D2 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
Welcome to our 2014 Generations of Business
W
e are pleased to present The Daily Courier’s 2014 Generations of Business section. You may be asking yourself: “What is Generations of Business?” Quite simply, it is a section designed to highlight businesses in Rutherford County that have generational ties. We started this endeavor last year to showcase businesses which have been in the county for some time.
Now, we continue along that journey. Rutherford County has a rich business tradition and it is our intent to present that tradition to you. We hope you enjoy the stories and photos about our businesses here at home.
Table of Contents
3 Family of cotton The McDaniel family has been in the cotton ginning business in Ellenboro since 1959 when they opened the Colfax Gin Company Inc.
Matthew Clark
Editor The Daily Courier
4 Vision of care From a 32-bed rest home nearly 50 years ago to moving toward the Green House Project, the McKeithans have always had visions for the care of senior citizens in Rutherford County.
Generations of Business 2014 is a supplement published by The Daily Courier. Publisher/Ad Director Lori Spurling — lspurling@thedigitalcourier.com Editor Matthew Clark — mclark@thedigitalcourier.com Editorial Staff Garrett Byers — gbyers@thedigitalcourier.com Jean Gordon — jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com Erin Kidd — ekidd@thedigitalcourier.com Alyssa Mulliger — amulliger@thedigitalcourier.com Advertising Patti Davis — pdavis@thedigitalcourier.com Pam Dixon — pdixon@thedigitalcourier.com Chrissy Driver — cmann@thedigitalcourier.com Jill Hasty — jhasty@thedigitalcourier.com Erika Meyer — emeyer@thedigitalcourier.com Address 601 Oak Street, Forest City, N.C. 28043
5 Smell of
nostalgia
After 67 years of operation, Hill’s Hardware & General Store still smells of nostalgia — a whiff of old times in the air.
6 Green thumbs Upon walking into Horn’s Home & Garden, chances are visitors will find second and third generation Horns watering plants, arranging flowers and assembling wreaths.
7 Big outcomes Driving to Shelby to workout one day, Mickey Waters had an idea. He wondered what it would be like to have a local workout venue that was “not intimidating.”
8 Ever-changing Leonard McCurry and Kenneth Deck had aspirations of bringing used cars to Rutherford County in 1961.
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9 The long run North State Gas is a true family business. The Byers family has been operating the company since 1938 and plan to continue serving customers in Rutherford County for years to come.
10
Family traits
Joseph Gasaway Thompson and Charlie Thompson began Thompson Brothers Funeral Home in 1935 on Hardin Road in Forest City.
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C&H Wholesale Company was established in 1946 by George Callahan and Jethro Hodge. We are still family owned and operated. C&H Wholesale distributes a wide variety of candy, paper products and tobacco to area convenience stores, churches, restaurants, and offices. Candy • Tobacco • Paper Products 152 N. Washington Street • Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828) 287-2300
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
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D3
Colfax Gin Company
Cotton runs in the family Contributed photo
A picture taken of the company in 1974. The gin was built in 1928 and the McDaniel family purchased and began operating it in 1959.
The Colfax Gin Company Inc. has been cotton ginning across generations
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By Erin Kidd • ekidd@thedigitalcourier.com
LLENBORO— The McDaniel had not operated it for two crops family has been in the cotton (seasons) when we bought it,” Joe said. ginning business in Ellenboro “The man that had been managing it since 1959 when they opened the Col- died in 1957. It’s a better gin and it’s a fax Gin Company Inc. better location too.” The late Van McDaniel The Colfax gin was started the business. built near the railroad so “The gin was built here the family shipped cotton in 1928. Daddy (Van) on railcars. helped construct a buildJoe was 17 and a senior ing and put the first maat Ellenboro High School chinery in,” Joe McDaniel, when he started working Van’s son, said. “He got at the gin. He is now 72 the job as a plant manager and owns the gin with his — Joe McDaniel working in the gin until brother Robert McDaniel, sometime in the 1940s.” 79, and has been working In 1947 Van purchased a cotton gin there for 55 years. Their sister Mary in the Hopewell Community and ran Lewis, 69, also works in the company it until he bought the Ellenboro gin in and keeps up with records and sales. 1959. COLFAX, see pg. D13 “He wanted to buy this one. They
“We never had a year we didn’t grow cotton.”
Erin Kidd/Daily Courier
Owner Joe McDaniel shows an example of the cotton that used to be ginned at the company. The family still grows their own cotton but it is ginned elsewhere.
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D4 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
Fair Haven Rest Home
Vision for senior care
Courtersy photo
Inside the Fair Haven rest home several years ago, residents enjoyed snacks and a time of crafts with its activity director.
McKeithan family grows Fair Haven Rest Home to strong facility
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By jean gordon • jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com
LLENBORO — From a 32bed rest home nearly 50 years ago to moving toward the Green House Project, the three generations of McKeithans have always had visions for the care of senior citizens in Rutherford County. Mack McKeithan, owner and second generation family member of Fair Haven, quotes the writer of Proverbs: “without a vision the people perish” and said he and his staff have always had visions to keep moving. The rest home opened in April 1964
with his mother Iris McKeithan and Dan, who has been there 16 years, is his aunt, Bill Higgins, at the helm. admissions/social services director Named after a town and Charlie is the busithe Apostle Paul visited ness office manager. He’s on one of his missionary been on board 11 years. journeys in Biblical days, Mack has been a fixture Fair Haven sits on a hill at the facility more than off U.S. 74B between For42 years. est City and Ellenboro. As a student in RutherThird generation family — Mack McKeithan ford County Schools, he members, Dan and Charlearned the ropes of the lie McKeithan, sons of business going there after Mack and his wife Pam Flack McKschool to work. eithan, are on the administrative staff. In 1971 after graduating from
“We’re small, but we’re high quality.”
Appalachian State University with a health and management administrative degree, Mack married high school sweetheart, Pam Flack. He was working on a temporary basis at Fair Haven and was planning to get his master’s degree when his mother suffered a heart attack in 1972 and she wasn’t able to physically or mentally operate the rest home, so he returned to Fair Haven and has been there since. Concerned however, that he had
FAIR HAVEN, see pg. D15
Harrelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services
“Quality Service with Compassionate Care” Harrelson Funeral Home is dedicated to providing services to the families of Rutherford County with care and compassion. For over 80 years Rutherford County has trusted Harrelson Funeral Home with helping them plan the celebrations of lives lived. We serve every family in Rutherford County with great pride. We are able to offer a wide range of services to meet your families needs and customs. We will listen to you and your wishes to help plan a celebration consistent with your expectations. We will take the time to plan every detail and help to relieve the burden on your family during your time of loss. Please give us a call to see how we can help.
1251 Hwy. 221-A, Forrest City, NC (828) 657-6383
www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com
Jean Gordon/Daily Courier
Visitors arrive at Fair Haven to visit family and friends through this patio entrance.
