Life In Our Foothills March 2021 by Tryon Daily Bulletin

life IN OUR

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

FOOTHILLS March 2021

March 2021

Toys, Chocolates & Magic Rugs Helping folks find solutions

Her love for the Foothills

A farm to family gem

$4.95

Live the life you choose... Experience the luxury and comfort of maintenance-free living on our beautiful 50-acre campus, right in the heart of Hendersonville. Call today to schedule your personalized tour.

828.693.7800

142974

Live the life you choose...

333 Thompson Street • Hendersonville, NC 28792 • LakePointeLanding.com

to Keep You Healthier

WORKING HARDER We’ve Upset the Apple Cart at St. Luke’s We’ve listened to you, improved our processes, and made changes where change was required. We’ve brought in new surgeons. We’ve added new services and expanded others. Both of our family medical clinics are now designated “Rural Health Clinics.” And we’ve been named one of only 266 hospitals nationwide to earn a 5-star rating for patient experience.

We’re now a much better hospital! Compare for yourself at medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html

HHHHH (828) 894-3311 SaintLukesHospital.com 101 Hospital Drive Columbus, NC 28722

FROM THE EDITOR

aise your hand if you’re ready for springtime! I’m sure most of us are. During this time of year, I tend to find myself longing for either a snowy ending to winter or an early, warm spring. Not this in-between sixty-degree weather we’ve got going on…. That means it’s time to dust off that old to-do list and get to work in the yard or in the house! Landrum Hardware is prepared for every chore you’ve got on the list. They’ve always been big in Landrum, but Shawn had no option other than to get bigger. Keep flippin’ the pages to read why the classic hardware store has been around for so long. I have a sneaky suspicion it’s all about the friendly atmosphere….

Kevin Powell General Manager

Next, let’s move to the streets of Tryon and head into Carolina Confections to discover Julia’s Hearthstone Heritage creations of wooden toys, hand-hooked rugs, and a very Tryon feel what with all the Tryon Toymakers and Woodcarvers strewn across the shop. It’s all about the nostalgia for Julia.

On the cover

life IN OUR life IN OUR

On your way home, take a little detour down North Blackstock in Landrum to stop and take some classy photos at a rustic red barn that’s nearly seventy years old. What’s better than taking a springtime drive to photograph the last antique structure of an old family farm?

FOOTHILLS

March 2021

ILLS

LIFE IN OUR FOOTH March 2021

Julia’s Toys, Chocolates & Magic Rugs re

Landrum Hardwa

Why Susan Love’s The Foothills

Once a Farm Now a Family Gem

Julia Calhoun

Toys, Chocolates & Magic Rugs (Story on page 22)

Photo by Vincent Verrecchio 4

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

$4.95

So, let this issue of Life in Our Foothills be your tour guide for the month of March. Stroll around the ‘Local Lowe’s’ of Landrum, stop in at a candy shop in downtown Tryon, and pull out your camera for the ride home. Before you know it, spring will be sprung! Do you love Life in Our Foothills but don’t want to be one of those people left on the outside looking in because they have all the copies been snatched up? Not a problem, we can help with that. Call our office during March 2021 and sign up to receive Life in Our Foothills mailed to you for only $15 a year. That’s 75% off the cover price! Mention promo code SPRING to take advantage before the April breezes blows it away. Macy Cochran Contributor, guest editor and recent graduate ready to take on the world

life IN OUR

Staff General Manager Kevin Powell Graphic Design Jullia Zeleskey

Administration Courtney Smith

Marketing Ben Bouser

Distribution Jeff Allison Jamie Lewis

FOOTHILLS Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Editor, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to kevin.powell@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.

When You Are In Need, We Are Here! Finding financial security helps you better enjoy life, such as our passions of riding horses, playing music and traveling. What are you passionate about? We’d love to help you create a values-driven financial plan.

Let’s start our journey together:

parsecfinancial.com/offices/tryon

Contributors Mark Levin, Writer and Photographer

Mark is retired from a career in education. In addition to the classroom he has had a lifetime of experiences earning a buck as a photographer, videographer, author, musician and camp director. You can follow his blog about people and places in the foothills at www.FoothillsFaces. com or check out his new podcast he enjoys with a friend of 50 years at www.garyandmark.com.

Vincent Verrecchio, Writer and Photographer

When not working in advertising as a copywriter, art director, photographer, creative director, and agency owner, Vince was on a horse with a camera in his hand somewhere in North America, Europe, or Africa. Now lightly retired from advertising, for more than 40 years, he writes about whatever strikes his fancy, looks for interesting photos everywhere and wanders the Foothills on a horse.

Macy Cochran, Writer and Photographer

Macy Cochran is a recent graduate from North Greenville University with a degree in English. She is a lover of books, coffee, hang gliding and binge watching sitcoms from the 90’s. As a creative writer, she often spends her time working on her novels, poetry and short stories.

Jullia Zeleskey, Photographer and Graphic Designer

Jullia has always had an passion for art and design. These two interests have blossomed into a career she can enjoy on a daily basis. As a photographer, her keen eye for that unique shot are showcased in the Tryon Daily Bulletin, Life in Our Foothills and Visitors Bulletin magazines. Most weekends, she can be found spending time outdoors hiking or mountain biking a trail off the beaten path or sipping a vanilla latte.

Pebbles, Writer

Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman. Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org

LIFE OUR FOOTHILLS 6 6 LIFE IN IN OUR FOOTHILLS

our agents are ready to help you enjoy a...

Foothills Lifestyle

Our agency consists of agents who either grew up in the area and elected to stay here or agents who grew up somewhere else and selected to move here. Whether by election or selection, it is their love for this area that makes our agents excited about helping buyers or sellers experience that same feeling and enjoy a foothills lifestyle.

