Saluda Property & Real Estate

A Quick Saluda Market Update

(compares last year's sales with the same period this year as of June 30, 2014). 

Sales              Closed   Pending 

Homes 2014     12            5               

Homes 2013     12            0      

Land 2014          4            2                  

Land 2013        11            0 

Foreclosures-REO-Short Sales (Homes) 

Saluda - 3 properties  

Polk County - 8 properties  

Henderson County - 76   

Data taken from Western NC multiple listing service.

Please visit cathyjacksonrealty.com to see all Cathy Jackson Realty Featured Home and Land Listings and search the entire Western NC MLS.

Saluda Business Association meets Tuesday, July 1 at 5:30 at Saluda Library.

51st Annual Coon Dog Day & 5K Saturday, July 5. 

Saluda Community Land Trust

Town Council meets the second Monday of the month at 7:00pm in the meeting room above the Saluda Library.

The Historic Saluda Committee The regular meeting with Oral History Committee will meet Friday, August 8 from 2 to 4pm at the Saluda Library.  The public is invited to attend.   

Contra Dancing, Saturday, July 12 at 7pm, Party Place & Event Center. 

Saluda Garden Club will not meet in July. at  

Women's Club will not meet in July.  

The Saluda branch of Tree City USA meets at 6:15pm on July 22 in the Saluda Community Library.

Al-Anon Family Group meets every Tuesday, 6:30pm at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville St.   

Polk County Extension Club  

We wish all of our Saluda friends and family a safe and fun-filled holiday as we celebrate our country's independence.   

Cathy Jackson Realty office will be closed on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 so that we can celebrate the holiday and the Coon Dog Day reunion with our family and friends.  

Happy Holiday and Coon Dog Day!   

Amy Zollo, Greaton Sellers, Amy Wood, Cathy Jackson

Cathy Jackson Realty

Fabulous Fourth on July 4 in Columbus from 10 to 10.  Music, Food, Amusement Rides, Fun for all ages!  Fireworks start at 9:45.  The 30th annual Fabulous 4th 100K Bike Tour is scheduled for Friday, July 4.  Sign in starts at 6am at Harmon Field in Tryon.  Pre-register online at fabulous4thbiketour.org.

In Hendersonville

Annual Music On Main Street concert series Special 4th of July Celebration Concert featuring Tom Brown / One Man Band, Visitors Information Center - 201. S. Main St., 7:30PM-9:30PM, free.  Bring a Chair, No Pets, Alcoholic Beverages or Coolers Allowed; seating area opens after 5:30PM / early admission is prohibited, enjoy the concert and fireworks (at dusk) from the comfort of your chair, an event of Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, Hendersonville, NC 800-828-4244 or 828-693-9708. Click here for more information.    

Independence Day Fireworks Display

at dark, fireworks may be viewed from downtown Hendersonville and the south side of town near the intersection of Hwy. 25 and Hwy. 276, a large red balloon will be launched the morning of the 4th to signify visibility of the fireworks show, if you can see the balloon, you can see the fireworks from your location; 828-697-4884  Click here for more information.  

Saluda Small Town Main Street Updates 

Saluda was designated as a "NC Small Town Main Street" September 2012.  Since then, involved Saludians have formed committees to organize and plan projects and events to meet Saluda's future revitalization and success. The Small Town Main Street program focuses on organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring.  Saluda Lifestyles will update what this dynamic group of volunteers is planning.

After two years as Small Town Main Street (STMS) the organization will be making changes as it takes over the helms from Sherry Adams, program director for Small Town Main Street. The STMS will co-exist with the Saluda Business Association and the new name will be the Downtown Saluda Foundation. New by-laws and application for non-profit status for both organizations are being prepared with help from Judy Thompson. The next meeting will be on August 5 one hour before the Saluda Business Association's monthly meetings that occur the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm.

Economic Restructuring

Saluda Locavestors

Saluda Locavestors are stepping up to fund a grant program to help downtown Saluda have a more beautiful, vibrant and engaging downtown.

Your tax deductible contribution will help to fund matching grants for downtown projects proposed by organizations, businesses and individuals who want to make our downtown everything it can be. We want everyone to participate and feel a part of this effort.  Make check payable to "City of Saluda, Locavestor Fund" and mail to City of Saluda, P. O. Box 248, Saluda, NC 28773 or drop your check off at City Hall.

We hope you will add your name and thanks to these Saludians who have already made their contribution:   

DiAnne Arbour and James Bergen

Carolyn Ashburn and Chuck Hearon

Beth and Jim Carson

Lynn and Mike Cass

Marcia Crumrine

Livvy French

Jerry and Kathryn Greenhoot

Kathy and Glenn Ratliff

Judy Thompson

Peggy and Herb Thornton

Ellen and Wayne Unger

Susie Welsh

Anonymous

Heartwood

Catherine Ross

Priscilla R. Scoggin

Elizabeth and Bailey Nager

Debbie Hahn

Click here to download a new City of Saluda quarterly newsletter, Saluda News You Can Use.

Click here to visit the City of Saluda's new Facebook page.  

Members of the Small Town Main Street Design Committee and the Saluda Community Land Trust recently re-purposed old city planters to mark the crossover walk over the railroad tracks in downtown Saluda. The purpose of the planters is to provide a visual point for visitors to recognize that there is a safe walkway from Main Street to the parking lot over the railroad and to create more green areas in our downtown and beautify the streetscape.

Don Clapp and Susie Welsh, members of the STMS Design Committee, along with the skilled assistance of John Savage and Cindy Hemenway, all members of the Saluda Community Land Trust, cut the two old planters apart, creating four planters that were then moved to the railroad crossover.

We appreciate the support of the Polk County Appearance Committee, which provided funding for the materials to repurpose the planters and purchase the annual and perennial plants.   The planters were completed in time for the Saluda Arts Festival and received many compliments and appreciation for the marked safe pathway! We are grateful to the City of Saluda, Saluda Community Land Trust, Small Town Main Street and Polk County Appearance Committee for making this project a success.

Article submitted by Susie Welsh

Saluda Tailgate Market

Fridays 4:30-6:30

May 2-October 31, 2014

If you have questions, contact Shelley DeKay at 828-606-5713.

By Shelley DeKay 

 "Top of the Grade Concerts" at McCreery Park in historic downtown Saluda Friday, July 11 and July 25.   

Concerts are scheduled for second and fourth Friday from May through September. All performances will be held on the Ella Grace Mintz Stage from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Top of the Grade at McCreery Park. 

On July 11, Sound Investment will perform oldies and beach music great for dancing or

Saluda native, Aaron Burdett Band will headline on July 25.  Aaron writes and performs Americana music blending folk-rock, bluegrass, and blues into a new sound that is original and comfortably familiar. He is a regular performer on the music scene in Saluda,  Asheville and Upstate SC areas.

Click here to read more and listen to Aaron's newest CD.

Top of the Grade concerts are coordinated by the City of Saluda's Small Town Main Street program and funding for the Friday night concerts is through a community grant from Polk County Community Foundation.  All concerts are free to the public thanks to a Free Community Events grant.

2014 Top of the Grade Concert Schedule

July 11 - Sound Investment                    

July 25 - Aaron Burdett

August 8 - Sound Investment

August 22 - Bayou Diesel

September 12 - Sound Investment

September 26 - Scoot Pitman

Have the life or memory of a loved one immortalized, or have your name engraved on a brick paver at Pace Park as a recognition as a contributor to this new community park.  This park will be in the alley by M.A. Pace General Store and will be the location of a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Interpretation Sign and future public restrooms.

 

$40 each, payable to City of Saluda, three lines of copy with a maximum of 14 letters per line.  Download an application here.