SCOGGIN’S
Seafood & Steak House Family Owned & Operated Since 1959 Come Dine With Us, We Have Something For Everyone *Steaks *Seafood *Pasta *Salad Bar *Full Service Bar *Private Dining for Parties *Outdoor Patio
828-287-3167 300 Chimney Rock Rd. Ruthefordton, NC 28139
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
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D5
Hill’s Hardware and General Store
The smells of hardware, nostalgia Hill’s Hardware & General Store is a downtown staple By alyssa mulliger • amulliger@thedigitalcourier.com
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UTHERFORDTON — After 67 years of operation, Hill’s Hardware & General Store still smells of nostalgia — a whiff of old times in the air. The family owned and operated business opened on North Main Street in Rutherfordton in 1947, and is currently run by Martha Hensley and her daughter Michelle “Shellie� Heaton, third and fourth generation members of the Hill descendants. “People enjoy coming in, and a lot of them just take a deep breath and say they love the smell of the store. I can’t smell it because it’s like I live in here, so I don’t know what it smells like,� Shellie said with a laugh. “But they say that hardware stores have a certain smell.� Shellie officially started working at the business upon her return from college. “In a way though, you could say I’ve worked here since birth,� Shellie said. “Granddad said I learned to walk in the hardware store.� The founder and driving spirit behind Hill’s Hardware was G. Fred Hill, known to one and all as “Mr. Fred.� Mr. Fred had been a salesman of Rawleigh products, a farmer and a leader in his local church community, and he had earned the trust of everyone who knew him. The story goes that when Mr. Fred — Shellie Heaton went on a buying trip for his new store, the supplier he was attempting to buy merchandise from telephoned back to Rutherfordton to find out from the bank whether or not Mr. Fred was financially trustworthy. The banker told the supplier, “Any check that Mr. Fred Hill writes is good.� Mr. Fred acquired one lot facing Main Street, next door to the bank on one side and Keeter’s Hardware on the other. Mr. Fred’s brother, Oliver Hill, supervised the construction of the building, which fashioned its wood floors from timber cut from Robert Hensley’s father’s farm that was planed into boards at a local sawmill. The hardware business thrived in the prosperous times that followed World War II, selling to new homeowners and in many cases also providing the service to install plumbing and electrical systems. Not long after the hardware store opened, Mr. Fred signed up to be a Ferguson Tractor dealer, which ultimately led to a new location on Charlotte Road and a separate business called Hill Tractor Company. Robert and Ellen Hensley decided to buy out the remaining partners in the hardware business, and for a quarter century they operated the business together. r
“People enjoy coming in, and a lot of them just take a deep breath and say they love the smell of the store.�
HILL’S, see pg. D19
Alyssa Mulliger/Daily Courier
Hill’s Hardware & General Store was opened on North Main Street in Rutherfordton in 1947.
Alyssa Mulliger/Daily Courier
Over the years, Hill’s Hardware has expanded its inventory of decorative items, gifts and flags in the general store.
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D6 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
Horn’s Home & Garden
Growing dreams of green thumbs Horn’s Home & Garden continues to flourish Alyssa Mulliger/Daily Courier
RIGHT: For 36 years, Horn’s Home & Garden has been family owned and operated on West Trade Street in Forest City. INSET TEXT BELOW: Spring is the busiest season for the store, selling a variety of herbs, plants and flowers.
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By alyssa mulliger • amulliger@thedigitalcourier.com
OREST CITY — Upon walking into Horn’s Home & Garden, chances are visitors will find second and third generation Horns watering plants, arranging flowers and assembling wreaths. For 36 years, the family owned and operated business on West Trade Street in Forest City has been sustained by three generations of green thumbs, each with a knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening. Horn’s Home & Garden consists of three greenhouses and a growing shelter for plants and flowers, two
warehouses that store pine needles, straw, silk flowers and fertilizer and the store itself, which evokes a homey atmosphere and warm feelings of simple times spent out in the garden. The business was established in 1978 by Sevil and Nell Horn and their son Roger. Nell joined her husband and son in working at the store three years after its grand opening, and was instrumental in growing the store’s silk and artificial flowers business. Today, Horn’s Home & Garden is operated by Roger Horn and his
HINKLE’S PET HOSPITAL Paul Hinkle, DVM • Roger Tessneer, DVM Rodney Eddings, DVM • Matt Frankie DVM
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“I remember the satisfaction I felt with the first bag of fertilizer I picked up.” — Andrew Horn
wife, Harriet, their niece Melissa O’Bryan and their son Andrew Horn and his wife, Charlotte. Roger and Harriet’s second son, Adam, worked at the business before moving to Spartanburg, S.C. to attend chiropractic school. Harriet has worked fulltime at the business since 2007, and said Andrew, Adam and Melissa were “practically raised in the business.” “Andrew and Adam liked helping out around the store since they were three years old,” Harriet said. “And while Andrew and Melissa attended school, they would work at the store after classes were out and during the summers.” “I have always loved it here in the store — I don’t ever remember not loving it,” said Melissa, who began as a full-time employee in 1999. “I love the people I work with and I love coming to work each day.” After Andrew attended college, he relocated back to Forest City and started working at the business full-time in 2008.
“I remember the satisfaction I felt with the first bag of fertilizer I picked up,” Andrew said. “Gardening never seems like work, and I always knew I would come back to the store.” Shortly after, Charlotte followed Andrew to Forest City and joined the business in 2009. “When Andrew and I married, he told me he would be coming back here to the business,” Charlotte said. “I had helped out in the store before when I visited Forest City with Andrew, and I kind of fell into it. I love being with this family and I feel very fulfilled by this job — every day is different.” At Horn’s Home & Garden, each family member has his or her own niche. Roger selects and purchases the majority of the business’s plants and flowers, while Harriet deals with ordering the store’s variety of products. Melissa often finds herself in charge of invoices, billing and filling large floral and wreath arrangements. Andrew and Charlotte share various online tasks
HORN’S, see pg. D11
Spindale Tire since 1957 445 W. Main St. Spindale, NC 28160 828-286-3626 www.spindaletire.com
467 West Street Spindale, NC 28160 828-287-5899
After Hours/Emergency Toll Free:
877-424-2034
Appointments Preferred Walk-Ins Welcome
We are honored to have served Rutherford County for 57 Years!
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
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D7
Lifestyle Wellness & Spa
Small beginnings, large outcomes
Matthew Clark/Daily Courier
ABOVE: Lifestyle Wellness & Spa started with small square footage in 1981 but has grown to house exercising equipment and classes for everyone. INSET TEXT BELOW: Waters wanted to start with racquetball but had to wait until 1988 before adding his first court.
Lifestyle Wellness & Spa started small but hopes to continue growth By MATTHEW CLARK • MCLARK@thedigitalcourier.com
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OREST CITY — Driving to Shelby to workout one day, Mickey Waters had an idea. He wondered what it would be like to have a local workout venue that was “not intimidating.” So, the sporting goods store owner decided to do something about it. On Feb. 1, 1988, Waters opened a 2,500 square-foot facility in Forest City with the intent of giving people a place to improve their health. Today, Lifestyle Wellness & Spa occupies 28,000 square-feet in the same location opened in 1988. Waters owned the property where Lifestyle sits today and had an original intent for the location back in the late 1970s. “We were going to build a racquetball court in the 70s,” Waters said. “I flew all over (the country to learn about the process) but interest rates were at 21 percent back then and we canceled the project.”
