Saluda Property & Real Estate

A Quick Saluda Market Update

(compares last year's sales with the same period this year as of October 31, 2014). 

Sales              Closed   Pending 

Homes 2014     31            12                       

Homes 2013     28            0      

Land 2014          7            1                      

Land 2013        18            0 

Foreclosures-REO-Short Sales (Homes) 

Saluda - 3 properties  

Polk County - 8 properties  

Henderson County - 44      

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.

New Market Trend Reports for Saluda 

(Provided through Western NC MLS)

Local Market Insight September 30, 2014 

Saluda Downtown Foundation (formerly Small Town Main Street) meets Tuesday, November 4 at 4:30pm at the Saluda Library. 

Saluda Business Association meets Tuesday, November 4 at 5:30 at Saluda Library.  

Saluda Community Land Trust meeting at 3pm, November 5, place Saluda Prebyterian Church office. 

Turkey Dinner by Saluda Methodist Church at Saluda Elementary School, Saturday, November 8, 5pm to 7pm.  

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

The Historic Saluda Committee regular meeting with Oral History Committee will meet Friday, November 14 from 2 to 4pm at the Saluda Library.  The public is invited to attend.     

Contra Dancing Saturday, November 8 at 7:30pm for lessons, 8pm dance starts at Party Place & Event Center.    

Women's Club will meet November 11 at 10am at  Saluda Presbyterian Church. 

The Saluda branch of Tree City USA meets at 5:30pm on 4th Thursday of the month in the Saluda Community Library.

Potluck and Bingo, Saluda Center, November 24 at 6pm.  

Saluda Tailgate Holiday Market, Saturday, November 29 1 to 3pm.    

Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie and others... study group meets the first Sunday of every month from 5:00pm until 6:00pm at the Saluda Center.  For more information call Arlene at 828-817-3979 or Kathy Tyrrell  at 828-674-2692.

Make A Joyful Noise Community Music at St. Matthews Church on Irwin St. 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 3pm. Park at West Main St. Public Parking and walk over to church. 

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

Polk County Extension Club  

One-stop or early voting for the 2014 November 4 municipal election is located at the Polk County Board of Elections Office, 40 Courthouse St. Columbus, NC

Open 8am - 1pm Saturday, November 1, 2014

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Hours at all polling places are from 6:30am to 7:30pm. The sites are as follows:

Columbus Municipal-Columbus Town Hall

Tryon Municipal-Log Cabin-Harmon Field

Saluda Municipal-Fire Department

Henderson County Saluda Residents Polling Location is at the Mountain Page Community Building, November 4, 2014 from 6:30am to 7:30pm. One-stop and early voting is October 23 until November 1, 2014 at Henderson County Board of Elections, 75 E Central, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Click here for dates, times, and additional location.

The annual Saluda United Methodist Church's Turkey Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the Saluda School cafeteria from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The meal will include turkey and dressing with gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes, rolls, homemade desserts, and a drink.  All this for only $4 per child...12 and under... and $8 per adult.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday, October 6, by Methodist Church members.  You may also buy tickets at the door.  Take-out plates will be available.

Call 828-749-3789 for questions or comments.

Supplemental emergency bags of groceries will be distributed to anyone in need on the third Friday of the month. The remaining dates are: November 21, December 19, January 16 and February 20 at Church of the Transfiguration, Saluda. The distribution of these bags will take place between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Friday afternoons at the church parish hall located at 72 Charles Street in Saluda. This will be a "no questions asked" gift of hospitality to anyone in need. Supplies may be limited so come early. Distribution will be first come first served until all available bags have been distributed.

For more information call the church office: 828-749-9740.

On November 28, the day after Thanksgiving, The Saluda Bell Ringers will begin our 9th Christmas Season of manning a kettle for The Salvation Army on Main street. We will again be located in front of M.A. Pace store. This will be each Friday and Saturday through Saturday, December 20. The hours are 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm, and 3pm to 5pm. We are happy to see our veterans return each year and welcome anyone who would like to join with us and become a bell ringer. If interested, please call Max McGinnas at 828-749-9111, Neill Bultman at 828-749-1264, or you can leave your name and number with Leon at M.A. Pace store. We look forward to seeing our Saluda neighbors and visitors come by the kettle this season and pray we will have another successful season of helping those less fortunate.      

FYI to veteran bell ringers: The annual volunteer appreciation lunch normally held the week before Thanksgiving has been moved to January. No final date had been set as of last week.

Mark your calendars for our one special Holiday Market, the  Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 29, 1-3pm.  We hope to include local, agriculturally focused craft along with trees and wreaths, along with our usual fare. See you at the market!

When: November 29, 2014

Location : Saluda Fire Department, 64 Greenville St.,  Saluda, NC

Event Times : Registration 11:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM

Parade : Starts at 2:00 PM Sharp.  Police Escort for the entire way.

Registration Fee : $10.00 per person or a $10.00 or more NEW toy.

This event will feature barbeque, music, door prizes and more!

This is held the last Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. Saludians are invited to turn out on Main Street before 2pm and cheer the riders on. All motorcycle riders are invited to participate in this ride. Motorcycle riders come in from both North and South Carolina to make sure that children in need get a toy for Christmas.   

The route the riders follow starts in Saluda, NC, at the Saluda Fire  Department parking area with room for up to 1000 + bikes.  They move out in parade fashion and travel down highway US-176 to pass through Tryon, NC, while in route to Landrum, SC.  Arriving in Landrum, SC, the riders turn left and go through the town of Landrum, SC crossing over Interstate 26 in route to Green Creek, NC. Once they arrive there, they then turn North on NC-9 to Mill Spring, NC.  Then riders turn West on NC-108 to Columbus, NC, and terminate at the front steps of the Court House.  There will be ample parking in front of the Court House for the motorcycles to park in normal diagonal fashion. The toys are placed on the steps and wall for all to see and admire.  The column of bikers each year is about 10 miles long.  They travel at about 40 mph on the entire route in staggered 2 by 2 fashion.

