1400

6 Best Cellar Music on the Lawn: The Divers,The Inn at Ragged Gardens, 828-295-9703

24 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-355-4918

6 Music in the Valle: The Chatham Rabbits, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

6 First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6283

24 Music at the Vineyard: The Collective, Grandfather Vineyard, 828-963-2400

7 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-355-4918

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High Country Magazine

August / September 2019

17 Music at the Linville Falls Winery: Bearwallow, Linville Falls Winery, 828-765-1400

DON’T FORGET

EVENTS

ASU Football Kicks Off The 2019 Season at Home vs. East Tennessee State Historically, Appalachian State University begins the football season with an away game at a large university. The 2019 season will kick off with a twist; the first game of ASU’s football season this year will be a home game vs. East Tennessee State on August 31 at 3:30 p.m. The historically first away game at a large university will instead be on September 21 vs. UNC Chapel Hill. The next big powerhouse game for ASU will be an away game at the University of South Carolina on November 9. The first home game on August 31 will be a Hall of Fame game inducting four new members into the ASU Hall of Fame as well as celebrating the 30th anniversary of coach Jerry Moore’s arrival in Boone. Tickets for the first game of the season vs. East Tennessee State are $40 for adults and $30 for youth aged 3-12.

Christmas in August with the Carolina Snowbelles

828-264-5406 2181 US Hw y 421 North Boone, NC 28607

The Carolina Snowbelles, a precision dance troupe in the High Country of North Carolina, will be performing their Carolina Snowbelle Christmas show for the summer residents of Banner Elk and the High Country on August 31. The show will begin with a singalong, a variety of soloists and trios, cloggers, hammered dulcimer, a comedy act and a visit from Santa.

In the second act, the Carolina Snowbelles will perform the same show they performed last winter at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The performance will be at Hayes Auditorium, Lees-McRae Campus, Banner Elk, N.C. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students/ children. Tickets are available at the door, at Banner Elk Town Hall (cash or check), and online at brownpapertickets.com

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August / September 2019

High Country Magazine

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High Country Charitable Foundation Raises Over $600,000 for Avery County Non-Profits

round 200 people came to share their appreciation for the High Country Charitable Foundation at the Fifth Annual High Country Charitable Foundation Dinner and Dance that took place this past Saturday.

While no final fundraising tally has been released, so far at least $630,000 has been raised by the HCCF that will be distributed to non-profit organizations and programs in Avery County.

Thanks to donations from this event and other fundraisers throughout the year, the High Country Charitable Foundation was able to provide 31 grants to nonprofit programs in 2018.

“The not-for-profits would not be able to come near to what they can do today for boys and girls, the elderly, the hungry, for those in need and for animals in distress had it not been for the High Country Charitable Foundation,” said Jim Swinkola, the community liaison for the HCCF. Each year at the dinner, items ranging from major concert events and golf outtings to fine wine and jewelry are auctioned off as the bulk of the fundraising.

This year’s auction items once again featured some fantastic jewelry, experiences and a secret auction item that ended up being a “Cavapoo” puppy, which is a cross between a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle.

Items included four tickets to “Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road” and two rooms at a luxury hotel, a golf outing in Bermuda, a white gold diamond station necklace, a food

Guests watch the heartfelt video of non-profit organizations talking about what a difference that the High Country Charitable Foundation grants have made for them.

Auctioneer Jenny Miller bidding up the auction items.

After the auction, the guest band The Extrordinaires had the guests dancing the rest of the evening away.

truck for 40 prepared by Chef Will Hughes at Robbins Sunset Park in Banner Elk, diamond hoop earrings, two lots of extraordinary bottles of 100 point fine wine, a day of sport fishing and island hopping around Abaco Islands, dinner for 10 at the Inn at Little Pond Farm, a behindthe-scenes tour of the U.S. Capitol led personally by Rep. Virginia Foxx and a diamond tennis bracelet.

Just before the auction started, HCCF Founder Jim Ward was presented with a tree that will be planted in his honor for all that he has been able to do for Avery County.

“We want to say thank you, because of you and your support, the High Country Charitable Foundation has absolutely moved mountains in Avery County. You have changed the lives of animals and people forever.

You are deeply and early appreciated and loved by everyone in this room,” said Jenny Miller, who served as the auctioneer for the event. “I have lived up here 25 years. The poverty and the devastation is amazing. It is hidden, it’s down hollers, it’s humble, and you just don’t see it. But you have gone out of your way to find it with High Country Charitable Foundation. I want you to know that you have raised the level of many of these people in this count to a place of hope and dignity that they have never had before.”

The dinner took place at Elk River Country Club and was organized by Events by Elizabeth Ashley, owned and operated locally by Elizabeth Hempfling.

By Nathan Ham

High Country Charitable Foundation 2018 Grant Recipients Lees-McRae College, The Jason Project, Hospitality House, Volunteer Avery County, Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk Foundation/Avery High Key Club, Blue Ridge Partnership for Children, Spirit Ride, The Hill Center, WAMY Community Action, Western Youth Network, Williams YMCA of Avery County, Feeding Avery Families, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Reaching Avery Ministry, Avery County Special Olympics, Hunger & Health Coalition, Yellow Mountain Enterprises, Historic Banner Elk School, Avery County Habitat for Humanity, Avery Humane Society, Casting Bread Food Pantry, Children’s Hope Alliance, Crossnore School, Mediation & Restorative Justice Center, The Avery Cooperative Extension Center – Heritage Park, Mountain Alliance for Teens, OASIS, Parent to Parent Family Support Network, Avery County Chamber of Commerce, Avery County EAV (Shop with a Cop, Avery Project Christmas 12

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August / September 2019

August / September 2019

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Leatherwood Mountains Resort Offers Memories of a Lifetime

T

ucked away in the small community of Ferguson in Wilkes County sits one of the most beautiful mountain getaways in the area.

Leatherwood Mountains Resort was established in 1985 and offers both exquisite residential living and wonderful vacation getaways.

“We have such a unique place here. There are so many amazing places to vacation in the High Country, there are so many wonderful venues to have a corporate retreat or a wedding, but I feel like we have the market cornered on a complete escape from the city life,” said Abbie Hanchey, owner of Leatherwood Mountains Resort. “There is no hustle and bustle here. We have these gorgeous cabins that make people feel like they are the only folks on earth.

They get here and all of their troubles melt away. They are able to enjoy an amazing retreat.”

Each property has a terrific view of mountain landscapes with cool mountain streams and picturesque wilderness scenes. In addition to the views, each property has all underground utilities ready to be hooked up for any prospective home and property owner. Property listings for residential living feature properties that have anywhere from one acre of land up to over 25 acres of available mountain land.

Another unique addition to the Leatherwood Mountains is a wide variety of equestrian trails for some relaxing horseback riding. Trails are meticulously maintained and offer both easy wilderness paths and more rugged mountain paths to allow both novice and expert horseback riders enjoy a beautiful day outdoors.

At the equine center, riders will find 60 full-service boarding stalls as well as an out14

High Country Magazine

door riding ring and a covered and lighted riding area for when a rain shower or thunderstorm passes through the area. Horseback riding lessons are also available as are training programs, guided trail rides, and

August / September 2019

year-round equine events.

Still yet on the wide-ranging lists of things that Leatherwood Mountains Resort offers include weddings and corporate retreats.

The staff at Leatherwood Mountains will help the bride and groom plan a perfect mountain wedding that they will never forget. They can help organize a small, intimate wedding or a large, weekend-long event with hundreds of friends and family members showing up to attend.

Saddlebrook, the on-site restaurant, offers great casual dining foods such as burgers, ribs, wings, salads, craft beers, wine and cocktails for all special events. Other catering options for more finedining experiences are available.

“Our wedding venue has done so much to make us sustainable over the years. People are coming here and falling in love with the venue and they are coming back year after year because they have fallen in love with the resort,” said Abbie. “Once Leatherwood gets in your soul, you’ll just never forget it.”

Corporate retreats have become more and more popular over the years, and the staff at Leatherwood Mountains can more than help with this opportunity to bring coworkers together. Lodging and catered meals from Elk Creek Inn will be provided, as well as group horseback riding rates and unique meeting spots to help retreat gatherers clear their minds or come up with fresh, new ideas.

Leatherwood Mountains Resort is located 18 miles from Boone at 512 Meadow Road, Ferguson, NC, 28624. For more information on everything that the resort has to offer, call 800-4NC-MTNS (800-462-6867) or email info@leatherwoodmountains.com.

By Nathan Ham

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August / September 2019

High Country Magazine

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Sugar Mountain Combines Golf and Tennis with Beautiful Mountain Setting and All Open to the Public

P

art of the experience of an outdoor sport is the scenery around you. For golfers and tennis players, it’s almost impossible to beat the scenery of Sugar Mountain.

At the Sugar Mountain Golf Club, the par 64 course offers nine Par 3 holes, eight Par 4 holes and one Par 5 hole with breathtaking mountain backdrops at almost every hole on the course.

The course opened in 1974 and was designed by Frank Duane, who was a senior project manager for over 20 years for the famed Robert Trent Jones, one of the most well-known golf course designers in the world.

Tom McAuliffe, the Sugar Mountain Golf Course Manager, said that he refers to the course as an “everyman’s golf course.”

“We are quite unique in a number of ways.

We are a municipally run facility and I think most people will agree that it is a beautifully

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High Country Magazine

maintained golf course,” said McAuliffe. “We are surrounded by some of the most extraordinary private golf clubs in the world and right smack dab in the middle of it is Sugar Mountain Golf Club.”

The course elevation at 4,000 is among the highest in the United States and brings people from all parts of the world to Sugar Mountain for a round of golf.

“Everyone sings the praises of this golf course,” McAuliffe added.

Golfing at Sugar Mountain is also very affordable, particularly after 4 p.m. Golfers can play and walk the course for just $15 or add in a $10 cart fee if you’d rather not walk. Even then, a $25 rate to play 18 holes on this course is more than a bargain. Special local passes are available for a one-time $50 fee for a riding fee for permanent residents of Avery, Ashe, Watauga, Mitchell and Carter County, Tennessee. Low Season (September 16-October 31, 2019) - $15 greens fee, $10 cart fee. Total: $25. High Season (through September 15, 2019) - $20 greens fee, $18

August / September 2019

cart fee. Total: $38 If you’d rather spend the day playing some tennis, Sugar Mountain has you covered there as well.

“We have six Har-Tru clay courts that are well maintained and we have some of the prettiest views around. Everybody says we have the best views here,” said Leigh Morrison, Sugar Mountain Tennis Director.

Players can book a court for an hour and a half for $40 in the morning and $20 in the afternoon.

“If you have four people on the court, it’s only $10 to play so it’s very reasonable,” said Morrison.

The tennis club offers 30-day, 60-day, and full memberships. Aspiring tennis players can also come and take lessons from club pro Gene Highfield, who has taught tennis lessons for over 25 years.

“Anybody that is looking to play some tennis, we will find games for you to play,” said Morrison.

For more information on the Sugar Mountain Golf Club and Tennis Club, go to https:// seesugar.com/.

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High Country Magazine

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Vulcan Quarry Making Little Rocks From Big Rocks Story by Jan Todd • Photos by Ken Ketchie

D

id you know that before you had your second cup of coffee this morning, your life had been touched by a number of rocks — and the minerals contained in them?

You probably stumbled out of bed and turned on a light switch, which contains coal. Then (hopefully) you brushed your teeth, with toothpaste containing barite and fluorite.

If last night’s dinner wasn’t settling too well, you may have chomped on calcite, in the form of a Tums tablet. Perhaps when you stepped into the shower, your bare feet rested on feldspar, used to make ceramic tile.

You may have sprinkled some halite — found in table salt — on your eggs. If you had a sweet tooth and ate an Oreo for breakfast, you ingested some titanium, used as a bleaching agent for the creamy white filling.

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August / September 2019

Elevation 3887

Vulcan Rock Quarry 2018 - Google Earth

Elevation 3082

Hwy. 105 To Banner Elk > August / September 2019

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When you fired up your laptop computer, you may have benefited from lithium batteries, made using the mineral spodumene. Kyanite, a component in spark plugs, helped you crank your car.

These are a few examples found in Vulcan’s “Rock Buddy” kits, a tool used to educate schoolchildren and other visitors to their rock quarries — teaching students not just about the operations at the quarry, but about earth science in general.

Education through school partnerships and community outreach is one of the tenets practiced by Vulcan Materials Company, in their Boone location on Highway 105, and companywide in 375 facilities operating in 20 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas and Mexico.

As it turns out — there’s a lot more than meets the eye behind the little log cabin that fronts the quarry in Boone.

Vulcan’s Boone quarry, which is part of the company’s Mideast Division, is located on one of the most traveled state highways in the state of North Carolina and is the company’s most visible operation in Western N.C. The quarry’s property includes a 192-acre tract, with almost a third of that in buffers — undeveloped land preserved for animal habitats and a visual screen.

Denise Hallett, manager of community and government relations for Vulcan’s Mideast Division, explained, “We’re required to keep a certain amount of land undeveloped so the public doesn’t see the quarry. We take care of all the land and are good environmental stewards — because we live here, too!”

Hallett added, “Social responsibility is core to who we are as a company.

At any of our quarries, you’ll find the same attitude. Not only are we taking care of the property, and the employees who work for us, but we’re also concerned with our communities.”

“We’re like little families. We may have 8700 employees, but if you split that up among each location, we’re made up of lots of little companies, and each one is like a family,” she described.

Plant manager James Bear pulls a mineral and its companion product from Vulcan’s “Rock Buddy” kit.

Before exiting the Vulcan plant, customer trucks are weighed on the load out scales next to the office.

Most of the trucks haul 15-20 pounds of rock.

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Vulcan Rock Quarry 1994 - Google Earth

Boone’s operation employs 15 workers, with James Bear serving as plant manager. Bear also oversees Vulcan’s North Wilkesboro operation, employing an additional 15 workers. The two teams often pitch in at either of the two locations, depending on the need. “We’re a tight knit group,” said Bear.

Making Small Rocks From Big Rocks

Hallett said the operations of the rock quarry can be explained pretty simply. “We turn big rocks into little ones,” she quipped.

Vulcan is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates — primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel. While the company is also a ma-

The quarry’s property includes a 192-acre tract, with almost a third of that in buffers — undeveloped land preserved for animal habitats and a visual screen.

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At the latest blast site, a pit loader drops rocks into a 50-ton haul truck, where rocks will be taken to the plant for crushing. In an average day, 80-100 loads will be transported and processed.

An excavator with a rock breaker attachment is used to break larger rocks into manageable sizes.

jor producer of asphalt and concrete, the North Carolina operations, including the one in Boone, are solely focused on aggregates.

Aggregates are used for a variety of products including: • Erosion control (boulders, rip rap) • Foundations for buildings, roads, parking lots • Utility foundations such as pipe bedding • Production of asphalt (crushed stone makes up 94% of asphalt!)

• Retaining wall backfill • Concrete (crushed stone makes up 80% of concrete) • Horse arenas, walking trails Markets are usually local in nature, because of the high weight-to-value nature of the product. It isn’t cost-effective to transport rock long distances by truck, so local construction is best supported by local rock.

The majority of customers for Vulcan’s Boone location are within a 20–30 mile radius, Hallett shared. “About half of our products are used by public entities such as the N.C. Department of Transportation, public utilities, schools, hospitals, libraries and municipalities. The other half are used in commercial and residential applications,” she said.

“Our products are literally the foundation of the community,” said Hallett.

A quarry begins by first finding a large supply of “good hard rock” under the earth’s surface, Hallett explained. Envi-

The quarry pit is terraced, where it is mined in “amphitheater” style. Each bench ranges in height from 50’ to 80’.

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How much rock?

It takes 400 tons of aggregates to construct the average home (foundation, driveway, shingles, etc...)

It takes 15,000 tons of aggregate for an average school or hospital It takes 38,000 tons of aggregate for one lane mile of typical 4-lane highway ronmental permits are acquired, and the processing plant is constructed. Next, land is cleared, then drilling and blasting begins.

At the Boone location, blasting occurs just once or twice a month. “The blast itself lasts less than a second,” Bear described.

“We’ll break off enough rock to sell for about a month.”

While blasting rock may sound exciting, Bear said the actual event is pretty tame. “We had a group of firefighters out recently to witness a blast, just to show them what happens. When it was over, they said, “That’s it?” They seemed kind of disappointed,” he said.

An anticlimactic event is the goal, Hallett added. “At the end of the day, we’re just trying to get rock out that is needed in the community.

We do this in a safe, controlled manner. Vulcan is the best at it, hands down. It’s one of the reasons we’re the largest producers in the U.S.” The surrounding community wouldn’t even be aware of the blasts, Bear said, except the traffic is stopped for about a minute or so when they occur. “The quarry is relatively close to the highway, and we’re hyper-sensitive to safety,” he explained.

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The pit pond catches rain and snow runoff, and is cleaned to meet strict regulations before the overflow is released into Laurel Fork, a trout stream. The pond’s beautiful color comes from the minerals that settle in the water.

“Our plant is regulated for vibration,” Hallett added. “We have seismographs located around our site and on the closest residential properties. We are regulated by government as to the level of vibration we can send, and a limit is set from years of research. That means there is zero probability we’ll damage neighboring properties.”

“We have a drilling and blasting manager who has a wealth of knowledge, and James is very knowledgeable, too. When we get ready to fracture a section of rock, there’s no guesswork. We know what is going to happen,” Hallett assured.

Once the large sections of rock are blasted from the quarry wall, the broken rocks are loaded into off-road haul trucks, where they’re carried to the crushing stations located on the quarry property. The rocks are dumped into the primary crusher, then carried by conveyor belt to other stations.

Screens are used to separate large and small rocks, and larger pieces go through subsequent crushing sequences.

The resulting products are separated by size – from fine sand granules to various sizes of gravel.

Clean Rock, Clean Operations

During the crushing process, the rocks are washed, so the customers have clean product to use. The quarry has several retaining ponds with water to use in washing the rocks and for dust suppression.

“We recycle our water,” said Bear. “We collect runoff, and the water sits in one of our settling ponds to allow the 24

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The processing plant occupies about an acre of land. Approximately one million tons of rock are processed each year in the plant.

Below, a haul truck dumps a load into the jaw crushers, where they’ll be broken into smaller pieces. particles to settle, then the clean water is used in our operations. The water goes into another holding area then is pumped back into our system. It goes from point A to point B and back again.”

Because the Boone quarry has a creek on the property, it must meet additional regulations from the government.

“We help protect Laurel Fork, because we capture runoff and clean it, then release some water back into the creek.