“It’s been an interesting journey.” — Mickey Waters
But, after 10 years, it was that trip to Shelby that changed everything. “I was driving to Shelby to workout and I got to wondering and thought about something non-intimidating,” Waters said. That’s when Lifestyle came to life. Once he opened in 1988, the business started to take off. In October 1988, the dream of adding racquetball became reality when Waters added 10,000 square feet on to the original structure. “We grew fairly quickly right off the bat,” Waters said. “Racquetball was pretty hot back then and it was busy.” Over the next 13 years, the business remained steady.
• Professional irrigation design and installation • Dealer for RainBird, Toro, Hunter professional products • Upgrading or repairing existing irrigation systems • Serving Rutherford, Cleveland, and Polk counties • Professional Architectural landscape design and installation • Maintenance Contracts • Core Aeration • Landscape Lighting • Trenching for gutter, waterline, or other trenching needs
LIFESTYLE, see pg. D12
Harrill Landscaping & Irrigation Co. • Mulching Owners: Hitus and Andrew Harrill 828-245-7482 Bostic, North Carolina “Creating beautiful landscapes for over 40 years” Let our professional team beautify your home. Voted Best Landscape Company in Rutherford County’s Best Of
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Registered NC Landscape Contractor #1047 State of NC Certified Plant Professional N.C. Licensed Irrigation Contractor: #092 #093 Horticultural degree from NC State University in ornamental and landscape technology • NC Licensed ornamental and turf pesticide applicator license #026-5335 #026-26587
Matthew Clark/Daily Courier
One of the newest additions to Lifestyle is its pool which is used for a variety of health-related activities.
• Installation of sod • Hardscapes-Retainer Walls Design and Install Patios • Professional flower growers as seen throughout Forest City and Rutherford County • Have large tanker sprayer to spray trees and lawns for insects, fungus or weed control in lawns • Fertilization and lining of lawns • Pruning • Professional soil testing • Grading, Finish Grading, and Seeding
D8 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
McCurry-Deck
Matthew Clark/Daily Courier
McCurry-Deck has been a mainstay in car dealers in Rutherford County since 1961.
Progressive growth By matthew clark • mclark@thedigitalcourier.com
Car dealer McCurry-Deck traces roots to 60s car boom
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OREST CITY — Leonard McCurry and Kenneth Deck had aspirations of bringing used cars to Rutherford County in 1961. That vision — while experiencing changes over the years — has transformed into a new car dealership which attracts customers from around the region. According to Paul Deck, Leonard’s son, Kenneth and Leonard struck a partnership in 1961 to start McCurry Deck in Spindale. “A lot of guys that didn’t want to get into textiles got into cars,” Paul said. “There weren’t a lot of other
jobs available then.” So, the pair got together and started traveling around the country, buying used cars to bring back to their lot in Spindale. Later, Leonard and Kenneth hired additional help to bring even more cars to the dealership. “The car business afforded a lot of opportunity,” Paul said. “It was hard work but my dad and Mr. McCurry were like that.” Not only did the dealership appeal to local customers but, Paul said other dealers from around the area came to Spindale looking for used cars. Things changed in 1968. Leonard and Kenneth branched into the new car realm by becoming a Buick franchise. The duo sold
“We found out a long time ago about treating customers the way we want to be treated.” — Paul Deck
their new line at their facility in Spindale. However, the business grew, causing Leonard and Kenneth to move to a new location. They chose a vacant lot on U.S. 74-A near Isothermal Community College — where the dealership
MCCURRY-DECK, see pg. D18
4076 U.S. Highway 221-A · P.O. Box 337 · Cliffside, NC 28024 828-657-6322 · www.mckinneylandrethcarroll.com
Locally and Family Owned and Operated Since 1953 Steve & Lyn Carroll, Owners Funerals · Cremations · Pre-Arrangements Life Insurance · Pet Services
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
Here for the long run
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D9
North State Gas
North State Gas has been serving customers since 1938 By Erin Kidd • ekidd@thedigitalcourier.com
FOREST CITY— North State Gas is a true family business. The Byers family has been operating the company since 1938 and plan to continue serving customers in Rutherford County for years to come. “We are here for the long run,” Bruce Byers, current president and general manager, said. “We’re not just cultivating a business to sell it like so many people are.” Bruce’s father, the late James E. Byers, was the founder of North State and began delivering propane gas in 1938 after graduating from the University of North Carolina. James established a new business enterprise, becoming a distributor of Standard Oil’s Essotane. James got the help of his — Tom father, Burwell B. (B.B.) Byers who had retired from Standard, for marketing. Their product, propane, was a novel one to most households in the company’s beginning years. James began by delivering the product out of his home in Shelby. “Propane did turn out to be a good product,” Bruce said. “My dad was one of the pioneers, he was the first dealer in this area.”
North State was originally established as B.B. Byers and Sons. Burwell had expected that James’ brothers Henry and Tom might one day join James as business partners. “We’ve got a lot of history. My father’s two brothers (Henry and Tom) died in the war, they were both military pilots and then my father was the only son left,” Bruce said. “They decided for that and other reasons to change the name to North State. There was a real classy, TOP: Erin Kidd/Daily Courier BOTTOM: Contributed photo big prominent hotel in TOP: Inside the business, the Byers have displayed a lot of their history inLincolnton called the cluding items like this neon sign. BELOW: The original building of North State North State Hotel. It dated Gas located in Forest City. back to the Civil War and my dad said that helped inspire the name.” In the period after the war, James made the decision to leave the Essotane Byers network and establish an independent operation. He and a new business partner, Emory Deviney, formed North State Gas Service and constructed a bulk storage plant and office buiding in Forest City in 1948. The new plant enabled North State Gas to receive shipments of bulk propane via rail tank car. “He was the first dealer in the area
“It’s been a great thing for us ... It’s enabled us to enjoy a family connection by making a livelihood..”
NORTH STATE, see pg. D14
Maxwell B. Hamrick Insurance Agency, Inc. is a family owned and operated independent insurance agency which has served Rutherford, Cleveland and surrounding counties since 1953. Though started in Boiling Springs, our roots run deep in Rutherford County also. In 1996 the Hamrick Family purchased Hardin Insurance Services, which started in Spindale over 50 years ago also. We are happy to continue serving this area and are looking forward to many more years to come.
MAXWELL B. HAMRICK INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. 119 Huntley St. P.O. Box 155 Spindale, NC 28160 TEL. (828) 286-2384 Fax: 828-287-5983 Mobile: 704-472-1911
D10 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
Thompson Mortuary & Chapel, Inc.
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f
Jean Gordon/Daily Courier
Thompson Mortuary & Chapel, Inc. has been in Forest City since 1935.
Serving the community By jean gordon • jgordon@thedigitalcourier.com
Thompson family has kept mortuary in family for over 70 years
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OREST CITY — Joseph Gasaway Thompson and Charlie Thompson began Thompson Brothers Funeral Home in 1935 on Hardin Road in Forest City. Today, 79 years later, a fourth generation family member, Thorne Thompson, is learning the business as several third generation family members operate it. Second generation member, Stinson Thompson, Sr.,78, who inherited
the business from his father Gasaway Thomson, is the president of the company. His children, Garry Thompson, Rhonda T. Maddox and Stinson Thompson,Jr. are in the business. Thomas Thompson, Sr. inherited his share of the business from his father Charlie Thompson and son, Thomas, Jr. is a third generation businessman. Family members talked about the beginning of the business and where it is today.