The Polk County Sheriff's office would like to thank all of the motorcycle riders that participate in this event and hope that it will only grow larger each year.  For more information contact Barry Gee 828-817-3084 or email bgee1960@yahoo.com.

Saluda Downtown Foundation  

Saluda was designated as a "NC Small Town Main Street" September 2012.   

The Saluda Downtown Foundation is filing "Articles of Incorporation" with NC state and subsequently applying for a 501(c3) status.  The organization has formed volunteer committees for economic structuring, promotions & marketing, and design & appearance.

The LocaVestor program has been renamed to "Friends of Saluda" and guidelines and applications are available to Saluda downtown businesses for matching grants.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Cindy Hemenway was sworn into office by Mayor Fred Baisden assisted by Commissioner Leon Morgan, as the new Saluda City Clerk and Tax Collector. Cindy has lived in Saluda for the past 4 1/2 years and has been a volunteer for the Saluda Welcome Table, is a board member on the Saluda Community Land Trust, and a member of the Design Committee for the Saluda Downtown Foundation.  

In late May, Bill Obermiller became the new Public Works Supervisor and resides in Hendersonville.  He comes from the commercial building industry.  He was active in Saluda School PTO.  Bill will be overseeing the maintenance of water, sewer, streets, and parks under the control of city.

We encourage you to stop by City Hall when you get a chance, and introduce yourself to your new staff!

Thank you,

Cindy Hemenway

City Clerk

City of Saluda

828-749-2581

chemenway@cityofsaludanc.com

Help Pave Pace Park 

Show your gratitude to family and friends this Thanksgiving season by investing in a Pace Park Paver in their name or memory. 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. 

   

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.  

Follow us on

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. 

For mature ladies: basic belly dance moves and music strengthen muscles we don't use in our daily activities. When our "core" (belly, back & torso) is strong, we breathe better and digest better; our whole body is fit and happy; we walk with confidence and improve our balance.

No prior experience necessary. Any body size or shape will do! Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing such as sweat pants, yoga pants, and t-shirts. Bare bellies are optional.

Taught by Rima Luna, a 66 year old tribal belly dancer.

Thursdays, 12:00-12:45  

Special price for Better Bellies: donation

Tribal Belly dance

Level 1, Beginner - New class starting September 3

Wednesdays, 7:15-8:15, $10 per class

Level 2, Intermediate (must have completed Level 1)

Wednesdays 6:00, $12 per class

All classes: Saluda (Senior) Center, downstairs yoga studio.  For more information: rimomdancestonight@gmail.com or 828-894-2242

SCLT celebrated another successful "Kudzu Education" night that was open to the public. We had a good crowd of hungry chili eaters and a very stimulated group of inquiring minds wanting to learn more about controlling kudzu. Thanks to all of you who volunteered to help with this project. What a wonderful evening!

The kudzu goats were back at the Waste Water Treatment Plant on Pearson Falls Road. There were 20 beautiful and hungry goats with their boss Moses the dog. This was their last feeding of the year here in Saluda but we have plans to bring them back next year.

These kudzu events were made possible by many volunteers and by a grant through Polk County Community Foundation who has been very supportive of SCLT!

As always we remind everyone kudzu work can and should be done year round. As we go into the winter months, this is the perfect time to deal with kudzu attacking your trees. Reach up as high as you can and cut the vine. As the wind, rain and snow fall it will take the vines from the trees. In the spring the birds can use the old dead vines for nests. The trick is to get it out from under the tree and as far away as possible.

Are you looking for ideas as to what to give your special friends, family members, and loved ones for Christmas? How about a membership to SCLT? Membership is only $25.00 per person for one year. Did you know that we are an all-volunteer organization? You can join us and volunteer on a specific project anytime without a long-term commitment. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3), so any donation is tax deductible

Do you want to have a place for you and your family to take a day off and wet your feet? SCLT has been working to preserve Twin Lakes, an area that has deep history within the Saluda Community. If you are interested in reserving this spot for a festive occasion or would just like to take the day off with family and friends, please call our office at (828) 749-1560. This is a perfect time of the year for artists to use this site for educational purposes and also for families to think of reserving it for the seasons ahead. This is a reservation only facility, and a donation will be greatly appreciated.

Through the coming months SCLT will be working to improve trails and other projects, and we always need more volunteers. If you wish to volunteer for any of our projects, please call our office at 828-749-1560.

The next SCLT meeting will be Wednesday, November 5 at 3 PM. We will meet in our office, located in the Presbyterian Church. The public is always welcome.

 Please feel free to contact us about any of our projects by calling our office at (828) 749-1560. You can leave a message on our voice mail and we will return your call promptly. Also be sure to check out our website saludaclt.org. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Saluda Garden Club members and guests will meet in the upstairs conference room of the Saluda Library at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17. The first part of the meeting will be a general business meeting with discussions of new officers and program ideas for 2015. The second half of the meeting will be open for sharing holiday decorating tips, recipes, holiday crafts, etc.

The public is always welcome to attend any of our events.   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.

It's apple time in our mountains! Baskets filled with apples grown in Polk and Henderson counties are for sale in Saluda's grocery stores and at roadside stands and markets. North Carolina is listed in the media as the seventh largest apple producing state in the nation.

Have you thought about how beautiful apple trees are throughout our four seasons?

Stark bare branches in winter are sometimes blanketed in snow and ice. Spring brings the renewal of life with tender green leaves becoming a profusion of pink and white blossoms. As summer progresses, the infant buds of the fruit mature into the luscious red, gold, or green apples of late summer and early fall.

A few orchards allow visitors to pick their own apples, an experience kids may remember for a lifetime.

Of course, in order to preserve the trees and the quality of the fruit they pick, there are a few rules to follow when picking. Rules may vary from one orchard to another but, generally, are very similar.

Containers (bags, boxes, or baskets) are purchased. Ladders designed for apple pickers are carefully placed against the tree. The ripe apples must be handled to avoid bruising.

