In 1949, a military plane made an emergency landing in West Asheville. The craft remained grounded for five weeks before the Army produced the necessary resources for a successful takeoff.
Andrea Clark honors James Vester Miller’s contributions to Asheville
The Asheville-based photographer established the James Vester Miller Historic Walking Trail to honor her master brickmason grandfather’s numerous local buildings.
Asheville Archives: Herbert Hoover Jr. convalesces in Asheville, 1930-31
For six months, Herbert Hoover Jr. lived in Asheville. During his stay, residents and reporters alike eagerly awaited a visit from his father, the president of the United States of America.
First of three reparations talks draws hundreds of viewers
The speaker series is part of a three-phase process to create and empower a joint Asheville-Buncombe County Reparations Commission. Once formed, the commission would be tasked with making short-, medium- and long-term recommendations to repair the damage caused by public and private systemic racism.
Asheville Archives: The three burials of Zebulon Vance
Zebulon Vance died on April 14, 1894. For a brief six weeks, his remains lay peacefully inside Riverside Cemetery. But by early June, a dispute among surviving family resulted in his remains being exhumed and relocated before eventually being returned to his original resting place.
Vance Monument removal begins
Work started May 17, and demolition of the 123-year-old monument to Zebulon Baird Vance in downtown Asheville is expected to take two weeks to complete, says city spokesperson Polly McDaniel. Costs to take down the structure block by block will reach roughly $114,000, while an additional $25,500 has been allocated for site restoration following the monument’s removal.
Asheville Archives: Community support amid the Great Depression, 1931
In a Jan. 11, 1932, report, E. Grace Miller, the executive secretary of the Asheville Associated Charities, declared, “Never before have the people of Asheville realized to such an extent that the problem of the unfortunate people of this community are their problems too.”
Asheville Archives: The Majestic Theater spurs controversy, 1921
In 1913, the Majestic Theater opened on the corner of Market and College streets. Some residents bemoaned its early productions as vile and crude, while others cheered them on.
Asheville Archives: President Franklin Delano Roosevelt extols WNC
On September 9, 1936, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt arrived in Knoxville, Tenn. He and his team traversed the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on their way to Asheville, where the commander-in-chief delivered a speech to a crowd of 20,000 people at McCormick Field.
Taking Action: Amanda Wray continues to expand local LGBTQ+ archive
Amanda Wray continues to expand the LGBTQIA+ Archive of Western North Carolina.
Asheville Archives: Miniature golf craze strikes amid the Great Depression
Amid the Great Depression, thousands in Asheville and across the country took to the greens to try their hand at miniature golf.
Asheville Archives: City residents support clubhouse for women, 1917-26
Starting in 1917, the Asheville Club for Women began raising funds to finance a clubhouse. But World War I and the subsequent economic recession derailed the group’s plans.
Around town: The latest in music, magic, quilts and history
The Center for Cultural Preservation is hosting A Special Evening with Dom Flemons. Plus, the Folk Art Center marks National Quilting Day, Kim Ruehl celebrates the release of her debut book, “A Singing Army: Zilphia Horton and the Highlander Folk School”; and more!
Around town: Black History Month celebrations, live theater, virtual concerts and more
Rise Up: A Celebration of African American History and Culture returns for a second consecutive year with a virtual twist. Also: Asheville Wisdom Exchange launches; The Magnetic Theatre celebrates its first live performance of 2021; and plenty more.
In photos: Mixed-use development could replace historic Charlotte Street homes
As plans to redevelop 6.84 acres along Charlotte Street into a mixed-use development move forward, residents are rallying to protect a dozen buildings from demolition.
Around town: Actors and poets needed, plus new art exhibits and online events
Want to dance? The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a virtual ballet workshop. Want to act? Montford Park Players is currently seeking actors for the 2021 season. Want a free stay at a local bed and breakfast? Submit your poetry to The Writers’ Workshop’s annual contest and see if you win.
New digital archive examines Nina Simone’s relationship with Langston Hughes
In 1949, poet Langston Hughes spoke at the Allen High School in Asheville. One of the students in attendance was Eunice Waymon, later known professionally as Nina Simone. In time, the poet and the singer developed a unique relationship, which author and N.C. State University professor W. Jason Miller is currently documenting in an online archive, Backlash Blues: Nina Simone and Langston Hughes.
Around town: The latest history talks, art exhibits and poetry contests
There are plenty of free virtual and in-person exhibits and educational opportunities in and around Asheville. Poets and visual artists are also being called to submit works for a pair of contests.
Black music and art takes center stage at the Buncombe County Special Collections
A recent collaboration between the Buncombe County Special Collections and local nonprofit Engaging Collections creates greater awareness and visibility of Asheville’s African American music and art.
WNC Historical Association celebrates Black History Month with new exhibit
“When All God’s Children Get Together” emerged from the 624-page book by the same name, written in 2015 by Andrews-based artist and public speaker Ann Miller Woodford.
Asheville Archives: Who from our city’s past?
As the year comes to an end, Xpress asked a handful of local historians to reflect on who from Asheville’s past would have been best suited to manage the many challenges and tragedies our community faced in 2020.