As Charlie and Gasaway were running the business in 1935, Lester Carpenter — a cousin of Forest City — returned home from the military. He attended embalming school in the military and contemplated starting his own funeral home business in the county. Instead the Thompson brothers met with Carpenter and asked him to join their business. For several years, the business was Thompson Brothers and Carpenter Funeral Home and later reverted back to its original name when Carpenter passed away.
“... we are still here to continue the legacy of our family.” — Stinson Thompson Jr.
The mortuary has had three homes — all on Hardin Road. Another cousin, Franklin Head, is on the staff and is the resident hearse driver.
THOMPSON, see pg. D17
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www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
HORN’S
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D11
About Horns
from page D6
including administrative duties, enhancing the business’s website and building online sales. “Really we all kind of dabble in everything though, especially when it’s time to water the plants and flowers,” Harriet said. “The women usually do everything but operate the forklifts.” Throughout the years of operating Horn’s Home & Garden, the family has witnessed multiple changes and trends. “Over the years one of the biggest changes we’ve seen is the growth of our services and the inventory we carry,” Roger said. While spring is the store’s busiest season for r herbs, flowers, shrubs, potting soil and hanging baskets, Harriet said the store’s Christmas inventory has expanded tremendously because people shop for holiday items year-round. Horn’s Home & Garden has also expanded its artificial wreath business, the variety of pottery available in the store and the types of products it sells. “People have been gardening forever, but recently we’ve increased our organic products,” Andrew said. “Five years ago, not many people knew about organic items. Our customers didn’t really use the 7word ‘organic’ but now every other person who comes in asks about organic things.” Another change Roger and Charlotte have seen is in the advancement of technology and marketing through the business’s website and social media sites. “Technology has certainly made things easier and more efficient for us and for the customers,” Roger said. Perhaps one of the most significant trends the Horns have noticed is the plethora of customers walking through the front door and perusing the greenhouses. “We see a variety of customers coming in, and it’s not just typical gardeners,” Charlotte said. “It’s so neat to see all types of people interested in gardening, from a fancy dressed lady to a dirt-covered farmer.” “We have customers ranging from 90 years old to their early teens,” Andrew added. “One of my
Address: 184 West Trade Street in Forest City Phone: 828-245-7505 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Email: Grow@HornsHomeAndGarden.com Website: http://hornshomeandgarden.com
favorite customers is in his upper 90s, and he will spend time talking with me in one of our greenhouses. He actually starts out standing and then sits down in the dirt and plants.” And while some of the customers are becoming more educated prior to visiting the store, Harriet said they are still provided with literature and educated on their specific gardening needs. Among the few minor challenges for Horn’s Home & Garden are collaborating with local vendors and finding lulls during busy days. Roger said only two of the local vendors that provide their products are still in business, so Horn’s Home & Garden has worked to find additional vendors. “There is always a lot going on here and we tend to keep busy even without customers in the store — filling orders, planting flowers and watering plants,” Harriet said. “But we really enjoy it and we have so much fun here.” Looking to the future, Horn’s Home & Garden hopes to continue providing the products that customers want. “We are always looking for more things to provide for our customers and additional items to grow,” Roger said. “From the beginning we have always listened to the customers and stocked the inventory people wanted, and we still do.” Charlotte said the business hopes to see its online sales continue to grow as well. “We have sold to nearly every state, Canada and even Australia,” Charlotte said. “We are also going to get a computer screen in the store where people will be able to come in and browse our online wreath ideas and inventory that is not currently in the store.” In addition to being a family owned and operated generational business, what is special about Horn’s Home & Garden is the employees are just as interested in gardening as the customers. “We grow a lot of our own products in our own gardens,” said
Simpson Auction would like to thank all of our clients for the opportunity to serve you for the past 63 years. We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.
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TOP AND INSET: Alyssa Mulliger/Daily Courier and BOTTOM: Contributed photo
TOP: Today, Horn’s Home & Garden is operated by (l-r) Roger Horn and his wife, Harriet, their son Andrew Horn and his wife, Charlotte, and their niece Melissa O’Bryan. LEFT INSET: Over the years, the store’s Christmas inventory has expanded tremendously due to people shopping for holiday items yearround. BOTTOM: Sevil Horn, founder of Horn’s Home & Garden with his wife and son (not pictured), is seen in front of the business in the mid-1990s.
Roger, whose favorite item to grow are Dragon Wing Begonias. Harriet cultivates mixtures of wild flowers that she then cuts and brings into her house, and Charlotte spends time planting spring annuals in her home’s window boxes. “We get just as excited as our customers when we see flowers
bloom,” Charlotte said. “We end up spending our paychecks on our own gardening.” Meanwhile, Melissa enjoys growing a variety of herbs, which “makes cooking fun and delicious,” while Andrew prefers planting tomatoes. “Gardening gets into your blood — it’s human nature,” Andrew said.
1199 US Hwy. 221A, Forest City, NC 28043 www.siskgrading.com Licensed General Contractor 828-245-2428
We offer:
• Road Construction (DOT Specs) • Subdivision Development • Large Quantity Earth Moving • Land Clearing • Lake Construction • Demolition • Hydroseeding and Mulching
A family owned & operated business since 1961
Thank You Rutherford County for your support all these years. Herman Sisk, owner/president
D12 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
LIFESTYLE
from page D7
Then in 2001, Waters decided to double the size of Lifestyle to make room for additional workout equipment. The latest addition came in 2012 when Lifestyle increased to its present 28,000 square feet. Now, the business has physical therapy, a pool, cardiovascular equipment and offers group workout classes and an outdoor walking track. Mickey’s son Brandon owns Therapy Plus which is located inside Lifestyles and provides physical therapy. His other son Patrick is the chief operating officer of Lifestyles. Even with the changes made over the years, Waters said the mission of the business has been the same. “We want to get in on the prevention side of health care,” Waters said. “That’s how we can help our folks in the future.” That future includes a rising number of retirees. Waters said by 2030 there will be 70 million Americans age 65 or older. “We’ve got to make changes and add more things to accommodate,” Waters said. Waters takes personal interest in that, considering he turned 68 in January. He said Lifestyle has added things like the Silver Sneakers program to assist older people by providing classes and the ability to have a place
Matthew Clark/Daily Courier
TOP: People from all over Rutherford County take advantage of the exercise equipment located at Lifestyle Wellness & Spa. LEFT INSET: Waters’ son Brandon owns Therapy Plus which is located inside Lifestyle. BOTTOM: Lifestyle Wellness & Spa opened Therapy Plus to help residents in need of physical therapy.
About Lifestyle
Address: 247 Oak Street Extension in Forest City Phone: 828-248-2947 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday, 4:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Website: http://lifestylewellnessspa. com
to workout. “We can contribute to the health of the community,” Waters said. “That’s our mission.” Despite an economic downturn, Waters said the business has been steady and the road from a vacant lot to the present facility has been inspiring. “It’s been an interesting journey,” Waters said. “It’s been very rewarding
in terms of seeing members make progress in their health. “It’s been a blessing to hear people say they are getting off their blood pressure medication because of what they do here.” Waters signed up his first member in 1988. Since that time, membership to
Lifestyle has grown to nearly 4,500. Waters hopes to continue growing Lifestyle to make it beneficial for as many people possible in the area. “We want to continue to grow,” Waters said. “We have to be prepared to invest whatever we need to serve the people.”