Pickers must be careful not to damage a limb or to break off the fruit spurs (buds which make the next year's crop). The container filled to level to prevent spilling if tilted slightly, should be handed down to a helper on the ground. The container may be weighed to determine the cost of the picker's harvest. The container should be kept cool so the apples remain fresh and crisp.

Usually an owner or staff member at the orchard or the local market can advise which species are best for cooking or for eating or which may be old favorites or are new cultivars.

Homegrown apples are welcome gifts for others by visitors who come to WNC, sometimes a traditional pilgrimage every fall to take home a taste of the mountains.

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

Submitted by Ruth Anderson     

Click here to locate apple farms to pick your own apples. 

Painting is by local artist, Beverly Pickard. Visit her website at beverlysart.com. 

Simple Tip You Can Use to Preserve Photographs

Do you have tons of photographs deteriorating in old photo albums or just thrown in empty boxes, but don't have a lot of money to spend on expensive archival quality scrapbook material? No worry! Here's a tip from Heather South, an archivist with the Western Regional Archives, a part of the State Archives of NC. First, find acid free photo boxes. You may need a few of differing sizes. They don't need to be expensive and you can find them at places like Wal-Mart, but read labels carefully. If you have photos stored in those old magnetic albums, carefully remove them since they are not archival quality and are slowly destroying your photos. Remove all rubber bands and paper clips from your photos because they too are destroying your photos. Never use glue, tape or anything sticky on your photos. Try to find boxes close to the size of your photos so they can't move around too much. Using plain copier paper (not color) cut sheets to the size of your photos, then layer the photos with one sheet between each photo. Believe it or not your home printer uses acid free paper and is perfect for this project! If you are limited to the size of the boxes you can find, just make sure to put the largest photo on the bottom and proceed to the smallest. If your photos move around in the box, just crumple up some paper to gently stuff around the edges. Photographs are simply layers of chemicals. Those chemicals can vary depending on when the pictures were made. When you allow photographs to touch one another, over time those chemicals can react and breakdown. This simple process will help to preserve your photographs for many more years to come. For more information about the Western Regional Archives office go here: ncdcr.gov/archives

Two Ways to Let Us Help You Preserve Your Family's Heritage

1. 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.
2. Don't want to part with your family photographs or documents? Let us scan them for our archives. That way we will have a digital record and you can rest assured that your family history is preserved.

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 or will arrange to meet you so that we can scan your photographs.

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, November 14, 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

 

Saluda Elementary School

CONGRATULATIONS! The National Association of State Title I Directors and the United States Department of Education are sponsoring the Title I Distinguished Schools Recognition Program. North Carolina will be permitted to select a Title I school to proudly represent the state at the national level in one of two categories. One school will be selected for high performance for two or more consecutive years, and one school will be selected for high progress. We are proud to inform you that Saluda Elementary has met requirements for the National Title I Distinguished Schools Award for high performance and will be eligible for selection as a National Title I Distinguished School.

Upcoming Events

November 5      "Dance About Anything" professional development

November 7    PreK-5 field trip to Tryon Fine Arts Center for Viva Flamenco Carlot Santana performance flamenco-vivo.org

November 10    5th Grade Muddy Sneakers Expedition Day

November 10    School Board Meeting  6:30pm at Stearns

November 11  Holiday---No School

November 14  End of the 2nd Six Weeks of School

November 18  Report Cards

November 21  Dress Down for Charity

November 24 Kindergarten to Saluda Community Library for Storytime

November 24  Holiday Variety Show Auditions

November 26 Optional Teacher Workday---No School

November 27 Holiday---No School

Click on this image and help support Saluda School.  Just put in the name of a Saluda School student and start shopping! 

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.  

Keeping Saluda School Kids Safe 

To keep Saluda School children safe, please remember that the school campus and grounds including steps from Seminary St. to Main St., tennis courts, playground, and ball field are not available for community-wide use during school hours.  All visitors must check into the office before visiting any buildings or using any school campus properties.  We appreciate the community's support in keeping our kids safe while at school. 

Saluda Community Library

All Events Are At Saluda Community Library

Pre-School Storytime

Nov. 3 @ 10:30am: Cats

Nov. 17 @ 10:30am: Thanksgiving

Afternoon Adventures
Afternoon Adventures is designed for children in grades K-5 and made possible through a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation.

Nov. 3 @ 4pm: The Wonderful World of Reptiles

In North America, reptiles are everywhere, especially in the southeast. Like it or not, we share our home with these cold-blooded creatures! Experts from Chimney Rock will teach kids the natural history and conservation of our scaly friends with the help of some live animals.

Nov. 17 @ 4pm: Creative Writing for Kids

Brittany Hampton Tokar will lead an exercise designed to get kids thinking and creating something of their own on paper. Brittany has an MFA in Creative Writing and has taught creative writing locally at ICC in Columbus. Her short stories and poetry have appeared in various literary journals and have received a number of literary awards. She wants writing to be fun and freeing for kids of all ages and has co-created a creative writing workbook for children.

Sam's Reading Buddies

Nov. 10 @ 4pm

Nov. 24 @ 4pm

NOVEMBER

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

Turkey Dinner by Saluda Methodist Church, November 8 

DECEMBER

Hometown Christmas -

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. 

Brown and russet colored leaves swoop and swirl as November winds sweep across the Saluda Mountains. The cold winds bring the first frost and the smell of wood smoke drifting in the air mixes with the earthy smell of decaying leaves carpeting the ground and enriching the soil.  

Harvest time is ending and Saludians are thankful for an abundance of brilliant colors, good weather, and delicious apple crops.

November marks the time when Saludians pause to reflect on the abundance of this year's harvest and to sowing seeds for next spring. 

As thoughts turn to holiday planning and closing summer homes, Saludians count their blessings, express gratitude to one another, and are thankful for their Saluda lifestyle. 