KATHY TOOMEY BROKER/OWNER

285 N. Trade St., Tryon • 828-817-0942 • Kathy@KathyToomey.com

NewViewRealtyLLC.com

Experienced agents licensed in both NC & SC • Members of Canopy MLS & Greenville MLS Active members of the community & sponsors of Tryon Beer Fest, Tryon International Film Festival, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Summer Tracks, Tryon Little Theater, Foothills Humane Society and Tryon Fine Arts Center

Contents 12 Helping folks find solutions Landrum Hardware

20 Why I Love The Foothills Susan Speight

22 Toys, Chocolates & Magic Rugs Julia Calhoun

30 Once a Farm, Now a Family Gem

The Cochran Family barn

38 Stanley & Grace Pebbles

42 Black Forest Brownies Pebbles

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Toys, Chocolates & Magic Rugs Photo by Vincent Verrecchio

Stories of Love

A Love for Jewelry Photo by Macy Cochran

43 Rosewater & Saffron Ice Cream Quick Bites

44 Cheesy Baked Pasta Quick Bites

45 Banana Bread Quick Bites

40 12 10

The story of Maui

Landrum Hardware Photo by Mark Levin

46 Parting Glance

Trusted in the Industry. Rooted in the Community. • SINCE 1931 •

From Tryon to St. Pete

47 Parting Glance Hogback Mountain

48 Marketplace 50 Ad Index

pennyinsuranceagency.com

MARCH 2021

Paul Zimmerman

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

MARCH 2021

Landrum Hardware Helping Folks Find Solutions to their Problems Writer & Photographer Mark Levin Shawn and Susan Evans didn’t move to the Foothills to start a hardware. They grew up in small towns in Michigan, but even the thought of small peaceful towns in the South wasn’t what got them here. They were working in various positions in a large building materials distributor. Eventually it made sense to move to Greenville to be in a better geographical location to make business travel easier. But they owned horses and after bringing the horses, and family down from Michigan in the winter of 2001, they were here to stay. Shawn and Susan and their two daughters (now teens) settled in Greer and this area became their home for good. The notion of running a hardware store hadn’t crossed their minds. All of that changed when they saw an opportunity in Landrum and in December 2013, they signed the papers

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

to take over the hardware business from Darrell Bustle. Darrell had purchased the business several years before from the Thompson family. Thompsons’s Hardware was originally founded in 1905. Shawn and Susan found themselves with a bustling business squeezed into 2,800 square feet of downtown space. While they had pretty much anything anyone might need, finding it was part of the fun and mystery of an old-fashioned hardware store. It wasn’t unusual to have the sidewalk in front filled with wheelbarrows, barbecue grills and planters just to free up some room inside. The old building had plenty of charm, but parking was limited to a couple of spots in front and a few more behind the building. Shawn knew it was unlikely for a customer to return that day if a parking space wasn’t readily available.

Owner Shawn Evans

Bird feeders and supplies

Green Egg Cookers MARCH 2021

Hardwares are colorful places

Stocking shelves 14

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

The Evans’s knew they had outgrown this location and started the search for a solution. They found it in a nearly ten-acre parcel just down the road next to the BiLo complex. Anything new going up in a small town is always big news and just seeing all the dirtmoving taking place had locals wondering what could take up that much space. It didn’t take long for word to get out, and folks couldn’t wait to check out what a new hardware store would look like in Landrum. The building took shape and to those used to the small mom and pop hardware sized store, this one looked huge. Shawn wasn’t about to announce an opening day because he knew just moving the mile or so from the old to the new would be a monumental undertaking. That was an understatement. The Landrum Hardware crew would work all day in the old store and then bit by bit, after closing hours, move inventory to the new place. And then, without fanfare…the crew put up a sign at the old building saying, “We have moved…” followed with a banner on the new building reading, “Now Open.” By 10:00 a.m. that October 2018 morning, they were slammed with customers. Business has never slowed down. Local kids have nicknamed the store, “Landrum Lowes.” But it’s not Lowes. It’s not Home Depot. It’s better. When you walk in the door, you’ll be asked if you need help. Shawn says customers occasionally say they get asked “too much” if they need help – they just want to browse. And in 12,000 square feet of space, there’s a lot of browsing opportunities. In addition, there’s another 3,000 square feet of space under roof for the gardening department and other needs. Service is the underlying philosophy of Shawn’s business plan. His dozen or so employees understand that before saying “no,” they’re to ask another employee. Pretty much everyone can relate to walking into a big box store and not finding anyone who can help them. Shawn makes sure that’s not going to be the case at his Landrum Hardware. I can personally relate several Landrum Hardware stories that made me a devotee. I’ll stick with one.

Custom paint mixing

Like annual physicals, a yearly financial checkup can help uncover hidden problems, inspire you to set new goals, provide information you need to improve your health, and help make sure you’re on track for well-being. We specialize in thoughtful and objective investment guidance aimed at keeping your finances and goals in shape.