Serving you since ... Serving You Since
1903 Serving You Since
1938 Serving You Since
1951 Serving You Since
1957
Padgett & King Mortuary 227 E. Main St. Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-4951
North State Gas 114 North State Road Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-4296
Simpson Auction & Real Estate Co. 201 Hugh Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-7606
Spindale Tire 445 W Main Street Spindale, NC 28160
828-286-3626
Holland Furniture Company
Serving You Since
Main Street Henrietta, NC 28076
1920
828-657-6328
Smith’s Drugs of Forest City
Serving You Since
139 E. Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043
1939 Serving You Since
828-245-4591
Maxwell B. Hamrick Insurance Agency, INC.
1953 Serving You Since
1959
119 Huntley St. Spindale, NC 28160
828-286-2384
Scoggin’s Seafood & Steakhouse 300 Chimney Rock Rd. Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-3167
Serving You Since
1932 Serving You Since
1946 Serving You Since
1953 Serving You Since
1961
Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services 1251 US 221A Forest City NC 28043
828.657.6383
C&H Wholesale Co. 152 Washington St. Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-2300
McKinney Landreth & Carroll Funeral & Cremation Services 4076 US HWY 221A Cliffside, NC 28024
828-657-6322
Sisk Grading, Inc. 1199 US Hwy. 221A Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-2428
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
—
D13
COLFAX
from page D3 “It was a way to make a living,” Joe said. “I like cotton gins. I like all kinds of machinery whether it rolls on the ground or flies I like it.” The family has several fields in Ellenboro where they grow about 140 acres of cotton. They ginned the cotton at the company until 2008 using the original gin from 1928. Joe said it could gin about four bails of cotton an hour. “I liked working at the gin and seeing the cotton,” Joe said. “We never had a year we didn’t grow cotton.” Today, Robert does the farming and they send the cotton to be ginned in Cleveland County. “We plant around the first of May and harvest in the fall,” Joe said. “The harvest usually starts in October and we go until we finish. It depends on the weather.” The company is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-noon and sells field seed, straw and wheat straw for mulch
TOP: Courtesy photo, LEFT INSET, LEFT BOTTOM and BOTTOM Erin Kidd/Daily Courier
TOP: An aerial photo of the company taken in October of 1978. Shown in the picture is the former Ellenboro Elementary School. LEFT INSET: The company has won several awards at the Colfax Free Fair held each year in Ellenboro. LEFT BOTTOM: Members of the family stand with one of the last bails of cotton ginned at the company. l to r: Sammy McDaniel, Ed Rest, Mary Lewis, Robert McDaniel and Joe McDaniel. BOTTOM: The company is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-noon and sells field seed, straw and wheat straw for mulch and fertilizer. They also have trucks that are used to spread the fertilizer for farmers.
About Colfax Gin Company
Address: 132 Main St. in Ellenboro Phone: 828-453-7340 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 7:30 a.m.-noon
and fertilizer. They also have trucks that are used to spread the fertilizer for farmers. “I miss everything about the gin,” Joe said. “It’s been so much a part of my life, I miss it all. But it was a lot of work.” Joe doesn’t know what will happen to the business after this generation but he has some fond memories of working with his family over the years. “To quote someone who worked here many years ago, he said ‘time went by fast here because we just talk and go on and do the work,” Joe said.
Serving you since ... Serving You Since
1964 Serving You Since
1973 Serving You Since
1986 Serving You Since
1993
FairHaven Hwy 74 Business Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-9095
Harrill Landscaping & Irrigation Co. 3744 Bostic Sunshine Hwy. Bostic, NC 28018
828-245-7482
Recliner Center 520 Coopers Gap Rd. Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-7782
HINKLE’S PET HOSPITAL 467 West Street, Spindale, NC 28160
828-287-5899
Serving You Since
1964 Serving You Since
1978 Serving You Since
1988 Serving You Since
1995
Forest City Mowers 174 E. Main Street Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-4297
Horn’s Home & Garden 184 West Trade St. Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-7505
Lifestyle Wellness & Spa 247 Oak St. Ext. Forest City, NC 28043
828-248-2947
The BBQ Place Hwy 221 S. Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-2020
Serving You Since
1967 Serving You Since
1981 Serving You Since
1993 Serving You Since
1996
McCurry Deck Hwy 74A Forest City, NC 28043
828-286-2381
West and Sons Auto Repair 142 N. Washington St. Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-9717
The Gallery 181 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-5647
Buckner Custom Calls 709 Harris-Henrietta Rd. Forest City, NC 28043
828-289-7359
D14 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
NORTH STATE from page D9
and a lot of the business then was replacing wood cook stoves,” Bruce said. “That was the first and most common thing it (propane) was used for. Then they started producing gas water heaters and this was back when a lot of people didn’t even have running water. Dad served originally a lot of customers that didn’t have any electricity.” Today the business is owned by Bruce and his brothers Tom Byers, Bill Byers, Stuart Byers and Burwell Byers. Their mother, Louise Byers, also owns part of the company. Bruce’s son Elliott Byers is the assistant manager. Burwell’s son John Byers does collections, financial work and drives a truck and his other son Thomas Byers does service work. Stuart’s son Judson Byers is the manager of the company’s Marion branch. Other family members also fill in as needed. “It’s been a great thing for us,” Tom said. “It’s enabled us to enjoy a family connection by making a livelihood.” “The three younger brothers have run the business for the past 35 years but Tom and Bill have been involved,” Bruce said. “Bill, back in the 1970s, was the manager for a few years. We all own roughly equal parts.” In 1999 the business moved into the current building and now has approximately 20 employees. Bruce said business has gradually increased over
TOP: Erin Kidd/Daily Courier and BELOW, LEFT INSET and BOTTOM: Courtesy photos
TOP: Some of the Byers family stand with one of their current trucks. l to r: Stuart Byers, Elliott Byers, Burwell Byers and Bruce Byers. LEFT INSET: Brothers Henry, James and Tom Byers all entered the military service during World War II. Both Henry and Tom lost their lives as Army Air Corps pilots. BELOW: Company employees Nathan Camby, J.B. Goode and Willard Deviney are pictured in 1951 with a load of capacity cylinders, often referred to as “bottles.” The primary use for propane in the early days was for cooking and gas was delivered to home in these cylinders. BOTTOM: After graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1938, B.B.’s son James established a new business enterprise, becoming a distributor of Standard Oil’s Essotane.