It is a much cleaner process than if the runoff just entered the creek naturally,” said Hallett. “We have environmental engineers on our regional office staff, and they regularly test the creek to make sure the water is as it should be.”

Environmental stewardship is another tenet of Vulcan’s operations. Vulcan’s commitment to be a good neighbor includes preserving land features, containing dust and noise, and establishing wildlife habitats at its facilities.

Land management plans are developed with input from local governments and citizens. What to do with the property when the mining is finished is not an afterthought, but a part of the initial plan when a quarry is proposed.

“Before we cut one tree, we have to file a reclamation plan,” Hallett explained. “That has to be approved before we can get a permit.”

Most expired quarries are converted to reservoirs to serve the surrounding community. The reclaimed land is often used for parks, greenspace, and even residential or commercial development.

The Boone quarry is expected to be productive for anAugust / September 2019

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About Face Since their quarries are often located near residential and business districts, Vulcan places a high priority on the beautification of the portion of their properties in public view.

They enhance appearance with lovely landscaping and signages.

In the 1970’s, Vulcan led the charge to establish “About Face,” a program for the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) to improve quarry appearances throughout the U.S. Awards are given to recognize aggregate producers for beautifying their operations.

During the first year of the award program in 1975, Vulcan’s Mideast Division, headed by Luke Graham, won three of four awards. The improvements served as a model for Vulcan’s beautification efforts.

Historical Pictures from Vulcan

Clockwise: Interstate highway work in the late 1950s. Construction work on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Construction work on Sequoyah Nuclear Plant in the 1960s.

The Vulcan Name Many people in Birmingham thought the Vulcan Materials Company got its name from the Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and the forge. A statue of this mythological figure looks over Birmingham -— known for its steel production — from a mountain that cuts through the city.

However, the name is merely a coincidence, since the company derived its name from the Vulcan Detinning Company of Sewaren, New Jersey.

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other fifty years, Hallett said.

The Quarry’s Foundation

Technically, it could be said the Boone quarry’s history started about 800 million years ago, with deposit formations that occurred when the mountain was formed. More recently, Boone’s quarry operations began in the 1960’s, and the original workers were mainly prison labor. Vulcan acquired the quarry — then owned by Maymead Lime, Inc. — in 1986.

Vulcan Materials Company began as the Birmingham Slag Company, formed in 1909. Its founder, Solon Jacobs, foresaw the coming of the automobile and with it, the need for roads. Slag, a byproduct of Birmingham’s iron and steel productions, was an ideal material for road construction at that time.

Birmingham Slag Company was sold to Charles Lincoln Ireland, a banker from Ohio, in 1916, and the company was consistently profitable during war years and the following decades of explosive growth in the country. Planning for the interstate system began in the late 1930’s, but when President Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act in 1956, construction kicked into high gear.

In the early 1950’s, the Ireland family realized the Birmingham Slag would have to become a publicly held company to achieve the expansion needed to be a major supplier of aggregates for the planned highways. They merged with Vulcan Detinning, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, to result in the newly named Vulcan Materials Company becoming a publicly traded company with access to capital markets that would facilitate growth.

In the next five years, a series of acquisitions by Vulcan brought numerous family-owned aggregate companies into the corporation. At one point, Vulcan asked its stockholders to approve a merger with nine companies at the same time — resulting in a transaction prospectus that Fortune magazine observed as probably the most complex ever printed.

The W.E. Graham and Sons organization, based in North Carolina, was one of the family operations that merged with Vulcan. The Graham’s company started in 1909 as a grading business — powered by mule teams — that sought to transform cow paths into roads for the newfangled automobiles of the day.

As the years went by, the Grahams entered into the quarry business to supply the materials needed for their road building. The Grahams began landing bigger jobs in the 1940’s — including the Washington National Turnpike and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

When the Graham company merged with Vulcan, it became the Mideast Division, based in WinstonSalem. Today the Mideast Division includes quarries in North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.

Education and Training

All of the twenty Vulcan quarries in North Carolina are available for school tours, Hallett said. Companywide, Vulcan supports an “Adopt-a-School” pro-

Boone’s quarry operations began in the 1960’s, and the original workers were mainly prison labor. gram, where each facility works with an area school to identify needs and initiates mentoring programs, career days, field trip sponsorships, and donations.

The Boone quarry opens their doors to the Boy Scouts, who can earn their geology and mining and society merit badges with educational activities on-site. The quarry also hosts The Carolina Geological Society — an organization that promotes the geosciences in the Carolinas — during their conferences held at Appalachian State University.

Vulcan partners with Appalachian’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, providing live classroom lessons on-location and supporting various projects with financial donations. “The Boone quarry geology is part of the Grandfather Mountain formation, a complicated geo-system of diverse structure,� Hallett said. “In the quarry, it is easy to see trends in the rocks and their features since there is so much exposure of rock which is invaluable. Seeing the quarry brings geology lessons to life.�

In addition to the local quarry, Vulcan has nearby learning centers at the Hendersonville and Davie County quarries, and the Joseph Andres Gutierrez Earth Science Museum and Education Center in Winston-Salem.

Named in honor of Vulcan’s now retired chief geologist, Joe Gutierrez, who started the company’s earth science education efforts about 30 years ago, the education center was opened to share information with area students and teachers about geology, mining, and their importance to society.

At the Gutierrez center, visitors begin their tour at an overlook where they can view the quarry and mining process. They then proceed to the Core Sample Building to learn about geology and mining. Finally, they visit the Mineral Museum and Education Center where they can see and touch mineral and fossil specimens from around the world, including an extremely rare specimen of a baby Psittacosaurus Dinosaur skeleton.

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Water is sprayed to clean the wheels of customer trucks as they exit the plant (top left). A 7000-gallon water truck (bottom right) runs continuously, spraying water on quarry roads to control dust. Excess water is captured and pumped back to the quarry ponds. community’s standard of living and quality of life. The educational and outreach programs serve another purpose as well: Students and geology majors are provided a window into a career in geology.

Some of Vulcan’s plant managers and mining engineers have a geology education background, and this knowledge base transfers into specific applications at their quarries, Hallett said.

“However, our employees have a wide and diverse array of educational backgrounds. We have a broad internal training program that

will help our employees attain the skillsets they desire to advance and improve their careers,” she added.

Bear said, “The most important qualification for a career at Vulcan is a good attitude.

We’ll teach the rest. Some of our best employees didn’t know what a wrench was when they first came to work,” he said.

Vulcan invests in their communities, and they invest in their employees. “That’s why I’ve been with the company 25 years,” said Hallett. t

In Boone, Vulcan partners with a number of community organizations for education programs and benevolence: ASU Department of Geology & Environmental Science Boy Scouts Old Hickory Council Carolinas Geological Society Crossnore School Middle Fork Greenway NC Wildlife Federation Second Harvest Food Bank of NWNC United Way Watauga County First Responders

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August / September 2019

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Blue Ridge Art Space is the headquarters for the Watauga Arts Council, which is now also colloquially known as “Blue Ridge Art Space.”

Cornerstone of the Arts Community Since 1981

Now ... Blue Ridge Art Space

By Joe Johnson

T

coming space open to the he Watauga Arts public to enjoy the arts of Council has been a the local community. Johncornerstone of the son assures the community arts community in Boone that the programming of the since its genesis in 1981.

Watauga Arts Council will Now, the Arts Council has remain the same through the made the move toward a difname transition into the Blue ferent future; one in which Ridge Art Space and any dothe Watauga Arts Council is nations made to the organicolloquially known as Blue zation will be allocated in the Ridge Art Space, named afsame ways. “After discussions ter the building in which the about the name change, the council conducts its day to board decided we should just day activities. take the name of our buildCherry Johnson, Execuing, ‘Blue Ridge Art Space’, tive Director of the Watauga Arts Council since 1992, Cherry Johnson, Executive Director of the Watauga Arts Council since 1992. and become that,” said Johnson, “It’s a nickname, for all explained the name change intents and purposes; the to Blue Ridge Art Space is modern community as a board of council part of an effort by the Arts Council to members, when it is in fact a community official term is ‘doing business as’. All of reach a broader audience; the term “arts hub for artists or the artistically inclined our programming is now offered by Blue council” is often misinterpreted by the to foster and grow their talents and a wel- Ridge Art Space; the same thing we have 30

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The Watauga Arts Council has been hosting various artistic events for the local arts community since 1981.

Cherry Johnson takes part in the original ribbon cutting of the Blue Ridge Art Space when the Watauga Arts Council officially moved into the building in 2013. been doing, but it’s just to make it more accessible and make people feel like they can be a part of it.”

Mike Wise, advisory council member for the Art Space and member of the finance committee, explained that the name transition from Watauga Art Council to Blue Ridge Art Space is a reflection of a change in the nature of the old arts council’s vision. “The keyword in that name is ‘space’. It is a space where art lives and grows,” said Wise, “This is a place where art is nurtured and flourishes. It also serves as a meeting center for artists too. It is a place for the arts. It is a place where artists can come, where the public can come, where novice musicians,

novice artists, people trying to develop a hobby can come and learn how to do their version of the art. Back in the day when the Watauga Arts Council was founded, there was basically nothing in Boone that had to do with the arts. We have this organization, the Watauga Arts Council, which has persevered through all these years proving that developing the arts is essential to the community; it makes me very proud.”

The history of the Blue Ridge Art Space begins in 1949, when The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County was formed; it was the first arts council ever formed in the United States. Based on the successful concept of the first arts council, the North Carolina

Upwards of 80 volunteers came in and out of the Blue Ridge Art Space’s doors throughout the renovation process to make the Art Space look how it does today.

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Zoe Nelson, a local violin player, receives a private lesson in her craft by Rhonda Lorence, the violin instructor for the Blue Ridge Art Space.

Arts Council was formed in 1964. Beginning in the Ronald Reagan Era, the North Carolina Arts Council planted arts councils around the entirety of the state; at first, the idea was to join Watauga, Ashe, and Avery Counties into a single arts council that serves three counties. The North Carolina Arts Council discovered soon after that the art communities of the three counties were drastically different and decided to split up the joint arts council and create a separate arts council in each county. Thus, in 1981, the Watauga Arts Council was officially born as an independent arts council and began to operate out of locations such as members’ houses and garages making artistic endeavors happen in the Boone commu-

nity. “Arts councils are a state-inspired thing and there’s an arts council in every county in the state,” said Johnson, “North Carolina has the most arts councils and the strongest arts council system in the entire country. We are looked at as an example countrywide.”

When the historic Jones House owner’s daughter, Mazie Jean Jones Levenson, inherited the house on King Street in 1983 she decided to sell her family’s home to the Town of Boone with a stipulation that the house and surrounding green space only be used as a cultural and community center for 25 years. “The town council of that time was smart enough to realize they didn’t have any clue how to do that,” said Johnson, “They could fill all the potholes

and put out the fires and all of these other things; but when it came to a community cultural center they had no idea what they were doing. They decided the Watauga Arts Council was their best bet for the Jones House. It gave the Watauga Arts Council a place and it also gave the town the benefit of the cultural and artistic impacts.” In 2012, the Watauga Arts Council moved out of the Jones House and went into temporary quarters for the next year; the Arts Council conducted its business out of a donated space known as the Green Building, formerly the High Country Bank building.

Everything in that yearlong period of time was donated to the Watauga Arts Council by the local community; Cheap Joe’s Art

Blue Ridge Art Space is the meeting place for various groups in Watauga County, including a local yarn circle open to the public that meets every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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Blue Ridge Art Space features local artwork on every wall in the building, featuring artists young and old being displayed in their four galleries; many of the pieces are up for sale.

Stuff made storage space available and the Appalachian Enterprise Center provided a wing for the arts council’s use throughout the year. Then, in late 2012, Cherry Johnson discovered a building up for sale

by Watauga County near State Farm Road; this building would be secured by the Arts Council to be converted into what is now the Blue Ridge Art Space. “I called up Deron Geouque, the county manager,� said Johnson, “Deron is actually a former student of mine, I taught at the university and he was one of my students. I called up Deron and I said ‘can I go see that building?’ and he said yes. So I brought a team of folks with me to go look at it and we all looked at it and said ‘we can make this

work. This will do it. It fits what we are trying to accomplish.’�

Johnson, along with about 80 volunteers making their rounds throughout the Blue Ridge Art Space, renovated the building and created what is now the current, improved state of the Art Space. Perry Yates of New River Building Supply was a major contributor to the Blue Ridge Art Space renovation project, donating every drop of paint used on the walls within the Art Space as well as various building materials used in the renovation process. “With Perry’s help, along with the help of others in the area such as Lowe’s and Watauga Building Supply, in about five weeks we renovated this building and had our grand

opening,� said Johnson, “We ended up having a great party that night! It was the first Second Saturday celebration we did.

We started First Friday downtown, which was a very hard process to get going. When we moved here we realized we were too far away geographically from downtown to participate in that event; it just wouldn’t work. So we decided to move the event to a different night and we now do Second Saturdays!� Since the Blue Ridge Art Space is not located in a prime location for a typical art crawl, the Art Space decided to hold their own art crawl inside of the building; this is where the concept of artists demonstrating in various parts of the building came from for the Second Satur-

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A portion of the Blue Ridge Art Space gift shop dedicated to handcrafted jewelry and clothes made by local artisans.

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day celebrations. Second Saturday events continue to occur the second Saturday of every month at the Blue Ridge Art Space from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend these celebrations of the local arts where artists demonstrate their talents to the public; some of these artists may even ask the public to participate in their demonstrations, so come prepared to express yourself!

Blue Ridge Art Space also offers various artistic activities every week from Wednesday through Saturday; everything from private drawing lessons, piano lessons, violin lessons, guitar lessons, flute lessons, and mandolin lessons to a monthly Arty Party based on the “paint and sip”

concept popular nationwide. People of all ages who have a desire to foster and grow their artistic talents can accomplish this at the Blue Ridge Art Space with the passionate group of instructors who work with the space. PJ Nelson, whose daughter Zoe Nelson takes violin lessons at the Blue Ridge Art Space, feels the Art Space is a beneficial, community-oriented place that has helped Zoe succeed as a young musician. “We’ve really enjoyed two parts of this,” said Nelson, “Rhonda Lorence as a teacher has really helped Zoe blossom, enjoy music and learning, develop selfconfidence, and develop a love for trying to do difficult things successfully. She is very positive and encouraging and techni-

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The standard rate of commission for art sales in galleries is about 40% to 60%. The Blue Ridge Art Space has a rate of 25% in order to benefit their featured artisans.

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Cherry Johnson To Retire From Arts Council August 1, 2020

C

herry Johnson has been the Executive Director of the Watauga Arts Council since 1992; on August 1st 2020, Johnson will have served as Executive Director for 28 years to the day. The number 28 is especially important for Johnson as a personal marker in her life; she was born on the 28th, she was married on the 28th, and she had her youngest child on the 28th. For Cherry, this seems like the perfect time to retire from her position as Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Art Space and travel the country with her husband; subsequently, August 1st 2020 will be Johnson’s last day of work at the Art Space.

During Cherry Johnson’s 27-year tenure as Executive Director, the Watauga Arts Council has flourished into a community center for artistic endeavors and visions of all kinds. “This job has been, in many ways, my life,” said Johnson, “I just love this organization! I feel like it’s been my niche, my way of helping the community, my way of being in the arts.

People ask me ‘you used to do the arts, how much do you do now?’ and I say, ‘I don’t have time to do it now!’ My art is making art accessible for other people to do; making it happen for other people.

When I retire I’m going to go back to making art.”

Members of the community and those involved with Blue Ridge Art Space have been immensely grateful for Johnson’s tenacity and creativity during her tenure as Executive Director. Mike Wise, member of the advisory council and finance committee for Blue Ridge Art Space, was also a member of the board that decided to hire Johnson in 1992. Wise emphasized the fact that they made the right choice to hire Johnson, because her efforts these past 27 years have been instrumental in

transforming the Watauga Arts Council into what is now known as the Blue Ridge Art Space. “Cherry has made sure the dayto-day activities of the arts council are managed competently and efficiently and she has done that now for 27 years,” said Wise, “She’s a wonderfully competent woman, a wonderfully creative woman, and I’ve enjoyed working with her all these years.”

Aviva Khan, board secretary and artist at the Blue Ridge Art Space, commended Johnson on her ability to think globally about the development of the arts community in Watauga County. “I’ve only known Cherry a couple of years, but she’s done an incredible job as Executive Director,” said Khan, “Not only because she’s had artistic training; but there aren’t a lot of artists that are not both left-brained and right-brained. Usually you will meet an artist who is not logically or mathematically inclined but Cherry is one of these rare individuals who use both sides of their brain. She’s been so dedicated for all these years to upholding the mission of what the Blue Ridge Art Space is all about.

She’s got a unique way of communicating with people; not only that, but she knows so many people in the local community.

Cherry has wonderful ideas! I’m very fortunate to have met her.”

The Boone art community and the Watauga art community at large have benefited considerably from Cherry Johnson’s abilities and efficiency as Executive Director of the Watauga Arts Council and the Blue Ridge Art Space. Johnson’s name is synonymous with the success that the Art Space has achieved these past 27 years.

Johnson shines brightly as the centerpiece of the Blue Ridge Art Space operations and its continued success as a community hub for all things artistic in Watauga County.

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WKSK’s Old Time Music and Bluegrass Show, hosted by Gary Poe, broadcast live from the Arts Center, “a little after 11:00”

336.846-2787 www.ashecountyarts.org 38

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cally proficient; Rhonda pushes Zoe in a really kind way. We come here for Rhonda and the violin but this is a cool space. We hang out and there’s always different art, we spend a lot of time looking at community art pieces from kids to adults. We will get here early and wander around and look at pieces and it’s really nice. They will have whole group performance practices in a couple of the other rooms; it’s just a nice community feel here. There are always people here wandering around and doing interesting things. Even though we are here for violin lessons specifically and not necessarily for the rest of the stuff here, it feels like this is a great community art space.”

Not only does Blue Ridge Art Space offer private music and art lessons during the week, but the Art Space also serves as a location in which local arts groups meet.

Groups like the High Country Writers meet regularly in the Blue Ridge Art Space as well as groups such as the Banjo Buddies who meet on Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and a local yarn circle that meets every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Jane Plaugher, local fiber artist and leader of the Blue Ridge Art Space yarn circle, is incredibly grateful to the Art Space and Cherry Johnson for granting the yarn circle a welcoming space in which they can hold their weekly meetings and have fun with the arts. “We started out in the library and we kind of got a little big and loud,” said Plaugher, “Then the library decided we could only use their single room once a month. Rather than having to change places and everybody trying to keep up with that, I came to Cherry and said ‘I have this dilemma,’ and when I explained the yarn circle’s issue she said ‘no you don’t, will the Purple Room do?’ So here we are!