Mi k e A s h wo r t h , C F P ® Steve Collie, CFP® K a t h e r y n Go r d o n , F i n a n c i a l A d v i s o r 493 South Trade Street T r y o n , NC 2 8 7 8 2 Phone: (828) 552-4443 www. a s h wo r t h f i n a n c i a l g r o u p . c o m

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

Something for everyone at Landrum Hardware

A couple of years ago I was looking for a cart to pull behind my riding mower. I saw one online I wanted, but the thought of it arriving in 40 pieces wasn’t exciting, and if something wasn’t right…there was that! I visited a different area business. They had a similar cart that was close enough. I asked if they could get it to my house. “Nope, not possible,” they said. “We don’t deliver.” They said I could buy it online, have it shipped to the store, and I could come get it in the box and perhaps it would fit in my Honda Accord. I wasn’t interested. On a whim I drove right over to Landrum Hardware and they had the same brand of cart I was looking for. They didn’t have the size I wanted, but my real issue was still going to be how was I going to get it home? I mentioned that to the staff member helping me. He said, “Look around. Every person working here has a pick-up truck. We’ll get it to you.” They ordered the size I wanted. Three days later it was in and assembled. I got the call to 16

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

come up and someone would follow me home. And that’s when I was reminded of how nice it is to have Landrum Hardware in our backyard. Shawn says they were almost out of room in the new building as soon as it opened. The building was designed by Do it Best co-op, of which the store is a member. While they have no plans to expand anytime soon, they certainly have the land if needed. It’s a good problem to have. Shawn and Susan still own the downtown building which serves as overflow storage. One day they might rent or sell the old building, but for now there’s not time to think about that. All of their time is spent working to take care of their customers. If by chance they don’t have what you need the day you visit, they will do their best to get it there in a day or two. Trucks arrive from the Do it Best warehouse in Lexington twice a week. With the co-op’s 70,000 items in stock, you’re going to find what you need. Shawn believes that when a customer comes in with a problem, he wants them leaving with a solution. That’s his goal.

Swiss Army Knives

X - TCA 20-21 Artist Series 5 - FOOTHILLS Color 1-2 Pg Ad - Cho-Liang Lin copy.pdf

8/10/20

11:25 AM

Cast iron skillets

Dark Corner Custom Crankbaits

Business Info: Landrum Hardware at 1712 Highway 14 East in Landrum is open seven days a week, 7 to 7 Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 on Sundays. Phone: 864/ 457-2324. Their website at www. LandrumHardware.com is tied into the Do it Best website so it’s possible to order any of those 70,000 items if it’s not currently in stock in Landrum. But chances are, they have it. In addition to the usual hardware staples, Landrum Hardware also does knife and chainsaw sharpening, glass cutting, paint mixing, and key making. They are a U-Haul Rental dealer, and one day hope to start refilling propane tanks.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

MARCH 2021

Q&A

Why I Love the Foothills with Susan Speight By Macy Cochran Susan Speight, author of White Oak Mountain, North Carolina, isn’t a local like most people would assume. While she grew up in the mountains near Knoxville, TN, the story we know of Susan begins on a farm in the center of South Carolina and continues on our historical White Oak Mountain. Though she has work experience with everything between ice cream parlors to schools to mentorships, she’s twenty years retired and an absolute lover of our beloved Foothills. Just because she didn’t grow up here doesn’t mean it isn’t in her blood to be grounded here. While searching the internet for the history of White Oak, she found that her grandfather helped design the second structure to ever be built on the mountain on which she now resides. That, she knows, is partly what makes her feel like she belongs there.

What brought you to the Foothills? Growing up in Knoxville, TN, is part of the reason I got here. I spent most of my adult life in South Carolina, but I grew up in the Smokies, so the mountains are home to me. I always wanted to live in a little house on a mountain, but when I got married twenty years ago, I moved to my husband’s farm in Columbia. Now, I’m not a farm girl, but I tried to be. And one day my husband said, “You know, I’ve been thinking…” When he does that, I know something is in the works. We bought the little stone house on White Oak Mountain on the old YMCA campgrounds in 2004 and sold the farm in 2006, commuting back and forth on the weekends until we decided to live here full-time in ’04.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

What about the Foothills inspires you? Of course, I love the friends I’ve made, but I also love the weather. The funny thing about the weather on the mountain is that it’s never the same up there as it is in town. It’s always ten degrees cooler. You have snow, ice, wind, fog, but down here there might be none of that. Also, there’s no traffic which I love. Why write two books about this area? Because we live here, and the campers who used to be at the YMCA camp inspired me. Once I finished one book, I couldn’t stop. The first civilization on the mountain was in 1887, and I was fascinated by the evolution of the mountain. Why wouldn’t people come here? I wondered. It’s been interesting. The only person who said I shouldn’t write the book was an old neighbor who warned that it might draw too many people to our quiet area. But this book fills in the blanks about the history. These stories have always been spread out, and now they’re all here in one place. It’s like a treasure hunt. What do you believe makes this are the jewel it is? I think all of this area has a spiritual draw. Anyone who comes that isn’t from here has a story about what attracted them to this place. Before my husband and I moved here, we were driving around these towns and made our way up the mountain and saw a man standing in his yard. So, we rolled down our window and asked what this place was. Later, we bought the foreclosed stone cabin and made it ours. My favorite part about being here is that we don’t have to use air conditioning! We never dreamed of being in a place where we could escape the Columbia heat, but every morning in the spring and summer when I wake up, I open all the doors and windows. I’d say some of the best memories of my life have been made on this mountain with my grandchildren. My true favorite part of being here is the memories.

Grading, Land & Lot Clearing, Structure Demolition & Debris Removal, Drainage & Erosion Solutions, Culvert & Pipe Work, Driveways & Road Installation & Repair, Tree Removal, Fill Dirt & Top Soil, Bush Hogging, and more! Excellent Reviews and References! Call today for your free estimate!

JASON & PAULA RAVAN ravanearthworks@outlook.com

What makes this area home to you? The mountains. It has to be the mountains. Growing up in the Smokies, we had this big, huge window in our house, and you could see the mountains in the distance. And when I lived in Columbia and would drive up I-26 to North Carolina, I’d see the mountains from the interstate and just feel at home. If people come to visit us on White Oak, people always say that everyone is so nice here, and my response is always, “Well, that’s because they’re thrilled to be here!”