 

Drop off applications and payment to City Hall or mail to City of Saluda, 6 Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773.  Proceeds will go toward building public restrooms.  

Update on Pace Park Development

The city has installed a sewer and water tap in Pace Park to prepare the area for the Blue Heritage Area sign and the pavers. Landscape Architect, Sandy Byers has donated his time putting together ideas for the park area and restrooms. This will continue to be updated as we move forward with development of the park. Retaining blocks have been installed on the driveway side of MA Pace's store. The first four blocks will serve as seating in the park. We are looking for some similar blocks that are not as wide that can be used on the other side of the park next to the brick wall. --Mayor, Fred Baisden  

 

Now is the time to purchase your paver as the infrastructure is being developed and the laying of pavers will begin. 

  

For any additional information, please contact Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534 or carnc@charter.net.  

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Stay Informed - Get on a List!
Stay informed by visiting the city website, cityofsaludanc.com. Minutes from previous month's town council meetings are posted on this site. To receive monthly notices about town meetings, please email Monica Pace at admin@cityofsaludanc.com and ask to be placed on the email list.

Follow us on

Don Mobley of Botes & Stuff wants you to "own a piece of Saluda" by bidding in a silent auction for three stumps. These stumps are from the dead Norwegian Red Maples standing in front of Ward's Grill for over 30 years and could be crafted into beautiful furniture or accent pieces for your home. A "Letter of Authenticity" signed by Mayor, Fred Baisden, will  accompany each stump. Proceeds from the auction will go toward Pace Park development. The Silent Auction is Coon Dog Day, July 5 and will end at 5pm when the winner is announced. Botes & Stuff is located at 20 W Main Street and phone is 828-606-7042.

From July 13 through July 19, you can make a donation to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills simply by eating.

Restaurants and cafés in Saluda, Tryon, Columbus, Landrum, Inman, Campobello, Spartanburg, and Greer have signed on to the 3rd Annual "Dining Out for Hospice." Here's how it works: Restaurant owners choose a day when a percentage of all sales go to support hospice care at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. All you have to do is go out to eat at participating establishments on their designated days.

So eat with a purpose during Dining Out for Hospice week. Find your favorite participating restaurant nearby (Crust & Kettle, Green River BBQ, The Orchard Inn, The Purple Onion, Saluda Grade, Wildflour Bakery); or make a day of it, and explore an eatery in another town. 

To plan your dining out fun with family and friends, check out the HOCF partner restaurants and their participation dates in the "Let's Eat" section at Diningoutforhospice.org. To get more information about this event, contact Joanie Newman at 828.894.7000.

A Thrifty Barn is open Wed. through Sat. from 10:00 am-4:00 pm.  Donations are accepted when we are open.

Please refer to the Saluda Center calendar for all regularly scheduled activities. There is no membership fee.

If you would like to receive the Saluda Center calendar via email, please contact Donna at saludacenter@hotmail.com to be added to our email list.   

The Saluda Center is located at 64 Greenville St. Phone is 828-749-9245. 

Thank you everyone who came out to help with the Adopt-A-Highway program. Let's keep up with helping to make Saluda entrances more beautiful-and thank you for not littering!

Please feel free to contact us about any of our projects. Call our office at 828-749-1560 and leave a message. We will return your call promptly. Also be sure to check out our updated website saludaclt.org. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.   

Wilkes Saluda Lakes, commonly known as Twin Lakes, will be open for family swim on the following Wednesday afternoons from 12:00 - 4:00pm, throughout the summer:

July 2, 9, 30

August 6, 13, 20, 27

September 3

Swim at your own risk. Donations appreciated.   

Twin Lakes is a conservation property of the Saluda Community Land Trust. For more information or to reserve it for a private function, please contact the land trust at 828- 749-1560 or email info@saludaclt.org.  

There will be no meeting in July. Please enjoy the 4^th, Coon Dog Day and the rest of July with family and friends.   Details for the August meeting will be announced in Lifestyles.

If you are interested in joining or would like to attend meetings and/or special events, please contact Patty Martin at 828-817-9518.

Some events may be cancelled or rescheduled.  We try to give advance notice but inclement weather or scheduling difficulties may occur.  You may confirm meetings and events with Patty Martin 828-817-9518.

There was a time in the not too distant past when recess at school meant going outside when weather permitted and having fun doing things like exploring a patch of clover hoping to find one with four leaves...or, maybe, discovering a nest of ants under a rock, scurrying away in all directions.

Then, later home for the day, perhaps to climb a tall tree to survey the world from a different perspective using a kid's native inquisitiveness to discover, to learn about and to appreciate nature.

But, too often, nowadays their free time is spent inside, using technological toys to the exclusion of discovering the wonders of their natural environment.

A meaningful experience and one to remember a lifetime-plant a tree, take care of it and watch it grow! There is so much a child can learn from trees and nature.

For more information, call Ruth at 828-749-9718.  Leave message and phone number for return call.

Submitted by Ruth Anderson   

Oral History Project Continues

The Historic Saluda Committee would like to thank Glenn Morgan for recently sharing his story with members of the Oral History Committee. Glenn spoke of his early days hot rodding around Saluda. He also spoke of the love and support he found in Saluda when he became a widower at a young age, with a small child. He and his current wife have been married 33 years and are glad to call Saluda home. Video coming soon!

New Oral Histories Uploaded to YouTube

Have you checked out the HSC YouTube page lately? Three full length interview have recently been uploaded:

Pearlie Mae Suber Harris: Pearlie Mae Suber Harris shared what it was like living in Saluda, NC in the 1930's to 1950's, prior to the Civil Rights Movement. As the daughter of a black Baptist Minister, she moved to Saluda as very young child when her father, Rev. Lester Samuel Suber, was called to preach at St. Matthews Baptist Church. Her fondest memory is of her father digging a pool and filling it full of water just to baptize her. At a very young age, she worked for the wealthy white families who had second homes in Saluda. However, she was paid a fair wage and at times was the family bread winner. In this video, Pearlie shares some shocking revelations of what it was like to be black and growing up in a small southern Appalachian mountain community. Click Here

R. Clark Thompson: Though Clark left Saluda as a young man and lives primarily in Pensacola, Florida, he was able to hold on to the family home place. Clark's parents were Mary Lillian Pack and Roy Alonzo Thompson, and his grandfather was Luther Thompson, who is recognized for building many of the fine old homes in Saluda, including Ryder Hall, which was the girl's dormitory for the Saluda Seminary. It is interesting to note that on the paternal side of the family, as far back as can be traced, all the Thompson men have been builders of some type. Clark is no exception, with his specialty being historic preservation of old properties. In 2010 he returned home to purchase the Historic Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill, which had left the hands of the Thompson Family a few years prior. Clark was a cousin to this branch of the Thompson family and worked in the store as a teenager. It was only fitting that Clark was able to use his skills in property restoration to do a complete restoration of this historic property. Click Here

E. Cater Leland, Jr.: Cater talks about growing up in Saluda and places special emphasis on his father's life, Edwin (Ed) Leland. Sr., and their partnership in the operation of the Saluda Mountain Telephone Company. Ed Leland bought the telephone company for $800 from the Appalachian State Telephone Company in 1936, which consisted of sixteen crank phones and one magneto switchboard. Though Ed was the president of the company, he was also head lineman, installer, pole cutter and setter, chief repairman, bookkeeper and even served on occasion as operator. Under Ed's direction, the Saluda Mountain Telephone Company was the first in the region to switch over to the dial system. Cater Leland joined the company in 1968 after four years at Clemson and four more as captain in the Air Force. The Lelands ran the company for fifty-four years, or until 1990 when they sold it to Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. or TDS. Cater also talks about the Charlton Leland Inn, now the Saluda Inn, which was once owned and operated by his family. Both father and son served terms as Mayor of Saluda. Click Here

Trunk of Trouble! Learn how you can keep your family heirlooms safe.