The 19^th Annual Green River Narrows Kayak Race will be held on Saturday, November 1 at high noon. Over 100 racers, passing through the most majestic section of the river, and from all over the World, will compete for the first place trophy . The spectators that make the trek down Pulliam Creek Trail (off of Big Hungry Rd) will witness someone kayaking The Gorilla every minute for almost 2.5 hours. It is said this is the "greatest show in all of sports." The energy is electric and the fun factor is always high.

Check out greenrace.amongstit.com or American Whitewater for spectator directions and more information about the happening of the day.   

Parents... Mark Your Calendar...

The Saluda Children's Christmas Workshop

Saturday, December 13, 2014

9:30am-1:00pm

Saluda Fire Department

Free For Kids Five And Up

The Workshop Helpers want to invite Saluda's children five and up to the workshop again this year so we can teach, inspire, and encourage them through creativity. The Workshop offers personal instruction of art projects related to Christmas in the form of ornaments and gifts. The kids get to practice their artistic ability, imagination, patience, cooperation, and gratitude through art. We create projects using lots of different mediums such as recycled products, beading, felting, food gifts, nature inspired gifts, origami, and much more. They will take home projects that will be cherished for years to come.

They aren't the only ones who benefit though...we, the adults, love to share with the kids who come. It's a wonderful experience for everyone. If you'd like to be a helper, just call Laura Fields at 828-749-4521.  I encourage creative and kid-loving people (notice I didn't say women) to join us. I wouldn't be able to pull this project off without my volunteers, and for them, I am very grateful. Please join us if you'd like to  be a part of something very special.

Parents, please don't bring children under five as the projects are challenging. No food or drink allowed. No unattended children and parents are allowed on art floor. We provide a special place just for you where you can do a project of your own or watch the kids without being right beside them. See You There!

Sponsored by Mountain Life Realty.

The Saluda Tailgate Market, sponsored by the Saluda Business Association and the City of Saluda, and supported by Polk County Agricultural Economic Development, has completed its fifth regular May through October season. One special holiday market will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 29, from 1-3.

In 2010 when we began the market, we had a concept and some willing volunteers, but we had no idea that it would become a spring to fall tradition and community gathering event. Five seasons later, most of us can agree it has enhanced the quality of life in Saluda and the county, fulfilling one of the stated missions of The Saluda Business Association. Those of us who have worked to see the market thrive are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and grateful for the growers and producers we have gotten to know, but most especially grateful for you the consumers. There is a generosity of spirit that pervades this market on Friday afternoons that almost defies description and certainly none of us could have foreseen. As growers and neighbors meet to exchange not only products, but also recipes, growing tips, and techniques, the domestic arts of kitchen and garden are preserved and celebrated, enhancing the health of families and community. Neighbors meet and greet and share news with one another for 26 consecutive Fridays afternoons, rain or shine. Guests and summer folk scurry into town on Fridays in time for the market to pick up fresh flowers, produce, and baked goods for the weekend. The market parking lot is a very happy place on Friday afternoons because you make it so. And you are also doing so much more.

According to a recent article on the future of farming by Virginia Tech, in the 1960's one farmer fed 26 people, today one farmer feeds 155 people; by 2050 the world population will grow to almost 10 billion from 7.2 billion today. Feeding that many with the continued loss of land suited to agriculture will be challenging and complex. While much research centers on crop genetics and pesticides, the development and preservation of small scale farming and organic techniques are also crucial. By supporting local fresh food and family farms, we are protecting the flourishing of our ridges, fertile fields and clean watersheds. By eating responsibly, knowing where our food comes from and how it is grown, we are positive agents for change, building better communities and a better quality of life.

Thanks to the volunteers who contribute so many hours to make it run smoothly: Nora Parks Anderson in the orange vest every Friday afternoon, Walter Hoover and Howard Troxler directing set up, signage, and take down, Beth Carson for the weekly newsletter and greeting, Susie Welsh, Catherine Ross, and Karen Swager for greeting when we couldn't, and The Purple Onion for buckets and buckets of ice. Many thanks to all of you who come out every Friday and wait patiently at the gate as the vendors set up to sell everything this rich region can produce, and then enthusiastically enter to purchase the fruits of their labors with your hard earned dollars. We couldn't do it without you. You make it so much fun.  

Stock up at the Holiday Market on Saturday, November 29 from 1-3. Fill your Christmas baskets, pantries and freezers. We will resume the first Friday in May, 2015. It will be great to see you.

Each year Heartwood purchases a handmade ornament to sell for your decorating and gift giving needs and donates the entire purchase price times the number sold to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. For over 20 Years Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry has provided financial and food assistance to thousands of Polk County residents in need. Our ornament this year is a wooden heart with an inlaid star made with exotic and domestic woods by artist Kurt Meyer. They are naturally warm colors and flat enough to mail in a Christmas card. Express your love for neighbors, friends, and family while giving back the entire amount to community with this beautiful symbol of love for the season. Packaged with a banner that recognizes the gift as a donation to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry and priced at $14 each, they are also perfect hostess gifts for holiday parties.

Heartwood Galleries is located at 21 East Main Street, Saluda, NC, 828-749-9365. Visit website or Facebook page.

Small Business Saturday, celebrating its fifth year, falls between black Friday and cyber Monday on Thanksgiving weekend. Created in 2010 to recognize small businesses as the heart of the American economy and encourage customer support in uncertain economic times, Small Business Saturday has become a boon to independent retailers. Last year over 100 million consumers came together to "shop small" and celebrate all that small local businesses do for their communities.

It is through small independent businesses that our diversity shines. So many towns and cities have entry ways or strips crowded with corporate conglomerates, from cheap mega box stores to fast food. You could drop in any one of these and not know what town or city you had landed in; all look the same, offering the same goods, quantity over quality, with all the profits going into the pockets of shareholders. When you choose to shop small, you experience the essence of a place and the heart of its community. When you are in Saluda, or any of its small neighboring towns, you know exactly where you are as there is no other like it. And most of your money spent goes right back into place.

