120 years later, Selma is still pushing forward

by Jamie Strickland

They say history repeats itself. In the case of the Town of Selma, that certainly seems to be the case.

I was looking for information on the origins of the Merchants’ Hotel, (the topic of another article in this issue) and the Johnston County Heritage Center was kind enough to send over some old news reports that mention the establishment. I was absolutely struck by the similarities between what is happening in the Town of Selma now and what was taking place 120 years ago.

A 1904 News & Observer article titled “Town of Selma Pushing Forward” talks about community progress and growth driven by local merchants, residents and investors. Parts of the subheadings say “Thrifty People Making Strides to the Front” and “General Improvement Should Set Example to Many Other North Carolina Towns.” Talk about coming full circle.

Anyone who’s been following news from Selma lately will be immediately reminded of the Activate Selma group - an all volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of the community. I’ve heard it said dozens of times over the past few years - Activate Selma is setting the example.

This grassroots group is boosting local business, creating a space for dialogue, welcoming new investors and just generally helping the town put its best foot forward. These efforts, combined with progress-minded leaders are helping Selma see big results in the form of revitalization. In the past year alone, at least five (maybe more?) new businesses have opened up along Raiford Street in the heart of downtown Selma. They are most definitely setting the example, as other nearby communities begin looking to them for guidance.

Princeton has recently launched their own community action group, and efforts to pull together similar organizations are happening in other nearby towns too.

Members of Activate Selma are happy to share their experience and they welcome anyone who would like a seat at the table. Much like the people of Selma in 1904. The article says, “Selma invites those interested to come and investigate…The people are broad-minded and hospitable. A stranger finds a warm welcome in their midst.”

Today’s Selma is just as warm and inviting, indeed. This has certainly been my experience as a regular attendee of the group’s weekly meetings.

Nearly every week there is someone new in attendance, and they are always gladly received.

Selma also apparently has a long history of prioritizing education. This article touts “a splendidly equipped graded school,” “it’s own two story modern school building” and a “thoroughly competent corps of teachers.” The recent opening of the brand new My Kids Club facility near Selma Elementary School demonstrates a continued focus on taking good care of the area’s students. Community efforts, citizen and business partnerships, and years of local fundraising by some very dedicated people are to thank for that facility.

Yet another parallel between 1904 and 2024 from this article is the status of the real estate market. It says, “Real estate which a few years ago could have been bought at your own price now brings handsome prices. A conservative estimate would be that real estate has increased in value in the last four years 300 percent.”

Sound familiar? Johnston County has seen rapid growth and a rapid increase in the price of homes over the past few years, too. As someone who’s always been fascinated by history for a multitude of reasons, I can’t help but wonder what other “full circles” we can discover in those archives.