MARCH 2021

Julia stocks Carolina Confections with the best from familyowned chocolatiers nationwide who make artisan chocolates the old-fashioned way, not mass-produced.

Julia’s Toys, Chocolates & Magic Rugs Writer & Photographer Vincent Verrecchio A plain white 6x2-inch sign atop the illuminated glass display case competes with the spectacle of 14 trays of gourmet chocolates on two shelves behind the glass. With visions of sugarplums, marzipans, dark and light turtles, clusters and creams, and other sweet temptations, a customer may miss the message, “Please make your checks out to Hearthstone Heritage.” “What’s Hearthstone Heritage?” I ask Julia Calhoun who smiles at me from behind the selection of at least a million delightful calories. I’m in the Jackson Building, 17 South Trade Street, at the chocolates counter and had thought of this as Julia’s Carolina Confections. To get here, I had walked 22

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

past Julia’s Tryon Toymakers and Woodcarvers at the front of the store. A few steps further and I’d be in Julia’s Mills Mosseller Studio with its hand-hooked rugs. From my perspective, all of this is Julia’s bazaar with rows of shops that blend one into the other. Rugs become books and books become puzzles that become fresh-daily casseroles. “It’s the umbrella name for my companies,” she replies. “Why?” “Nostalgia. I was born at old St. Luke’s Hospital, grew up on Hearthstone Ridge, and have many fond memories as a child in Tryon.”

She remembers sobbing so loudly at “Bambi” that her godmother had to take her out of the Tryon Theater. She thrilled at the live show on the same stage with cowboy star Lash LaRue doing whip tricks with sidekick Fuzzy St. John. Playing touch football at Harmon Field, she wrenched her knee badly enough that today she can talk of an old football injury. Every Saturday, she walked to the Missildine Pharmacy for a ham sandwich and chocolate milk shake. “The train whistle at night was always comforting,” she said. “It was a sad event when friends and I rode the last passenger train. It crept up the Saluda Grade so slowly that we got out of the passenger car and walked back to the boxcar. We could have picked flowers on the way.” Teen years included Tryon and Spartanburg High Schools and National Cathedral School in Washington. At Hollins College in Virginia, she double majored, Theater and English, with a minor in Chemistry. She further trained in theater set and light design and came back to Tryon in time for the opening of TFAC in 1969 where she worked with Ronnie Mosseller. Decades in the future, Julia would buy his rug business. In 1988, she and her now late husband, Dan Williams, started the Tryon Publishing Company, a firm that she continues today with her other three businesses. The oldest of the three is Tryon Toymakers and Woodcarvers. “It’s one reason I have ‘Heritage’ in the name,” says Julia. Eleanor Park Vance studied woodcarving in England, 1899. In 1913, she and Charlotte Louise Yale, at the urging of Tryon’s local Sherlock Holmes, William Gillette, moved from Asheville to Tryon and started Tryon Toymakers and Wood Carvers. Chuck Herndon bought the business in 1978 and Julia purchased it from him in 2015.

MARCH 2021

An entrepreneur, Julia believes she inherited a merchant gene from her grandfather, Julian Calhoun, who graduated from Wofford College in 1898 and opened the second office supply store in South Carolina.

“I bought it for sentimental reasons,” she said. “My earliestmemory of Tryon toys is pre-first grade, playing with Jacqueline Brown and her collection of farm animals, a gift from her grandfather Carter Brown. Later, I remember a sense of trepidation the first time I worked on a toy after buying the business. I was personally responsible for a small horse, worried about doing it right. But I got into a zone where the world went away and it was just me, a paintbrush, and the wood figure. The activity becomes it’s own reward... though I do enjoy when a child’s face brightens at something I made and a toy sells.” Today, customers not only buy toys for the playful joy of it, but collectors also buy Julia’s work for the craftsmanship and mystique of designs going back over 100 years. “In my business plan, gourmet chocolates seemed

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

a natural product fit with toys. I had a books and chocolates shop in Hillsborough for nine years and made contact with most of the family-owned chocolatiers who made artisan chocolates the oldfashioned way, not mass-produced. That’s what you’ll find here.” Julia now looks to the back of her market and continues, “In 1925, Lillian Mills Mosseller founded her rug studio and elevated an old mountain handcraft into an art for large formal rugs. She exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1937 and sold at Saks Fifth Avenue. After WWII, her son Ronnie joined the business.” The team made rugs for the Smithsonian, Williamsburg Inn, and numerous noted families and celebrities. They moved to Tryon in 1957 to the old post office on Pacolet Street.

To recreate authentic toy designs to populate her shelves, Julia Calhoun tracked down collectors and borrowed original Tryon toys as references.

At Tryon Toymakers and Woodcarver, the displays change with the season.

With rug hooking, Julia gets into the same immersive creative zone as when toy making.

In Julia’s bazaar, rows of shops on both sides of an aisle blend one into the other. From the front on one side, toys become chocolates, and rugs become books. On the other side, returning to the front, books become puzzles and games that become fresh, ready-to-go heritage cooking.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

The heritage of Tryon Toymakers includes more than toys.

“In my business plan, gourmet chocolates seemed a natural product fit with toys,” says Julia.

“When Ronnie decided to close, I could not imagine losing such an important part of Tryon. I purchased the business to preserve a legacy. I also love rug hooking. There’s a magic to turning threads of colored yarns into a work of art that invites to be touched.” The Vikings had been pulling lengths of yarn with a hook through a coarse fabric base long before introducing the craft to Scotland. Scottish sailors brought rug hooking to North America at least 200 years ago. “In 1967, I was designing rugs for Ronnie when there was a tight deadline for a large rug. It was all hands on deck and I pitched in hooking. Large rugs are typically a team effort. For example, the 7x9-foot rug on the wall took two and a half people four months. Today, my large rugs are commission only, sold to interior designers. Rugs displayed here now are for retail sale, and I have a design idea for making a new small rug. With rug-hooking I get into the same creative zone as toy making.” MARCH 2021

Julia Calhoun says she bought Tryon Toymakers and Woodcarvers for sentimental reasons.