Saluda is so fortunate to have maintained its unique character through decades, even centuries of change. Businesses come and go, some staying longer than others, but all are individually owned, diverse, serving the needs of the surrounding community and all reflecting the beauty of place. Our century-old general stores are both open and full and waiting to serve you. Art studios, craft galleries, gift shops, wine shops, baked goods and great coffee wait. You can spend the entire day in Saluda eating and shopping in independent restaurants and shops and also visit your local small farmers at the holiday tailgate market from 1-3 in the West Main parking lot. You can choose to have an outdoor adventure, listen to music at several different venues, or simply sit on a bench and enjoy the moment. Saluda is an example of how beautiful small can be. Come celebrate Small Business Saturday with us!

Submitted by Shelley DeKay

Leaving for the Winter?

Suggestions from Johnny-on-the-Spot*!

It's that time of year when you start thinking about winterizing your home so you don't have to worry about freezing pipes bursting or other damage to your house while you are gone.  Here are a few key suggestions that you may want to make sure to do if your home is going to be empty for any amount of time.   

Freeze Protection Safeguards    

1. Locate your water main and shut it off.   

2.  Cut off electric service to hot water heater and drain tank.   

3.  Drain all pipes via interior faucets and exterior hose bibs, cover with freeze protectors.   

4.  Drain all garden hoses and store away for the winter.   

5.  Flush all toilets and add anti freeze to remaining water in tank and bowl.   

6.  Insure gutters are clean to allow for proper drainage during rain and snow.   

7.  Insure all condensate and drain lines from HVAC units are drained.   

8.  Insulate any exposed pipes that cannot be drained of water.

General Off-Season Protection  

1. Shut off propane or natural gas at supply.  

2.  Turn off HVAC units at the electrical source unless a minimum temperature is to be maintained.   

3.  Prune tree limbs away from house to lessen possibility of storm damage.   

4.  Clean out your refrigerator, unplug and prop door open.   

5.  Unplug all other appliances including TV's.   

6.  Store lawn furniture, grills, tools, etc. 

7. Empty fuel from all gas powered equipment or add fuel additive.

8.  Turn off home's electrical power at the main breaker unless specific breakers need to remain on for fire protection, security lighting and alarm systems.

9.  Check exterior doors and windows for cracks and crevices and repair as needed   

10. Inspect roof and flashings for potential leaks. 

11. Close fireplace flues and dampers.

12. Test smoke detector batteries and replace as needed.

13. Shut off water to the house.  

14. Do not leave valuables that may attract thieves in home

15. Arrange for indoor plants to be watered if necessary.

16. Find someone who will drop by your home occasionally to make sure it is secure and there are no problems.  Be sure they know how to contact you.   

If I can help you with any or all of the above tasks, please contact Johnny Welsh, owner of Johnny on the Spot*, Saluda NC. h-828-749-3900, c-443-475-8955

johnnywelsh4u@yahoo.com

*A reliable person who is on hand and ready to perform a service or respond to an emergency.

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

SASSAFRAS: Saluda's newest shop

If you haven't seen Saluda's newest shop, SASSAFRAS, you owe it to yourself to take a look! You'll find an appealing collection of separates, including casual Jag jeans, a great line of Reversible vests, as well as dressy tops for evening. There are Earth Creations' organic Tees, Tencel shirts, and wonderful alpaca wool sweaters from Peru, priced in the $50's. Everyone who has seen the shop agrees that the scarf selection is unsurpassed!

The owner, Joann Collins, has been a successful retail shop owner for 40 years and it shows in her excellent choices of moderately priced clothing. She currently operates another store, The Grapevine in Burnsville, NC.

"I am building a small cabin just off Lake Hosea in Saluda," Joann relates, "which I had designated as a place purely for rest and relaxation.   Then I saw the For Rent sign at 46 E. Main St. and the old merchandising bug bit me!"

The small boutique offers a friendly staff interested in making your shopping experience as enjoyable as your delight in wearing your purchases.   For the Fall, the shop is open every day: 11-5, M-Th, 11-6 on Fr, 10-5 on Sat and 12:30-4:30 on Sunday afternoons! Come see for yourself!

Located at 46 E Main Street, Saluda, NC. 

Johnny On The Spot* 

All of us have those little troublesome problems around the house and yard. Things like a door that won't close properly, a torn window screen, leaky faucets, or even hanging pictures...all are problems we can't or don't want to do ourselves. Outside, lawn and flower bed maintenance, pruning shrubs, mulching, leaf blowing, power washing, painting...all are do-able projects for Johnny on the Spot*. I am the guy that will come out to your home and fix all of your problems in no time without requiring you to spend an arm and a leg to do it. I am a skilled jack of all trades and seasoned veteran in fixing things in and around the house. I ENJOY doing the work because every job is different and interesting.

Think about hiring Johnny on the Spot* when in need of any type of household repair or task. No job is too small. Below are examples of services provided.

• Winterizing Your Home            
• House Sitting                      
• Pet Care
• Landscaping                            
• Grass Cutting                   
• Leaf Blowing
• Mulching                                
• Power Washing                    
• Painting                                  

Please call Johnny on the Spot for all of your home service needs: Johnny Welsh, owner of Johnny on the Spot, Saluda NC, h-828-749-3900 c-443-475-8955   johnny4u@yahoo.com

*A reliable person who is on hand and ready to perform a service or respond to an emergency.

Saluda Grade Café is planning its annual Thanksgiving Menu.  Please plan now to make reservations for a fabulous and delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

Hours are: Tuesday thru Saturday, 11-3, lunch; Wednesday thru Saturday, 5-9, dinner; "Music on Friday Nights" at 7pm; Sunday 11-7.  

Visit us on the web at saludagradecafe.com or on Facebook for Friday night entertainers. 

Call 828-749-5854 or email us at saludagrade@hotmail.com.  Located at 40 East Main Street.  Click here for directions.      

