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Picturing the Past Local History Blog

Community Cookbooks

Culinary arts have boomed in popularity over the last several years.  Whether watching the latest cooking program on television; reading popular fiction such as Diane Mott Davidson’s culinary mysteries; browsing

Dr. Charles Washington Hunt

Dr. C.W. Hunt was born in 1854 in Raleigh, NC. In 1880 at age 26 he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, MD. That same year

Ecusta Mill Beginnings

On March 7, 2024 at 6 pm, the All Things Appalachia series at the Transylvania County Library will show the documentary “Ecusta: The First 50 Years” followed by time for

Community Activist Selena Robinson

Many may still have memories of community activist Selena Robinson. Born on October 22, 1917 Selena Arnetta Hall was the fourth of six children. Her parents were Rev. Dennis Cleveland

Rice Street’s Namesake

When Transylvania County was founded in 1861, many of the earliest organizers had Brevard streets named for them in honor of their contributions to the community. The last founder to

Gaston Street’s Namesake

When Transylvania County was founded in 1861, many of the earliest organizers had Brevard streets named for them in honor of their contributions to the community. The next founder to

Reverend Samuel Raper and TCIO

In honor of Black History Month, this week’s article highlights the Transylvania Citizens Improvement Organization (TCIO) and one of its founders, Reverend Samuel A. Raper. Samuel Anderson Raper (1913-2009) was

Johnson Street’s Namesake

When Transylvania County was founded in 1861, many of the earliest organizers had Brevard streets named for them in honor of their contributions to the community. The next founder to

Jordan Street’s Namesake

Note: This article is part of a series on street namesakes in Brevard. When Transylvania County was founded in 1861, many of the earliest organizers had streets named for them

England Street’s Namesake

When Transylvania County was founded in 1861, many of the earliest organizers had Brevard streets named for them in honor of their contributions to the community. The next founder to

Morgan Street’s Namesake

Note: This article is part of a series on street namesakes in Brevard. When the city of Brevard was founded in 1861, many of the earliest organizers had streets named

1940s First Baby Contests

“First Baby” contests were not unique to Transylvania County, but awarding the first baby born in the New Year was a fun way for local businesses to advertise their products

Corporate Christmas Parties of Yesteryear

Transylvania County businesses have a long history of Christmas celebrations. By the early 1900s, the Silversteens were holding annual holiday gatherings for their employees, celebrations that brought the community together.

Caldwell Street’s Namesake

Note: This article is part of a series on street namesakes in Brevard. When the city of Brevard was founded in 1861, many of the earliest organizers had streets named

Probart Street’s Namesake Part 2

Note: This article is part of a series on street namesakes in Brevard. Probart Poor married his second wife Sarah Ann Wilson (1832-1909) on June 12, 1856 in Hendersonville, NC.

Probart Street’s Namesake Part 1

Note: This article is part of a series on street namesakes in Brevard. When the city of Brevard was founded in 1861, many of the earliest organizers had streets named

Berry’s Restaurant

Berry’s Restaurant was an iconic sight in Transylvania County from 1959-1994 at the location that is presently Wendy’s. The stylish, vertical green sign greeted guests shortly after they entered the

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