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Editor’s Letter
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Ido have to admit it: 50 was fabulous.
My best friend Carol and I (you’ll be reading a lot about her in this space) saved money for years so we could go to the Grove Park Inn and Spa to celebrate together. (She’s nine months older but that’s close enough.)
We had a fabulous time, truly. We shopped at the stores in Historic Biltmore Village before checking into the (once again fabulous) Grove Park, built in 1913 in the Arts and Crafts style. We checked into one of the famous “eyebrow” rooms overlooking the mountains and the spa. ey knew we were celebrating, so we had a room upgrade, champagne, and their famous tux berries (chocolate-covered strawberries decorated to look like tiny tuxedo shirts) upon welcome. e next day was SPA DAY. We spent all day at the spa and had lunch there IN OUR SPA ROBES. It was an unforgettable experience. We also may or may not have done some synchronized swimming in the grotto pool.
We’re already saving for 60.
So I want to wish Historic Salisbury Foundation a Happy 50th Birthday. Elizabeth Cook writes about its long history of preservation e orts, along with an introduction to the new executive director. Cook also tells us about a play, “Polishing the Silver,” commissioned by HSF and penned by author and playwright Jennifer Hubbard. e Hall House, which turned 200 two years ago, nally has its time to shine.
Sean Meyers and I visited with Shirley Stiller, who’s been collecting salt and pepper shakers since she was 11. at’s 63 years. at’s a bunch of salt and pepper shakers. If you build it, they will come. Catawba College has unveiled a state-of-the-art baseball eld, and players christened it on Feb. 12. e First Pitch event that evening raised $100,000. Now that’s a real home run. Mike London brings us this story. Did you know that only 3 percent of family businesses survive through the third generation? Ralph Baker’s Shoes has done just that, with Marissa joining her father and grandfather at the store. Find out how this hardworking family lives together and works together. If you’ve been to shows at Piedmont Players eatre the last few decades, you’ve seen Eric Slipp perform. e Maine native moved here in 1987. He recently retired, and is now a full-time volunteer. Find out what keeps him busy as a Rowan Original. Deirdre Parker Smith reviews “Hell of a Book” in Bookish. You’ve got to read it, she says. In it, a Black author is on tour, and is tired of talking about his book and tired of expectations of being a voice for his race. ere’s also e Kid, who may also be the author, and Soot, a sweet innocent boy. I’ve got a hold request at the library. Clyde shares a spring scene in acrylic. Because, after all, it’s spring. Enjoy, and I’ll see you Susan Shinn Turner at 50th birthday party with best friend Carol, left. next month!