We’ve been here for probably about six years. It’s a drop-in group, we bring our lunches, the parking is better, and you can bring food! Sometimes people come by and just have lunch with us. Sometimes people will come by if they have something going on and they want to talk about it, without the knitting or fiber art. It’s very open and we try to be very welcoming, we are very happy to get newcomers. And we hug. When people get here we try to hug and when people leave we hug. Everybody needs hugs.” Sharon Heifner, a longtime member of the yarn circle, shares the same sentiment as Plaugher and agrees that the Blue Ridge Art Space is the perfect community arts hub for people such as themselves who are looking to meet new people and have a meaningful artistic experience.

“This is sort of our weekly therapy group! The knitting is just a sideline,” said Heifner, “We’re not all knitters here, I’m a crocheter, and we’ve got weavers and spinners and all of that. It’s just plain fun; the community and therapy aspects are great.”

As the Watauga Arts Council goes through its transition into fully becoming the Blue Ridge Art Space, it will continue to uphold the values of artistic passion and open community involvement that it has always strived and succeeded to achieve since its beginnings in 1981. Cherry Johnson and those involved with operating the Blue Ridge Art Space make it their mission to bring artistic empowerment to the people of Boone, North Carolina and Watauga County as a whole; everyone is welcome to visit the Blue Ridge Art Space from Wednesday through Saturday every week to absorb the arts in various forms, participate in artistic visions, observe and purchase pieces of art from local artists, or just to hang out in the Art Space and have a good time. “Arts are for everyone,” said Mike Wise, “The color, the symmetry, the beauty of painting, the joy of music, and the grace of dance… all of those things belong to everyone. They are a big part of what makes our lives worth living.”

The Blue Ridge Art Space will perpetually serve and foster the talents of the artists in the local community into the future; the evolution of the Watauga Arts Council into the Blue Ridge Art Space is a true reflection of the artistic contribution and open, universal access the Art Space has provided to Watauga’s blossoming arts community. t

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August / September 2019

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Boone-Based Family-Owned and Operated

Carroll Companies, Inc. Celebrating 50 Years

T

Business Recognized World-Wide

By Sherrie Norris little extra money to help make ends meet for his he Boone-based Carroll Companies, Inc. is wife and five children. celebrating 50 years in business this year, a He took the wallets to the hospital where he major milestone for a hometown industry worked as an orderly and sold each one for $2, douthat, despite humble beginnings, is now known the bling his money after paying the prisoners $1 each world over for its high-quality products that grace for them the day before. countless homes and businesses, far and wide.

The next Sunday, he went back and bought The history of the family-owned and operated six wallets. This time, he left them in his car while business is intriguing, to say the least, and one that he worked, but he sold them afterward, again douproves how hard work, perseverance and innovabling his money. Each week he went back and bought tion pays off in the end. more, selling out of the trunk of his car, and eventually It all actually started much earlier, the Carroll famwas able to quit his job as a hospital orderly to sell small ily told us, when one Sunday afternoon in 1951, family paleather items. triarch Talmadge Carroll made a stop at the Watauga County Brothers Sterling and Royce Carroll were just young boys Prison to purchase a few wallets that had been made by prisonwhen their parents, Talmadge and Parlee, started traveling the ers. His hope was to sell them the next day at work and have a

The Sterling Carroll family enjoys special times together, while holding fast to the family traditions begun by their ancestors many years ago.

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east coast selling these goods, but they were paying close attention and learning valuable lessons as they watched their mother and father build a business.

As the customer base grew, Talmadge had to purchase a station wagon because the trunk of a car was no longer big enough to carry their inventory. Eventually, they were selling to gift shops, service stations, shoe shops and small mom and pop businesses up and down the east coast. They were constantly on the road, supplying to these small businesses on five different routes.

Talmadge and Parlee “peddled” leather products from that sta-

“The prisoners told us if we would bring them more leather, they would make more wallets. So, we started buying scrap leather from the furniture industry, which later on grew into an entire division of Carroll Leather Goods.” tion wagon for 15 years before deciding to retire in 1970. At that time, Sterling and Royce purchased separate parts of the business.

According to Sterling, he paid his dad $1,600 for a typewriter, tape machine, a list of 12 customers and about 600 small leather items, including coin purses, wallets and small handbags.

After a year of working separately, the brothers, along with brother-in-law Paul Perry, came together to form Carroll Leather Goods. They set up shop in Sterling’s 1,000 square-foot basement

Lois and Sterling Carroll, along with their little girl, Alison, are pictured during one of their early trips to Mexico City.

Talmadge Carroll and his wife, Parlee, began a small family business in1951 that two of their sons have since grown into a huge enterprise recognized around the world.

A sample of the leather wallets made by inmates incarcerated at the Watauga County-based prison in the early 1950s, which helped Talmadge Carroll jumpstart his family business.

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Carroll Leather Goods got its official start in the basement of Sterling Carroll’s home, pictured here, a 1,000 square foot space where the brothers began to cultivate a thriving business. and began to cultivate a thriving business by supplying leather, embossing plates, lacing and dye to prison workshops from North Carolina to Georgia, where inmates produced handcrafted wallets.

Sterling said, “The prisoners told us if we would bring them more leather, they would make more wallets. So, we started buying scrap leather from the furniture industry, which later on grew into an entire division of Carroll Leather Goods.”

Soon, their product line expanded to include belts and handcrafted handbags bought from a company out of Denton, Texas; the company grossed $300,000 in sales the first year.

In 1971, having outgrown the basement space in Sterling’s home, a gift shop was built east of Boone in the Rutherwood community on Highway 421, and used as a base of operations. Soon afterward, the Carrolls started attending trade shows in Gatlinburg, Chicago and New York to increase the volume of sales and begin taking on larger wholesale customers.

In 1975, once again, the business had outgrown its space; Carroll Leather Goods was incorporated, and a 14,000square foot warehouse was completed in early 1976. Also that year, Royce Early advertising efforts show the business growing quickly in its new facility on Hwy. 421 in the Rutherwood Community near Boone.

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Along with his brother, Sterling, Royce Carroll, pictured center with his family, has also worked hard through the years to keep alive and expand the business started by their parents in the early 50s. their cost down in manufacturing, as well and first cousin, Casey Carroll, driven by kets.

With finished product sales growing as make some money buying and selling the conviction that they could manufacture high quality, American-made prod- worldwide — and with Carroll Leather scrap leather.

Not really knowing how much it was ucts more economically than they could headquartered just an hour away from buy it wholesale, began Nappa Manufac- the furniture capital of the world — in worth, but only that there was plenty of it the early 80s, the Carroll brothers had an available, they started contacting furniture turing, Inc. By 1978, Nappa Manufacturing’s prod- idea of how they might be able to keep manufacturing companies in Hickory, Lenoir and High Point, as well uct line and volume had acas auto manufacturers, askcelerated to the point that ing to buy the fall-off from Carroll Leather’s involvetheir cutting operations. ment in prison workshop “We knew that the prisonprograms phased out. ers used scraps to make Major expansion ocwallets for us for years, so curred in the late 70s and why not try some other early 80s as Carroll Leathitems and see how it goes?” er began importing more said Sterling. goods from Mexico. WareLittle did they know houses were strategically what a hot commodity the acquired in San Yasidro, trash from these operations California and El Paso, would be — and that the Texas, for warehousing and scrap leather division of distribution of products, as Carroll Leather, Inc. would well as scrap leather. The be the most lucrative at Carroll product line conthat time! tinued to expand alongside Carroll Leather trucks the trends of that time to would go pick up the scrap include western and biker Loyal, hardworking employees are part of the Carroll Companies success, leather, paying for it by the accessories and apparel, as said Sterling Carroll, pictured center with some of those individuals who pound, if at all, bring it to well as hats and Mexican have been a part of the family business through the years. From left: the warehouse in Boone, serape ponchos and blanCasey Carroll, Donnie Roark, Michael McKinney and Verna McKinney.

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As demand for quality products began to grow, the Carroll Leather Goods gift shop location in Rutherwood began to expand in 1975, with the completion of a 14,000-square foot warehouse the next year.

The scrap leather division of the company put to good use leftover materials from nearby furniture manufacturing companies in Hickory, Lenoir and High Point, and saved thousands of pounds of leather waste from going to the landfills.

In the mid-70s, Royce Carroll and first cousin, Casey Carroll, driven by the conviction that they could manufacture high quality, American-made products more economically than they could buy it wholesale, began Nappa Manufacturing, Inc. 44

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sort it by size and color, and sell it to Mexican and Chinese manufacturing companies who could use it as long as it was the size of a hand or larger. The furniture companies were happy to see it go and the landfills suddenly didn’t have thousands of pounds of leather waste in them.

“They wanted to get rid of it, it was in their way and of no use to them,” said Bobby Idol, vice-president of the raw material division. “Thousands of pounds were being thrown in landfills.

It worked to use for our own product, so we tried selling it overseas — and that worked, too.”

It was a win-win situation and profits soared. By 1993, 39% of corporate sales were from scrap leather; warehouses to help support that growth were expanded in Boone and California and new warehouses were built in Tupelo, Mississippi and El Paso, Texas, Johnstown, New York and Darby, England, to help with the growing scrap division for collection and distribution, as well as the new hide leather division just getting off the ground.

In the mid 90s, after being in business for 25 years, Carroll Leather Goods, Inc. had acquired nearly 200,000 square feet of operating space, and annual sales were more than $32,000,000.

One of the most lucrative products they produced at that time was American-made wool and leather varsity jackets. “Bringing back this popular style from the 1960s and being able to personalize it opened doors that lead to licensing agreements with Harley

As Carroll Leather Goods became known internationally, Bobby Idol helped grow and nurture foreign partnerships and is pictured above in the early days with customers in China and Japan.

Davidson, the NFL, TNN Racing and many celebrities, including Randy Travis, Brooks and Dunn, Waylon Jennings, and Reba McEntire,” they said. Carroll varsity jackets, with the Presidential Seal — made in Boone — were also purchased for The White House staff during Bill Clinton’s administration.

After dabbling in the buying and selling of hide leather, which was mainly halfhides, obsolete hides and leftovers from

the furniture companies, in 1994, Carroll Leather bought the company, Matheson and Murray. This acquisition was the beginning of the upholstery division of Carroll Leather.

The following year, acquiring the Garden State inventory of hide leather and a new facility in Newton Conover, solidified the expansion.

Today, this division is the most successful subsidiary of Carroll Companies

and is considered one of the top three leather upholstery distributors in the U.S. with a full line of leather imported from Argentina, Brazil and Italy and sold to major furniture manufacturers in the United States and beyond.

During the economic downturn of the early 2000s, when the majority of furniture manufacturers moved their operations overseas, many changes occurred at Carroll Companies. The San Diego, El

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A new facility in Newton Conover was built in the mid-90s to accommodate further expansion and growing demand for quality products, housing today the most successful subsidiary of Carroll Companies and is considered one of the top three leather upholstery distributors in the U.S.

Paso, New York and England warehouses closed. Napa Manufacturing was dissolved, as major downsizing occurred. Total sales dropped, but through strong leadership and smart business decisions, profits remained about the same. Carroll Companies was not only able to stay in business, but also began to thrive in new areas.

Chad Fairchild, vice president of the finished product division for Carroll Companies, shared how Carroll Original Wear got its start.

“For years, the California division had been decorating some of our finished products, mainly for customers we were buying scrap from; travel bags, leather portfolios and other small items that could be personalized.”

In the meantime, Fairchild spent a lot of time going to rodeos and team roping events, and explains the connection: “In that industry, the main trophy for winning was a buckle. I wanted to do something different, so one of the items that we manufactured in finished goods at Nappa was the wool/leather varsity jacket. Although we had stopped embroidering in California, I wanted to take the wording engraved on buckles and put it on a jacket we made. So, I had purchased a horse and a saddle from a team-roping partner, Dudley Bourne.”

It was the saddle tooling that inspired the original art, and the idea to put Carroll Original Wear as an actual logo trademark, Fairchild said. “So we began to work with a few local decorators in the area and marketing to associations that I was participating in.”

With a chuckle, Fairchild added, “There’s kind of a theory that no one

The Carroll Original Wear Showrooms in Denver, Colorado, has brought a lot of attention to local products — and helps to meet demands in the western/rodeo arena.

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August / September 2019

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Who better to model local leather products than Boone’s own Craig and Rose Bridgeman, shown here wearing Carroll Leather Steerbrand jackets. (A few years ago, you think?) stops and bends down to read what a cowboy’s buckle says without a fight, but if it was on a jacket it was clearly visible.”

During this time, he said, Carroll had developed a strong relationship with Costco. “Since I had been moved to Boone, Costco became one of my responsibilities.

So, Dudley Bourne, who I mentioned above, and I were talking and I told him I was going to Issaquah, Washington to see Costco; he told me I should meet up with his brother Tom, as he was rodeoing out there. From there, it just starting coming together, and today Carroll Original Wear is a recognized brand world -wide, producing over 60,000 decorated jackets, caps, T-shirts, etc. annually, directly to consumers.”

Carroll Original Wear offers a full custom-decorating department in Boone, including 48 head embroidery, full laser etching, screen-printing, custom patches, and much more. Carroll Original Wear, itself, is celebrating 20 years!

Due to the branding and relationships built with Carroll Original Wear, some very similar events happened that created the development of STS Ranch wear that will soon be 12 years since its original inception.

Today STS Ranch wear is also a recognized brand world-wide and is the fastest growing area of the company, offering finished products including handbags, outerwear, headwear and much more to stores including Buckle, Boot Barn, Cavender’s, and many other brick and mortar locations across the US, Canada and Australia.

A big part of our success is attributed to the ability to shift with the times — the theory of supply and demand, said Sterling Carroll.

“When we saw an opportunity, in the leather business, we took it.

To expand and provide what the

Among numerous celebrities who have purchased custom-made and other products from the Boonebased company include Waylon Jennings and his son, Shooter, pictured here on the cover of one of his albums, wearing Carroll Leather varsity jackets.

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MODERN VISIONS MODERN ART

consumer was looking for, from scraps of leather to motorcycle accessories to bags, or hides for furniture manufacturing, we are one of the only leather businesses in the US still thriving.”

Carroll added, “We can also attribute much of our success to the loyalty of our employees, many who have been with us for 30-40 of our 50 years.”

Fifty years later, with annual sales around $40,000,000, the business that started out with a few prison wallets being sold out of the trunk of a car is an industry leader. Carroll Companies, Inc. has built a loyal following by offering good products at affordable prices to middle and small retailers and wholesalers. “We are a small company doing big business,” Sterling Carroll surmised. “We take pride in our products, our employees and our company. That’s how success works.” t Our thanks to Alison Carroll Idol, for providing in-depth information and photos for this feature.

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C

Carroll Companies - Our Company, Our Promise

arroll Companies was born five decades ago when two brothers decided to leave the security of their factory jobs and attempt to make it on their own in the leather business. The company is still family owned, but its product line has expanded from the original leather wallets to include almost anything made of leather.

A wide range of sources for raw materials and finished goods, as well as the manufac-

turing capabilities in the United States and abroad, give Carroll Companies a diversity that few can match. If it is made of leather, chances are that the Carroll Companies manufacture the product or have a source for the product, with multiple plants and warehouses strategically positioned to enable the business to ship products quickly and easily within the United States and around the globe.

The family of Carroll Companies believes in the value of hard work and service, encouraging participation, cooperation and innovation as a means to provide better product quality and service. If you are in the need of a leather hide, leather boots, a leather sofa or simply a box of scrap leather, contact Carroll Companies for a dealer near you.

Corporate Office: 1640 Old Hwy 421 S. Boone, NC • (828) 264-2521

Above and Below: Few local companies have made such an impact across the country and beyond as has Carroll Companies, Inc. Shown here are promotions from its Carroll Original Wear and its STS Ranchwear brand, the latter of which is a product line created to meet the needs of a true rancher’s lifestyle — and that is why every piece is ranch-tested prior to being put into production. Named in honor of a Carroll favorite cowboy, Stran Smith, and his family, who all have STS initials, STS Ranch Wear is manufactured by Carroll Original Wear, the leader in quality premium trophy jackets and vests.

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IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

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PLACES TO DINE THIS SUMMER It’s the height of the summer dining season in the High Country, and there’s no better time to enjoy a casual lunch, a relaxing brunch or a romantic dinner. For your culinary inspiration, you’ll find dozens of fine establishments in the following pages.

Six Pence

Restaurant & Pub A Taste of England here in Blowing Rock

BOONE BAGELRY BOONE. Boone’s oldest bagel restaurant locally owned and operated since 1988, serves 14 types of freshly baked bagels and a wide variety of menu items including vegetarian and gluten free. Boone Bagelry is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day. We are conveniently located on King Street in downtown Boone with patio dining available. Delivery service available. Support local. Taste local. Enjoy local. n 828.262-5585. www.boonebagelry.com. See ad on page 54

Featuring British & American Fare

Inside Our Dining Room or Outside on our Beautiful Patio

Dining: Sunday - Thursday , 11:30 am - 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday until Midnight

CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. A local favorite, Café Portofino is the place to meet, eat and enjoy a good time with friends. It’s located in a 100year-old railroad repair station, used by none other than Tweetsie Railroad. Completely modernized, with a friendly open kitchen, cozy dining room, bar and outdoor seating, this is the place to chow down on 5-star meals, without the 5-star price. The menu is an eclectic mix of sandwiches, pastas and steaks. Café Portofino offers daily culinary specials and fresh seafood as well. (“Like” us on Facebook to see daily specials.) Their extensive wine & beer list and all ABC permits compliment any dining experience. Come see what the Boonies already know! n 828-2647772. www.cafeportofino.net. See ad on page 56

CASA RUSTICA BOONE. Conveniently located right off of Highway 105, Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern Italian-American cuisine in the High Country accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. Dishes on the menu from the crisp salads to the scrumptious pastas are adapted from old family recipes that have been handed down for generations. The chefs and owners at Casa Rustica are also FAIRWAY CAFE & committed to offering local beef in their cuisine and proudly VENUEcare. offer homestyle meals made with love and meticulous Casa Rustica’s extensive wine list is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and new organics for guests to try.

Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and classical guitar every Sunday. The restaurant also features a full bar and fantastic drink selections to delight even the pickiest patron. n 828262-5128. www.casarustica1981.com. See ad on page 59

Full Bar (open until 2am)

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Courteous and Friendly Staff

828.295.3155 } } 1121 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. August / September 2019

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CHESTNUT GRILLE AT GREEN PARK INN

HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 6:00am - 5:00pm Sun. 7:00am - 3:00pm

Boone’s Original Bagel Shop Since 1988 Serving Breakfast and Lunch All Day Espresso Coffee Bar 14 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bagels Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options Available Featuring Deli Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, Home made Flavored Cream Cheeses, Omelettes, Pancakes, French Toast, Burgers, Gyro

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BLOWING ROCK. Taking local and sustainable to new heights, the Chestnut Grille restaurant maintains its own 1/3 acre garden on site, which supplies the kitchen with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the summer and fall seasons. We offer contemporary American fare that’s unique, yet familiar, in a warm,  and casual setting. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free guests will find the menu, and our chef very accommodating. We offer an extensive and thoughtful wine list along with a selection of seasonal and local craft beers. Located just inside the Green Park Inn. Listed on the National Historic Register. Patio dining is offered seasonally. Live piano music in our lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round, and live music on the Veranda, seasonally. n 828-414-9230. www.greenparkinn. com. See ad on page 55

off site. We provide fresh, distinctive food and quality service for each and every event. We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, and regularly prepare vegetarian, glutenfree, and vegan meals. North Carolina’s freshest seafood and the finest locally grown vegetables appear regularly on our custom designed catering menus.

Want a family favorite included in your menu? No problem! We can customize any item for your special event. Need the perfect space to accommodate your catering needs? We can serve 25 to 150 guests on-site with ease. Give us a call. n 828-406-7721. www.CRCateringCo. com. See ad on page 59

DIVIDE TAVERN & RESTAURANT

C.R. Catering boone. C.R. Catering Co. is Casa Rustica Restaurant’s sister company. We are pleased to offer the High Country’s finest gourmet catering for events on and

BLOWING ROCK. Located in the lobby of the Historic Green Park Inn, the Divide Tavern sits directly astride the Eastern Continental Divide. Long a gathering place for Captains of Industry, Heads of State, and celebrities from authors to actors, the Tavern offers unique pub fare, as well as chef designed pub classics. Experience a less formal dining alternative while still enjoying delicious fare, all set in the ambiance of a bygone era. Local, craft and draft beers, seasonal and spe-

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SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

cialty cocktails offer guests a tempting twist alongside classic cocktails. We also offer an impressive selection of wine by the glass, or the bottle. Enjoy live Sunday music on the veranda (seasonally) and live piano in the lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round. n 825-414.9230. www.greenparkinn.com.

See ad on page 55

EAT CROW BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe specializing in fresh, delicious goods including a large variety of pies and cakes. These delectables are offered by the slice, or you have the option to order a whole one to take home and enjoy. We also offer fresh made sandwiches at lunch time that can not be compared to any other “sandwich shop� in the area. 

Since we know life can be very hectic, for your convenience we prepare whole meals and fresh soups daily that are ready for you to take home and heat up for your family.

These entrees vary daily. We are always creating something delicious! All sandwiches are served on farmhouse or whole wheat bread. Choices of sides include fresh fruit, firecracker coleslaw or chips. We are open Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

We offer more than just accommodations...

Come dine with us!

Chestnut Grille

Divide Tavern Dinnerfood service is Serving & drinks available seven days a seven nights a week! weekOpens starting at 5pm. at 5pm

Open 5 -nights week Thursday Sundaya evenings 6:00pm - 9:00pm from 6pm - 9pm Reservations Reservationsrecommended recommended.

Offering gourmet comfort cooking in a warm and inviting setting, the Chestnut Grill features a seasonal menu inspired by the North Carolina High Country. And WTavern E AREis PROUD TO INTRODUCE the Divide the perfectAND settingEXCITED to enjoy an evening of conversation over a glass of wine or hand crafted cocktail complimented by an extensive CHEF SAM “FRY� BEASLEY , bar menu.

AS WELL AS NEW MENU SELECTIONS AND PREPARATIONS, SUCH AS:

From the Grille...

From the Tavern...

GRILLED LAMB RACK

FISH & CHIPS Beer batter fried cod, lamb with lime-thyme grits, S fried sauce, Rtartar IB EYE FRIED CHICKEN HRIMP & GRITShouse cut chips, brussels, and blackberry jus lemon & malt vinegar Watauga County grown Sweet tea brined and Herb sauteed shrimp over a

Achiote spiced rubbed half rack of

Cascade hops-rubbed & buttermilk battered chicken bed of cheddar grits, LOCAL NC TROUT LECHON ASADO grilled rib eye, bourbonbreast, mashed Yukon lemon-butter pan sauce, Buttermilk and cornmeal crusted, Traditional Cuban slow roasted peppercorn demi-glaze potatoes, pan gravy bacon crumble

butternut squash puree, toasted

quinoa, wilted spinach, and

pork, mojo marinated, served with seasoned black beans and rice

ovenSdried tomatoes MAC-N-CHICKEN THE CUBAN ANDWICH

FISH & CHIPS

Macaroni pasta, house Batter-fried cod, house cut 9239 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock -sauce, 828.414.9230 - chips, www.greenparkinn.com cheese roasted tartar sauce, lemon & cheese, house pickles, and Follow us on Social Media! chicken, bacon & sriracha malt vinegar mustard on ciabatta bread Roast pork, ham, Swiss

Facebook.com/Greenparkinn Instragram & Twitter @thegreenparkinn August / September 2019

www.greenparkinn.com

H i g h C o u nTtHE r yCM agazine UBAN

Traditional shredded

55

EAT CROW EAT PIE

EAT CAKE

EAT PIE

EAT CAKE EAT PIE EAT CAKE

Delicious Sandwiches

(Served on our homemade bread)

1JFT t $BLFT Dinner Entrees & Soups To Go British Specialties Upon Request

$BUFSJOH

4FSWJOH %JOOFS 5XJDF .POUIMZ Call or Check our Website for Dates & Menu

828.963.8228

The Eseeola Lodge linville. The Eseeola Lodge invites High Country residents and guests to join them for breakfast, dinner, or both!

Breakfast offerings range from Lemon Ricotta Pancakes to Pan-Seared North Carolina Trout. At dinner, select from an ever-changing array of appetizers, entrees, and desserts crafted from the freshest ingredients by Chef Patrick Maisonhaute and his staff. Thursday nights signal Seafood Buffet—a Linville tradition for over 30 years.

All meals are served in the dining room of The Eseeola Lodge. Reservations required for all evening meals, and gentlemen are required to wear a coat for dinner. For more information, visit Eseeola.com or call 828-733-4311. See ad on page 59

fairway cafe & venue

www.eatcrownc.com

'BCVMPVT #SJUJTI $IFG 0XOFS

Dominic& Meryle Geraghty

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am-4 pm Lunch Served 11am - 3pm 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe

and are located near Foscoe on Hwy. 105 between Boone and Banner Elk. n 828-963-8228. See ad on page 56

boone. Not just for golfers! The Fairway cafĂŠ is located at the Boone Golf Course with a beautiful view of the course with an inside dining room or outdoor patio seating. The public is welcome to come enjoy the local fare. The

menu is extensive with an array of salad selections, a half of dozen FAIRWAY CAFE & sandwich choices, hot VENUE dogs anyway you like them and hamburgers from the classic to the fancy. The spacious indoor area features a beautiful 32 foot handcrafted maple bar. Our venue is also perfect for any of life’s memorable moments. Ideal for cocktail parties, fundraisers, wedding events and anniversary parties. The Fairway Venue features clean minimal lines, stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of the beautiful North Carolina Mountains. We have full ABC permits and can seat about 100 inside and roughly 40 on the outside patio. Looking to accommodate even more? A tent can be set up if needed. Come check us out! n 828-264-0233. www.CRCateringCo.com. See ad on page 59

F.A.R.M. CAFÉ boone. In May 2012, F.A.R.M. Cafe opened its doors with our mission to build a healthy & inclusive community by providing high quality & delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. Our meals are nutritious & delicious! Some meals include items with meat, some are vegetar-

Homestyle Southern Cooking with a modern, seasonal slant

828-264-7772 3JWFST 4USFFU r #PPOF

Follow us on facebook for our daily food and drink specials

Indoor or Outdoor Dininďż˝ XXX DBGFQPSUPĂąOP OFU

BOTTLES AT HALF PRICE

Open Monday - Saturday: 11:30am - 9:00pm Sunday: 11:30am - 3:00pm

142 S. Water St.|Boone NC 28607 828-865-5000|www.propermeal.com

RESPECTABLE. CORRECT. GENUINE 56

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ian and/or vegan. Our menu changes daily and is served by our volunteers and staff. F.A.R.M. Feed All Regardless of Means Cafe tries to have someREAL. GOOD. FOOD. thing for everybody each day, so we also always have gluten free and dairy free items. Our daily menu can be viewed at www.farmcafe.org/ menu or on Facebook or Twitter. We are located in beautiful Downtown Boone. n 828-386.1000. www.farmcafe.org.

See ad on page 58

Gamekeeper Blowing Rock. You haven’t fully experienced the region until you’ve dined at The Gamekeeper. It’s a true gourmet restaurant, with the perfect blend of upscale elegance and simple mountain charm. The Gamekeeper is famous for Southern favorites - ultimate in comfort food - prepared with creativity and originality, offered through an evolving seasonal menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, satisfying both the meat lover and the vegetarian. Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cui-

sine, offering a selection of unique meat dishes including mountain trout, buffalo rib eye, ostrich, duck and beef tenderloin. The friendly staff literally waits on you hand and foot, assuring that you’ll leave happy and satisfied. The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400. www.Gamekeeper-NC.com. See ad on page 57

HORTON HOTEL BOONE. Downtown Boone’s first boutique hotel and rooftop lounge, offering 15 beautiful rooms, serving beverages and small plates in our lobby and on our rooftop. Step inside our hotel, a space infused with original design, fine amenities, and historical references. The comfort of our rooms will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. For locals and summer residents, we invite you to visit us to enjoy craft beverages and delicious shared plates in our comfortable lobby or rooftop lounge with 360 views of campus and downtown Boone.

A great place to meet for afternoon or early evening drinks – our craft cocktails are out of this world. And we also have a fine selection of natural, small batch wines and local imported beers. Lounge

Hours are daily 4pm – 10pm. Last Call at 10:00 pm. We’re located on King Street right in Downtown Boone. n 828.832.8060. wwwthehorton.com. See ad on page 58

LOST PROVINCE BOONE. Opened in August 2014, Lost Province Brewing Co. is a destination microbrewery and gastrobpub located in historic downtown Boone, NC. Discover authentic and innovative craft beers brewed onsite and wood fired fare featuring local and regionally sourced ingredients. Lost Province features live music most weekend evenings starting at 7:30 pm. Lost Province provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that is friendly for all. Open daily, Lost Province serves lunch and dinner. Good Beer, Good Food, Good Times. n 828.265-3506. www.lostprovince.com. See ad on page 58

Proper BOONE. Located in an old jailhouse build in the late 1800s, Proper offers a charming atmosphere both inside and out. Featuring one of the best brunches in the High Country, guests can enjoy freshly made

How Many Different Ways Can You Enjoy The Gamekeeper?

PATIO

Join us for a drink on the NEW Gk Patio!

Surrounded by native ferns and poplar trees, our shady stone patio is the perfect place to have a drink and sample our Patio Bites menu either before your dinner reservation or just because.

Reservations not required.

DECK

Outdoor dining is available on the Gk deck. Enjoy the best meal of your summer while watching the sun slowly sink behind the mountains. We love being a part of your special occasions, so please let us know if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary!

DINING ROOM

Tucked away in a historic stone cottage, the Gamekeeper dining room is an eclectic mix of fine dining and adventurous menus. Reservations are strongly suggested for our main dining room, while the bar is available on a first come, first serve basis.

CATERING

Enjoy Gk’s quality food and service for family celebrations, rehearsal dinners and wedding parties, or any other occasion that calls for a creative menu and attentive staff. We accomodate parties of any size and look forward to making your special day effortless.

Well, at least this many.

EMU • BISON • VENISON • ELK • BOAR • MOUNTAIN TROUT • DUCK 3 0 0 5 S H U L L S M I L L R O A D B E T W E E N B O O N E & B L O W I N G R O C K | (8 2 8) 9 6 3 -74 0 0 | R E S E R VAT I O N S R E C O M M E N D E D August / September 2019

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desserts, locally-sourced ingredients and souther comfort cuisine. Collard greens, sweet potato casserole and homemade meatloaf are only a few of the wonderfully comfortable foods one can enjoy at Proper. n 828-865-5000. www.propermeal.com. See ad on page 56

Red Onion Café

Boone’s Donate-What-You-Can Community Cafe “Where Everybody Eats”

Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD.

617 W. King St. (across from Mast General Store) www.farmcafe.org

BooNe. Established in 1985 as one of the classic restaurants in Boone NC, the Red Onion Café opens daily at 11am and serves continuously to hungry guests well into the evening. The Red Onion Café has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years by offering customers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The café has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. Look for weekly dinner specials and the kid’s menu items as well. The Red Onion Café also offers several of the region’s top beer and wines to compliment any meal as well as friendly staff on hand to assist with your choices from the extensive menu. The outside patio is perfect for a comfortable outdoor lunch or for a cozy dinner

on warm evenings. n 828-264-5470. www.theredonioncafe.com. See ad on page 54

REID’S CAFE & CATERING BANNER ELK. At Reid’s Cafe & Catering we offer seasonal menus customized for every occasion, specializing in locally sourced and handcrafted foods.

We believe in the importance of bringing those you love together through food and conversation. We value the handmade and fashion from scratch details as small as the aioli and dressings we use, to house made focaccia and pastries, slow roasted meats and naturally fermented pickles.

We avoid industrially grown and processed foods. This translates throughout our planning process to include varied menu possibilities ranging from traditional favorites to ethnic flavors from around the world. This summer Reid’s Cafe boasts a beautiful new space that has doubled their seating capacity and added a bar area with both beer and wine taps as well as handcrafted cocktails. n 828-268-9600. www.reidscateringco.com. See ad on page 54

six pence pub Blowing rock. In 2001 Six Pence

downtown boone’s award winning craft brewery and gastropub

360° Views Local Craft Beers Unique Wines

130 n. depot st downtown boone 828.265.3506 lostprovince.beer 58

High Country Magazine

Craft Cocktails Small Shared Plates Desserts

611 W King St | 828.832.8060 | thehorton.com

August / September 2019

opened in Blowing Rock, North Carolina and has been a Blowing Rock staple for visitors and residents alike ever since.

Known all over the High Country for establishing itself as a fine example of British fare, the friendly staff, delicious food and extensive beer and wine selection Restaurant & Pub make this local watering hole a local favorite. From traditional British favorites like Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips to American-style burgers, house made soups and salads, this eatery and bar alleviates everyone’s hunger pains and provides a unique dining experience right on beautiful Main Street. Who knew that one could find such exceptional British cuisine in the heart of the High Country? The pub now proudly features a new patio so guests can choose to sit outside and enjoy their meals and enjoy the beautiful views of Main Street. Or step inside to the air conditioned interior to beat the heat this summer season. n 828-295-3155. www. sixpencepub.com. See ad on page 53

Seasonal flavors.

Nightly favorites.

Six Pence

Whet your appetite and get ready to embrace four courses of wonderful.

STONEWALLS BANNER ELK. The High Country’s premier steak and seafood house since 1985.

Enjoy your favorite steaks, prime rib, chicken or baby back rib entrée or choose from the extensive seafood selection or daily specials. Serving daily from 5:00 p.m. in a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere. All ABC permits. n 828-898-5550. www.stonewallsresturant. com. See ad on page 55

Compressed watermelon carpaccio, Maine lobster and a black garlic crouton

E N J O Y L O C A L Q U A L I T Y, F L AV O R & F R E S H N E S S

vidalia Boone. Centrally located on King Street in downtown Boone, Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” Featuring creative menu items for lunch and dinner, it offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights. All of the menu items come to you from the culinary mind of Chef Samuel Ratchford, who also owns the restaurant with his wife Alyce. Taking pride in the local community, the restaurant is proud to offer various local ingredients and choices to p atrons who are looking to try local fare. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive wine list which routinely features over 60 different wines, a large selection of craft beers, martinis whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidalia’s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal nd practices farm-to-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176. www.vidaliaofboone.com.

See ad on page 56

800-742-6717 Eseeola.com

Since 1981 we have pledged an ongoing commitment to serve local farm fresh foods and support our beloved community. We are honored to call the High Country our home.

www.CRCateringCo.com | 828.406.7721 www.CasaRustica1981.com | 828.262.5128

FAIRWAY CAFE & VENUE

August / September 2019

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Grow and Prosper Goodnight Brothers Becoming Industry Leader in Country Ham Production

By Nathan Ham

T

here’s a great chance that you have thoroughly enjoyed a nice slab of country ham from Goodnight Brothers right here in Boone even if you didn’t realize it.

Goodnight Brothers has been operating since 1948, originally starting as a produce supplier before turning its focus to curing ham in 1969.

Since then, the company has become a country ham supplier for Dan’l Boone Inn and a regional leader in supplying country ham for Hardee’s and Bojangles’, U.S. Foods, Sysco, Performance Food Group and most small and large food distributors through-

out the southeastern United States. Along with the food distribution services, stores like Piggly Wiggly, Merchants Distributors in Hickory and other various retail distributors throughout the southeast also sell Goodnight Brothers products.

Early History You’ve probably heard it many times; a business owner will say he or she got their start working out of their parents’ basement. For Goodnight Brothers, that story rings true.

“We sold produce out of the family home place on Perkinsville

At left, JC Goodnight sits at the seed, feed and fertilizer shop around 1980.

At right pictured here following World War II around 1950, left to right: Neil, Eunice, Olan, Mary, Essie, JC, Howard and Joe.

The original Goodnight Brothers Produce on Howard Street opened in the 1940s (left).

At right, Commissioner of Agriculture James Graham (center) is pictured here with Bill Goodnight (left) in 1987 in Raleigh.

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“We used to do about 14 whole hams a day and 15 whole sliced hams.

Now we slice 10,000 hams a week and 1,800 to 2,200 hams on the slicer a day.”

Drive. That was my grandfather’s house. They had moved here from Lincolnton to get the five brothers and two sisters near a college, at the time it was Appalachian State Teacher’s College,” said Bill Goodnight, who helps run the day-to-day operations of the Goodnight Brothers ham business in the industrial park just off of Highway 421 in Boone.

The five Goodnight brothers, Howard, Joe, JC, Neil and Olan, along with their two sisters, Essie and Eunice, lived with their parents, JL and Mary, called Boone home.

