“All hail to this new movement known as woman’s suffrage!” wrote one enthusiastic Asheville resident in a letter to the editor, published on Nov. 23, 1894.
Asheville Archives: Helen Morris Lewis fights for women’s suffrage, 1894
“Why should North Carolina be behind in forming woman’s suffrage organizations?” asked local Asheville resident Helen Morris Lewis in a Nov. 15, 1894, address to fellow community members.
Asheville Archives: The city hosts the National Child Labor conference, 1916
In a Feb. 3, 1916, editorial, The Asheville Citizen declared: “Public opinion is an irresistible force, and sooner or later it will banish the blight of child labor from American soil.”
Asheville Archives: The East Riverside Urban Renewal project
In early 1967, the threat of increased property taxes initially delayed the East Riverside Urban Renewal project. By year’s end, the prospect of losing $6.3 million in federal funds led city residents to a change of heart.
Uprooted: Urban renewal in Asheville
As in hundreds of other cities throughout the country, urban renewal dramatically changed Asheville’s neighborhoods and streetscapes. Established by the Housing Act of 1949 to clear blighted neighborhoods, the federal initiative displaced millions of predominantly African American individuals and families between the 1950s and 1980s.
Asheville Archives: Allen High School’s impact on city residents and beyond
Launched in 1887, the Allen High School operated until 1974. Early accounts state that initial classes were held inside a livery stable. But in 1897, an English woman named Marriage Allen donated $1,000 (roughly $31,000 in today’s dollar) for the construction of a proper school.
The little-known story of Asheville’s pioneering aviatrix
As one contemporary newspaper account noted, Uva Minners’ specialty was “walking out onto a wing and going though acrobatics without any safety attachment while the plane whirled along at more than 100 miles per hour.”
Asheville Archives: Langston Hughes addresses the Allen High School, 1949
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.