DOWNTOWN & 7TH AVE

The North Carolina Apple Festival has been held annually for over 70 years, with the King Apple Parade being a key event. Photo Credit: Baker-Barber Collection; Community Foundation of Henderson County; Henderson County Public Library

1892 Hendersonville’s Fire Department is formed. 1894 A spur of the railroad is completed to Brevard. 1898 The Asheville Telephone Co. begins line communication for telephone service to Hendersonville.

1900s

1903 The Saluda Fire Department is formed and serves Saluda, Mountain Page and Macedonia. 1903 Dummy Line streetcar runs from Main Street out 5th Avenue to Crystal Spring in Laurel Park. 1903 Saluda and upper sections of Green River Cove and Howard Gap Road, from Melrose to Saluda, are placed in Polk County by the N.C. General Assembly against objections from Henderson County. 1902 The U.S. Postal Service begins rural routes. 1903 The first WNC Fair is organized and held in Laurel Park. Today, the N.C. Mountain State Fair is held annually in Fletcher. 1904 The Hendersonville Power and Light Co., later known as Blue Ridge Power and Light, builds the first dam on Big Hungry River and electricity arrives in the county. 1905 A new courthouse, known today as the Historic Courthouse, is built. 1907 The first textile mills in the county are established in East Flat Rock and Tuxedo. 1909 Lenox Park, Hendersonville’s first park, is established, beginning as Columbia Park. 1910 George Vanderbilt’s land in Mills River becomes part of Pisgah National Forest. 1910 The first hospital is opened by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Naples community. 1910 The first summer camp opens in Laurel Park. 1911 A second hospital, Patton Hospital, is established in Hendersonville. 1914 A public library is built in Hendersonville. 1914 The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service opens a Henderson County Extension Center. 1916 The worst natural disaster on record, the Flood of 1916, occurs. 1926 The Town of East Flat Rock incorporates. 1926 World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Jack Dempsey trains in Laurel Park. 1927 Lake Summit is built in Tuxedo when a dam is built on the Green River. 1928 The current Hendersonville City Hall building is built. 1933 The Town of Laurel Park incorporates. 1936 The Hendersonville-Asheville Airport opens in Fletcher area. 1947 The first N.C. Apple Blossom Festival is held. It later changes to today’s N.C. Apple Festival. 1948 The Lake Summit Playhouse is opened by Vagabond Players; and moves to Flat Rock in 1952. It later becomes the Flat Rock Playhouse in 1961, the State Theater of North Carolina. 1950 The Town of East Flat Rock votes to dissolve incorporation. 1951 Union school is established for all Black students and the last two “colored” school districts close. 1953 Pardee Hospital is built and Patton Hospital closes. 1954 General Electric builds plant in East Flat Rock and becomes the county’s largest single employer until late 1990s. 1954 Volunteer fire departments begin forming throughout the county. 1957 The Henderson County Rescue Squad organizes. 1959 Asheville annexes land in Henderson County to build the Asheville Airport. 1964 School segregation ends.

1964 The county’s landfill and animal shelter open. 1967 The last passenger train arrives in Henderson County. 1969 The present day Blue Ridge Community College is formed. 1970s Four Seasons Boulevard is built and the City of Hendersonville gives Main Street the serpetine flow that we know today. 1974 The first retirement center, Carolina Village, is built. 1975 Henderson County’s first public park, Jackson Park, is established 1976 The last link of I-26 is completed. 1980s Holmes Educational State Forest opens. 1989 The Town of Fletcher incorporates. 1995 The Village of Flat Rock incorporates. 1995 The present day Henderson County courthouse is built. 1996 DuPont State Forest obtains its first land. 1996 The New Zealand Olympic swim team trains in Hendersonville.

2000s

2000-2002 Druid Hills, West Side and Lenox Park Historic Districts are established in Hendersonville. 2003 The Town of Mills River incorporates.

The Henderson County Courthouse was completed in 1905. Photo Credit: Baker-Barber Collection; Community Foundation of Henderson County; Henderson County Public Library

LEARN MORE ABOUT HENDERSON COUNTY HISTORY

At HendersonHeritage.com/Resources, local historian Jennie Jones Giles shares titles and descriptions of books and other resources where more can be learned about Henderson County’s history. Explore more about Henderson County’s history and genealogy through:

HENDERSON COUNTY’S BLACK HISTORY RESEARCH COMMITTEE

828-290-8190 BlackHistories.org Henderson County’s Black History Research Committee is a community project established to document the accomplishments and challenges of African Americans in Henderson County. The Committee collects, develops and shares information that documents the history of African Americans in Henderson County through maps, music, newspaper articles, photos, recipes, oral histories, stories and poems, videos and more. Information on the website is presented by time period as well as by such topics as communities, spiritual life, school, work, culture, businesses, veterans and more. Another resource the Committee has published is the book A Brief History of the Black Presence in Henderson County.

HENDERSON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

828-693-1531 HCGHS.org As a non-profit, 501(c)3, educational and cultural organization, the Society has a vast collection of research materials on the heritage of Henderson County and the surrounding areas. Staff volunteers assist visitors with research with materials that include an African American Collection, information about local cemeteries, deeds from 1838 to 1987, early newspapers, estate records from 1899 to 1964, information about families by surnames, birth, death and marriage records and obituaries.