Free Workshop in August. What do you have at home in that old trunk? Heather South from North Carolina's Western Regional Archives will present a program called Trunk of Trouble. Heather will discuss preservation basics for paper, photographs and books including proper handling and storage of these objects. Great resource handouts will be provided. Program attendees may bring ONE special item (paper, photo or book) to discuss its preservation with an expert. Mark your calendar now for Friday, August 8, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in the upstairs meeting room of the Saluda Public Library.

Would You Like To Serve?

The City of Saluda is now accepting applications for vacant positions on the Historic Saluda Committee. It is the responsibility of the Saluda Board of Commissioners to make appointments to this committee. Applications are required and may be obtained at City Hall. Call 828-749-2581 for more information. Appointments will be made at the July 14, 2014 Saluda Board of Commissioners meeting.

Preserve Your Family's Heritage

The Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) has been granted a secure space in the Saluda Public Library to store historical documents and artifacts. Items are now being archived in preparation for a future Historic Saluda Museum. Donations of originals or copies of vintage photographs depicting the history of Saluda's families and places are now being accepted. Also being accepted are documents, deeds, art, books, quilts, antiques or other relevant artifacts of historic interest that are in good condition. Contact us at historicsaluda@gmail.com or notify the City of Saluda who will advise a member of the HSC - 828-749-2581. We will gladly pick up donated items.

Help Set the Trend, New HSC Auto Stickers Available!

For only $3, you can help fund future HSC projects and at the same time help set a trend. These stylish non-fading automobile stickers, featuring the HSC logo, can be purchased through local merchants and at City Hall. Buy one to be cool - or be square!

CD Released! "Saluda: Voices from the First 100 Years"  

Get your copy of the oral history audio documentary, "Saluda, NC: Voices from the First 100 Years." Over 30 years ago when Anne Osborne and Charlene Pace were working on their book Saluda, NC: 100 Years 1881-1981, they conducted interviews with some of Saluda's oldest residents. Luckily, these interviews were captured on what we now consider to be "old fashioned" cassette tapes and were donated to the Oral History Committee. Snippets from these interviews were woven into a story line and compiled into this CD. Funding provided by the Polk County Community Foundation's Saluda Community Fund. The CD can be purchased ($10) through local merchants and at City Hall. You can also purchase it on-line at saludalifestyles.com. All proceeds go toward future projects. Click here to watch the YouTube promotional video.

DVD Available for Sale by Local Merchants

Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda can be purchased ($20) through local merchants and at City Hall. You can also purchase it on-line at saludalifestyles.com. All proceeds go toward future projects.

Meetings

The Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) will meet on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Saluda Public Library in the upstairs meeting room. The Oral History Committee will also meet jointly with the HSC. The public is invited to attend. 

For more information about the Historic Saluda Committee, go to historicsaluda.org or contact us at historicsaluda@gmail.com.

Submitted by Cindy S. Tuttle, Co-Chair, Historic Saluda Committee

Come experience the joy of making music with your friends and neighbors, every Sunday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the old church on Irving Street in Saluda (past the tailgate market lot and up the gravel road). This new weekly gathering is free and fun for everyone, from ages zero to 100!

Bring your voice and any instruments you want. You will receive a CD of some tunes that we will learn together this summer, just for the joy of raising our voices up! Whether you're a little bit country or rock 'n roll, an African drummer, a capella singer or lullaby crooner, there's something for everyone! Please join us and participate in any way you like. You can lead, follow or just take it all in together in this historic space.

Special thanks to Betsy Burdett, who is restoring the old church to preserve Saluda's African American heritage.  She is allowing us to use this space for free and her vision of people singing together is the inspiration for this gathering. 

Call Dori Ray at 828-808-8334 to learn more or just show up on Sunday!   

Photos by Mark Schemerling 

Join our team of trained naturalists as we go on an adventure this summer. Through hands-on, experiential instruction, campers will gain a deep understanding of the natural world and have the opportunity to explore the peaks, creeks, and wild woodlands that make western NC so magical.

Camp Muddy Sneakers is a co-ed day camp for rising 4^th-7^th grade students focused on inspiring curiosity, connecting children with nature, staying active, and cultivating a sense of stewardship. Campers will learn about the ecosystems and natural history of the area while exploring protected lands around the community. Each session will maintain a small group setting with low camper to instructor ratios.

Saluda's camp session will take place August 11- 15. To register, please visit campmuddysneakers.org or call Camp Co-Director Lindsay Green: (828) 862-5560. We will have a drop off (8:30) and pick up (4:30) at Saluda Elementary. Then we will spend each day exploring publicly or privately protected land around the community going to a different location each day.

Camp Muddy Sneakers is collaboration between Muddy Sneakers (www.muddysneakers.org) and the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (www.cfaia.org).

 

Polk County will hold a Bus Driver Training Course at Polk County Middle School from 8:30am-3:30pm, July 15-17  Call (828) 894-8700, if you are interested in becoming a substitute bus driver for Polk County.

Visit Saluda School for additional school news.   

Principal, Ronette Dill    

Located at 214 East Main St.,  Saluda, NC 28773

Don't forget to collect Box tops! Box top collection containers are located in the Saluda Public Library, Saluda Post Office, and Saluda Elementary School Office.  

Saluda Community Library

  Kids Summer Reading Program events at both libraries in July:

Tuesday, July 1 : Nature Hike & Program
10am: Main Library in Columbus
Pacolet Area Conservancy will lead a nature hike on the trails behind the library! Following the hike, we'll examine bird specimens and nature artifacts.

Tuesday, July 8: Sea Link: Reptiles
*REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
11am: Main Library in Columbus

1pm: Saluda Community Library
Team ECCO will bring several species of turtles and lizards for an interactive information session! They will also teach us about turtle anatomy and conservation.

Tuesday, July 15: Fizz, Boom, Science
*REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
10am: Main Library in Columbus

2pm: Saluda Community Library
Dr. Beaker and Dr. Bunson from Hands On will engage participants in hands-on science demonstrations and experiments that fizz, boom, pop, and more!

Tuesday, July 22: Fizz Boom Reading Explosion
6pm: Main Library in Columbus
Professor Whizzpop will introduce readers to some of literature's more eccentric figures: mad scientists and crackpot inventors. During the magic show, we'll recycle gumballs a la Willy Wonka, make a monster with Dr. Frankenstein, and reinvent the light bulb with Edison!

Tuesday, July 29: Sub-Zero Effect
10am: Main Library in Columbus
KidSenses Children's InterACTIVE Museum will show us how science can be cool... Really cool, about 322 degrees below zero Fahrenheit cool! Using liquid nitrogen, we'll shatter a ball, make an explosion, and examine the three states of matter.

Other events (at the Main Library in Columbus):

Drum Circle - July 10 & 24

Some instruments are provided but you can bring your own as well. All ages are welcome! The drum circle is on the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30pm.

Teen Night - July 17

We will discuss The Book Thief by Markus Zusak at 4pm and watch the film version of the book at 5pm. Teen Night is on the third Thursday of every month.

MAY 

Saluda Tailgate Market -(May through October)

Top of the Grade Concerts -- (May through October, 2^nd & 4^th Friday)

JULY

Coon Dog Day - A homecoming and celebration for dogs and their people! Great food, live music, parade, crafts, and more! 1^st Saturday after July 4.

SEPTEMBER

Green River Games - Extreme multisport event.