THE DRESSING ROOM, ETC.  

Hard to believe that I had just returned from Atlanta to shop for the Spring and Summer fashions for 2015, when,  here we are, watching Mother Nature painting with her Fall Colors. 

 

I'm very excited about my anchor companies  (Habitat, Color Me Cotton, Click, Yushi Moda, Chalet and Inside Out and others ) for designing a very colorful and stylish 2015 Spring and Summer collection. Now having" Great Sales" at The Dressing Room!

 

Keeping in mind that Christmas is just around the corner, THE DRESSING ROOM ETC. is now extending our business hours to 7 days a week. It's a great time to take advantage of our "GREAT FALL SALE" (up to 40% off storewide ), and finding those special Christmas Gifts for that special someone - at a special price!  

 

New store hours will be Monday -Saturday, 10-5, Sunday 12 noon- 4.

 

THE DRESSING ROOM ETC., located at 141 East Main Street in Saluda.  Phone is 828-749-9555. 

 

Looking forward, Irmy

      

 

The Oaks Bed & Breakfast 

Veterans Appreciation 2014

The owners of The Oaks Bed and Breakfast - Saluda's premier Victorian inn - would like to "salute" our fathers, family and friends who have served in the United States military this Veteran's Day.   The weekend of November 7, 8 and 9, all active and retired service personal are invited to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing weekend at a 20% discount off our standard-reduced room rate! This includes our spacious and comfortable guest accommodations, four poster queen-size beds, full private bath and a sumptuous gourmet breakfast for two!

 

Selections for this weekend of "thanks and appreciation" are on a first come, first served basis and requires proof of honorable discharge or active military ID. Reservations need to be made directly through The Oaks Bed and Breakfast and a two-night minimum is required. When making your reservation, please mention that you intend to take advantage of our Veteran's Weekend Discount.

It is with our deepest appreciation that we pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so that we may live strong and free!

 

Special thanks to: Raymond L. Potrzuski, USN; Timothy Potrzuski, USN; Robert Ellison, USN.

 

To reserve, please contact Dale or Donna at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast by calling 828-749-2000.

 

The Oaks Bed and Breakfast

828.759.2000

Theoaksbedandbreakfast.com  

Friend us on Facebook!

The Orchard Inn and

Newman's at The Orchard Inn

Trip Advisor - 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. 

New in the Market

Rotisserie Chicken & Rotisserie Chicken Salad on Thursday, Friday & Saturday-$6.99 each

Chesapeake Bay Select Oysters in the Shell - 100 for $79.00( need 2 days advance notice)

New in the Store:  Baked Breads: Pumpkin, Apple & Cinnamon Pecan & Apple Fritters                         

Check out our Prepackaged Soups, just right for Fall, and the best Roots Hummus, Goat Cheese Spread- Fig & Honey is the Best.

"Free Veteran's Breakfast"

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

Daily specials $5.99

Tuesday - Small pork sandwich with homemade slaw

Wednesday - Guinness bratwurst on a pretzel roll with homemade slaw

Thursday - Black Angus Burger with fries

Friday - 2 Piglets with homemade slaw

All daily specials include coffee or tea.

November brings us some great local beers on tap: Highland Brewery Mocha Stout and Coffee Porter.  Also, the much anticipated Cold Mountain arrives the second week of November. This draft does not last long and is a favorite! We also have on tap Henderson Counties own Wicked Apple Cider and Blackberry Cider; both are gluten free. We also carry a bottled Gluten Free beer from Barcelona Spain...Estrella Damm Daura which is a Pale style lager.

We have a variety of soups, stews, and chili  to offer as the weather turns colder. Just ask your server what is available!

Our Sausage Dip Appetizer is a big hit! We use Charlie Wards famous sausage and spicy tomatoes and a blend of cheeses! Served in a mini cast iron skillet and served with nacho chips!

If you haven't tried our Grit Fritters, you certainly should! Herb cheese grits served up into fritters! 

Some of our appetizers are $2.00 off Tuesday-Thursday!

Enjoy your football game on any of our big screen TVs and don't forget pint Narragansett and PBR's are always $1.50!

We hope you enjoy your family and friends this holiday season! We will be closed Thanksgiving Day so our staff can be with their families. 

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 November 

Wine Tasting: Every Friday Night Wine Tasting 5 PM - 7 PM. Stop by Wildflour Bake Shop and order a pizza, then stop in Meanwhile's shop and taste a new wine.

Open till 10 PM every Friday night.  

Thanksgiving Wines:  No rules and no fuss about choosing a wine for holiday meals.  Stop by and we can help pick the perfect wine for your meal and guests.

Meanwhile November Hours:

Open 10 AM till 6:00  PM  Every day and open late on Friday from 10 AM till 10 PM for Wildflour Pizza Night.  Call us (828-749-9463) and we will stay later or meet you earlier.  

We have Wildflour Bake Shop bread and pastries on Monday, Tuesday and after 3 PM each day when Wildflour closes.  NEW in the shop: BackDraft Hot Sauces, Old Angry Liberal Hot Sauce, Holiday Ornaments by Saluda Artist Jackie Jones (Okra Angels and Okra Santa), new soaps from Mother & Son, Vidalia Onion Relish locally made, beef from Mountain Valley Farm (Polk County Meats!), Thai Basil Pesto, Lemon Basil Pesto & Hummus made with Saluda herbs!  

Meanwhile is available for birthday parties, meetings and other private events. Call us for details.  

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 .  

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.   

Born and raised in Charlotte and Saluda is Ms. Anita Summey. She and her little dog, Nicky, are seen all over town getting some exercise. Loving the simpler life in Saluda, she moved here full time in October, 1998 in the house owned by her Aunt Pearl.