In the early 1940s, as World War II broke out, four of the five brothers (Neil, Olan, Joe, and Howard) took off to fight for this country. JC stayed behind due to a medical issue that kept him from fighting, according to Bill.

After returning from the war, the brothers decided to build up a business selling produce in downtown Boone.

“They bought the property of the first Goodnight Brothers on Howard Street for $100. They built the first building around 1948 when we first incorporated and then we built the first ham house in that location in 1969,” said Bill.

Jim Goodnight, the current president and CEO of Goodnight Brothers, saw his dad be the only brother to remain in the High Country. The four others headed to the Charlotte area and started other Goodnight Brothers locations. The company then combined with Bigger Brothers Produce and became Goodnight Brothers PYA. Over the years following other mergers and buyouts, Goodnight Brothers PYA became PYA Monarch and is now U.S Food Services.

The Boone location and the ham house were not part of those sales.

“The ham business started to grow and the produce business started to dwindle because the area in Watauga

Vice president and general manager Bill Goodnight (standing) with sales manager Tony Snow (seated at left) and president/CEO Jim Goodnight.

After moving from its Howard Street location, Goodnight Brothers Country Ham is located at 372 Industrial Park Drive just off of Highway 421 in Boone.

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Pictured above are Frederick Coffey (left) and vice president and general manager Bill Goodnight along with a master carver of the Cinco Jotas ham from Spain that visited Boone in May. At left, Bill Goodnight checks for the proper “funk” for the Lady Edison Extra Fancy Country Ham that cures right here in Boone for at least 18 months. Below, area chefs were invited to the ham house to see the new products that Goodnight Brothers offers now, including the all-natural product line.

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County became less agricultural oriented and most tourist-oriented,” Bill said. “Goodnight Brothers sold sliced hams and whole hams. We used to do about 14 whole hams a day and 15 whole sliced hams. Now we slice 10,000 hams a week and 1,800 to 2,200 hams on the slicer a day.”

Bill worked in the ham house on Howard Street during his time at Appalachian State, starting in 1980. In 1985, Bill started working fulltime after a sales position opened up. The ham house remained in its downtown location until the current location was constructed in 1990. The remaining business offices made the move to the industrial park in 1996.

“In 1985 I think we were doing about one load a week with 26 employees. We’ve grown to almost six to seven loads a week and 135 employees,” said Bill.

Typically a load is 2,000 hams or 40,000 pounds.

As the company made the move to the other side of Boone, it came at a great time with a lot of space. Jim said that they purchased a big spot of land and split part of that with Joe Miller so he could open Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff.

“One time we had about a foot of water all over the old building. The USDA wasn’t real pleased with that,” Jim laughed. “It has been a good move. We have had good growth and stayed the course. A lot of folks have come and gone and that happens, but we got out here first and we bought way more land than we thought we needed. Joe came along and needed some so we split it and I think we both wish we had gotten the whole thing when we did it. At the time it worked great. It’s a good place to be with some good neighbors, it’s certainly good to have this in Boone.”

The Present and the Future The food industry is always changing. No one can speak to that better than Jim, Bill and Frederick Coffey, who has helped play a crucial role in helping Goodnight Brothers expand their offerings to include allnatural products.

“Typical country ham is from large producers and not from North Carolina Natural Hog Growers As-

Hams arrive at the Goodnight Brothers ham house and then are sorted as they await their time to be cured, deboned, packaged and later sent to its destination.

The curing process will place hams in different “seasons” inside the ham house with winter, spring and summer temperatures.

Hams will then be deboned and packaged after curing is completed. sociation. With all-natural ham, it comes from the North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association farms, the pigs are raised without antibiotics and are freeroaming with strict vegetarian diets on small family farms,” said Coffey.

Farms that are members of the Eastern North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association, led by Jeremiah Jones, are inspected by AWA to make sure the pigs are treated humanely and are not injected with antibiotics. There are 25 farms that are AWA certified.

“They look through records about the pigs and anything that veterinarians have been there for and what they did. When a pig gets sick, they separate it from the rest of them. If it has to have antibiotics for treatment, they don’t leave the pick in the group, it goes to another market entirely,” said Coffey. “These farmers don’t put any pesticides on their fields or where the

animals roam. The farms are inspected by AWA. The conglomerate of small farmers that adhere to those standards are listed as Animal Welfare Approved.”

The all-natural ham comes from farmers in the eastern part of the state that are members of the North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association. The pigs are raised anti-biotic free and the ham is cured with sea salt or celery powder instead of using nitrites. The ingredients in the Goodnight Brothers all-natural ham include sea salt, cane sugar, brown sugar and celery powder.

The first stores to sell the all-natural country ham line were Earth Fare and all Whole Foods stores in the southeast. Both Earth Fare and Whole Foods require their country ham to come from farms that are

inspected and must AWA approved.

Jim Goodnight acknowledged the importance of being able to diversify their

Watauga County Country Ham labels are put in products that will be sold throughout the region.

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The deboning crew removes the bones from the hams before the hams will continue on through the slicing process and eventually vacuum-sealed and put in boxes for shipment.

After the bones are removed, the ham is pressed and formed into a center block.

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products.

“We’ve been working for probably four or five years with the all-natural ham. It’s starting to do well and it’s a niche that a lot of people are interested in,” said Jim. “We’re doing three or four different kinds of ham now. It takes longer and we’re probably not running as much of the regular stuff that we do but it’s a new thing we’re doing.”

The popularity of country ham is starting to grow to other parts of the country, thanks in large part to the popularity of low country food.

“Our product has been spread outside the southeast for the first time. Country ham is popular all over the United States now – New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and with a flair – country ham can be used as an ingredient in almost any recipe for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. We’re in a very unique position now to grow our business,” said Bill.

“Some of the biggest changes are our focus on all-natural and diversification of our product line. We are now doing bacon and we’re selling other things ham-related like the Cinco Jotas,” Bill said.

5J Cinco Jotas Ham is black label, which means both of the parent pigs are pure bread. Cinco Jotas Ham comes from pure Iberian pigs that are free roaming and 100 percent acorn fed. The pigs are raised for up to 24 months.

“We’ve been working for probably four or five years with the all-natural ham. It’s starting to do well and it’s a niche that a lot of people are interested in. We’re doing three or four different kinds of ham now. It takes longer and we’re probably not running as much of the regular stuff that we do but it’s a new thing we’re doing.�

The hams are cured for up to three years. Goodnight Brothers is an authorized distributor for one of the premier ham products in the world. “We’ve put a lot of money into our business and made our facilities up to date,� said Bill. “In 2006 we were focused on selling to Hardee’s and Bojangles’ and really focused on our foodservice growth with roughly 70 employees. Now we have 135 employees and we’re focused on growing our business outside the southeast with the all-natural line because that is really popular nationwide.

Overall, Bill says that Goodnight Brothers used to buy from three distributors, but have since increased that number to six. They typically buy around 280,000 pounds of hog meat per week, which turns into roughly 11 million pounds a year.

Lady Edison Extra Fancy Country Ham is another high end product that the company cures. Lady Edison hams also come from hogs raised by the NC Hog Growers Association. Sam Suchoff and Rufus Brown of Johnston County Hams produce the award-winning pork product. The ham is aged at least 18 months.

Even with the nationwide growth, the company that was born and raised in Boone will continue to give back to the High Country with jobs and educational opportunities. “We are sponsors for the Appalachian State Sustainable Development Pro-

Frederick Coffey (left) and Bill Goodnight have worked hard to provide all-natural country ham, one of the labels for their new products can be seen below.

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High Country Magazine

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When the ham comes out of the slicer, six portions of 1.25 ounces are placed on wax paper and it goes down the line to be vacuum sealed and passed through a medical detector before being packed in a box to its shipping destination. gram. I don’t know if we are the biggest sponsor but we were the first sponsor, and we still contribute heavily to that, as well as the Appalachian Summer Festival,” said Bill. “It brings us back to our roots of sustainability where we were doing produce.

We also have scholarships at Appalachian under all the brothers’ names so we’re really proud of that.”

Jim has been pleased with what the company has grown to and credits it to a lot of hard work from a great group of people.

“We have done well. Bill and Tony (Snow) have certainly done a lot and we continue to grow. I think we have a quality product and if there are problems, we certainly want to deal with it. We don’t want any dissatisfied customers,” said Jim. “It takes a lot of work and a lot of people too. We’ve added probably 15 to 20 more workers just this year, a lot of that is in packaging. There are so many products that come out of a ham.”

Goodnight Brothers are even more proud of their employees than they are of the delicious product that leaves their ham house.

“Our employees are the key to the whole thing, they have got to be first and they are our greatest asset. We have 135 employees and 50 of them have been there 10 years or longer and 25 have been there 25 years or longer. For a small company that seems pretty good,” Bill said. t

For more information on all of the Goodnight Brothers products, AWA Certification and NCNHGA,visit the below websites.

Animal Welfare Approved https://agreenerworld.org North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association https://www.weaverstreetmarket.coop/ producer/nc-natural-hog-growers-association/ Goodnight Brothers Ham http://goodnightbrothers.com/ Cinco Jotas Ham https://www.cincojotas.com/ Lady Edison Extra Fancy Country Ham https://ladyedisonpork.com/ 66

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GRACE

in L A

Limited Edition Investment Pieces | Heirlooms | Wearable Collectables

-JLF VT PO 'BDF#PPL UP TFF PVS MBUFTU BSSJWBMT

WATSONATTA WESTERN WORLD 8 ,JOH 4USFFU t %PXOUPXO #PPOF t August / September 2019

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Brotherly Love

John and Hank Phillips

Former Clemson University Football Standouts and Now Successful Businessmen of Avery & Mitchell Counties

F

By Tim Gardner

ootball season is again upon us and this article will pay trib- Clemson included Notre Dame, Tennessee, North Carolina State, ute to the storied careers of a pair of blue-chip prep play- Wake Forest, South Carolina and North Carolina besides a large ers and perhaps the best brother-playing combination in volume of smaller level schools that had little chance at landing either John or Hank since a large both high school and college— number of major colleges wanted John and Hank Phillips—to ever to sign both to Letters of Intent. come out of the High Country.

They made officials visits to sevIt will center around their playeral schools, but both ultimately ing eras at Clemson University decided Clemson was where they as well as highlighting their acwanted to attend school and play complishments as the successful college football. and the deft businessmen they They were specifically rehave become here. cruited to Clemson by assistant From John’s and Hank’s coach Larry Van Der Heyden, growing up years to the college and commented on why they football careers to their feats in choose Clemson. “I just felt the business world and all their Clemson University was the best other endeavors and ventures in place for me,” said John. “And between, the lives of these only I knew it had strong football sons of Jerry and Mary Phillips of tradition and a coach in Danny Spruce Pine are aptly summed up Ford who was successful and by their mother who succinctly had coached a National Chamdeclared: “They’ve never rested.” pionship team (1981). Those Jerry Phillips added: “Not Hank (holding football) and John Phillips inside their were very appealing factors to because they’re mine and Mary’s Avery Tire Pros Building in Newland. me. Also, it was only slightly sons, but John and Hank were always good boys who became good and honorable men. They more than a couple hours driving from home. It turned out to be got along well growing up and worked for everything they’ve all that I wanted for football and academics. And getting to play there with Hank was icing on the cake too.” got and achieved. And they have lived right.

Hank echoed John’s sentiments with the They’re proof that all that pays off.” following remarks: “After considering the Before revealing specifics about John’s various college and universities that recruitand Hank’s professional business exploits, ed me, I believed Clemson was better for me further details about their individual football with all factors considered. The school had prowess and accomplishments as prep stars a winning football program and would give and then collegiate standouts are warranted me the best chance to play for championas for those they are best known. ships and show my abilities. While it was an honor to attend the same university as my Recruitment & Leading Clemson brother and even get to play a couple seasons to Bowl & ACC Titles on the same team with him, I felt no pressure It’s been just slightly more than 30 years to have to play there just because John did. since John played at Clemson and exactly In fact, I knew our parents and other family thirty since his brother, Hank, did the same. members would go to watch us play even if Major colleges that recruited one ,or both, John (left) and Hank Phillips pose as John played at Clemson and I did at another of the Phillips Brothers to play football besides youngsters about 1969.

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John (left) and Hank Phillips with a car jacked-up for a tire change in the parking lot of Avery Tire Pros.

Both have worked in the tire business in Avery County in five different decades.

John (left) and Hank Phillips posed in their Clemson Tigers Football jerseys.

The accomplishments of these brothers rank each among Clemson’s all-time greatest players.

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Left Picture: The Phillips Family around 1974: (Left-to-Right) Standing - Jerry, Mary, Hank and John. Sitting- Callie and Buffy.

Right Picture: Jerry and Mary Phillips’ children: (Left-to-Right) Standing - Buffy, John and Hank. Sitting - Callie. school. But it would have stretched them having to attend games with one parent at one place and our other at another site.

Plus, as John alluded, the Clemson’s proximity to our home was important as was the chance to play for Coach Ford.”

Family legacies are not uncommon in major college football programs football program, but as Hank alluded: “Not everyone has the opportunity to play college football, but going and playing with your brother is just a whole different experience. It was so special being able to play football with him at the same university and on the same Clemson teams for two years. We’re competitors, and we pushed each other. We made each other better players in college just as we did in high school and lower level football.”

Both Phillips Boys were top offensive linemen in college. They each had good physical dimensions and possessed exceptional footwork, which enhanced the balance they needed to thwart the bull rushes of opposing linemen. Further, they had the quickness to make the cutoff and “reach” blocks. They had exceptional over-all football-playing abilities. But there is more.

Their work ethics were exemplary, their attitudes selfless—they were the consummate team players—and their competitive instincts motivated them to fight, persevere and usually outplay their opponents.

Hank played on Clemson teams that went 38-8-2 during his four seasons (1986’89) after he redshirted in 1985. During his playing tenure, the Tigers won three consec70

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utive Atlantic Coast Conference championships (‘86, ‘87 and ‘88) and four consecutive bowl games: 27-7 over Stanford in the 1986 Gator Bowl; 35-10 against Penn State in the 1988 Florida Citrus Bowl (1987 season); 13-6 over Oklahoma in the 1989 Florida Citrus Bowl (1988 season); and 27-7 against

John’s Family - (Left-to-Right) Back - Elizabeth, John and Austin.

Front - Alison and Alli.

West Virginia in the 1989 Gator Bowl.

Hank also played on the last team of iconic Clemson head coach Danny Ford.

August / September 2019

John was on Clemson teams that compiled a 31-14-2 record. After he redshirted for the 1983 season, Clemson was 7-4 during his freshman season of 1984. Clemson was ineligible for the ACC Title or a bowl game in both 1983 and ‘84 due to being on National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and conference probation.

John played on a 6-6 team his sophomore (1985) season, which lost 20-13 to Minnesota in the Independence Bowl. During his junior (‘86) and senior (‘87) seasons, John played on two conference championship and a pair of bowl-winning teams with Hank, who remarked: “That meant a lot for John and me to make those bowl trips.

I don’t suppose there are that many brothers who have played on the same team in a bowl game and even fewer who have played together in two of them.”

Bill Lewis, Defensive Coordinator for the University Georgia, who coached against both John and Hank while they played for Clemson gave them an ultimate compliment: “The offensive fronts John and Hank Phillips helped anchor at Clemson were perhaps the finest in college football.”

Ford also spoke glowingly of both players: “The first attribute about John and Hank is that they came from a good family and were raised right by wonderful parents. John and Hank were both outstanding players and they possessed the necessary skills to excel at their positions.

They were both tough players with very good football instincts and were extremely hard workers. They were two of the better

Playing for the Mitchell County High School Mountaineers, Hank (Number 75) and John (Number 76) are shown in their uniforms on opposite sides of a team picture during Hank’s tenure on the varsity. players I ever coached.”

After their collegiate playing careers ended and receiving their degrees—John in sociology and Hank in Industrial Education—they returned to the North Carolina High Country. They became extremely successful here in their professional endeavors as shrewd businessmen, each coowning businesses with the other or parts of business franchises. Hank came directly back to his home roots. John did several years later, after remaining at Clemson as a graduate assistant coach to Ford’s successor, legendary head coach Ken Hatfield.

John helped coach the 1990 Tigers to a 10-2 record, a No. 9 national ranking and a 30-0 blowout of Illinois in the Hall of Fame Bowl and the ‘91 Tigers to a 9-2-1 record and the ACC Championship.

John also served as a full-time assistant coach at the University of Louisiana-Monroe under head coach Dave Roberts and at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga under former Clemson head coach Tommy West, who was an assistant when John played there.

to all-conference teams for both offense and defense. As a senior, John was named Western North Carolina Lineman of The Year by the Asheville Citizen-Times and was recipient of the Golden Helmet Football Award. Playing for head coach Dennis Hefner as a sophomore and then for Rusty Coggins in 1981-’82, who played collegiately at North Carolina State University for famous head coach Lou Holtz.

John: Prep All-State & College All-American Born September 29, 1965, John was a 6-5, 260-pound lineman at Mitchell County High School in Ledger, NC. He was recruited by practically every college and major university in America.

At Mitchell High from 1979-82, John was a three-sport letterwinner (football, wrestling and track). He was a two-time recipient of all-state and all-conference football honors and was selected to play in both the North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl and North Carolina Coaches Association East-West All-Star Games his senior season. John was named

Hank’s Family (Left-to-Right) Hank, Adeline, Eden and Tonya.

John helped the 1982 Mitchell High team to its first winning record ever (6-4) while a member of the very tough NC 3-A classification. John played alongside Hank and James Phillips (no relation), who went on to play at Wake Forest University, giving Mitchell the grand and rare feat of

having three players from the same high school team to eventually play on the major college level.

John was selected as the school’s Most Valuable Athlete and the Most Valuable Wrestler for two years in a row. (1981 and ‘82).

Additionally, he was chosen to the 1982-83 all-state wrestling teams as a Heavyweight.

Mitchell finished fourth in state wrestling tournament his senior season.

At Clemson, John became one of the best all-around athletes and smartest linemen to ever play there. He became Clemson’s top offensive lineman at Guard for a three year period (1985-’87) as a sophomore in which he started calling all the Tigers’ blocking assignments at the line of scrimmage.