Charlie Ward's Memorial BBQ

NOVEMBER

Green Race - A world Class V kayaking race. 1st Saturday in November.

Turkey Dinner by Saluda Methodist Church 

DECEMBER

Hometown Christmas - Open House and Music. 2nd Friday in December

US Post Office Store Hours

Mon-Fri 9:00am-1:00pm and 3:00pm-4:30pm

Sat 9:30am-11:00am Sun closed

Passport Service is available at the Saluda post office.

Get directions by clicking here  

102 E MAIN ST SALUDA, NC 28773-7812 

Shop online at the Saluda Lifestyles Mercantile for the following merchandise:  

"Saluda, NC: Voices from the First 100 Years" in CD format. Original recordings of interviews with Saluda's oldest residents documented in the book, Saluda, NC: 100 Years 1881-1981. These interviews were transferred to a CD by Historic Saluda. Price: $17 includes shipping and handling. 

Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda DVD. Proceeds will go to the Oral History Project for the next sequel.   Price:  $20.00+shipping. 

As June slips away and we wonder where the summer is going, it's time to slow down and enjoy all that a Saluda summer can offer. Coon Dog Day on July 5 unofficially starts summer in Saluda as the town fills with summer folks, day trippers, outdoor adventurists, and dog lovers, all coming to enjoy cool mountain breezes, hiking, tubing or kayaking down a cool slow river, bicycling a mountain road, or just bench sitting on Main Street. They come to listen to music, eat at delicious restaurants, shop unique boutiques, and enjoy a stay in a mountain cabin or B&B.

Since the 19^th century, Saluda has been a respite for many to escape the heat of the low country and "summer folks" have long enjoyed summers in Saluda. This tradition continues today as full time residents enjoy the energy of the new arrivals as they open their homes, listening to the squeaks of a rusty rocker on a front porch whiling away an afternoon and sounds of ice swishing around in a glass of sweet tea.

Slow down, it's summer!

The small town of Saluda will explode with people on July 5, 2014 for the 51st annual Coon Dog Day... a day for dogs and their people!

Special Events

8:00 AM...Coon Dog Day 5K Race- Click here to pre-reg jump start your day of festivities! Registration begins at 6:30 and ends at 7:30 at the Party Place & Event Center. Spectators can see the ambitious participants run downtown shortly after the race begins at 8:00, so cheer them on!

6:30 AM- 10:30 AM.... Benefit Breakfast at the Saluda Masonic Lodge. Enjoy a hearty breakfast of eggs, grits, sausage or bacon, biscuits, and gravy for only $6 per plate-and for a good cause! Mmmm- delicious!

All Day- check out the information tent in front of City Hall for festival merchandise: raffle tickets for a trip with The Gorge or Green River Adventures, Coon Dog Day souvenir cups, 5K performance tees, doggie bandanas, and festival information can be found here.

Coon Dog Events at the Saluda School Ball Field

1:00 PM...Bench Show ($15 entry fee)

3:00 PM...Treeing Contest ($5 entry fee)

8:00 PM... Annual Night Hunt ($20 entry fee)

Coon Dog Events are sponsored by the Central Carolina Benefit Coon Club

On Stage Entertainment & Parade 

8:30-9:45 AM...James Metcalf & Colt Creek- Saluda's own gospel bluegrass tradition

9:4S-10:15 AM...Coon Dog Day 5K Race Awards Ceremony-recognizing the ambitious!

10:15-10:45 AM...The Dancer's Extension will dazzle us with a special performance

11:00-12:30 AM .... the annual Coon Dog Day Parade- with Master of Ceremonies Hop Foster. Enjoy our own homegrown, anything goes version of parades--you've seen nothing like it!

12:30-2:00 PM ... Life Size-Three songwriters with an affinity for harmonies make up the band Life Size - a fun loving pop/rock trio from Salisbury, NC.

2:20-3:20 PM...Theater of the Mind- an electrifying new band with elements of hard rock and progressive metal that features a blend of original and classic rock music.

3:40-5:20 PM...Folsom Prison Gang-A stellar musical tribute to the Man in Black with non-stop delivery of crowd recognizable favorites.

5:40--7:40 PM...Ryan Perry Band- The 99.9 Kiss Country House Band, Ryan Perry Band, can be described as "country with an edge." These guys step on stage and the energy follows--they'll leave you begging for more!

8:00-11:00 PM...Lonesome Road Band leads us into the night with the sounds for our annual Night Square Dance. Street Dance with square dances called by local Archie Hardy-grab a partner!

Thanks to all of the Coon Dog Day Sponsors:

The Gorge/Green River Adventures, Macon Bank, Green River BBQ, Green River Brew Depot, Saluda Mountain Lodge, Polk County Sheriff's Department, Thomas Shepherd & Son, Triangle Stop Food Stores, A. Bailey Nager, Attorney at Law, Johnson's Lawn Landscaping, and Republic Services.

A few vendor applications may still be available for food and craft vendors for Coon Dog Day. Craft vendor spaces are only $100 and food vendor spaces are $250 for a 10'x10', and thousands will be in town. Saluda civic groups may receive a free space to raise support for their organization - contact Monica for details. Download vendor application here. 

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help sponsor Coon Dog Day, checks can be mailed to Saluda City Hall, PO Box 248, Saluda, NC 28773 with a memo that notes it is a contribution for Coon Dog Day. All money received will go towards the cost of putting on Coon Dog Day, which includes all day live entertainment.  

Parking and shuttle service to and from downtown for 10$ per vehicle will be provided at the Party Place & Event Center off Ozone.

Coon Dog Day Royalty

King & Queen entries must be 14-18 years old

Prince & Princess entries must be 8-13 years old

Junior Prince & Junior Princess entries must be 4-7 years old

Baby Prince & Baby Princess entries must be birth to 3 years old

**All entries must fall in the appropriate age category as of July 5, 2014**

*Winners in each category will receive a trophy, crown, and sash to display as they ride in the Coon Dog Day parade!

All parents wishing to enter their children in the Coon Dog Day Royalty contest may contact Tammy Frisbee @828-749-9370,  Tangie Ciarvolo @828-777-9158, or Monica Pace at City Hall 828-749-2581 or email admin@cityofsaludanc.com for more information, contest rules, and to pre-register a contestant.

Steps to becoming part of Saluda's next Coon Dog Day Royalty court:

Pre-register with Tammy Frisbee @828-749-9774, Tangie Ciarvolo @828-777-9158 or 828-749-1514, or Monica Pace at City Hall @ 828-749-2581 or via email at admin@cityofsaludanc.com.

Include the following information for your registration: Name, Age you will be on July 5, 2014, Parent's names, address, and contact number.

*** All contestants MUST be residents of the Saluda Community!***

A current photo of contestant to be used on a poster at City Hall which will include all contestants in the running.

Place donation jars with contestants name, age, picture, and title for which they are in the running (Coon Dog Day Queen, Coon Dog Day Baby Prince, etc.). Donation jars can be placed in any area businesses with the business owner's permission and in City Hall.

Encourage your friends and family to vote for you! 1 vote will go to you for every penny collected in your jars, and the person with the most votes in each category will be crowned Coon Dog Day Royalty.

Collect all your jars and turn each of them in to Monica at City Hall NO LATER than 4:00 PM on Tuesday July 1, 2014.

Jars will be combined and counted for each contestant, and winners will be notified by phone on Wednesday, July 3 no later than 4:00 PM. Each winner is responsible for their own Parade transportation. Get creative- you can build your own float, decorate a car, ride in an antique automobile, or a new convertible. Be sure to make plenty of posters to let people know you are royalty! Winners will receive a crown, sash, and trophy to display proudly during the parade.