She started coming to Saluda with her father, John Orville Summey who was born in Saluda, and her mother, Victoria (Morrison) from Midland, NC. Fearing the polio epidemic, her parents sent her with her brother Dan to stay the summers in Saluda with Aunt Pearl. Her parents met at Weaver College when they enrolled in 1930 and the college was in Weaverville, North Carolina. In 1934 Weaver College became Brevard College when it merged with Rutherford College. Anita's father went by Orville for the first part of his life and later people started calling him John for a reason unknown to Anita. He was a police officer in Charlotte at first and then he and his wife worked as deputy sheriffs at the county jail. Anita has a surviving brother Dan and an older brother (by 14 years) Jay, who died last year.

She has fond memories of her childhood in Saluda and one that really struck her was that you did not need money in Saluda! She and Dan would play in the park, which is in the same place it occupies now, and when they got thirsty, they would go over to Lola Ward's store (now Thompson's). They would pick out a drink and say "charge it" and that was it--pretty neat?

Her house was owned by her father's older sister, Pearl, and that is where they would come when they came to visit Saluda in the summers. The house is located at the top of Church Street next to the old Baptist Church for which Church Street is named. If you walk up Church Street and look straight, there are steps going up to her front door. Looking right you would see the old Baptist Church which is now a residence and is painted gray. After Aunt Pearl died in 1980, it was vacant until Anita moved in 1998. This posed a problem since the house was full of furniture and clothes.

What she did for fun...

While playing in the playground Anita and her brother played a game counting the train cars as they rolled past. They would compare numbers and see who was missing one. They wandered around the town some and even took the train at least once with her Aunt Myrtle who lived in Hendersonville.

She also has fond memories of coming back toward the house on Church St. and finding lunch in an unusual place...right in her garden. They would eat plums from their tree and apples from the Twiggs' next door. And there was time for games like Sorry and Chinese Checkers. They also did jigsaw puzzles and watched Boris Karloff on Shock Theater on Saturdays. Anita and Dan made friends with the neighbor kids, the Twiggs. They would play games and also liked to jump rope.

...and how she helped out

Other things she remembered about Aunt Pearl's house were helping to bring in wood from outside to feed the wood stove used for cooking and a wringer washing machine that was in the bathroom hooked up to drain in the bathtub. Then the clothes were hung on the clothes line outside.

More about Anita

After graduating from Garinger High School in Charlotte, she attended Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, NC and received a degree in Psychology. Then she went to work at the Methodist Children's home in Raleigh, and after a year serving as a house parent, she decided this was not for her.

She continued her education at Presbyterian Nursing School in Charlotte graduating in three years. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Presbyterian Hospital for 23 years. The job was so much fun for her that she never could figure how the hospital persuaded other nurses to work in areas other than labor and delivery!

Never really liking the big city, Anita would come up to the house in Saluda, empty at that time, on weekends and holidays because she much preferred the slower, smaller town of Saluda. She has never married and her brother, Dan, now lives in Richmond, VA with his wife and two children and a stepson.

Hobbies

Anita enjoys being an amateur astronomer, a member of the Mystery Guild Book Club, singing in the Methodist Church choir, being a member of the Women's Club of Saluda, and the president of the Polk County Extension Club. This is part of the agricultural extension of Polk County.

She is still a member of the Charlotte Amateur Astronomy Club. Once a year she attends a retreat up at the Wild Acres retreat near Little Switzerland with the club. She has been to every Southern Star Wild Acres retreat since it started. They go in April or May and have a grand time, rain or not, since there are guest speakers when they are not observing with their telescopes. If others would like to start going to the retreat or maybe forming our own club here in Saluda, contact Anita. Her number is in the book.

Anita also attends dance classes for fun and exercise at Sonya Monts at the Dancers Extension. They have classes for ballet, exercise, and hot/pop dance. The studio is on Ozone between Apple Mill and Don Mintz's office.

Anita feels that there is no better place to live than Saluda. The people are welcoming, friendly and caring. And they'll help out others routinely, but especially when there is a special need. If you see her and Nicky walking around town, smile and wave.

By Mike Boyce 

Saluda Magazine, from issue published in 1937 by Susan Leland Craig from 1936-1938.

Sharing Saluda

By The Saluda Magazine and Chamber of Commerce

Saluda, N. C.

During the depression, the live little town of Saluda was almost completely submerged. The valiant few who remained with their heads above water gradually emerged from the depths and looked around at the desolation. They saw that everything had to be done and that there was no money with which to do anything. However, they had their hands, and they were not afraid of work. So they planned their labors and accomplished much. With the help of the various alphabetical associations-HOLC, WPA, etc., homes were put back into shape, commun­ity projects were undertaken, playgrounds land­scaped, pavilion built, and a splendid gymnasium erected.

In January 1936, a planned system of adver­tising was undertaken. The first step was the use of letterheads and envelopes printed with an at­tractive cut and with information about Saluda. This stationery was purchased and used by the City, the boarding houses, the real estate agents, the merchants, the library, the churches, and all interested citizens.

The City took space in Asheville and Miami papers and booklets. Then in the Spring, the first issue of The Sa­luda Magazine was published. This gave de­tailed information about Saluda and vicinity. The good work of the magazine has gone on, coming out regularly each quarter and growing in scope and meaning.

In the Autumn of the same year (1936), the citizens got together to discuss plans for Spring advertising. They decided that, more than just for Spring advertising, the need was for a pro­gram of planned projects for the year. The time seemed ripe for an organization which would see to the carrying out of these projects. It was decided that the Chamber of Commerce would be the best form of organization to be adopted at this time. So the Chamber of Commerce, which had sprung into being with the boom and gone out with it, was reorganized.

The citizens are trying to build this Chamber of Commerce on the solid foundation of real en­deavor. Realizing that its proper functioning is entirely due to the way they give their time, their money, their labor, their ideas, they are trying to throw themselves wholeheartedly into GIVING. While of necessity there must be a Board of Directors at the head of the organiza­tion. each citizen feels his individual responsi­bility and is trying to do his part for the better­ment of the community.