Julia’s favorite toy. (Photo courtesy of Monica Stevenson)

Julia enjoys when a child’s face brightens at something she made. The somersaulting rabbit is a “real kid tranquilizer.”

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

I ask about De Jour and its ready-to-cook meals in a corner of her market. Julia explains, “Owned and operated by Jen Grubbs with her family-recipe casseroles and Maggie Chamberlain who preserves the taste of old New Orleans and southwest dishes. I think of it as heritage cooking. The Book Shelf is owned by my sister Nicki Truluck, preserving a Tryon tradition of independent bookstores.” Before leaving, I note a sign behind Julia: “Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” She explains that it was posted for a Halloween Stroll, and friends convinced her to leave it. Seems appropriate to me after the wizardry I had found within these historic walls.

828-243-2510 When Julia works on a toy she goes “into a zone where the world goes away” and it’s just her, a paintbrush and the wood figure. The activity becomes it’s own reward.

974 S. Trade Street

MARCH 2021

Once

A Farm,

Now A Family Gem Writer & Photographer Macy Cochran The red barn on North Blackstock Road might look like it’s falling down, but in 69 years, it’s survived massive thunderstorms, the blizzards and many strong winds. The metal roof tempts to peel up at those winds, and the Locust wood wall built by Leroy Carruth has lost some boards, but the original concrete foundation on which it was built will remain for the next 69 years to come. Linda Cochran, daughter of Leroy, inherited the barn when her father died over twenty years ago, though it is claimed by the entire family as a sort of shared piece of the property. Some fifty years ago, the barn was the center stage of a farm and housed cattle, pigs, chickens and at times,

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

goats. Across the road on the rolling hills were acres upon acres of peach orchards, though now the family land is owned by Leroy’s daughter Linda and grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Chris and Rita Cochran. While the family no longer raises farm animals or plants orchards, the classic barn is the last remaining evidence that a farm was ever there. Linda and her twin sister Lois moved into the house on the corner when they were four years old in 1946, and the barn came with the house. “The house was built in the early 1800’s, and in 1953 after we’d been in the house for years, he tore down the old barn and built the

The rustic barn under, and enduring, yet another snowfall.

MARCH 2021

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

new one which is the one standing today,” Linda says. “For people riding by to take a picture, I think it’s because old barns are very fascinating to people. It was the barn that first attracted my husband to this land when we built our house next to it. I can just say, it’s been a fixture around our house. It’s an interesting old barn.” Local painters stop with their canvases and brushes to paint this iconic structure on the west side of Landrum. It’s been painted, in fact, by Dale McEntire, cousin of the owners of the barn. The barn has also been painted by local artist April McDonald and by students of local artist Pamela Rattery Brown Caldwell. Throughout the changing seasons, tourists and locals alike pull over to take photographs of the rustic red building, often knocking on Linda’s door for permission to take photo shoots at the barn. Shelby Morris, a former resident of Landrum, stopped at the barn to take what she calls, “Rustic, country-style photos,” because she is a lover of antique things and farmhouse looks.

There’s No Place Like Home White Oak Village provides the setting, security and peace of mind for those who wish to realize their retirement dreams. Our goal is to provide healthy and active lifestyle solutions. Enjoy spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments – each with a private sunroom and access to numerous amenities and services the Village provides.

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! WhiteOakIndependentLiving.com/village (828) 859-5871 | 70 Oak Street | Tryon, NC

White Oak Village Independent Living

That same attraction is what draws in those who drive by, then turn around to stop and gaze at the lovely barn. Katie, daughter of Chris and Rita, says, “There’re always people pulling over in my driveway to get out and take pictures of the barn.” She now lives in Linda’s childhood home, the 1850’s farmhouse. “It’s been a landmark for as long as I can remember, and it’s been a marker for directions for years,” Chris says. “It’s kind of an honor to own something like that. I mean, when people

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

stop, they’re actually trespassing, but I don’t really mind because they really just like that thing.” Linda’s late husband, Randall Cochran, was taken by the barn, she says. In fact, her childhood friends were always fascinated to go to there and play. Now, each generation of children in the family have grown up near the barn, playing like Linda and her twin sister did at a young age, though each generation sees an older, more deteriorated version of that barn. Over the years, the family kids curiously

Sitting Pretty?

FURNITURE & MATTRESS

828-692-1471 brunsonsfurniture.com 400 N. King St. Hendersonville, NC M,TU: 9-6

W,TH,F: 9-7

SAT 9-4

MARCH 2021

climb the ladder to the loft, and every year, the loft grows a little more haunted, the wooden ladder crumbling a bit more. It took only a couple of months to be built by Linda’s dad and her uncle who came down from Iowa. “They hired a guy to paint it red because all barns were red,back then,” she says, recalling growing up on the farm with Lois and her younger brother Ken. In fact, she and her twin sister Lois used to tie a rope inside the loft and swing over the barnyard, out the twostory high opening. These days, the Cochran’s look at the

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

barn as an iconic family heirloom, admired by everyone in the family and cared for by cousins and great uncles alike. Chris and Rita often consider repairing the wood siding, roof, and repainting it, but they’re afraid a contemporary version of the barn might steal away its cherished eclectic charisma. For now, the barn shall remain a loved landmark where passersby may stop for pictures or simply to look upon its rustic charm and nod to the barn’s resilient past, present, and future.