All proceeds from the royalty competition will go towards making our 51st annual Coon Dog Day festival the best it can be by helping to provide high quality local entertainment, shuttle transportation, and awards for the royalty winners.

You can park close to the action and then have an easy way to get out of the traffic when you leave!

Church of the Transfiguration Episcopal Church on Charles St (off Henderson Street, one street behind Main Street) is offering all day parking for only $5! We only have about 30 spots left so get your tickets now by emailing Charlie Nabers at cnabers@tds.net. You can also call Mary Ann Hester (864-325-9292) or email mahester1@charter.net.

Make it easy on yourself by not fighting the crowds...at least in your car! All proceeds go toward Outreach Ministry for the church.

The latest news and the unusual offerings provided by Saluda shops, restaurants, accommodations, outdoor recreation, artists, craftspeople, and service providers.     

Click here to read Top 10 Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses.

Saluda Gem Mine Wicks & Wares   

Jason & Melisa Smith's Saluda Gem Mine Wicks & Wares Grand Opening is scheduled for July 4, 2014 at 101 E Main Street across from the Post Office. The Smith Clan has decided to bring back a piece of Saluda's history by bringing historically known minerals and gems to the eyes of those who are into gemology and mineralogy. The Wicks and Wares store carries locally made items, and Melisa will be making eclectic soy candles. Chemical free goat soap line has many fragrances and sizes of bars from which to choose.

 

Located at 101 E Main Street, 828-691-9720 

 

 

Artist, Tim Bauer is re-painting the mural on the old Whistle Stop building now opening as Saluda Gem Mine. There were so many Saludians who wished that the mural of downtown Saluda in the 30's was never painted over, that the building's proprietors tracked Tim down. He is now working in Asheville. Tim says that the mural will be mostly the same depiction of Saluda in the 30's when the Princess Theater was in operation. The train coming up the grade will be a little more prominent. If you would like to contact Tim about his work, you can reach him at tim.j.bauer@gmail.com.

 

 

Thank you, Saluda for making my first month a success. Many of you have come in and it was my pleasure getting to know you. Thanks to this successful beginning, I am happy to announce that Vogue Salon is now offering full time operating hours. Starting July 1, 2014  Tuesday-Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-2.

 

Amanda Parris has joined me at Vogue Salon. She has been styling since 2007 and has worked with Aveda for most of her career. Her extensive background and staggering amount of education has quickly led her to success. Amanda loves to connect with people and make them feel special. She especially enjoys a curly hair challenge and loves an opportunity to perform a complex color service, although she loves blowouts, layer cuts and updos, too. When she's not at work, Amanda can be found attending continuing education classes, spending time with family, playing with her hound dog, or sewing cloth dolls.

 

You will find Amanda at Vogue Salon Tuesday-Friday 9:00-6:00 and Saturday 9:00-2:00. Walk-ins are welcome. Looking forward to meeting you.

Amy Cartee

 

Please make appointments by calling  828-674-8166. Hours are Wednesday - Fridays 11-7. Vogue Salon is located at 31 Pearson Falls Road behind Wildflour Bakery.

 

Summer House Closing

After more than 17 years in Saluda, Summer House will close this month. Proprietor, Pam Garber says she has been in the retail business for 30 years, and it's time to get out and enjoy the rest of the world. She plans to travel and enjoy more time with her family. She is having a "closing sale" this month with fabulous buys on whimsical gift items, house hold accessories, baby, wedding, and birthday gifts, bed and bath soaps, lotions and sprays, and great greeting cards. Her inventory will be gone after the first three weeks in July so you need to shop now. If you are interested in leasing the space, please contact Cathy Jackson, Cathy Jackson Realty at 828-817-2876.  Located at 32 W Main St, (828) 749-1499.

  

Saluda Family Restaurant, located beside the Saluda Truck Stop BP Station, will open soon under new management.  Good home cooking and "country food" will be available seven days a week with breakfast served all day. Short orders, sandwiches and homemade desserts will be available.

  

Managed by Margaret Pace Cagle and her family crew.  Hours M-F 6am to 10pm, Sat. & Sun. 6 am to 2pm.  "Ya'll come!"

   

 

THE DRESSING ROOM, ETC.  

Happy 4th of July, and a fun filled Coon Dog day to all - from the Dressing Room etc!

It's hard to believe that we are approaching the second half of the year. After recently returning from the Atlanta Apparel Mart, I am happy to say that the Fall and Winter collections will begin to arrive at the Dressing Room at the end of July and will continue throughout the month of October. 

Space will be needed for the arriving apparel, so I am having my first sale which will begin on Coon Dog Day and continue throughout the following week. 

 

THE DRESSING ROOM ETC., located at 141 East Main Street in Saluda, is now open for business.  Call me at 828-749-9555. 

 

Looking forward, Irmy

      

 

The Oaks Bed and Breakfast

The following is a testimonial submitted by a recent guest of The Oaks Bed and Breakfast from June 2014:

My long-suffering wife, Lisa, and I rarely take real vacations. Oh, we went to the Bahamas for a few days once, and a trip to New England when our daughters were still at home. But, generally, we don't vacation. But last weekend we did have a getaway to celebrate the last day of students for Lisa since she teaches 9th graders all day. If anyone deserves a getaway, it is she.

 

A few weeks ago I booked a weekend at a bed and breakfast in Saluda, North Carolina, not far from where we live in Greenville County, near the North Carolina line. Saluda is an artsy village situated well up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There's a winding road up the mountainside and then you're on Main Street with a string of shops, restaurants, and an array of art dealers. The village is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting with a wide variety of local characters, outstanding and varied art and antique shops, and mountains all around.

 

We chose well when we booked at The Oaks Bed & Breakfast. The house is a restored Victorian mansion built in the late 1800's with all the charm and distinctive features of the period. The owners, Dale and Donna Potruski have created an elegant place to stay, surrounded by enormous oak trees. The wraparound front porch is an excellent place to have morning coffee, read a book, or have a conversation with other guests. Breakfast is a gourmet delight served with flair and flavor under a chandelier. There is privacy, peace and quiet, and several lovely places to relax outdoors.

 

[Innkeeper] Dale is a sincere, delightful, witty, and charming host who does everything he can to make you feel at home. He knows the village and people of Saluda, and he can direct you to a wide variety of places and events close by.

 

I don't often recommend much. I do remember recommending that people should vote for Alf Landon for President, come to think of it. But I can highly recommend, without reservation, Dale and Donna Potruski and The Oaks Bed & Breakfast. So, if you're in western North Carolina or the Upstate of South Carolina, you'd be wise to drop in for a day or a few at The Oaks in Saluda. Give their website a look, then book. You can find them at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast (theoaksbedandbreakfast.com).

 

By the way, I did not get paid for this blog. Dale doesn't even know I'm doing it. Also, I can assure you that Lisa and I will return to Saluda, and if we're staying overnight or longer, we'll return to The Oaks. John Carenen.

 

See what everybody's talking about! The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, call 828-749-2000, or visit theoaksbedandbreakfast.com.

 

The Oaks Bed and Breakfast

828.759.2000

Theoaksbedandbreakfast.com  

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The Orchard Inn

Our hilltop oasis is the perfect place to chill out and relax after a hot summer's day taking in all the wonderful things available in our charming town of Saluda. Situated at a gentle elevation of 2500 feet and a part of the Isothermal Belt - it's cool and comfortable just a short .7 mi from downtown Saluda. You don't have to be a guest of The Orchard Inn to enjoy our beautiful gardens and mountain views - all are welcome to stop by for a glass of wine or beer on the terrace or front porch, anytime. The restaurant at The Orchard Inn (soon to be renamed - "Newman's") is open for dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights as well as for Brunch on Sundays. Please join us for some fabulous "farm to table" locally sourced and creatively prepared meals. The ambiance is simply superb as is our congenial hospitality. Every seat in our dining room has wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. So give us a call at: 828-749-5471 to reserve a table.