HENDERSON COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM

828-694-1619 HendersonCountyMuseum.com From the Revolutionary War to the coming of the train to the area’s Golden Age (1879-1929) to modern day, this museum celebrates the rich history of Henderson County. Its six exhibit rooms contain artifacts and multimedia presentations that inform visitors about the milestone events that shaped this area. Highlights include an interactive scale model of the Saluda Grade railway and a working telegraph system, the Courthouse room, an exhibit featuring the history and heritage of the Historic Seventh Avenue District, an exhibit on the many summer camps in the area, a quilt exhibit showcasing the art of mountain quilting, an exhibit featuring Shepherd’s Store items and the Ridge exhibit that tells the story of communities along the Eastern Continental Divide and includes a working still.

HENDERSON COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

828-697-3010 HendersonvilleHPC.org The Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission serves the public both as a steward for historic properties and as a facilitator to people fortunate enough to own such properties. It provides assistance to owners and tenants, helps them plan the alterations that they are considering for their properties and guides owners through the application process necessary to implement those changes. The Commission’s website includes information about Hendersonville’s past, an historical timeline, details about all of Hendersonville’s mayors through the years and information about Hendersonville’s historic districts.

HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

828-697-4725 HendersonCountyNC.gov/ Library With the main library downtown and five branches throughout the county, the Henderson County Public Library makes available to all county residents tens of thousands of books, movies and music in both physical and digital format. Through the Library’s Genealogy and Local History Libguide at HendersonPL.LibGuides.com/ GenealogyLocalHist, researchers can find information on genealogy and the history of Henderson County and surrounding counties. Items of interest include links to genealogy research websites, bibliography of local history titles held at the Henderson County Public Library and links to historical photograph and newspaper collections.

Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk is a whimsical, playful public art display.

Historic Downtown Hendersonville & 7th Avenue

Downtown Hendersonville is the heart of an economically and culturally vibrant city. Downtown comprises two districts – Main Street and Seventh Avenue – which attract both residents and visitors throughout the year. Whether the tulips are in bloom or autumn leaves are falling, the area bustles with people frequenting the many specialty shops, art galleries, restaurants, coffeehouses, entertainment venues and professional offices. Both Main Street and the Historic Seventh Avenue District are part of Main Street America, a grassroots movement that has been helping to revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Downtown Hendersonville

Celebrating 100 Years in Hendersonville!

Through three generations, Sherman’s Sports has provided personal customer service and the best values in town. Shop for the latest clothing styles, Hendersonville theme tee shirts, seasonal apparel, hats, shoes, swimwear and a large selection of military clothing and supplies along with a touch of nostalgia. 126 N Main Street | Hendersonville, NC | 828-693-5422

The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO brings the sea to downtown Hendersonville. has been a member of the North Carolina Main Street movement for more than 30 years as an energized commercial, historic district that celebrates its neighborhood feel and preserves its history. Celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2022, Hendersonville is home to many historic buildings. Of special significance architecturally is the gold-domed Historic Downtown Courthouse at First and Main Streets that now is home to the Henderson County Heritage Museum. Seventh Avenue boasts the historic Hendersonville Train Depot with its model railroad that represents Henderson County. The streets of downtown Hendersonville are often alive with free outdoor festivals and concerts ranging from the Rhythm & Brews music series to the summer Street Dances to Labor Day weekend’s North Carolina Apple Festival. They also play host to art, craft,

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Visit the sea in WNC! Our Aquarium is home to over 275 marine fish and invertebrates, along with more than 2 dozen water and land reptiles. Explore 24 exhibits, meet exotic tortoises from S. America and Africa, and engage with our skilled volunteers and interns. Relax at our 2,000 gallon behavior study tank and watch as the sharks and stingrays interact with the feeder during meal time. We are the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO – where fish are friends and baby sharks are hatched.

Children Under 1 Yr. FREE, Ages 1-4 $4.75, Ages 5-65 $6.75, Active Military FREE (with ID)

Please check in up front for other offers. 511 N Main Street, Hendersonville | 828-692-8386 | TeamECCO.org

THE BEEHIVE RESALE SHOP

Welcome to The Beehive Resale Shop, where you will find “Small Town Prices, Big City Fashion’’. The Beehive has something for every woman. They specialize in designer clothing, vintage clothing, new boutique wear, TOMS shoes, designer handbags and purses. The brand new jewelry collection is sure to update any outfit. Come see what the BUZZ is all about and look for the signature black and white awning that has graced the downtown sidewalk for over 43 years. Tonya and Tracy will see you at the Hive!

Monday - Saturday 10AM to 5PM 449 N Main Street | Hendersonville 828-692-8882 BeehiveWNC@gmail.com

HANDS ON! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Where your imagination meets wonder! The 13,000 square-foot children’s museum is a place for exploration and discovery, where creativity and learning can take off, fly, and land in new and exciting places. The museum’s exhibits are all kid-powered, offering the opportunity for children to explore, discover, and learn by doing. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the museum is committed to ensuring all children have access to quality learning experiences in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Please visit the museum’s website for current hours.

318 N Main Street Hendersonville 828-697-8333 HandsOnWNC.org

WINE SAGE & GOURMET

Born from a love of wine and building community, Wine Sage & Gourmet is a boutique wine and gift store in Historic Downtown Hendersonville. They feature local craft and food items that are perfect gifts from this region. Cooking classes, workshops and wine education classes are a regular part of their special events. Their wine cellar boasts 500+ bottles from all over the world and is the perfect place for a small, intimate party or special gathering. Their wine experts have over 20 years of experience and can assist you in finding or special ordering just the right bottle for dinner or planning for a large event. Visit their cozy wine bar or upstairs seating and window bar offering wine, beer and cider by the glass. Charcuterie to go (or stay) is offered as well! Their monthly wine club is affordable and allows you to experience wines you might never try otherwise.

Opens at 11AM Mon-Sat 416 N Main Street | Hendersonville 828-595-2236 | WineSageAndGourmet.com