Appointments

Molly and Stanley jumping with ease

Stanley & Grace By Pebbles Proud as a peacock and brave as a lion. That is how I would describe young Stanley. Jet black and quite stunning, he presently resides at Hidden Valley Farms in Inman, S.C., under the tutelage of horsewoman Amelia Nowicki. She is preparing him for the 2021 show season in hopes of capturing many blue ribbons in the Children’s Pony Hunter division. His show partner is 13-year-old Grace Cashman. At 5-ft one-inch tall, Grace is the ideal size for this budding superstar. Stanley will hold a United States Equestrian Federation permanent card to show as a large pony. The show name chosen for Stanley’s career is Take The Edge Off. In 2020, Grace and Stanley competed in Short Stirrup classes capturing respectable ribbons at Tryon International Equestrian Center and FENCE. The duo’s teamwork consistently improved with every passing month. In fact, those who know Grace and Stanley describe them as two peas in a pod. There is a strong connection between these two individuals, there is no doubt about that. Stanley has an appetite that matches his large personality. He enjoys sharing snacks of cookies, candy, fruits and pretzels. Stanley is a ham. He is without a doubt the barn favorite. This pony does not know a stranger, and everyone he meets remarks about his character. 38

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Grace and Stanley

If all of this sounds like Stanley lives a charmed life, you would be right. He has won many under saddle classes and multiple division champions and reserves in the Tadpole Hunters, USHJA 2’ Hunters, and Short Stirrup Hunters from 2018-2020. However, this was not always the case. Just over three years ago, he was rescued from a filthy, knee-deep in mud kill pen. His dark future looked to be a crowded livestock trailer headed to Oklahoma. From there he would be taken another three days without food or water across the US border. Stanley was an intact stallion. Transportation laws require all studs be gelded at a holding facility before being shipped for slaughter in Mexico. Unlike the humane veterinary gelding practices that occur within our HERD rescue, no sedation or painkilling medication would be

administered to Stanley in this horrific process. Lucky for Stanley, we had spotted him at the kill pen in North Carolina before he was loaded to make the unpleasant trip. My mistress Heather Freeman with co-founder of HERD, Scott Homstead, went with their horse trailer and rescued the young black stallion. His size, elegant dish-shaped head, and floating movement, complete with elevated tail carriage, affirmed he was part Arabian. Stanley was taken directly to a quarantine barn in Campobello owned by Kim and Christian Oliver. The Oliver family generously donated the use of a threestall, Edge Brewing Barcelona barn with nice pasture to HERD. They were enthusiastic about helping us in our endeavor to save and rehabilitate equines.

Ting Oliver with Stanley at Edge Brewing rescue barn for HERD MARCH 2021

Amelia and Grace with Stanley

Upon arrival, Stanley revealed a dominant side with signs of food aggressive behavior. He was a bit head shy but eager to be with people. The good sport also was inflicted with a respiratory infection that required a visit from veterinarian Bibi Freer. She laid out his treatment plan to bring him back to perfect health. A proper gelding was also in his future. Just a few weeks after his arrival, the Oliver’s daughter, Ting, became so smitten with gregarious Stanley that she decided to adopt him from HERD. A strong junior competition rider who excelled in timed jumping events, she thought Stanley was an incredible find. Her family supported her decision and joined her to help him. Stanley was moved to their private barn after quarantine was completed. The Oliver family also committed to sponsoring the future training and show career of this eye-catching black steed. On a parallel course was the wide-eyed in equine

wonder, young enthusiast Grace. She was also a new arrival to the Oliver family farm. She had met their farm manager, Lisa Culberson, while helping at mini horse rescue, Puddin’ Pie’s Place. Lisa saw Grace’s horse addiction unfolding. She invited the young lady to join her working around the equines at the Oliver’s barn. It was here she met Stanley and was captivated by his enormous personality. Time spent around horses with Lisa led to Grace’s family agreeing to her pursuit of professional riding lessons. She started her adventure with western training, then moved over to pursue English, enrolling in the program at Hidden Valley Farms. A decision was made by the Oliver family to invest in more training for Stanley beyond their farm. He would expand his talents under the careful efforts of Amelia at her 20-acre farm. She possessed excellent facilities for both under saddle work and jumping lessons. Grace

Appointments 40

The Hoofbeats of the Carolina Foothills

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Bibi Freer Ting Oliver and Stanley

could expand her talents and see Stanley frequently. Here she could develop her skills to become his show partner under Amelia’s watchful eye. Stanley’s elevated head carriage and erratic forward movement were transformed through his training with Amelia and her equestrian sister Molly. He relaxed, dropped his head softly and rounded his athletic frame. His trot became balanced and elegant, his canter consistent. Over fences he delivered scope, power and exceptional form. Molly schooled him regularly, with Amelia’s guidance, in preparation for his role with Grace. Stanley’s blossoming trust in Grace also afforded her the ability to ride him bareback around the farm. Their bond became so great that when Grace was released from a brief hospital stay, her first request was to go see Stanley on her way home. There is nothing more wonderful for a horse than the love of a child. Stanley may have had a frightening, rough start before we discovered him in a kill pen. However, with dedication, investment into his care and training, along with consistent, kind attention, Stanley has come into his own. We shall all look for the mighty pony and his lovely rider Grace at the horse shows around Tryon this spring. This black beauty of a pony is an example of what treasures can be found if one takes a chance. For us, Stanley and Grace are already winners. They found each other and a wonderful group of people in our foothill’s community believe in them wholeheartedly.