The restaurant is also open every Sunday from 11:30-2:30 for a fabulous brunch either in the dining room or outside on our lovely terrace. Our brunch is never a buffet - everything is made to order and professionally served by our friendly, very talented wait staff. The combination of our serene environment and exquisite cuisine will delight you, so become a part the Sunday tradition and experience it for yourself!

The restaurant is also open every Sunday from 11:30-2:30 for a fabulous brunch either in the dining room or outside on our lovely terrace. Our brunch is never a buffet - everything is made to order and professionally served by our friendly, very talented wait staff. The combination of our serene environment and exquisite cuisine will delight you, so become a part of the Sunday tradition and experience it for yourself!

Trip Addvisor - 2012 & 2013 Certificate of Excellence and by Restaurant.com - 2012 Top Rated Restaurant. 

Visit the Orchard Inn at orchardinn.com. They are located on Highway 176, Saluda, NC. 

Special Dates at the Back Alley Barn              

Have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you at Thompson's Store, Ward's Grill or the Back Alley Barn.

Historic Thompson Store, open Monday-Thursday 8am to 5:30pm, Friday and Saturday open to 6pm. 

Ward's Grill, open Monday-Friday, 7am to 3pm, Saturday, 6:30am to 3pm

The store and grill are located at 24 Main Street, Saluda, NC. Click here to visit the website.  Click here for directions. Phone is 828-749-2321.

Green River BBQ

$4.99 Daily Specials:

Tuesday - small chopped pork sandwich with choice of slaw and tea or coke

Wednesday - half bacon, lettuce and tomato on Texas toast with homestyle potato chips, tea or coke

Thursday - bacon burger with home style fries tea or coke

Friday - 2 Piglets choice of slaw and tea or coke

We have plenty of local drafts with quite a few summer seasonal favorites that are thirst quenching when it's hot outside. 

Coon Dog Day special lunch menu will keep the flow going so everyone can get fed and watered! We go back to our regular menu between 3-4pm. 

Pint Narragansett and Pabst Blue Ribbon for $1.50.

Contact Green River BBQ at 828-749-9892 for takeout orders or visit them at Green River BBQ.  Visit their Facebook page to get extra daily coupons!  

Green River BBQ is located at 131 Highway 176 West. Click here for directions.   

Wildflour Bakery   

Wildflour Bake Shop  828-749-3356 

Wildflour Bakery  828-749-9224 

Check us out online at

wildflourbakerync.com for daily specials or use the good ol' fashion way...828-749-3356.   Keep up with specials on 

Meanwhile Events for July

* Coming Soon: Meanwhile's August Anniversary Celebrations!  

Events and Sales every day in August!*

July 4th, Friday: Wine Tasting (5 - 7 PM) Open till 10 PM

Join us on July 4th for a wine tasting during pizza night at Wildflour Bake Shop. Wine by the glass and craft beers available all day. We now have Pasture Raised Pork from Sandy Plains Farm - perfect for holiday grilling. We also now have Sunburst Trout Farm's Smoked Trout Dips...perfect on Wildflour Toasts to serve guests in town for Coon Day Week or for a quick elegant supper.

July 5th, Coon Dog Day! Open 8:00 AM till 10 PM

Wine by the glass & Craft Beers all day. Visit us in front of Wildflour Bake Shop, enjoy pastries, sandwiches and more goodies while sitting out front to enjoy the parade or meet your friends.

July 11, Friday: Wine Tasting (5 - 7 PM) Open till 10 PM

Stop in before the music in the park or drop by afterwards.  We are open till 10 PM on Friday nights during the summer. Pick up a Wildflour Pizza to take to the park or meet your friends & eat here.

July 18, Friday: Wine Tasting (5 - 7 PM) Open till 10 PM

Wine Tasting every Friday night from 5 - 7 PM. Visit the Saluda Tailgate Market (4:30-6:30) then enjoy Tasting a new wine while meeting friends & family at Wildflour Bake Shop for supper.

July 25, Friday: Wine Tasting (5 - 7 PM) Open till 10 PM

Stop in before the music in the park or drop by afterwards.  We are open till 10 PM on Friday nights during the summer.

Meanwhile Summer Hours:

Open 10 AM till 6:30  PM  Every day and open late on Friday

Open 10 AM till 10 PM Friday  for Wildflour Pizza Night

Call us (749-9463) and we will stay later or meet you earlier.  

We now have Wildflour Bake Shop bread and pastries on Monday and Tuesday.  NEW in the shop: Sandy Plains Farm Pasture Raised Pork (chops, roasts, ham, sausage & more), Sunburst Trout Farms (Smoked Trout Dip, Smoked Fillets, Trout Sausage & more), new flavors of Ice Cream and Sorbet from The Hop and wonderful new soaps from Mother & Son Soaps made right here in Saluda!

Meanwhile is located next to Wildflour Bake Shop and The Gardener's Cottage in Nostalgia Courtyard. 

171 East Main Street, Saluda, NC 

Wine Shop Phone:   828-749-9463

email:   meanwhilewineshop@gmail.com   

See us on .  

Now that summer is here, don't waste your time waiting in line, especially at the bank. It's easier and more convenient to get the benefits of going to your local branch, right from home.

Our Mobile Banking allows you to check balances, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills on the go. It now has the Mobile Capture feature, which allows you to deposit checks simply by taking their picture. Just call our Telephone Service center at 828-524-7000, option 5 to activate this feature.

Macon Bank has recently rolled out a new online mortgage platform. This platform allows you to check rates, calculate payments, and even apply for pre-approval or residential mortgage loans. This safe and secure process allows you to do all this and more from the comfort of your home.

Macon Bank is also making it easier to open accounts with us. You will soon have the ability to open checking and savings accounts, CDs, and HSA's from our website.*

Sometimes traditional banking doesn't fit in with your plans. If you need more banking flexibility, maybe it's time to give Macon Bank a try. Come by and see us at 108 East Main Street today for more information on all the services we offer. We appreciate your business.

*Certain restrictions may apply. Contact your local branch or the Telephone Service Center at 800.438.2265, Option 5 for more details.

Stop by today and see Angie Blackwell and the rest of the staff at our Saluda Office at 108 East Main Street to find out about all the services we offer.

      

 

  

Random Arts Summer SALE is now in progress!

Find one of a kind trendy fashion pieces reduced 50% on our sale rack. Included are tunics, dresses, leggings, blouses, jackets, t-shirts and more. Hurry in for the best choices!

 

As happy customers find these great sale items, new clothing fills our racks, along with cutting edge designs in age appropriate styles.  Bright orange, citrus, lime, and the fabulous & popular stripes and of course, black and white.

 

Still available are Bernie Mev comfy sandals in full stock sizes, as well as the newest Coobie Bras for long lasting comfort. The lace edge provides the perfect under piece for summer.

 

Looking for Thymes fragrances? You will find them here and these are perfect for hostess gifts and "cercies." It will be our pleasure to package them "prettily" for you.

 

For the artist in you... we have just announced several new instructors for 2015 including Gillian Lee Smith from Scotland. Smaller, 2 hour, less intense workshops are offered on a regular basis

throughout July, so be sure to " pop in" from time to time to pick up a schedule or just go to randomartsnow.com.  

 

Look for our OPEN sign, stop in and see what we are all about. Please like us on Facebook or find us online.