About North State
Address: 114 N State Road in Forest City Phone: 828-245-4296 Website: http://northstategas.com
the years. The summer of 2013 marked their 75th year in business. “We’ve had a nice biologic growth in business. We slowly grow by taking more and more customers as opposed to growing by merging or buying other companies,” Bruce said. “We pretty much stuck to a geographic area that we feel we can tend to people person-
ally on, when some of our competitors have oodles of branches. We don’t understand that model where you can’t possibly know your customers.” Bruce said the family feels very fortunate they have a solid business. He also said that working together as a family makes it easier to make business decisions. “We have regular board meetings, which are just family get togethers,” Bruce said. “It helps you make deci-
Serving you since ... Serving You Since
1997 Serving You Since
2000 Serving You Since
2003
Lovelace Financial Group 431 South Main Street/ Suite 8 Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-288-1378
The Hem Shop 139 Central Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-288-0377
CKL Electrical Contractors, Inc. 935 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043
828-382-1954
Serving You Since
1997 Serving You Since
2000 Serving You Since
2012
Norville Auction & Real Estate 177 Longview Drive Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-3965
Medicine Box of Rutherfordton 200 Charlotte Road Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-7117
State Farm Dan Hyder 356 W. Main St. Spindale, NC 28160
828-287-2748
sions and in a lot of ways helps you operate more efficiently by being able to make decisions right then.” Bruce said the next generation of Byers is coming of age and will soon be taking over the business. “We have several competent sons that are interested in the business,” Bruce said. “We think we will continue for the foreseeable future. It gives us a living and a real contact with the community.”
Serving You Since
1996 Serving You Since
B Sharp Music 129 W. Main St. Spindale, NC 28160
828-286-4444
Ace Equipment Sales and Services 126 Park Lane Drive Rutherfordton, NC 28139
1999 Serving You Since
2001 Serving You Since
2012
828-286-9781
Wease Enterprises 2684 Harris Henrietta Rd Mooresboro, NC 28114
828-657-9788
Ace Auction Company, LLC 122 Charleston Court Spindale, NC 28160
828-429-2851
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
—
D15
FAIR HAVEN from page D4
very little knowledge of the medical side of the rest home, Mack called Isothermal Community College inquiring about a Licensed Practical Nursing Class. The class was scheduled the next day so he signed up and nearly a year later got his LPN license. “We always felt the need to have nurses to cover our bases,” Mack said. “Even before the rest home grew and a skilled nursing facility was open,registered nurses and LPNs were on staff. “We wanted that level of care,” he said. Fair Haven was the first rest home in Rutherford County to hire an activity director, “a key element” in the lives of the residents and also the first rest home to adopt the Eden concept. The Eden concept gives meaningful care to residents through plants, animals or visits by children. Fair Haven’s two resident dogs are standard black poodles named Rodeo and Bear, and have proven to ease loneliness or anxiety for some patients. They provide therapy that other measures of care do not. In 1979, Mack was serving on the State Baptist Convention’s Long Term Care committee and believed there was a better way to serve the senior citziens in the state. So Mack and Fair Haven moved forward with its next vision — Eastwood Village opened in 1979. Today there are 37 homes in the retirement community adjacent to the rest home. “It is independent living with supportive services,” Mack said. From there the family moved toward opening the skilled nursing care, a goal that took five years to accomplish but in 1992, Fair Haven added 30 skilled nursing beds. But today Mack believes the concept of “skilled family care is broken” and he and his staff are moving toward its next vision, the Green House Project. There is not a Green House Project in North Carolina although they are in more than 35 other states. “It will be an uphill battle because there will be regulatory changes,” Mack said. He and his staff will be in Raleigh the first of April hoping to convince the powers-that-be to allow Fair Hav-
TOP and BOTTOM: Jean Gordon/Daily Courier and INSETS: Courtesy photos
TOP: Mack McKeithan flanked by sons, Charlie (left) and Dan, third generation family members. TOP LEFT INSET: Bill Higgins. MIDDLE LEFT INSET: Iris McKeithan. BOTTOM LEFT INSET: Mack McKeithan, owner, of Fair Haven rest home, became interested in the business as a school students. BOTTOM: Proud to be a 5 Star Medicare Facility — the only one with that designation in Rutherford County.
en to move forward with the project. A Green House is designed for only 10 to 12 residents and each occupant has a private room and bath. Green Houses include a shared kitchen that everyone uses and care is provided by certified nursing assistants (CNAs). If Mack receives approval, he will build two six-bed homes for rest home residents and two 11-bed homes for skilled care. Mack and the staff are willing to take on the challenge, because it is one he believes will be the best for senior citizens for the future. “This will change the whole dynamics of skilled nursing care,” he said. “We want to make sure that care is the best there is for our county.” The rest home and skilled nursing offered at Fair Haven will remain but will be extended to the homes. Through nearly one half of a century, one concept has always remained — providing the best care for its residents. Over the past 50 years, Fair Haven has been the home to World War I veterans, politicians, mayors, scientists, lawyers, teachers, doctors, preachers and authors.
One resident was a childhood friend of Gloria Vanderbilt and played on the lawn of the Vanderbilt’s Biltmore House many times; another resident told the story of keeping the baby cradle of Abraham Linlcon in a family’s barn outside of Bostic. “Her parents said she was never to talk about that,” Mack said. Another resident was at Pearl Habor and watched the USS Arizona sink and another was a nurse at Pearl Harbor. Dr. Ben Washburn, medical doctor, researcher and author also resided at Fair Haven. “An interesting group of people, all a part of the tapestry of Rutherford County,” Mack said of residents. Fair Haven is a 5-Star Medicare facility, the only one in Rutherford County and a distinction that only 16 percent of facilities achieve in the state. Fair Haven is the only family-run rest home/skilled nursing care facility in the county as the others have been sold or leased to bigger corporations, he said. “We’re small, but we’re high quality,” he said. Twenty-two years ago the McKeithan family was told Fair Haven
About Fair Haven
Address: 149 Fairhaven Dr. in Bostic Phone: 828-245-9095 Website: http://fairhavenhome.com
would never make it in the business world. “In our industry we are a dynasty,” he said. Today Fair Haven employs 88 people and has an annual payroll of $2 million and supports local businesses. “All this stays in Rutherford County. It does not go to corporate offices,” Mack said. “Rutherford County has the best people and we want to offer them the best care.” For the long time employee and owner, Mack is not tired of going to work. “It’s a calling. It’s rewarding,” he said.
Thank you for your business and friendship!