MARCH 2021

Black Forest Brownies By Pebbles

Ingredients: • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, use highest quality available for a better brownie • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 eggs • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar • 1/4 cup thick Greek 2% yogurt, use the yogurt and not any of the liquid from the yogurt • 2 tablespoons melted butter • 2 teaspoons vanilla • 16 oz can dark, sweet, pitted cherries in syrup • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions: While you prep, drain cherries well in a strainer. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9 x 9-inch square pan with foil, shiny side down. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder & salt and set aside Stir together eggs, sugar, yogurt, melted butter & vanilla in a bowl by hand, no mixer. Stir flour mixture into egg mixture. Fold in drained cherries and chocolate chips. Spread into pan and bake for 25 minutes. Cool in the pan. Can be cut into 16 smaller brownies.

Quick Bites

Rosewater & Saffron Ice Cream

Ingredients 6 large egg yolks 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1 1/2 cups whole milk 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon saffron, finely ground 1/4 cup pure rosewater, preferably Sadaf brand (see Note) 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Dried roses, for garnish

Directions Step 1 Set a medium bowl in a large bowl of ice water. In another medium bowl, beat the egg yolks until pale, 1 to 2 minutes. Step 2 In a medium saucepan, whisk the cream with the milk, sugar, salt and saffron. Bring to a simmer over moderate

heat, whisking, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Very gradually whisk half of the hot cream mixture into the beaten egg yolks in a thin stream, then whisk this mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard is thick enough to lightly coat the back of the spoon, about 12 minutes; don’t let it boil. Step 3 Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl set in the ice water. Let the custard cool completely, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rosewater and vanilla extract. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the custard and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours. Step 4 Pour the custard base into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer the ice cream to a chilled 9-by-4-inch metal loaf pan, cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. Step 5 Serve the ice cream in bowls, garnished with dried roses. foodandwine.com

MARCH 2021

Quick Bites

Cheesy Baked Pasta with Radicchio

Ingredients

Directions

Ingredient Checklist 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium-size red onions, thinly sliced 1 large head radicchio, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick ribbons 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 3 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided 6 ounces softened goat cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 3 quarts water 1 pound uncooked short pasta (such as gemelli, casarecce, or strozzapreti) 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 8 ounces fontina cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups), divided 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into 1-inch pieces Unsalted butter, softened, for greasing baking dish 2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat oil in a 12-inch, high-sided skillet over medium-high. Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in radicchio, garlic, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until radicchio is just wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in goat cheese and cream; bring to a simmer over medium-high. Remove from heat, and set aside.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Step 2 Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a large pot over high. Stir in 3 tablespoons salt. Add pasta, and cook until just shy of al dente, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain; reserve 1 cup cooking liquid. Stir pasta, reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, pepper, nutmeg, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt into radicchio mixture. Fold in 11/2 cups fontina cheese and prosciutto; toss well. Step 3 Transfer pasta mixture to a 3-quart baking dish lightly greased with butter. Dot with remaining 1/2 cup fontina cheese; sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on top and bubbling around edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. foodandwine.com

Quick Bites

Banana Bread Ingredients 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs, room temperature 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (1 cup) 1/2 cup canola oil 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, bananas, oil, buttermilk and vanilla; add to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in nuts. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined 9x5-in. loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle with additional walnuts. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

54 McFarland Drive Hwy. 108 Tryon, NC 28782

(828) 859-9341

www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

Parting Glance

Even though former Tryonite and graduate of Polk County High School Molly Nelson lives 600 miles away in the Tampa Bay area, she never has forgotten home as seen in the sign she painted, which is hung proudly at Fresco’s Bistro in St. Petersburg, FL. Submitted by Julie McClung

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

goodhousekeeping.com

Parting Glance

A picturesque snow-capped Hogback Mountain after some of the winter weather we have been having recently. Submitted by Macy Cochran

MARCH 2021

Life in Our Foothills • 828.859.9151

Marketplace ng and Remodeling We have shingles, metal, and rubber ng! Painting also! call David at 828-713-4154 DC CONCRETE! Concrete, Stucco, Rock, and Remodeling! Dependable, Reliable, & Satisfaction Guaranteed! FREE ESTIMATES Call Alex or Dave 828-817-7481 or 828-817-2620 Harper Eatery & Pub now hiring part-time Kitchen Staff. Apply in person at 10 Oak St. Tryon. LAND FOR SALE BY OWNER 308 Clement Rd., Chesnee, SC Excellent rural setting- Secluded, quiet, and private 96.2 acres for retirement, residential or commercial development, farmland, horses, or cattle. Active creek. Trees around perimeter. Fenced area for livestock. Open area for 48

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

landing strip, pastures, crops. single or multiple residence(s), outbuildings, barns, or training areas. Easily accessible via Parris Bridge Road or Highway 11. Located 10 miles from I-85, 15 miles from I-26, 18 miles from Tryon International Equestrian Center, 30 miles from Greenville Spartanburg International. Low crime, noise, c area. Nearby schools and small town atmosphere. 960,000.00 Serious inquiries only Contact: lpspms@chesnet.net 864-461-2768 Mill Spring Ag Center: Furnished ce for rent $350/month includes high speed internet, utilities, and your own AC call 828-229-5397 #countonmeNC

C.N.A $1,000 Sign-On Bonus 2nd $2 shift diff 3rd shift $1 shift diff RN/ LPN $2000 Sign-On Bonus 7p-7a FT PT 3p-11p and 11p-7a C.N.A II PT Weekends. Please apply in person at Autumn Care of Saluda 501 Esseola St. Saluda, NC 28773.