 

We are open Thurs. Fri. and Sat. from 10-4...and will have extended hours June, July & August.  

 

Located at 481 Louisiana Ave @ Ozone

Email: randomarts22@gmail.com

Phone: 828-749-1165 

If you aren't a member of the SBA, then this is a chance to become a member and take advantage of all the opportunities to promote your business.  Deadline for membership is July 31, 2014. For more information, please contact Marianne Blazer at 828-749-5471, email innkeeper@orchardinn.com, or Catherine Ross at carnc@charter.net. 

"This is a one of the best times ever to join an active organization that promotes the best of Saluda's culture, outdoors, and heritage.  With the new Tryon Resort/International Equestrian Center just down the road, Saluda businesses will have an opportunity to attract the many tourists and travelers who will be looking for places to eat, shop, and stay while in the area," says Sara Bell, president of the Saluda Business Association.

"Being a member of SBA has given us knowledge and information, an opportunity of exchanging ideas, keeping abreast of new developments and gearing up for changes, and insights in tourism that we would not have had otherwise. For us, moving to a new place and starting a new business, SBA is a most worthwhile resource." Marc & Marianne Blazer, The Orchard Inn.

"As a founding member of the SBA, I have valued the opportunity to share new ideas, participate in business opportunities and promote friendships through this organization for many years.  As a group, our voice can be heard, our advertising money can reach farther and our joint efforts can achieve so much more.  Membership for any small business will be one of your best investments."  Debi Thomas, Wildflour Bakery 

Please visit www.saluda.com to learn more about the SBA. Click here to download SBA letter and application.

Saluda Faces recognizes Saluda citizens that you may see often and wonder who they are, what they do, and why they live or work in Saluda. If you would like to refer someone for Saluda Faces, please email info@saludalifestyles.com.  

Driving to Pigeon Forge for a 4-day vacation in 1971 from a construction job in Charlotte, Rodney pulled into Saluda from Highway 176 since the interstate wasn't opened yet. He didn't think much of it then until he met his wife, Melody, at the University of NC at Charlotte. His sister-in-law was a good friend of Melody's best friend who moved from Saluda to Charlotte.  The girls often asked Rodney to escort them to music concerts and other events in Charlotte. Melody is the daughter of Donna and Paul Pace and lived just outside of town on Greenville Highway in the Mountain Page Community. This newly formed relationship with Melody grew and they married, solidifying his destiny to come to Saluda, and when he took a job in Traveler's Rest in 1979, he and Melody settled here. They purchased a home from Bear Moore on Smith Street and live there now. Rodney and Melody will celebrate 40 years of marriage on May 16, 2015.

Rodney traveled a lot in his work as an environmental engineer and consultant, and Melody opened "Grandma's Attic" where the Green River BBQ is today. The building was covered with kudzu and poison ivy and as they started stripping and cleaning inside and out, Rodney quickly discovered the consequences of poison ivy after suffering from an itchy rash. Grandma's Attic was a cross stitch store which Melody ran until 1982.

The eighties proved to be a roller coaster for the couple while Rodney applied his expertise with a large steel company (Armco, Inc.) working through EPA standards and environmental regulatory requirements. He worked for Armco in both corporate and plant positions during this time before moving to Raleigh and eventually taking a job in Greenville, SC for a consulting company. Through all this time, they kept the house on Smith Street and Cecily Lieberman, who worked at the Orchard Inn, took care of it. When the Gibson's would come back to Saluda for a brief stay, they lived in the downstairs area complete with its own kitchenette while Cecily lived upstairs. During this time, Melody would settle at a new location with Rodney, but he traveled so much, she would find herself moving back to Saluda while he completed assignments. She managed to open and operate her own business in Saluda from 1989 to 2001, Christmas, Etc.

Combining his knowledge of business, Rodney, working from Saluda, became a self-employed environmental engineer and business consultant with investors to buy and fund businesses in energy co-generation, ethanol plants, and precious metal recovery.

After years of traveling, it was time to slow down so he and Melody looked for something they could do together. They opened "EmbroidMe" in 2011, a promotions specialty company in Hendersonville. Since he only needs about 4 hours of sleep at night, he is also still doing a little consulting on the side. Since opening Embroidme, he has consulted with several international companies on regulatory operations and process challenges. He is currently focused on a project for a company that manufactures "scratch and sniff" inks for magazine advertisements.

Tired of traveling, he is putting fun back into the equation by playing music. He is the vocalist and keyboard player for the rock n' roll band, Sound Investment. The four-piece band plays in Saluda at the Top of the Grade concerts, Party Place & Event Center, and many other venues outside of Saluda. These include gigs as far east as Raleigh and an annual event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

For a long time, Rodney was known as "Mr. Melody" until one day in 1988 Mayor Pace asked Rodney if he would look into problems that the city was having with its waste water treatment plant. Of course, he was glad to help out and made recommendations to the then city commissioners which they put in place. He developed a systematic approach to dealing with leaks and broken pipes which helped solve the city's waste water problems. Commissioner Jim Boyle had been handling zoning on the city council and the city needed a "zoning administrator" and Rodney was asked to help with enforcing zoning ordinances. This was the beginning of Rodney's entry into the city's government. After functioning as the Zoning and Subdivision Administrator, he was nominated to replace a retiring City Commissioner where he served as Water and Sewer Commissioner for approximately 9 years.  Mayor Lee Clippard resigned after serving for two years and Rodney served out his term and was elected Mayor for a two year term after that.

Rodney shares his small hometown in Hamlin, WV with retired Air Force General Chuck Yeager (the "Right Stuff"). He went to Marshall University, Huntington, WV and was one of the ""We Are Marshall" students and was friends with some of the football players who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in 1970. Hamlin is a town with natural gas and coal industries. His Grandfather was the superintendent for the Columbia Gas System and his father worked there as a welder and well scout. After getting into Marshall, he asked his father, "What do you think I should major in?" His father replied, "All the managers at the gas company are engineers," so that's why he majored in engineering. He ended up in business school at the University of Miami which he adapted to easily and that served him well in his professional career.

Rodney has a younger brother and older sister living in the WV area. He lost his younger sister to ALS about five years ago. He learned recently that his great grandmother on his mother's side was a descendant from Chief Cornstalk, a Shawnee Indian chief.

Rodney loves music and flying. He is a 1600 hour instrument rated private pilot and flew his own plane on his consulting projects for many years. Every Sunday after dinner, his family would get around the piano and sing hymns. Growing up, his mother made him take piano lessons which he did for four years until he discovered the guitar and never played the piano again until 50 years later when he had to relearn the keyboard to play with Sound Investment. He credits his "excessive energy" with his problems in study hall which resulted in the principal forcing him to take the only available class, typing. In subsequent years, he took extra math classes to fill up the hours which he feels have helped him with his keyboarding skills as well as his engineering profession.

Rodney feels that Saluda is a uniquely wonderful community with a great history behind it, and that if you take time to sit down and read this history, you would be somewhat amazed by the people. Native Saludians are from the finest stock of America: people who moved here when the railroad came through, people who lived here even before then when it was rough and tumble dating back to the civil war, independent people who loved living here. The town evolved around the railroad and understanding the geographic impact of this history in dynamics of how things happen is amazing. He wishes everyone could have known classic Saluda people like Lola, Jack and Charlie Ward, JC Thompson, Robert Hugh Pace, Phoebe Sullivan, Bill Edgerton, Eunice and Boo Pace, Walter Pace, John Rhodes, Jack Morse, Mack Middleton, and Wade Pace. And there are those that are still part of the heritage including Charlene Pace and Lloyd Thompson who knows so much about Saluda's history and the area--really incredible people.