D16 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
“Privately Owned Since 1903” THE
P ADGET T & K ING MORTUARY
James Padgett
Original Funeral Home
T.R. Padgett
The Padgett and King Mortuary was founded in 1903 by T.R. Padgett and his brotherin- law, Grover King on the square of Forest City. The enterprise began operations as a furniture company and later added the services of a funeral home. About a year into the business venture, Mr. King sold his interest to Mr. Padgett and went on to pursue other interests. Mr. Padgett’s interest in the funeral business came as a result of buying the Florence Mill Company Store which had a number of caskets in stock. Also, in his furniture business, caskets would be shipped in and it would be the responsibility of the furniture store owner to install the interior and linings in the caskets and to place the handles on the outside of the caskets. In selling the caskets to families Mr. Padgett saw the need to establish a business to provide this type service. He purchased his first horse drawn hearse in 1916, but most of his work was still completed in the homes of the deceased. It was not until the 1920’s that he established his first funeral home facility. It was located at the site of the present funeral home. He operated in this facility until 1932 when the present structure was constructed. More than 110 years following its inception, Padgett and King remains the oldest mortuary in Rutherford County and the oldest business operating under its original name in Forest City. Along with furniture and funerals, the mortuary also operated Padgett and King Ambulance Service until 1973. The company has had a succession of family to carry on the Padgett and King enterprise. James T. Padgett, son of the founder was the President of the company for many years and earned a reputation for honest and professional service. Likewise his cousin, D.G. Padgett served as company President as did Ron Guy, son-in-law of James Padgett. With the help of longtime employees James Collins, and Shane Earley, Padgett and King continued to serve Forest City and Rutherford County In 1989 upon the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Padgett, widow of the late James Padgett, the funeral home was sold to Ron Guy and Shane Earley who formed a partnership which lasted until the death of Ron in 2005. It was at this time that Shane Earley purchased Mr. Guy’s interest in the company and became the sole owner. Today, Shane Earley serves as President and Owner of the company, Steve Herndon as Vice-President and the staff, Jeff Braley and Dennis Matheny continue to carry on the tradition of caring service that has made Padgett and King a household name in Rutherford Furniture Store County. The Padgett and King Mortuary is proud to be privately and locally owned. We are also members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, a by invitation only organization of independently owned funeral homes. 227 EAST MAIN STREET • FOREST CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 28043
Telephone - 828-245-4951 • Fax - 828-247-0350 www.padgettking.com J. Shane Earley, President and Owner Jeffrey D. Braley, Funeral Director/Embalmer
J. Stephen Herndon Vice-President Dennis R. Matheny, Funeral Assistant
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
THOMPSON
—
D17
About Thompson
from page D10
Address: 416 Forest St. in Forest City Phone: 828-245-0258 Website: none available
The mortuary and chapel is located at the corner of Hardin and Forest streets, the former location of the New Bethel AME Zion Church that vacated the building for a larger church building a few years ago. Rhonda said the family was discussing constructing a building and when the church moved to its new facility, Stinson, Sr. agreed it would be a good location. “That way it could continue to be a landmark in the community,” Rhonda said. Stinson, Jr. and Rhonda never wanted to become involved in the business, although their cousin, Thomas, Jr. has always had an interest. “It’s one of those things I never thought I’d be involved in,” Stinson, Jr. said. “My dad sort of talked me into this and it provides a very necessary service to the community. This is not anything you can get rich from, but you enjoy helping people in their greatest time of need.” Rhonda said the business “just evolved.” She never thought she’d be as involved as she is today. Rhonda, who lives in Shelby with her family, travels to Forest City a few days a week to help with the business and is on duty for all funerals. “You realize it becomes a ministry as you are dealing with families at their lowest point,” Rhonda said. “They come in here many times and they don’t know how to make decisions. They don’t know what to do. Often they do not have level heads at
that time in their lives. Out of some of these situations, we have acquired friends forever.” Nothing hurts Rhonda more than helping plan the funeral of a child. She recalled a 4-year-old girl who died last year when she choked on popcorn. “She was absolutely the most beautiful little girl. I am just moved with emotions when they are young like that,” she said. “That is a type of grief you do not see often.” Rhonda said she doesn’t hide her emotions when she’s particularly moved at a service, although she does maintain control. When she first started working, she cried at all funerals and told her brothers and family members, she didn’t think she could do the job. Later she decided, “this is who I am,” and if she cries at a funeral, it’s okay. Rhonda said Thomas, Jr. is the family member who perhaps has the greatest passion for the business. Thomas, Jr. began in the business when he was 14-years-old helping with his first funeral. Thompson’s had a double funeral at the Gold Hill Church in Rutherfordton on a particular day and Thompson’s employee Franklin Head asked Thomas to help him. A couple died in an automobile accident in Spindale, and after their funeral at Gold Hill, they were going to be buried in two separate cemeteries. He knew from that day on he wanted to work at the family business.
TOP: Contributed photo and INSET: Jean Gordon/Daily Courier
TOP: The three men in the early days of Thompson’s Mortuary are (l-r) Charles Thompson, Lester Carpenter and Gasaway Thompson. LEFT INSET: Samuel Jolley started with Thompson’s years ago when Stinson Thompson, Sr. brought him on board to join the family’s business. BOTTOM: Thompson’s mortuary staff are (l-r) Rhonda Mattox, Russell Lynch, Stinson Thomson, Jr., Thomas Thompson, Jr. Stinson Thompson, Sr., Garry Thompson and Franklin Head.
He said he lived with his grandfather, Charlie Thompson, and took about every step his grandfather took. “What he did. I did,” Thomas said and working in the funeral home busi-
ness was natural for him. As a young teenager, Thomas said there were some thoughts that frightened him, such as touching a corpse. “But the fear went away immediately,” he said. Like Rhonda, Thomas grieves more when small children pass away. “They haven’t had a chance to live out their lives,” he said. Thinking back over the years, Rhonda Mattox and Thomas, Jr. talked about some of the laughable moments. Since the funeral home has always been located on Hardin Road and the family members all lived in the vicinity, sometimes the children would play behind the funeral home. “It was scary sometimes for children. They would jump out and scare us,” Rhonda said. The family believes Thompson Mortuary remains a pillar in the community and they are here to help families in their greatest sorrow. “And we are still here to continue the legacy of our family,” Stinson, Jr. said.
Jean Gordon/Daily Courier
LEFT: Inside the mortuary chapel where Thompson’s conducts many of its funeral services.
- CONSIGNMENTS WELCOMECall today to get your items in my May, June or July Auction Visit my new website at http://www.ncauctionace.com/ or http://www.auctionzip.com/ • Auctioneer ID 29763 Glassware - pottery - knives - antiques vintage toys - guns - vintage jewelry - coins equipment - collectibles - furniture and MORE
Wease Enterprise...serving Rutherford Co. since 2001. Wease Enterprise is comprised of Wease Grading & Septic and Iron Works General Store. Wease Grading & Septic started in 2001 with a Bobcat and a Massey Ferguson tractor. Now we are your complete grading & septic specialist where no job is too big or too small. We can do it all. Iron Works General Store opened on Nov. 21st, 2011 with a vision to help the community. We offer a wide variety of product that is always increasing. We accept the normal payment methods of cash, debit, and credit cards but we also accept SNAP benefits and offer WIC. Our hours are Mon.-Sat. 9a-9p and Sun. 1p-6p. We would also like to say Thank you to all of our customers; past, present, and future. Owners are Jason and Ashton Wease.
D18 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
H
MCCURRY-DECK
f
from page D8
operates to this day. “When we moved out here, the college was out here and we were the only thing between the college and the mall,” Paul said. In 1976, Leonard and Kenneth added Pontiac and GMC vehicles to their new product line and kept the business moving along until the 90s when they added Cadillac. But, another significant change came in 2008. General Motors (GM) restructured as part of bankruptcy and stopped making Pontiac. Additionally, GM took Cadillac franchises from smaller dealerships — including McCurry Deck. “It was a very uncertain time for all dealerships, not just GM dealers,” Paul said. Just as things looked dark, a silver lining appeared after Chevrolet closed its franchise in Forest City. In 2010, with Paul at the helm of the company, McCurry Deck opened its Nissan franchise in Forest City. Paul started working with the dealership in 1981. “I wanted to work with my dad and I got to for almost 30 years,” Paul said. Over the years, McCurry Deck has experienced progressive growth. What started as a business with two employees — Leonard and Paul — has grown to a dealership with two locations and nearly 40 employees.
