If you could grab a drink or a bite to eat in 2019 with a local historical figure, who would it be, and where would you take that person? We posed these questions to Katherine Cutshall, specialist of the North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library. Her top five list follows.
1. Lillian Exum Clement Stafford, suffragette and North Carolina’s first female legislator (see “Asheville Archives: Lillian Exum Clement takes her seat in the House, 1921,” Xpress, March 7)
I’ve always admired Exum and thought we could chat like a couple of old friends. I would want to have her along for a no-frills night out and get her caught up on the state of womankind. A pizza dinner at Asheville Brewing, then to Banks Ave. for libations!
2. Leah Arcouet Chiles, artist, businesswoman, mayor of Kenilworth
Jargon seems like the place to go with this Jazz Age artist and businesswoman. The atmosphere, especially on a late weekend night, reminds me of her photography aesthetic: a little mysterious, but obviously fun.
3. Dr. Esperanza Weizenblatt, civic leader, outdoor enthusiast, optometrist and philanthropist (see “Asheville Archives: The quit contributions of Dr. Esperanza Weizenblatt,” Xpress, Oct. 14)
A member of the Carolina Mountain Club, Weizenblatt loved the outdoors as much as she enjoyed contributing to arts and humanities organizations. I think a dinner at the supercreative Forestry Camp would be her style.
4. E.W. Pearson, civic leader, businessman, founder of the Burton Street Neighborhood (see “Asheville Archives: Royal Giants take the field, 1916,” Xpress, Feb. 26)
Pearson was the founder of Asheville’s first Negro League Baseball team. If I had the chance to take him out, I would head to McCormick Field for a deep-fried Moon Pie from the concession stand.
5. Francesca Guastavino, wife of famed architect Rafael Guastavino
Mrs. Guastavino immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and was known to have some unique personality traits. According to oral histories, she was a real spitfire. A trip to Mountain Madre for a flight of tequila would only serve to highlight her famed personality.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.