Poet Langston Hughes visited Asheville in 1949, offering a series of talks. Not everyone in town agreed on the poet’s merit.
Asheville Archives: The great debate over sex education, 1912-18
“To what extent can sex instruction be given in the public schools?” The Asheville Gazette-News wrote on Sept. 29, 1913. According to the paper, a recent report by the United States Bureau of Eduction offered varying opinions on the matter, ranging from “a detailed plan of sex instruction beginning in the elementary schools to a determined opposition to any form of sex education whatsoever.”
Asheville Archives: Women’s self-care at the start of the 20th century
At the start of the 20th century, as more women joined the workforce, female medications were introduced promising stamina and strength for those laboring all the livelong day.
Asheville Archives: Residents lament the state of city sidewalks, 1889
In 1889, tempers flared as residents challenged Asheville’s Board of Aldermen over the poor conditions of the city’s sidewalks.
Asheville Archives: Residents tackle animal homelessness, 1957-76
“There are more than 40,000,000 homeless dogs and cats in the United States,” wrote Mrs. Fred Hester in a letter published in the May 5, 1957, edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times. “Many people, finding it impossible to find homes for the animals they permitted to be born but are unwilling to keep, resort to drowning, […]
Asheville Archives: City residents dream big in 1920
“Western North Carolina is confident, optimistic in the highest degree, and eager to be busy with the tasks that will come to our hands in 1920,” declared local banker W.B. Davis, in a Jan. 1, 1920, interview with The Asheville Citizen.
Asheville Archives: Billy Borne’s cartoons, 1920
A look back on Billy Borne’s 1920 cartoons.
Asheville Archives: A tribute to Zoe Rhine
Colleagues and friends offer praise of local historian and librarian Zoe Rhine, who will retire at the end of 2019.
History and news: Writer Thomas Calder reflects on 2019
Whether digging through archives or covering the latest community news, Thomas Calder had a busy year. The Xpress writer shares his most memorable stories from 2019.
Preserving the past: What were the greatest preservation initiatives in 2019?
We raised the question to Jack Thomson, former executive director of The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County, who served the nonprofit from September 2010 to November 2019.
Back to the future: Where would you take historical figures in 2019?
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?
Asheville Archives: The life and work of Lucius B. Compton
People came by the hundreds to attend the Rev. Lucius B. Compton’s annual revival services at Eliada in the early part of the 20th century. Known for his deep understanding of the Bible, Compton’s popularity continued to soar throughout much of his life. Scandal, however, erupted in 1943, when the religious leader was indicted on multiple counts of assault with intent to rape.
Asheville Archives: City residents search for a taxidermist, 1955-59
Throughout much of the 1950s, Asheville residents raised the same question again and again: Where can I find a taxidermist?
Nan Chase revisits Asheville’s former restaurants
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library will host a launch party for the release of Nan Chase’s latest book, Lost Restaurants of Asheville. The event includes a talk by the author, followed by a book signing. The event runs from 6-7 p.m.
Asheville Archives: Montreat Normal School launches, 1916
In 1916, tuition for Montreat Normal School (today’s Montreat College) was $225 per year, with scholarship options for those who could not afford to pay in full. The school’s early brochures placed a strong emphasis on character, as well as Christian studies.
Asheville Archives: Residents celebrate a postwar Thanksgiving, 1919
In 1919, a year after the Great War ended, Asheville, along with the rest of the country, prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
Asheville Archives: Locals confronted by the realities of war, 1862
“Buncombe blood flowed freely, and many of our gallant boys are among the slain,” the Asheville News reported on July 17, 1862. At the time, both Union and Confederate troops suffered immense losses during the Seven Days Battles near Richmond, Va.
Asheville Archives: The Asheville Art Museum launches, 1948
On Dec. 26, 1948, several hundred people made their way to Charlotte Street to celebrate the grand opening of the Asheville Art Museum.
Asheville Archives: Buncombe County builds a new jail, 1908
The five story brick structure, the paper wrote, “is fitted out with all the most modern and convenient improvements.” Features included electric lighting, steam heating and ventilators in the ceilings of all cells.
New book chronicles the history of moonshine in North Carolina
In his latest book, historian Daniel Pierce offers a detailed look at the history of moonshine in North Carolina.
Asheville Archives: Ghost stories from our city’s past
In 1898, residents were spooked by an unusual glow inside a vacant house. A few years later, another resident offered the local paper insight on how to deter ghosts from haunting homes.