Courtesy photos
TOP: This is an aerial view of McCurry-Deck’s dealership on U.S. 74A approximately 20 years ago. The dealership moved to its present location in 1968. The dealership remains at that location today. TOP LEFT INSET: Kenneth Deck and his wife Doris Warlick Deck. BOTTOM LEFT INSET: Leonard McCurry and his wife Winona Goode McCurry. BOTTOM: The award was given to Ken Deck and Leonard McCurry in 1978 for outstanding sales.
About McCurry-Deck
Address: 1740 U.S. 74A in Forest City Phone: 828-286-2381 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Website: http://http://www.mccurry-deck.com
During those years, the changes have been plentiful. “I’ve seen the manufacturers put more requirements on us and how we do things everyday,” Paul said. “We’ve had to put more and more investment into the business.” Another big change has been how car dealers bring customers to the car lot. What used to be a business reliant on in-person first contact has grown
Matthew Clark/Daily Courier
McCurry-Deck owner Paul Deck talks about a sale with one of his managers. Paul has worked for McCurry-Deck since 1981. The business was started by his father Kenneth Deck and Leonard McCurry in 1961.
with the Internet age. “It has broadened our customer base,” Paul said. “It’s very different today.” McCurry Deck doesn’t just rely on its loyal customer base in Rutherford County either. The Internet along with word-of-mouth has attracted customers from all over the region. “We’ve always been able to attract business from outside the county,” Paul said. “We found out a long time ago about treating customers the way we want to be treated.” Even with the changes to the dealership, requirements from the manufacturers and increased presence with the Internet, Paul said the base of the business has remained the same since
it started in 1961. “It’s still a people business,” Paul said. “It’s still a matter of doing things the right way and taking care of customers.” Paul said the future promises to be just as challenging as the past, but the core of the business — customer service — isn’t going to change. “There’s so much change that goes on in our industry, it is hard to tell what will happen,” Paul said. “But, we try to adapt and even anticipate those changes without changing our core values. “I’ve seen a lot of things, and it’s always something it seems like but, that’s part of the exciting things in the business.”
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Al Lovelace, Phyllis Lovelace-Brisco, Lynne Searcy
Wherever you are in your retirement planning, We can help you to manage your wealth, Plan for income in retirement, and protect the family. Call us for a review of your current plan. Serving Rutherford County for 30 years with financial advice.
431 S. Main St., Suite 8 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Tel. 828/288-1378 Fax 828/288-0763 www.lovelacefinancialgroup.com Securities and products offered through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-554-1234), member FINRA, SIPC. Annuity and insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC and its insurance agency subsidiaries. AXA Network, LLC does business in California as AXA Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC and, in Utah, as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC. AXA Advisors and AXA Network do not provide tax or legal advice. Lovelace Financial Group, LLC is not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or AXA Network. AGE 89454 (12/13) (Exp 12/15)
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014
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D19
HILL’S
from page D5 Robert and Ellen became so identified with the business that many of their customers thought of them as the Hills. Neither of them seemed to mind being addressed as Miss Hill and Mr. Hill. Allegedly, Robert, who admitted that a wrench did not fit his hand, was nevertheless able to advise anyone trying to install or repair a water system about the parts and fittings they would need and give them thorough instructions about how to proceed. Ellen was known to love jokes, puzzles and gadgets, and surely no one ever had more fun displaying the mysterious properties of a “whoopee stick” than she did. In the years leading up to her death, Ellen was a wellknown fixture in the hardware store, sitting in a rocking chair near the cash register, directing customers up and around the aisles to find what they needed. In the 1980s, Hill’s bought out its neighbor and competitor, broke through the wall to connect the two
Courtesy photos
TOP: Robert Hensley and Ellen Hill Hensley operated the business together for a quarter century. TOP LEFT INSET: First generation Hills, Minnie Iola and G. Fred Hill. Mr. Hill was the founder and driving spirit behind Hill’s Hardware in Rutherfordton. BOTTOM LEFT INSET: The family owned and operated hardware business is currently run by Martha Hensley (left) and her daughter Michelle “Shellie” Heaton (center). They are pictured with the late Robert Hensley, Martha’s father. BOTTOM: The family of G. Fred Hill, the founder of Hill’s Hardware, gathered together in the 1940s.
store buildings and hired the former Keeter employees to work in the combined business. Martha and Shellie are now in charge of operations, and while customers often look around for the man in charge, they are soon happy to deal with the two knowledgeable women. “Some people are a little surprised to see the business run by women, but most people have grown past that,” Shellie said. “When I was a teenager, it was more about me being a woman
and a young kid, and how did I know anything about hardware? But since I grew up in the business and my mother and grandmother were in the business before me, most people have gotten over that stereotype. People that come in pretty much know that we women know what we’re talking about.” Hill’s Hardware has witnessed a variety of changes throughout the years, from the product mix in response to altered buying habits of customers to
About Hill’s Hardware
Address: 184 North Main Street in Rutherfordton Phone: 828-287-4105 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Email: hillshardware@hillshardware. com Website: http://hillshardware.com
the updated management systems. “Our biggest areas have been plumbing and basic hardware needs, and lately we’ve concentrated more on the nostalgia and the tourism areas with more decorative items, gifts and flags in our general store,” Shellie said. There are no more card files for keeping up with customers, no more late nights hunched over a mechanical calculator computing inventory data and no more open bins with a scale nearby for weighing nails by the pound. And yet, despite the changes, the hospitality and atmosphere — and for some customers, the scent — of the old store remains. “Over the years the changes I have seen include all those changes that have happened to the town with the economy’s ups and downs,” Shellie said. “But we’re still here, and we hope to be around another 50 years.”
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D20 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, March 30, 2014 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
Fair Haven Home Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary 1964-2014
1964: Fair Haven began as a 32 bed Rest Home and expanded to 37 over the next few years. Mrs. Bill Higgins & Mrs. Iris McKeithan began this service to provide the residents of Rutherford County, the best possible care for our seniors. Mack McKeithan, the current owner, came on board in 1972 and remains committed to this tradition. 1979: Eastwood Village Retirement Community began with individually owned homes to enable seniors to remain independent in a supporting environment. Eastwood has grown to a current 37 homes. 1992: Fair Haven added 30 Skilled Nursing beds to its campus. This enabled us to provide a continuum of care from independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. 2014: We are proud to be a 5-star Medicare facility and excited about our future as we develop the Green House Project concept. We will become the first Green House facility in North Carolina and this promises to revolutionize the way skilled nursing is provided today. Nationally, 1/3 of seniors will spend at least some time in a nursing facility and we want to make sure that care is the best there is for our County. We thank you, Rutherford County, for your support and confidence over the past 50 years and our success would not be possible without dedicated staff. Our guiding scripture is Proverbs 29:18 which states, “Where there is no vision the people perish.”We are blessed and fortunate to have our talented staff led by the most competent and highly trained personnel available Mack McKeithan, Owner, 42 years Suzanne Hensley, Administrator, 22 years John Cilone, Chief Financial Officer, 20 years Beth Dorsey, Director of Nursing, 13 years Dan McKeithan, Admissions/Social Services Director, 16 years Charles McKeithan, Business Office Manager, 11 years Donna Cromer, Activities Director, 18 years Kay Wilson, Housekeeping Supervisor, 14 years Frank Cromer, Director of Maintenance, 3 years Judy Lewis, Certified Dietary Manager, 2 years