John earned First-Team All-American billing by United Press International and as a second-team All-American by The Sporting News as a junior. He was the first underclass offensive lineman All-American at Clemson since 1977. He was an Honorable Mention All-American by Associated Press in ‘86. John also was a second-team All-American choice by Associated Press and a third team All-American selection by Football News. He was one of just three returning offensive or defensive linemen wire service All-Americans for the 1987 season. John also was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award following his stellar play that season. Named for John Outland, one of only a few major college players ever to be named an AllAmerican at two positions, the Outland Trophy is awarded to the best college football interior lineman in the United States as judged by the Football Writers Association of America. And like the Heisman Trophy, the Lombardi Award is awarded to college football’s top player, but is not based only on performance. Leadership, character and

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resiliency play a major role in selecting a Lombardi Award winner, which named for legendary Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins head coach and Fordham Univeristy football star Vince Lombardi.

Additionally, John was named to the Playboy Magazine All-American for the preseason of 1987, Clemson’s first selection to that team since Jim Stuckey in 1979.

John also was chosen to the All-ACC First Team two consecutive years (1986 and ’87). He tied with teammate Terrence Flagler as the leading vote-getter on the 1986 All-ACC football team.

He received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top blocker in the ACC and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, symbolic of the top blocker in the State of South Carolina two years in a row. John had a single season Clemson record of 103 knockdown blocks as a junior. He also had 18 knockdown blocks against Virginia Tech in 1987.

He concluded his Clemson career with 245 knockdown blocks, third-best in its history. He is still the school’s only player ever with a pair of 100-knockdown block season (He also had 100 in 1986).

John started 32 games and played in 47 during his collegiate career. He played 2,330 plays and did not allow a sack in his last 29 games at Clemson. He was named co-captain of Clemson’s 1987 team with Michael Dean Perry.

In a 20-game stretch in which John started through 1985 and ‘86, Clemson rushed for at least 200 yards in 19 of those games, averaging 273 yards a game. John was a prime reason Clemson was sixth in the nation in rushing offense for 1986. He was also known for his outstanding pass blocking skills. In 1986, the player he was assigned to sacked Clemson’s quarterback only once all season and it has happened just once over-all in the 20 games he played in the offensive line during 1985 and ‘86.

John played in 864 snaps for the ‘86 season, more than any other Tiger, offense or defense.

He missed only 66 snaps all season. He also John Phillips (Number 61) makes a classic block led Clemson’s interior offensive line in average against South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman blocking grade for that season and had the highFitzgerals Davis in 1985. est grade in seven of the team’s 12 games.

He had six grades in the eighties, including an held the ball for more than 40 minutes.

86 percent mark for 71 plays against Stanford.

He also won Clemson’s team award as its Outstanding OffenJohn led Clemson in plays in five games in ‘86, including four of the last five. He had his high game of the year in film grade against sive Leader for the 1987 Spring Practice.

John’s insertion into the starting lineup paralleled Clemson’s Georgia with a 90 percent figure for 73 snaps.

He had a Clemson single game record 17 knockdown blocks rise in offensive productivity in 1985. The Tigers averaged 131 at Virginia and was named ACC Player-of-the-Week for his efforts. yards a game rushing in games he did not start and 267 yards a John has two other double-figure knockdown block games in ‘86: game on the ground in games he started. After playing just 21 snaps Virginia Tech (11) and Georgia (10). He also compiled nine knock- in the first four games, he started against Virginia and was in for 76 down blocks in three games and had three other games with nine snaps. He had a 70 percent blocking grade with five knockdown blocks in his very first game. He played in all 93 snaps against Wake and had more than six knockdowns in 10 of Clemson’s 12 games.

John was named Jefferson Pilot/Poulan Player-of-the-Game Forest and all 83 against North Carolina in 1985, and only missed versus Georgia Tech for his outstanding blocking as the Tigers five snaps in the last four games of the regular season. He averaged 72

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75 plays per game over the last eight games, all as a starter, after averaging just five snaps a game in the first four games.

He moved to offensive tackle in the spring of 1985, then to guard in the fall of 1985. he had a winning grade against every opponent and had a very productive spring practice in 1986, winning more team awards than any Clemson player. John also was named the team ‘s top lifter along with Kenny Flowers and shared honor as outstanding leader on offense with Flowers. John also cited as giving the most effort among the offensive players.

As a freshman in 1984, John earned a letter as a reserve linebacker, another example of his allaround abilities. He contributed as a second-team player much of the year and was one of only three linebackers to play in every game. John made at least one tackle in five of the 11 games and had two stops against Wake Forest and Duke. Half of his eight tackles were on special teams. He gained 20 pounds at the end of his freshman year when he moved to the offensive line.

In 1983 he worked with the team while a redshirt. He played weakside linebacker most of the spring and played for the Orange defense in the Spring Game.

Following his senior season, John played in Japan Bowl and East-West All-Star games.

John’s brute strength was evident as he sixth on the Clemson teams on which he played in the leg

Hank Phillips (Number 50) prepares to snap the ball from his center position to Clemson quarterback Chris Morocco.

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sled (890 pounds) and second in the power clean (351).

John eventually married his college sweetheart, the former Alison Dillard, of Anderson, SC. Alison is a former school teacher and coach who currently works as a real estate agent. She also is an accomplished athlete and was a state championship tennis player in South Carolina. Alison and John have three children- daughter, Margaret (Alli), son Austin, currently a football player for the Western Carolina University Catamounts, and daughter, Elizabeth, who is a rising junior at Clemson, majoring in engineering.

He later served several years as an assistant coach at Avery High—the arch-rival of his prep alma mater Mitchell. Only former Avery offensive coordinator Bill Bomar, who played at the University of Georgia and had college coaching experience at UGA and Lees-McRae College (head coach there) as well as at several powerhouse

prep programs such as Putnam County, GA, Bradenton, FL Southeast and Dunnellon, FL— the latter of which he coached a state championship team; current Avery Head Coach Mac Bryan, who played at Appalachian State University and has coached at more than a dozen schools on the high school, junior college, small college and major college levels (including head coach at Lees-McRae); and former Avery head coach Charles “Babe� Howell, who won multiple state championships at Sylva-Webster, NC High School, has an Avery coach had such extensive and comprehensive football backgrounds when he began coaching there as John Phillips.

Hank-Prep All-StateTwo Positions & All-ACC Born on November 5, 1966, Hank earned three letters in football, two in basketball and two in track at Mitchell County High School from 1980-’83. He

John Phillips shown on the front of a flyer the Clemson University Athletics Department prepared pushing his candidacy for the Outland Trophy.

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played football there for head coach Rusty Coggins (one year) and then for head coach Leland Riddle (two seasons). Hank accomplished the rare and colossal feat of being named to the North Carolina High School All-State team at two positions—center and noseguard. He also was a two-time all-conference choice at both positions. As a senior, he was Mitchell’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman. Following his senior season, Hank played in the 1983 NC-SC Shrine Bowl and the 1984 NC Coaches Association East-West All-Star Games.

Additionally, he was a finalist for the 1984 Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Award as the region’s top male athlete for the 1983-’84 school year. As a junior John Phillips (Number 61) was among twelve in 1982, Hank was named Mitchplayers on the 1987 Playboy All-American ell’s Most Valuable Track performTeam with its coach Barry Switzer (Oklahoma). er and to the all-conference team as he took first place in the conferHank began the ‘88 season as a starter ence meet in the discus competition. Hank at guard. He was the frontline player for was a member of the Fellowship of Christhe Furman and Florida State games. He tian Athletes for two years. was in for 70 plays in the epic battle with “Hank was one of the best players I’ve Florida State and had four knockdown seen in high school and also was an aweblocks. He also had a career-best seven some one in college,” Riddle said. “He knockdown blocks in 62 plays versus Furwas a tremendous one-on-one blocker and man. He had 17 knockdowns after three knew how to play the game as well any games, fourth-best on the team. player I had. He was physical, strong and Hank registered solid grades the rest as tough as they come. The key for a lineof the season including 95 percent against man to block is getting down low, and the Duke on 20 plays, the highest by a Clembest compliment I’ve ever heard bestowed son lineman all season. He made a pair on Hank came from a West Henderson of knockdown blocks in that game. He High School player who Hank played also earned an 85 percent grade at Georagainst. West Henderson’s head coach gia Tech, where he had two knockdown then, Carroll Wright, told me that player blocks in only eight plays. He tallied four said that no matter how low he got, Hank Knockdown blocks in 22 plays and graded got lower and he couldn’t do anything to 77 percent for the Wake Forest game and properly defend him.” had 75 percent grades against both MaryAt Clemson, Hank was named First land and South Carolina. Hank had at least Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference his a 70 percent grade in each of the last eight senior season (1989) by United Press Intergames he played that season and missed national. He started every game at center playing in only the Virginia game. in ‘89, recording 68 knockdown blocks.

He was in on 30 plays in the 1989 CitHe recorded eleven in the Tigers’ win over rus Bowl versus Oklahoma.

Virginia and also made 10 knockdown Hank was a reserve center and a reliblocks in Clemson’s final regular season able special teams player in 1987 and ‘88. victory over South Carolina. AdditionHe was a key reason Clemson was so sucally, Hank played an outstanding game in cessful in kickoff returns both seasons. In Clemson’s win at Florida State 1987, he played in seven games on offense He had a career-high of 330 plays of with a high of 29 plays against Maryland action in 1988 as an offensive guard and and received playing time in every game then moved back to center during 1989 except South Carolina. He was in for nine spring practice. snaps in the 1988 Citrus Bowl against 76

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Penn State as backup center. Hank had a 85 percent grade for 13 plays against Virginia and made a career-high six knockdown blocks in just 13 plays, an incredible accomplishment on a per play basis.

He was also cited by his Clemson coaches and the media for his outstanding play against Wake Forest and North Carolina. He had a good 1988 spring practice, winning the team’s the Best Effort Award for the offense.

In 1986, Hank was in for just 16 snaps in two games as a knee injury limited his play. He was named Clemson’s Most Improved Offensive Lineman for the spring of 1987 and gained 20 pounds over the year.

While red-shirted for 1985, Hank was on hold the entire season to see game action in case a regular player was injured. He had a solid spring practice in 1986, and was listed as secondteam performer heading into that season.

Hank also was one of Clemson’s allaround strongest players, leading his teams in the power clean with a 351-pound mark.

He also bench pressed 335 pounds and had a leg-sled mark of 760. Hank’s athletic versatility was also proven as he sixth on the team in the vertical jump and his 34 1/2”mark as a senior was the best complied by a Clemson offensive lineman since 1985, and he ran a 4.98 in the 40, second-best among Clemson offensive lineman.

Hank married his girlfriend of college, the former Tonya Thompson of Sumter, SC. Tonya works as a professional nutritionist. She and Hank have two children— daughters Eden and Adeline.

A rich athletic heritage exists beyond John, Hank and Austin, in their family.

John and Hank’s children, parents, sisters, Buffy and Callie and several of their uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives played and excelled in sports at old Harris, Mitchell and Avery High Schools.

John and Hank’s brother-in-law and Callie’s husband, Jonathan Atkins, also played collegiately for the Gardner-Webb University Bulldogs. Also, John and Hank has two cousins who played collegiate sports, Richard Phillips (Brevard College Basketball) and Rick Spurling (East Tennessee State Football). Spurling also is a former Mitchell High head football coach and county schools superintendent there.

John and Hank attribute their development in honing their playing expertise to their parents for the work ethic they instilled in them at an early age to what they both called “excellent coaching” they received from Ford and his staff at Clemson as well as the Mitchell coaches they specifically cited, and who either John, Hank or both played for besides Coggins, Hefner and Riddle, included assistants Phil McKinney, Harry Anderson, Steven Atwood, Stan Elkins, Jerry Pitman, John Hall, John Fisher and Spurling (before he became head coach).

Coggins said of the Phillips Brothers: “How fortunate I was to have the opportunity to be Mitchell’s head coach when both John and Hank played there. John was so gifted with football skills and size.

He was a total package as a player. And Hank was a phenomenal player. I couldn’t say enough good things about him either.

Whatever you needed him to do as a player, he could do it and do it well.”

Successful Business Leaders

businesses, which are worth emulating by others heading businesses.

“You have to have good products and provide good services to people who need what you offer and at reasonable prices,” John declared. “And you’ve got to have dedicated and hard-working employees who are good at their jobs as it’s a total team effort to run a business. Of course, you’ve got to make a profit, but best way to do so is to have good products and give professional service that customers want.”

Hank added: “It’s foremost about your customers when it comes to business success. John and I deeply appreciate all the customers we’ve ever had. Without them, our businesses would not, and would have never existed. And we’ve developed many lasting friendships with our customers. It’s all important to us that they are satisfied with our services and how we treat them.

If you do right by customers and treat them well, they will remember it just as they will if you don’t do right by them and don’t treat them as you should and as they deserve.”

Hank and John co-own Avery Tire Pros Summation in Newland, and they grew up in the auJohn and Hank have always given of tomotive and tire business, as their father, themselves to their communities. Their Jerry Phillips, and his brother Tommy Phil- priorities are faith, family and flag. They lips, founded Avery County Recapping in are exemplary citizens of their communi1964. Hank and John began working with ties in Avery and Mitchell Counties. John tires and vehicles when they were young lives in Banner Elk. He and his family boys (often being joined by their cousin and Tommy’s son, Richard) and eventually acquired the family business in 1996. They eventually changed its name to its current billing after recapped tires became obsolete. John and Hank have nearly 60 years combined experience in the automotive industry.

Additionally, John and Hank co-own various business rental properties in Newland and John owns Carquest Auto Parts franchise stores in Newland and Spruce Pine.

And for many years—from childhood and into adult— John and Hank worked in, and helped operate, their family’s Fraser fir Christmas Tree farm—a business many others from the High Country have practical experience in as the region is known as “The Christmas Tree Capital of the World.”

The Phillips’ have developed Hank (center) poses with his parents Jerry their own individual, but collecand Mary Phillips in Clemson’s Memorial tive philosophies about operating Stadium during 1989 Football Senior Day.

attend Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church there, where John is a former elder. Hank resides in Spruce Pine in the same house where he was raised. He and his family attend First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine, where he serves on the Board of Deacons and is a Sunday School teacher.

John and Hank also have both been involved in the Williams YMCA of Avery County and other local civic functions.

They are quick to boast of their Godfirst philosophy in all they do.

“Everything that I’m involved with- my family, my work and my existence revolves around God with me trying to be the best servant I can be for Him,” shared Hank.

“No matter how hard you have it, you can always look around and see someone in worse shape than you. I trust in God and I’m thankful to Him for such a good life and for all the many wonderful things that has happened for me.”

John interjected: “I’m grateful to God for all that has happened in my life. I’ve got to live a lot of dreams and while we all have to go through difficult times, those can be used as learning experiences and with positives eventually coming from them. I’m a blessed man—more Brotherly love in the Biblical sense is an extension of the natural affection associated with actual brothers, other kin and near-kin, toward the greater community of fellow believers, that goes beyond the mere duty to “love thy neighbor as thyself ”, and shows itself as “unfeigned love” from a “pure heart”, that extends an unconditional hand of friendship that loves when not loved back, that gives without getting, and that ever looks for what is best in others. John and Hank Phillips are a prime example of what brotherly love is all about and there’s no individuals in the High Country more admired and respected. As athletes. As business leaders. As great family men. And as true Christian gentlemen. t

August / September 2019

*Photographs and statistical and related data credits for this article: John, Hank, Alison, Tonya and Mary Phillips; Brian Hennessy, Clemson University Sports Communications Office; Brenda Burk, Clemson Libraries’ Special Collections & Archives.

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Photo by Ivan Ditscheiner

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I

recently had the opportunity to fish release a healthy fish back into the river, with one of my oldest fishing bud- a scene almost fit for a Norman Rockwell dies, and he asked if he could bring his painting. A boy and his father and his youngest son along for a day of trout fish- first caught fish, a scenario that I realized ing. He explained that his 8-year-old Jor- would never be forgotten by Jordon and don had been begging him to learn to fly his father or me for that matter.

I realized long ago the simple act of fish for some time and he felt he was now fishing can be a transformative experiold enough to handle the endeavor. ence. I started to We agreed we think about my earwould fish an easliest angling memory ily accessible area as a boy and how it in Valle Crucis that propelled me into was well stocked my lifelong passion with chunky rainthat is fishing. bow trout eager to I was born and take flies most of the raised in northern time. We arrived at California. My famisunrise at the desigly enjoyed most sumnated meeting spot, mers at a vacation made our way down property in Carmel, to the river and imCalifornia affectionmediately spotted a ately known as “The small group of trout Rock House.” My delicately sipping Mother, father and flies off the surface. my elder brother Jordon quietly would spend one slipped into the week a year tucked water and took up back in the woods ena position about 15 joying the outdoors yards downstream One of my oldest and most cherished set on a pristine secwithout spooking fishing memories, my first fish tion of the Carmel the pod. He stripped caught at age six.

Valley river. some line off the The river itself reel then made a few manageable false casts and landed the fly originates in the Ventana wilderness area upstream even mending the line to correct of the Santa Lucia Mountains and flows his drift. I was in awe of the accuracy of northwest until it empties into the Pacific his cast and leaned over to his father and Ocean. My first memory of this outdoor asked, “how’d he learn to cast so well?” he wonderland was probably five years old. grinned and said “ YouTube probably” we We had arrived to the river to find a stocking truck dumping thousands of trout just both chuckled.

I watched the father patiently mentor- upstream in front of the compound. My ing his son on the proper way to catch and Fathers eyes lit up with his good fortune August / September 2019

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Evolution of an angler. Born into a fishing family, “I never had a chance.”

I was raised on the banks of the Carmel Valley River in northern California, but now fish on my local north Carolina home waters as much as possible.

and he excitedly exclaimed to us “I’m teaching you boys to fish today.”

The natural bend in the river had trapped at least a hundred trout that slowly spiraled in the deep clear pool and I remember it was almost mesmerizing. Soon with my fathers guidance I had hooked my first fish, it was stronger than my young mind had expected it to be. The fish made several fast runs upstream and I could feel every head shake throughout the fight. I stumbled backwards up the bank bringing the now exhausted trout clumsily to my waiting father’s net.

I have caught literally thousands of fish of many species in many places since that day, but I remember that fish and that 80

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moment more vividly than any other. The fish was a stocky brown trout and was bright and shiny almost like holding a new penny in the sunlight. My father laid his hand on my shoulder and whispered, “that’s a good one son, good job.”

I think I caught every trout in that pool at least twice that day until my mother forced me to come in for dinner.

Since that day many years ago I have been blessed to fish all over the world and catch many trophy fish but the real reward has always been the people and places I have come to love. Sometimes a fishing trip isn’t just a fishing trip…sharing a fishing experience helps strengthen relationships with family and friends. Most of my best

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fishing memories over my last 30 years are from the waters near to my North Carolina home.