Saluda seems to be attracting mostly people who appreciate its history and people. "I feel good seeing it and being part of it as it evolves. In the 70's, Saluda was a ghost town headed toward a dying community. Looking inward, the people found ways to rebuild it--one step at a time. They laid the foundation for what we are now. People invested, people moved here and invested, and the rolling stone picked up momentum. I have appreciation for the people that took the risk and the luck that helped make the town what it is today, as well as what it can be. There is pressure to get bigger and grow more, and we are going to have to go through another phase to keep Saluda, Saluda. I like it where it is and don't want to see it change, but it will. I am hoping the same approach and perspective people had before will keep it going forward in the future," says Rodney.  

To refresh the collective memory of my readers, after graduating from high school in the spring of 1957 I began making plans to get the heck out of Dodge (that meant Saluda for those too young to understand the expression). Having recently purchased a '51 Ford from my brother-in-law, I now had the mobility to carry me wherever I decided to go. By late summer, I had concluded that my destination would be central Florida where I would work in construction for my brothers and father.

Because of their refusal to pay me the wages I actually deserved, it was a constant struggle trying to stretch those few measly dollars to cover the costs of maintaining my car. However, with the help of a new Florida buddy who worked as a garage mechanic, we were able during the winter to begin a minor customization job on the car. The primary changes involved removing the body chrome for smoother lines, installing a glass-pack muffler which produced a loud rumbling noise so that the public would marvel as I drove down a street, adding lowering blocks on the rear of the car so the nose would ride higher, installing fender skirts to the rear wheel wells, and applying several coats of glossy black paint over the less impressive original pale green color. What can I say?  I thought I was now the owner of one fine chick magnet!

My first construction job involved working as a laborer on a new "cafetorium" in New Port Richey, Florida, which is located on the west coast of the state. Soon I made friends with two local buddies who loved to get snockered on Saturday nights. However, even back then, we always had a designated sober driver which was usually me. One night we were riding around in my cool car while my two friends were hitting the sauce fairly heavily, and since we were not having a successful night spotting any young ladies, we finally wound up on a blacktop road way out in the boonies where we weren't likely to be confronted by the law for underage drinking. All three of us were sitting in the bench-style front seat, and eventually my two friends began to argue over who was the most sober. After a while of listening to this nonsense, I stopped the car and suggested that they have a foot race in front of the headlights to settle their argument. Shortly after I tooted the horn to start the race, my mechanic buddy fell down. As I eased up to him, he decided to sprawl across the hood where there was nothing to hold on to. The other friend was about a hundred yards down the road and when I applied the brakes to pick him up, my mechanic friend began sliding off the car in a drunken state. Just before he cleared the hood, the big-winged eagle emblem caught his clothes and ripped his brand new western-style shirt and cowboy pants right across the crotch which came awfully close to leaving him with a soprano voice. Then to compound his problems, the asphalt left deep skid marks on his new boots as well as his arms, elbows, and face.

After getting both drunks back into my car, I drove to a late night drive-in hamburger joint where I hoped we could get my injured friend some food to help sober him up. Unfortunately, he was sitting in the middle of the seat when nausea began to overtake him. He twice mumbled to the other friend to open the door so he could get out. When the stupefied friend failed to do so, he reached across, grabbed the door handle and pushed the other friend out onto the gravel, then puked in his face. This was not a pretty sight whether sober or drunk. About that time a deputy sheriff pulled alongside and said, "You boys seem to have a problem?"  "No sir," I replied, "just a sick friend," as I approached the officer so he could see that I was sober. I made up some story about the injuries to my friend and luckily he let us go.

My next job was in Palatka, Florida digging footings while still working as a laborer. However, opportunities to better my economic status began to change after almost a year of laboring in the Florida heat, so I moved back to Saluda in preparation for college in the fall. Once again Lola allowed me to work in the store for the rest of the summer. With wheels now under my feet, I didn't have to wait anymore for summer girls to offer me rides. Two sisters from south Florida about whom I wrote two months ago had become friends of mine the previous summer and had been generous in sharing their mother's car for daytime outings. Now we were no longer dependent on their mother's schedule and took fairly frequent rides around Saluda.

During an extended summer stay, the sisters brought one of their Florida friends to Saluda and we quickly struck up a friendship. Now the leisure rides in my cool semi-customized Ford became more frequent. During one Sunday afternoon ride-a-round, we found ourselves at the home and apple orchards of Walter and Jean Pace in the Mountain Page area. Memory has long since escaped me as to why we were there, but when we prepared to leave, this new friend, who loved my car, begged me to let her drive it. As she backed out of the driveway and onto a gravel road, she inadvertently drove into a steep ditch and wedged my car against a red clay bank. While doing my best to suppress my anger, I made my way back to the Pace's home and asked Walter to use his tractor to help get us out of this mess. However, there was no way to extricate the car without compounding the damage on the driver's side. The cost of body work set me back several hundred hard earned dollars and weeks without use of my proudest possession.

Before going back to south Florida, this new friend extended an open invitation to visit her hometown of Fort Lauderdale. Subsequently, the two sisters, who were enrolled at Saint Leo's College(now University) about 35 miles north of Tampa, concocted a plan where I would pick them up at Saint Leo's and drive unannounced to Fort Lauderdale for a surprise visit to see this friend. My plan also included stopping in Leesburg to borrow my brother's more modern '57 Mercury before picking up the girls. That was a big mistake! Shortly into this portion of the trip the suspension system on the Mercury began to squeal at the tiniest bump and became more pronounced as time went by. By the time I reached Saint Leo's the sound was becoming louder and more incessant. I was extremely embarrassed when I picked up the sisters and the thought of an unannounced visit to my friend's home in a wealthy conclave of mansions, canals, and yachts suddenly became brutally nerve wracking.

By the time we reached Fort Lauderdale, the ever increasing cacophony of sounds emitting from below could be heard for several blocks. Our first stop was at the high school where we waited for school to be out, and I can vividly recall the look of shock when my friend saw me. A look of panic would probably be a more fitting description. She became visibly shaken and started crying as a result of this unannounced appearance. With no prior discussion as to where I would be staying, the two sisters were picked up by their mother while I was left with the horror of screeching through a very ritzy section of Fort Lauderdale to an uncertain meeting with my friend's parents. As we rode up a long winding driveway fronting a very palatial mansion, the sounds announcing our arrival set several neighborhood dogs to howling.

Surprisingly the mother and father, whom I had never met, were very gracious in accepting me into their home and offered a spare bedroom for my anticipated two-night stay, which was quite a relief since I really could not have afforded to pay for lodging. The following day, my friend insisted on showing me around the city, so I drove as slow as legally possible over each visible bump in an attempt to reduce the decibels emanating from below. Bless her young heart, she never mentioned the chorus of sounds as I attempted to drown them out with the radio volume blasting the fire wall.

Eventually, relief came quite soon enough as I watched Fort Lauderdale disappear in the rear view. No longer did I care about the incessant squealing and numbers of gawkers as I drove back to Leesburg, and my beautiful Ford cream puff never looked better as I headed north toward Saluda. For the next three years, money remained extremely tight, and I had to leave my dream car at home during the school year. It was only available for me to drive during breaks between semesters so my thumb became my primary means of transportation to and from North Carolina State. 

Then around 1962, a 10-wheel truck loaded with red potatoes and having no brakes sent my beloved first car to scrap yard heaven. However, I have never forgotten the several years of youthful joy she provided me. Ah, first love!

Thompson's Store is located at 24 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Saluda.   Contact the store at 828-749-2321 or visit Thompson's Store online. 

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