Now Accepting Applications for Several Positions • Class A CDL Drivers • Heavy Equipment Operators • Landscape Supply Yard Associates www.hensonsinc. net Click on Employment Opportunities 828-859-5836

Bill the Painter for all of your painting needs. Also do drywall repair and wood repair! 32 years experience. Like Bill the Painter on FaceBook. 828-899-2647

Private House Cleaning. Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly or 1 Time. 15 yrs exp. References upon request. Free In-home Estimates! Marjorie 828-817-6350

•Builders’ Hardware •Postal Specialties. Visit us at: www.bommer.com. Bommer Industries, 19810 Asheville Hwy, Landrum, SC, or online: www.bommer.com DIXON AC & HEATING • Your HVAC Service & Repair Expert • Serving the Tryon area for 30+ years. Call (828)863-0555

Join our growing team! FT/PT opportunities in Weekday/Weekend positions available. Apply in person: 85 Pinecrest Ln, Tryon or email resume to jobs19@pine crestinn.com TRADEMARK BUILDING SUPPLY. 343 E Mills St. Columbus, NC 28722. 828-229-3160. From DeWalt Tools to Exterior Products, call or visit

Trademark for all of your remodeling and building needs. Come join the team at White Oak of Tryon. ts (FT). Competitive pay. Great environment! Applications currently accepted at White Oak of Tryon, 70 Oak Street, Tryon, NC 28782. White Oak of Tryon is an equal opportunity employer. Epperson’s Tree Service • Complete Tree Service •Dangerous removals •View Cutting •Lot Clearing •Tree Trimming •Crane Removals Serving NC for 25yrs Fully Insured ed Arborist (828)606-4980 SYNERGY IN ACTION FULL-TIME & PART-TIME positions available in group homes. Requirements: •Age 18+ •Valid driver’s license

•High school diploma/GED •Willingness to provide support for adults with disabilities: cooking, cleaning, attending appointments, shopping, etc. Night & weekend shifts available. Competitive pay. Call 828-859-0259 for information. Apply in person: 20 Jervey Rd Suite 102, Tryon NC Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm. GOOD BY STUMPS Stump Removal Quantity Discounts on 50+ Stumps! As low as $10 each! Call for pricing. Fully insured. Free Quotes! Call Ron at 828-447-8775 NOW HIRINGWant to haul big? Want to haul heavy? J. Grady Randolph is now hiring Class A Flatbed Drivers. Call today: 864-849-7675 or apply online at www.drive4jgr.com For Sale-23 Acres 360-degree view, cleared land. Hogback Mountain Rd, Landrum. 828-817-4970

Lake Pointe Landing Senior Living Community HELP WANTED •CNAs •LPNs •Housekeeping •Receptionist •Security Guard •Activities Assistant •Dishwasher •Cook Apply in Person: 333 Thompson Street, Hendersonville, NC Dan Steiner Painting • For a Fine Paint Job • High Quality-Low Prices. •Pressure Washing •Gutter Cleaning •Minor Repairs 828-817-0539 or 828-894-6183 Ask about our Winter Specials!

$10 Off Winter Preventative Maintenance (Reg $75) Rutherford Heating and Air 828-287-2240

gmail.com First Real Estate, Inc 2512 Lynn Road Tryon, NC 28782 www.TryonReal Estate.com

ERIKA BRADLEY, REALTOR® 828.702.5970 YOUR LOCAL REALTOR HELPING YOU BUY/SELL IN WNC! ERIKAB@ C21ML.COM CENTURY 21 MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLES 640 GREENVILLE HWY, HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792

Philco’s Pressure Washing Get all the Mold, Mildew, & Oxidation off your house! •Clean Vinyl Siding •Driveways •Sidewalks •Stain & Seal Decks & More! Liability & Workers Comp 31 years Experience Call To Clean Today! Phil Tolleson 864-599-1978 or 864-304-8463

Gary W. Corn CHHPS Realtor/ Broker 828-817-2580 garywcorn@

POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS •Full-Time Custodian/Bus Driver Tryon

Elementary School •Afterschool Group Leaders/All Schools-$10.00/ hour •Bus Drivers-$13.74/ hour-$14/hour •Substitute Bus Monitors-$11/hour •Food Service Aide Substitute $8.28/ hour Visit: www.polkschools. org/employment Call: 828-894-1001 Skipper’s Tree Service Free Estimates 25% Senior Discount References Upon Request Now Accepting Visa/ Master Card Check Our Reviews on Google Call: 864-580-3029

PAVILLON Private, residential treatment facility now hiring: Full-Time Dishwasher. Weekends required. ts! Background check & drug test required. For more information & to apply, visit: www.pavillon.org/ careers or email HumanResources SupportTeam@ Pavillon.org. EOE

MARCH 2021

Advertiser Index 15

Parkside Dental

Parsec Financial

Carolina Storage Solutions

Penny Insurance

Carruth Furniture

Polk County Transportation

Cason Builders Supply

Ravan Earthworks

Ashworth Financial Group Brunson’s Furniture & Mattress

Claussen Walters Realty

back page

ServiceMaster

Congregational Church of Tryon

SG Power & Equipment

Dr. Jonathan Lowry, DDS

Southside Smokehouse

Hensons Building Supply

St Luke’s Hospital

Hospice of the Carolina Foothills

Strauss Attorneys

JB Trees

The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run

Tryon Builders

Lake Pointe Landing

McFarland Funeral Chapel and Crematory

Tryon Concert Association

Miracle Working Clean

Tryon Garden Club

Tryon Presbyterian Church

White Oak Village

New View Realty Odean Keever & Associates Real Estate

7 19

love your neighbor.

no exceptions. Worship 10:30 AM Sunday

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC open & affirming

210 MELROSE AVE, TRYON, NC | UCCTRYON.ORG