Garden and Gun Magazine recently coined our nearby Tennessee tailwaters as “The other Montana,” saying, “These rivers hold the kind of browns and rainbows that usually only swim through anglers dreams.” With local estimates of between 8,000 and 9,000 trout per mile, I would certainly have to agree.

The High country plays host to a small army of well trained, experienced guides and outfitters who can consistently put you “on the fish,” no matter which fishery you choose. Now, if you are looking for a trout dinner, these aren’t your

There are few pleasures that compare to wading one of the areas pristine freestone streams and casting to hungry native trout. guys; most guides strictly adhere to catch and release practices.

Here are some basics on how to hire a qualified guide from an avid angler who has been blessed to fish with many of them.

There are typically two kinds of trips offered from local guides. Wading trips (what some call “wilderness walk trips”) can be a half-day trip or a full day trip on local waters. The guide will supply you with everything you need for a successful day on the water including waders, wading boots, fishing gear and flies that complement the stream and conditions. These trips are fantastic for visiting anglers and beginners who may need a little extra instruction or those who don’t have their own equipment. Wade trips can also be geared for advanced anglers, providing more advanced challenges such as long technical casts with small flies in gin-clear waters.

The “float trip” means you will be fishing from a three-person hard drift boat or an inflatable raft depending on the terrain of the river and the kind of

fishing you will be doing that day.

Most but not all of these trout trips will be on either the South Holston or the Watauga in Northeast Tennessee. Both Rivers are considered “tailwaters,” which

“Some of the best fly fishermen I know are not men.” Everyday there are more and more women learning the sport.

means they are dammed for hydropower generation and the water released is pulled from the bottom of the lakes making it cold and clear and perfect for trout.

You will want to consult with your guide on which type of trip would be the best fit for you.

Fly-Fishing float trips offer many advantages to both novice and expert anglers alike. A float trip down one of these large scenic Tennessee tailwaters will yield fly-fishing opportunities that simply can’t be matched from the shore.

Fishing from a boat allows the guide to give his anglers a better chance of catching more and bigger trout. Often, wading anglers can find themselves standing right where hungry trout would prefer to be feeding. Guides will expertly position their boat for optimal access to ledges, riffles and eddies that are known to hold trout day after day.

Possibly the biggest advantage of a float trip is the simple fact that drifting down miles of remote water allows anglers to put their flies over more trout than would ever be possible while wad-

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Garden and Gun Magazine recently coined our nearby Tennessee tailwaters as ‘The other Montana,’ saying, “These rivers hold the kind of browns and rainbows that usually only swim through anglers dreams.”

There is no better way to explore some of Tennessee’s most famous fisheries and beautiful outdoor habitat than on a boat with a qualified guide.

A mid-day shore lunch can be as elaborate as a gourmet meal or as simple as cold sandwich, either way you’ll have the best seat in the house.

Local guide and co-owner of high country boats Matt Maness releases another monster brown trout for a very happy client.

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ing. In addition, older anglers and children can be challenged when dealing with fast moving water and slick rocks. In a drift boat, clients can comfortably fish while standing or sitting safely, and it’s not even necessary to wear bulky waders – a definite plus in the heat of the summer!

Most wade fisherman will tell you that all cameras, gear, lunch and beverages necessary for a successful day on the water had better be on your back, and that is a lot of gear to carry all day long. A drift boat provides a great floating platform to keep these items dry, safe and comfortably stowed until needed.

In addition to trout, some outfitters also offer smallmouth bass float trips (personally one of my favorite offerings) which can be a great option depending on the time of year. If you have never fished for river “Bronze backs” you are definitely missing out. To put it in simple terms, it’s like fishing for largemouth bass, but on a trout stream. Smallmouth bass will fight harder than either of the other species. We arguably have some of the best smallmouth bass rivers east of the Mississippi, including the New River from its headwaters in North Carolina to its destination in West Virginia.

The Nolichucky River-also known as ”the chucky” or “noli” – provides approximately 115 miles of freestone river flowing from western North Carolina’s peaks all the way down through the plateaus of eastern Tennessee.

The French Broad is also an incredibly beautiful river that sports class two and three whitewater, cliffs, outcroppings and miles of undisturbed backcountry that play home to a thriving population of world-class smallmouth.

To many visitors’ surprise, fresh water drum, Walleyes and sauger can also be found sharing these waters. If you want a change of pace from traditional fly-fishing for trout, this charter will fit the bill…the opportunity to catch what, I believe, is pound-for-pound one of the meanest freshwater fish should not be missed.

Many other species options can be targeted

gram allow guides to post including the Muskellunge. up-to-the minute reports The largest member of the and photos from the water pike family, and native in some cases. This kind to this area, the “mighty of consistency gives you an musky” is known as the idea of how often a guide fish of 10,000 casts, but is on the water. The more well worth it once you’ve he is booked the chances hooked one of these toothy are the more popular and beasts. Many musky huntin demand he probably is. ers say fishing for this speWhen you have found cies on the fly can be the a guide, there are a few most difficult and technithings that will ensure a cally challenging, as anbetter-guided experience glers will be casting large for you and your group. rods with heavy flies on Most importantly don’t wire leaders. The Tenneswait till the last minute see state record currently to book your trip, since stands at 42 pounds, 8 “Fly fishing these wild places is like taking this awesome if you do you may find ounces and measured alarea of nature and injecting it into your soul.” there are no guides availmost 53 inches but any able. This is especially landed fish is considered a true on weekends and trophy to most anglers. will be happy to answer any questions to holidays and all through Needless to say our area offers endless fishing opportunities. get you started. You can pick your spe- the summer months.

The summer months in the mountains The best reference for a guide or outfit- cies and location, and then conduct an offer the perfect opportunity to plan your ter, in my opinion, is still a “thumbs up” online search of the areas outfitters.

Nowadays, guides’ social media pages next outdoor adventure, so grab your son, or glowing reference from one of your are more critical marketing tools with daughter, brother, wife or buddy and get fishing buddies. I have found that our more current information than their web- out there and start making your fishing local fly shops are a consistently great sites in many cases. Facebook and Insta- memories today. t place to get information and that they

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THE

BOONE GOLF CLUB

A Great Community Asset Celebrates Its 60th Year

T

By Harris Prevost

he dream of a golf course in Boone began in 1940 with located close to what is now Varsity Gym.) Dr. Dougherty got the federal government’s W.P.A. (Works Wade Brown, one of Boone’s most beloved and distinguished citizens. He approached Appalachian State Teach- Progress Administration) to take on the golf course as a depresers College president and founder, Dr. B.B. Dougherty, with an sion recovery project. The State of North Carolina architect, Frank Simpson, designed the clubhouse. The state office for W.P. exciting idea.

Brown, who played golf only a couple of times a year, said he A. approved the course design and clubhouse design. The project was ready to go. spent hours convincing However, a little Dougherty, who was not event called World War a golfer, that a golf course II derailed Brown’s plans. would be important to Washington eliminated all the college. He reasoned non-necessary projects and that, as a teacher’s coltransformed the country’s lege, the college’s miseconomy and its citizenry sion included developing into a total war-time efathletic coaches, many of fort. Obviously, the golf whom would need to be course was a casualty. able to play golf.

After the war, times Brown reminded Dr. were different. Brown’s Dougherty that the course dream for a course was put also would provide a home on a back burner. Looking for the school’s golf team, back on the almost-to-be which had to drive to Lenine-hole course, Brown noir to practice, and it reflected, “It was best that would provide recreation this plan did not materialfor its students. In addition In June 1958, Golf course architect Ellis Maples shows Wade Brown how the holes ize.” The terrain was steep to benefiting the college, are taking shape on the new course. They are standing on what will be the 10th for a golf course and with Brown had two important tee, and they can see the 13th fairway being cleared. Photo by Paul Weston. a growing college, the land reasons in mind for the had more important uses. course. He felt it would provide enjoyable recreation for the citizens of Boone, and it would Brown also said a nine-hole course might have meant there would be an important draw for Boone’s emerging tourist industry. He be no 18-hole course later.

In 1952, Brown, still dreaming of a Boone golf course, apsaw the course attracting summer residents similar to that of the region’s other two courses, Linville and Blowing Rock, and boosting proached Neal Blair about some farm property that was originally the economy as the community emerged from the Great Depres- part of a land grant made by the State of North Carolina. Blair was farming part of the land, ASU was leasing part, and Blair’s son sion of the 1930s.

Palmer used the third part for an air landing strip. Blair told Brown the property was not for sale.

EARLY EFFORTS, EARLY After two other failed attempts to build a course, one behind DISAPPOINTMENTS the Lutheran Church and Earth Fare, and the other on US 421 Brown gained an early ally in his quest for a golf course, Bloweast of Boone where the landfill is located, Brown would not let ing Rock Country Club pro George Blagg. Actually, Blagg was his dream die. thinking about building a new course at the same time Brown was.

Brown said in his 1981 book, The Story of Golf in Boone, Blagg’s site was on Tater Hill, but that location fell through. that “the last part of 1956 was a rather discouraging time. “ But Brown’s site was on the edge of the college campus. With Dr. that didn’t deter Brown. He rolled up his sleeves and put his perDougherty fully bought into Brown’s dream, the course progressed suasive talents to work! rapidly. Blagg designed a nine-hole layout that encompassed land Alfred Adams would often say of Brown, “Wade never quit, he from Rivers Street up both sides of the road to what was the Broymerely regrouped his ideas and manner of approach and continhill Inn & Conference Center. The course would have extended to ued working.

He alone had been in the effort all the way through. the present football stadium, including surrounding dormitories as Except for the determined efforts of Wade Brown, we would not well as Farthing Auditorium. (In 1940, the football stadium was today be enjoying Boone Golf Course.”

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This view of the early clubhouse on the hill to the left is from the 13th tee. The pro shop on the ground level was built first, and the top floor restaurant was added 10 years later. Hugh Morton photo. and included #9 tee. The Hollars tract included land for the 8th and 9th holes and FINALLY, A part of # 1 fairway. Forty acres of the Keller BREAKTHROUGH tract was used for the clubhouse and parkBrown went back to see Neal Blair. Blair ing, and for the 10th, 11th, 12th holes and intended to develop the property, but bepart of the 13th and 18th cause of his age, he was having holes. The other 100 acres of second thoughts (part of his mountain woodland would property was later developed be used for future homesites. as Blairmont). He said that The rest of the golf course was because of the patience and built on the Blair property. continued interest of many Brown called another citilocal citizens, he would prefer zens meeting in August 1957. the property be a golf course By this time, the mood has than any other use. Brown changed from skepticism to felt that Blair’s son Palmer, a encouragement. Brown told civic-minded young businessthe group there was finally man and avid pilot who was enough land to build a chamJoe Maples and three of the club’s original board members interested in seeing Boone pionship 18-hole golf course. check out their new course.

It is amazing how much the course grow, had a big influence on It was decision time for the has become more defined in 60 years of tree growth.

Neal Blair’s decision. group. Either they would Pictured here are from left to right: Wade Brown, Joe Maples, Brown paid $100 for an vote to go forward or else, as Dr. L.H. Hollingsworth, and Glenn W. Wilcox, Sr. option on the property. What Brown noted, “I would be left was seen as the most ideal site with a nice little farm.” The from the very beginning in vote was unanimous. course . . . except that its 80 acres was not 1940 was now available a dozen years later.

A new charter under the name of Boone Brown called a meeting to inform com- enough land. Brown went back to work.

Developments, Inc. was presented. The folHe used his power of persuasion and munity leaders about the exciting news. lowing month, 32 people met at the Boone George Blagg, who by now had retired as his own money to purchase 35 acres from Trail Restaurant (it was located across from Wilson Hollars and 25 acres from Horace Blowing Rock’s golf pro, was still involved the Downtown Post Office) to adopt the Greer.

He then convinced Vance Keller to in the process. He brought Roy Tinsley, his charter and elect a board of directors and sell 140 acres to the group.

The Greer tract successor at Blowing Rock, to the meeting. provided access to the course from US 321 officers of the corporation. Howard CotTinsley recommended the group ask a golf course architect named Ellis Maples to assist the group.

Maples checked out the site and reported that the Blair property was perfect for a

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trell made the official motion to purchase the land, and it was adopted.

Ironically, and tragically, Palmer Blair, whose support was vital to the reality of a golf course on his family ‘s farm, died in a plaue crash before the course was built.

THE BOONE GOLF CLUB BEGINS

The original design of the golf course shows #2 as a long dogleg left par 5, #3 a short par 3, and #4 a short, straight-away par 4. In 2002, NCDOT condemned the property where #3 green and #4 tee were. Rick Robbins, golf architect and son of Spencer Robbins, redesigned the holes to make #2 a dogleg right challenging par 4, #3 a very challenging par 3, and #4 a dogleg par 4.

The view above the 10th fairway shows parts of the 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 18th holes in May 1958, four months before the course opened for play.

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In attendance at that meeting was Glenn Wilcox, an avid golfer and big supporter of the new course. “Wade called me before the meeting, “ Wilcox remembered, “and asked me to buy 100 shares of stock at $100/share.

Then he said, ‘I want you to raise the rest of the money!’

“I invited Ed Broyhill, father of Senator Jim Broyhill and Paul Broyhill, and a major furniture manufacturer, to the meeting. Broyhill also owned the Green Park Inn at the time.

“Broyhill became an enthusiastic supporter of the course and his stature in the community gave the project a major boost. I would talk to people and then tell them to talk to Ed. In addition to his sons, he got 10-12 more to join! We quickly raised half the money. The proposed topo map of the property cost $500 and Ed paid for it.

He loved the idea of the golf course.”

The board made the decision to have an 18-hole course rather than a 9-hole course, primarily because a championship course would draw visitors from outside the area. Brown insisted that the course “be built for the community” and the board agreed.

The Boone Golf Club continues to be a community enterprise rather than a private country club.

The board also hired Ellis Maples to design and build the golf course.

The decision to hire the unproven Maples turned out to be one of the board’s best. Some of his courses include Grandfather Golf & Country Club and Cedar Rock in this area; Country Club of North Carolina, Pinehurst #5 and Whispering Pines in the Sandhills; Bermuda Run and Forest Oaks in the Triad; Cedarwood, Carmel and Gaston in the greater Charlotte area; and Red Fox (Tryon), Keith Hills (Buies Creek), Walnut Creek (Goldsboro) and Brook Valley (Greenville).

Maples’ father, Frank, was construction superintendent for Donald Ross. Maples started working for

For years, Tom Adams, son of Alfred, who provided the financing to make the course a reality, and Edward Brown, son of Wade Brown, the course’s founder, kept the “community treasure” their fathers intended for the club to be (photo below). When Edward retired in 2011, Art Adams joined his father in operating the course as a priceless community asset (top photo).

his father at age 14, helping him construct Donald Ross courses around the state. After graduating from Lenoir Rhyne, he worked as assistant superintendent to his father at Pine Needles and MidPines, two great Ross courses in Pinehurst.

Maples supervised the construction of Ross’s last course, the Raleigh Country Club. A great golfer in his own right, he had to made a decision to become a golf pro or a golf course architect. He chose wisely. He became a hall of fame designer!

Maples’ early courses had a strong Donald Ross influence. Ross’ most famous course is Pinehurst #2. Those who have played the course, or who have watched the world’s greatest players get beat up on its greens at two US Opens, appreciate how closely Ellis Maples’ Boone greens resemble Donald Ross’ s Pinehurst #2 greens.

At both courses, simply getting on the greens isn’t good enough.

Golfers need to be in the right place on the greens or they will probably three-putt. And in many cases, if they miss the greens at Boone and Pinehurst, they rarely get up and down to save par. Ross and Maples emphasized strategy and great shot making in their designs.

Maples was very easy to work with. However, he said upon accepting the job that he would work with the local community in every way reasonably possible, but that he would not compromise his professional principles of what a fine golf course should be to satisfy individual or group ideas.

Initially, the Club’s board wanted to locate the clubhouse in the area where the old third green was (the torrential rains in mid-June would have put it under water). Maples convinced them that its present location was much better. Like with this and many other decisions, the Club became more and more confident in Maples’ judgement as the course design took shape. Glenn Wilcox said, “Ellis laid out a good course. He told me he didn’t want to make the course so it wasn’t enjoyable.”

Unlike many architects who design a course and make a few

trips to the site to see how the course is progressing, Maples moved his large family to Boone for the entire construction of the course.

Construction began May 13, 1958 and was completed on June 13, 1959, a mere 13 months later, an unheard of time in mountain golf course construction.

The pro shop part of the clubhouse was built by local builder Perry Greene. The restaurant part of the clubhouse was built ten years later, when funds were available. The pro shop was designed to have a flat roof so the food service and social part of the clubhouse could be added later.

The design for the remainder of the clubhouse was patterned after an airport terminal building located near the Grand Canyon. The building architect, who lived in Phoenix, gave the club a copy of the plans and Perry Greene adapted them to fit the present structure.

FINANCING THE PROJECT At the time the course was built, Boone was a very small town of only 3,500 residents. It did not have the resources to fund the building of a golf course and clubhouse, so the financing of the course was just as much a miracle as was the securing of the property.

The corporation’s goal was to raise $100,000 through a stock issue. Brown set the example by acquiring 20 % of the stock himself. Later he proudly stated that 80% of the stock sales would come from Boone residents.

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This year, Tom Adams and course superintendent Tim Bryant redesigned and constructed a new 16th green, which now has more flatter surfaces, thus providing more pin placements. The new green has been very well received.

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Friends told Wade Brown there was no way issuing stock would provide enough money to pay for the land, build the course, build a clubhouse, purchase maintenance equipment and the other accessories needed to operate a golf course.

Brown knew $100,000 wouldn’t cover $300,000 in costs, but he had some other ideas up his sleeve.

One idea was to sell lots on the hillside overlooking the back nine of the course.

Brown figured that with 100 acres available, he could easily sell 50 lots at $3,000 to $5,000 each. He laid out the roads and planned the lots.

Some creative deals with the landown-

ers and those building the course helped.

Blair agreed to a down payment and accepted a Deed of Trust to secure the balance of the purchase price. Keller took part of his purchase price in stock. Brown personally paid for the Hollars and Greer property and accepted golf course stock in return. Maples took a portion of his fee in stock. Paul Brown of Brown Brothers Construction, who built the course, took stock in return for some of his fee. Alfred Adams let Ellis Maples and his family stay in his old home for $1,000/year. The course credited the rent against Maples’ fee and gave Adams stock in return.

Despite the deals, some creative financ-

EARLY ORGANIZATION OF BOONE DEVELOPMENTS On September 9, 1957, the charter for Boone Developments was approved, the first directors were elected and they, in turn, elected the officers: Wade Brown, president; Dr. L.H. Owlsey (a surgeon), first vice president; Dr. Ray Lawrence (physician), second vice president; Richard Morhouser (managed IRC), secretary-treasurer.

Directors were, in addition to the officers:

Grover Robbins, Jr. (tourism promoter, Tweetsie), Dr. W.H. Plemmons (president of ASU), Frank Payne (insurance broker), Howard Cottrell (managed the ASU bookstore), W.R. Winkler (automobile dealer), Jerry Coe (real estate and insurance), Estel Wagoner (motel owner), Guy Hunt (department store, now Boone’s downtown Mast Store), Jim Broyhill and Glenn Wilcox (travel agency, and only living charter board member).

A little over a year later, Morhouser was transferred to IRC’s Philadelphia plant and Major J.H. Thomas (retired military) took his place as secretary-treasurer. Alfred Adams (Northwestern Bank) was asked to be on the board, but he declined because he could not loan the corporation money and serve on its board.

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ing was still required. The course needed to borrow $60,000, a substantial sum in those days, to finish the construction, purchase equipment and begin operations.

Also, Brown called on his good friend Alfred Adams at Northwestern Bank to help finance the course construction while the lot sales were taking place. Through Northwestern Bank, he loaned the course the money it needed. Boone Developments gave a mortgage to the bank for the entire course, except that part with Blair’s Deed of Trust. Thus, the bank actually held a second mortgage only on the non-Blair property part of the course.

Some bank officials in the home office in North Wilkesboro realized what happened and told Adams that the bank was in effect “holding a mortgage on a 13-hole golf course.” After a few years, the Blair note was paid off and Alfred’s banker cohorts said that finally they now had a mortgage on an 18-hole course. At that time, Alfred revealed to them that they didn’t really have a mortgage on a “13-hole course,” it was on only six-holes!

Alfred Adams may have kidded around a bit with his bosses in the home office of Northwestern Bank, but he was sweating out his loan decision. Play on the new, unknown course was light the first season and Adams says he would go out almost every day and count the cars in the parking lot to see what the chances were of the club paying the loan back to the bank.

BOONE GOLF FLOURISHES DESPITE CHALLENGES Once the course was built, someone was needed to run the pro shop and oversee all the operations. The board asked Ellis Maples to stay on, but he wanted to expand his golf design operations and move on. He recommended one of his sons, Joe, who he said was well qualified to handle all the jobs that needed to be done.

Joe was a golf professional and had worked with his father in golf course construction. Ellis promised to return to provide assistance as needed. Joe Maples became Boone’s head pro/golf course superintendent, and he served the club in both positions until his retirement 34 years later.

On June 13, 1959, 19 years after the dream began, golf was played in Boone. Sarah Brown, Wade’s daughter, cut the ribbon and the first foursome of Wade, Ellis Maples, Major J.H. Thomas and Horace Dowling teed off.

In the first year, an annual membership cost $75 for the initial family member, $40 for the second and $30 each for all others.

Green fees were $5 for weekends and holidays and $3 weekdays.

A weekly permit was $17.50.

Because funds were tight, Boone resorted to ways other than paid advertising to bring public attention to the course. Joe Maples started the popular Blue Ridge Pro-Am Tournament in the Club’s first year. The next year, Boone became a fixture on the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) one-day tournament schedule.

The CGA was so impressed with Boone that they gave it their Carolinas Open Championship in 1961, an impressive endorsement for a two-year old course. The tournament field, which included the nation’s top amateur, Billy Joe Patton, and one of the top PGA Touring Pros, Mike Souchak, attracted national attention and put Boone on the golfing map.

As the Boone course continued to prosper, it became attractive to outside investors. There were several inquiries about purchasing the course but the stockholders had zero interest in selling. In 1993, an effort was made to purchase the course, and when told “no,” the person wanting to buy the course didn’t take “no” for an answer. He tried to engineer a hostile take-over, offering the

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60 stockholders of the corporation up to $4,000/share for their 1,160 shares of stock, which they purchased initially for $100. Again, the board told him that “no” meant “NO.” Edward Brown, son of Wade, and general manager for the Boone Golf Club at the time, said in reflecting on the 1993 purchase attempt, “The initial purpose of the course was to serve the people of the community and to provide a desirable, wholesome and enjoyable means of recreation and competition available to all. We wanted to maintain Boone as the community’s golf course. It isn’t for sale.”

BOONE GOLF FACES ANOTHER CHALLENGE Six years later, Boone Golf Club would face anothThe 3rd hole is a tough 216 par three (from the back tees) with a carry over a er very serious, but different type of real estate threat.

In this case, the club had no choice. They said, “no” marsh. It is one of Rick Robbins replacement holes after NCDOT took part of the golf course for a street project, and it is one of Tom Adams’ favorites. but it didn’t matter. The purchaser of the land was the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and so there would be two consecutive par 3s, and par for the course their method of purchase was through eminent domain would drop to 70. There was a domino effect: Changing one hole and condemnation.

In January 1999, the NCDOT Transportation Improvement meant several other holes would have to be changed.

Plan (TIP) showed a replacement of the bridge on Deerfield Road at the corner of the old third green and fourth tee. DOT’s goal was MAJOR RENOVATION IS to moderate the sharp curve near the entrance to Blairmont.

BIG SUCCESS At a June 2000 citizen input session, club representatives sugRick Robbins, head pro Tom Adams, and course manager Edgested a way to rework the area to accomplish the goal and still keep ward Brown were in complete agreement that the new holes should the golf course’s layout the preserve the Ellis Maples same. DOT wasn’t interestlook and feel. “We recoged. In early 2002, the club nized that Boone is a clasrealized the changes were sic Ellis Maples course,” going to happen according Robbins said. “We wanted to DOT’s plans. The board to keep it Ellis Maples with asked Rick Robbins, an respect to tees, greens and internationally acclaimed especially the mounds and golf course architect who contours. I wanted people grew up playing the Boone to not realize the holes course, to redesign several were designed by someholes to accommodate the one else. I didn’t want changes imposed on it by them to be Rick Robbins NCDOT. holes.” From the back tees, In October 2002, DOT Robbins’ changes added made an offer to the Boone 285 yards to the course’s Golf Club for its property, length. It now stands at and they turned it down.

6,686 yards from the tips DOT then condemned the and par remains 71.

The club’s restaurant, called Fairway Cafe, is leased to Boone’s Casa Rustica, property. The club went to The renovation was which has been one of Boone’s most popular restaurants for almost 40 years. court to counter the concarried out in two phases.

It provides a lunch menu for golfers and the community. In the evenings, the demnation price and won.

Most of the new construcdining area and deck, with its view of the golf course and surrounding Boone Development’s tion was done without inmountains, serves as a great venue for parties and special dinners. position was that DOT terfering with play. Once needed to look at more the new holes were comthan the value of the property it condemned, which was located pleted, phase two removed the old holes. The changes in the course in a flood plain and had little commercial value. Losing those acres made it more challenging, and they have been very well received by would breach the integrity of the course design, and there would the golfing public. be a tremendous cost involved in redesigning the course to preserve Tom Adams says that one of his favorite holes is the new par that integrity . three third, a challenging hole with water on the left, a marsh on The condenmation took 100 yards off the par four fourth hole the right and 216 yards from the back tee to the green. and effectively made it a par three. The third hole was a par three, He also really likes two of the course’s par fives. The 514-yard 90

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August / September 2019

This spring the cart path was moved to the left of #1 tee, thus eliminating some congestion and providing room to enlarge the tee.

It also made the teeing area more attractive.

and there, but nothing major, except for big changes in the putting green sometime in the future. That will be expensive.”

THE BOONE GOLF CLUB TODAY

sixth requires a very difficult risk/reward second shot over a pond guarding the green in order to get home in two. Tom said, “The 584-yard par five tenth covers a lot of rolling terrain with a narrow opening for the second shot. For years we rewarded anyone who could make an eagle from the back tee with a year’s membership, but Jim Deal made one about every year, so we stopped!”

As an added bonus, during the renovations the club was able to add a short game practice area between the 15th and 17th holes.

The green serves as a nursery green as well as a practice area. In addition, there is another practice green behind the seventh green.

In 2004, a badly needed driving range was added between the sixth and 18th holes.

Three years ago, Boone changed the sand in their bunkers to the same sand used at Augusta National and many of the finest courses in the world. And over this winter, Boone made a major improvement in the sixth green. When the course was built 60 years ago, the slope of the green wasn’t a big deal because greens were much slower then. Today, with the greens cut lower, balls kept rolling and rolling down the sloping green.

The improvements flattened out a couple of sizeable areas on the green to provide a lot more pin placements. Course superintendent Tim Bryant and Tom Adams designed the changes and built the new green. “I think it’s going to be great,” Tom said. “We are happy with the new change. If you don’t make changes, the competition will.”

Another change this spring .eliminates the congestion between the first tee and the practice putting green. The cart path was moved to the left of the tee, which enabled the tee to be expanded. Also, the first tee/practice green area is more attractive.

Boone made many great decisions along the way but one they wished they could take back was the lost opportunity to purchase property adjacent to the course. It used to have a driving range on the right side of #12 and #13 on leased property. The club had an option to purchase the property, but it felt the price was too high and didn’t exercise it. They also had an opportunity to purchase significant acreage extending beyond the 10th green and 11th tee, but they simply didn’t have the money at the time.

When asked if any more changes are in store for the foreseeable future, Tom Adams said, “There will be some tweaking here

The Ellis Maples design doesn’t need a lot of changes. It is one of the most popular courses in the state. It plays to over 30,000 rounds a year, which is phenomenal for a seasonal course. Play is heaviest from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and especially in July and August.

The Club is looking to its shoulder seasons and off times as a way to increase play. It offers a reduced rate for “twilight golf “ for those who want to get in as many holes as they can after work. It’s season runs from late March/early April, and is extended as long as practical into late fall/early winter.

Despite all the play the course gets, it is in excellent condition thanks to golf course superintendent Tim Bryant and his crew. Tom Adams complimented Bryant, “It’s hard to keep the course as good as it is during our peak season, but he does. Tim and his staff do a great job. The condition of the course continues to improve every year. He knows his business.”

A LEGACY HONORED In the pro shop, head pro Tom Adams’ office is located behind the retail counter. On the wall leading to Tom’s office is a photograph of his father, Alfred Adams. On the other side of the pro shop, on the wall leading to the office of the now retired (in 2011) general manager, Edward Brown, is a photograph of Wade Brown.

Today, Tom’s son Art, has that office and shares pro shop and management duties with Tom. Wade Brown’s photograph remains.

In 1993, Tom and Edward, these two sons of the pioneers of the Club, left their jobs to come together to run it. Edward, didn’t have far to come. He was assistant administrator for the Watauga Hospital. Tom left a successful 19-year career as head pro at Hound Ears to return to the course where he learned the game. He was excited about the new challenge.

Their fathers were great friends and civic leaders. They, more than any others, are responsible for Boone being the vibrant community it is today. Wade Brown served as mayor of Boone, a state representative and a state senator. In 1991, 60 years after he began his law practice in Boone, he was inducted into the NC Bar Association Hall of Fame, At that time, he was one of only 22 members of the Hall, and that from a Bar Association membership of 9,500 attorneys.

Alfred Adams is to a large degree responsible for much of Boone’s economic progress. He was a people person who believed in people and understood their dreams. He helped many local August / September 2019

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LEFT: Boone Golf Club’s present clubhouse is a major improvement over its initial flat roof, pro shop only clubhouse. The clubhouse overlooks most of the golf course and much of the Boone community.

BELOW: In 2017, Boone changed the sand in their bunkers to the same sand used in Augusta National’s bunkers, and also found in many of the great golf courses around the world.

businesses that are thriving today get their start when other bankers wouldn’t take the chance. Both Adams and Brown are founding fathers of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The community lost Alfred in 2002 at age 90. Wade Brown lived to be 101 and died in 2009.

Ironically, as great as they were as civic leaders and golf course pioneers, they weren’t great golfers. Brown was a selfadmitted 100+ shooter who worked very hard and rarely played.

Sam Adams says of his father, “He grew up on a farm. He was always working. Wade got him involved in golf and he enjoyed it, but he knew nothing about the game. He went out by himself a lot to play and join up with people. The more people he met, the more he liked it. Alfred joked that his golf swing was somewhere in between the stroke for killing rattlesnakes and hoeing corn!”

Glenn Wilcox, who moved his travel agency from Boone to Asheville in 1965 (he handles all travel for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association), fondly remembers Alfred Adams. “He was my Sunday school teacher and mentor at First Baptist.

He taught me to tithe. The people who built this course, people like Alfred and Wade, were people who cared about Boone.” Like the Adams boys, Edward Brown grew up on the course. He remembered, “When I was a teenager, I came out with my father when the course was under construction.

This is where I learned to drive. We had an old jeep and he let me drive around the course.”

Edward said he and Tom remember 92

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more than the good times growing up on the course. “We remember what Wade and Alfred had in mind, that we are an affordable source of recreation for the local community. We want to be a service for our community.”

The Boone Golf Club lets ASU’s men and women’s golf teams, and Watauga High’s men’s and women’s team, use the course for practice and matches. Boone Developments began the Francis Hoover Scholarship, in honor of the school’s first golf coach, to support ASU’s golf program.

The course hosts a number of charity events for the benefit of the community throughout the season.

As a result of the club’s interest in its young golfers, both ASU and Watauga High golf teams have excelled. Sam Adams remembers when his high school team finished second in the state.

At that time, there were no size classifications so the team competed against teams from much larger schools. That team consisted of Sam, brother Tom Adams, John Parker, Ronnie Hunt and Jim Cottrell.

ASU teams in three of Tom Adams’ four years were ranked in the top five in the nation, #1, #2 and #5. The core of those championship teams were golfers who learned to play on the Boone course – brothers Tom, Austin and Sam Adams and brothers Jim and Jones Cottrell, and John

August / September 2019

Parker. Austin Adams and John Parker were both All-Americans.

There is no telling how many fine golfers Boone has produced over the years.

Wade Brown spoke with pride when he said that Boone provided a place where “young people can learn the game and sharpen their skills.” He must be very proud to know that, indeed, his golf course has provided that place and that opportunity.

The “old course” record of 63 was set in 1979 by Sam Adams and the “new course” (renovations after NCDOT’s property condemnation) record is Jacob Eggers’ 59 in 2010. What do both these great players have in common?

They learned to play the game on the Boone course. After graduating from ASU, Sam went on to a successful career on the PGA Tour, winning one tournament, contending for a US Open Championship and playing in the Masters. Jacob was a star on the Watauga High and ASU teams and played on the mini-tours and in some PGA Tour events.

The women’s course record is former Duke University star Mary Ann Widman’s 67 from the men’s regular tees!

Sam Adams remembers the early days

when there were no carts. He and his friends would caddy and then play the rest of the day. “Caddying for good players is how we learned the game. Some good players came up from North Wilkesboro and some were left-handed. That’s how I learned. Several of us worked on maintenance. We would water greens at night and play during the day.

A nucleus of great players was formed. We pushed each other.”

Tom Adams remembers his growingup days as a caddy, too. “We would sit in a tunnel and when our number was called, we would go out. I got $2.50 for carrying double (two bags) for 18 holes and we usually got a dollar tip.”

“Even though we were caddies and were hanging around the golf course, my brothers and I were baseball players first. One day, Austin came home and said he liked golf better.

Sam and I questioned him about why would he say that, but we followed his lead. “ As Wade Brown said to conclude his book, referring to the course’s objectives of community service and providing a beautiful setting for people to enjoy themselves with old friends and new, “If these objectives can be continued, then all the effort and struggles so many have put into the making of the Boone Golf Course what it is today will not have been in vain.”

Today, Tom and Art Adams, and the club’s board of directors, are insuring that Wade Brown’s vision continues to the benefit of the Boone community. t

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BOONE GOLF CLUB INFORMATION

A

nnual membership in the Boone Golf Club is $1,500 for the first person in a family and $675 for additional family members. Green fees vary depending on the time of day and season. They range from a peak season high in the $40s to an off season low in the $30s. Late afternoon and twilight rates are significantly discounted. Carts are $18/person, but much less during twilight or nine-hole rounds. For more information about the course, rates or tee times check out the club’s website at boonegolfclub.com or call 264-8760.

The club’s food service is leased to Casa Rustica restaurant. They provide a lunch menu for the course’s golfers and cater for private parties in the evenings. The restaurant is called the Fairway Cafe, and Tom Adams said, “They have an excellent reputation.” A number of people come to the cafe just to eat lunch.

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ADV E R T I S E R S I N D E X Please patronize the advertisers in High Country Magazine, and when you purchase from them, please be sure to mention that you saw their ad in our pages. Thank them for their support of this publication by giving them yours! Without their support, this magazine would not be possible. To all of our advertisers, a most sincere thank you.

All Area Codes are 828 unless noted.

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

ADVERTISER

PHONE

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Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry............................ 295-4500........................... 39

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Boone Bagelry......................................262-5585 and 262-1600................ 54

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BRAHM............................................................ 295-9099........................... 49

Mountaineer Landscaping................................ 733-3726 �������������������������� 29

Cafe Portofino.................................................. 264-7772........................... 56

New River Building Supply............................... 264-5650........................... 15

Carlton Gallery................................................. 963-4288 �������������������������� 27

Piedmont Federal Bank..................................... 264-5244............................. 1

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Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.......... 877-539-9865.......................... 3

Casa Rustica.................................................... 262-5128 �������������������������� 59

Proper Southern Food...................................... 865-5000........................... 56

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Red Onion Café................................................ 264-5470........................... 54

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Reid's Cafe & Catering..................................... 268-9600........................... 54

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Shoppes at Farmers Hardware.......................... 264-8801........................... 93

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Doe Ridge Pottery............................................ 264-1127........................... 36

Stonewall's Restaurant...................................... 898-5550........................... 55

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Vidalia Restaurant............................................ 263-9176........................... 56

F.A.R.M. Café.................................................. 386-1000........................... 58

Village Jewelers............................................... 264-6559........................... 83

Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar....................... 963-7400........................... 57

Watsonatta Western World................................ 264-4540........................... 67

Grandfather Vineyard........................................ 963-2400........................... 34

Windwood Home............................................. 295-9600........................... 17

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Where Folks Go To Know What’s Going On 94

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August / September 2019

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marketed in the Carolinas and around the world.

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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E F F O R TLE S S M O U N TA I N LI V I N G F R O M TH E $ 2 0 0 s | E C H OTA N C .CO M 98

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