Constructive criticism is a good and necessary thing. If you see some condition or matter can be bettered and can offer some plan of solution and assistance, then it is your duty and respon­sibility to do everything possible to better it.

Saluda Chamber of Commerce is working. Plans for posting the roads, radio broadcasting, city beautification, and so forth are being given thought and attention. Money is being raised by private subscription and by the entertaining and unique Chamber of Commerce Auctions at which specially printed C. of C. money is used.

Four of the more significant technological advancements in the 20^th century occurred during my childhood years. First was the development of the electric clothes-washing machine; second was the ability to transmit television pictures and sound by wire; third was the development of affordable dial-up telephone service; and fourth was the development of refrigeration to serve the masses-although not necessarily in that order.

My family's first washing machine arrived the year I was born:1939. It consisted of a galvanized tub on four legs with a ringer mounted to the top for squeezing out the excess water. The ringer consisted of two hard rubber rollers held tightly together so large quantities of water could be removed as the clothes were fed between them. That reliable old Maytag machine cleaned tons of clothes for my fairly large family over a period of at least 12 years, with only minor repairs to the ringer gears. Clotheslines scattered about our back yard continued to be the preferred method of drying for a number of years, since fresh air was free and the electric clothes dryer was prohibitively expensive. Unfortunately, the clothes would freeze sometimes before they were able to dry during some cold winter blasts which could last for several days.

Around 1948, Mama finally decided she could afford a two-party telephone service, which meant that we had to share a single line with another family. Like early Ford automobiles, the rotary-dialer phones came in choices of color: either black or black. One long ring indicated the call was for us while two short rings meant the call was for the other family. From the outset a couple of problems became obvious. First, there was no way of knowing if another caller was trying to reach the other family while we had the line tied up, or vice-versa. I know that on our end, Mama loved to gab with several of her friends and sometimes held extended conversations. Second, the other family had a bad habit of picking up their phone and trying to silently eavesdrop on our conversations, no matter how brief. You could always hear a slight audible click when they picked up; however, they would quietly hang up once we made them aware that we knew that they knew that we knew that they were trying to listen in.

Ed Leland was the owner of the local phone system and maintained it by himself until his son Cater became old enough to help out. It was not unusual in the late '40s and early '50s to see individual phone lines draped over tree limbs around Saluda rather than attached to poles, while strips of rubber inner tubes helped protect critical pieces of equipment from rain and ice along multi-line cables. A frequent joke regarding phone trouble was that one of the rubber strips-which was usually held in place by clothespins-had probably blown off and the line would be fixed as soon as Ed could find that piece of rubber and the pins, or go buy some more. Amazingly however, overall service remained pretty darned good as Ed continued to run the small phone company well into his eighties.

Long-distance phone calls were carried by American Telephone & Telegraph Company (later shortened to AT&T) over numerous individual strands of bare copper wires that were strung along glass insulators which in turn were attached to a series of lengthy wooden crossbars. Each line could only handle one phone call at a time, which made for an extremely inefficient method of communicating. One of their right-of-ways passed along the property on Old Macedonia Road adjoining our yard, then skirted the northwest side of Saluda Cemetery, and eventually disappearing over the small mountain to the back side of the cemetery. For several years we used the right-of-way near our property to grow field corn and I suspect it was done without permission from anyone.

I'm not sure of the number of lines, but there must have been close to a couple of hundred wires mounted on double poles that were held in proximity to each other by heavy bracing. The glass insulators, now collector's items, were often prime targets for young fellows (other than me) with rifles who loved to practice their marksmanship and watch them shatter.

The first television show I ever saw came via a TV set that was sitting in a furniture store's display window located on Main Street in Hendersonville. This was around 1950 and the small black-and-white screen attracted fairly large crowds who stood on the sidewalk and marveled at such high technology.

About the same time a few sets begin to appear in Saluda, with Mayor John T. Coates owning the first, followed by Fred Pace, Paul Pace, Pace's Hardware Store, and L. L. Clippard who owned an insurance agency. (The Paces always had that smell of money.) Soon enough, Pace's Hardware began sharing their TV with local residents. The business usually had it turned on for part of the day which would draw a stream of onlookers who would sit in amazement. Dudley Pace, son of Fred Pace, was one of my best friends and would often invite Frankie Ashley and me to his home to watch the afternoon Howdy Doody Show. This pioneering children's program, featuring puppeteer Buffalo Bob with his wooden puppet Howdy Doody, was an immediate success after first being aired in 1948 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoons at 5:00 PM. Total TV broadcast times were limited to a few daytime and early evening hours; however, this show became so popular with both kids and adults that in 1950 it was moved to Monday through Friday at the 5:30 - 6:00 PM time slot.

One of my favorite memories was watching the Baseball World Series live. Once you had "seen Paree'" it became harder to enjoy a radio announcer's descriptive play-by-play of the on-field action and certainly required no imagination. Several of my friends and I would rush from school to join older males in watching the remaining innings at the hardware store. However, the cost of a television set was still more than my mama could afford, so we didn't have one in my family household until I was almost ready to leave home following high school graduation in 1957.

Finally, our first refrigerator was purchased around 1953 by my oldest brother Charles who had recently returned from military service. It replaced a beautiful wooden ice box that sat on our back porch for many years and was used only in the warmer months. During winter months we stored our perishable foods either on the porch or in unheated rooms within the house. Storing on the porch was risky since frigid temperatures sometimes froze food into solid ice or busted gallon jugs of milk. I've often wondered why that ice box was trashed.

While these four consumer products seem rather mundane to the 21^st century, three-quarters of a century ago they were just about the most exciting whiz-bang advances around!

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. 

If you miss receiving Saluda Lifestyles, your ISP providers may change security filters frequently or you may have increased the security risk on your computer that inadvertently blocks Saluda Lifestyles from your email account. We apologize for this inconvenience.  In the future, if you do not receive your Saluda Lifestyles, please notify us by sending an email to cathy@cathyjacksonrealty.com so that we can resend to you and track the problem.  The first of the month newsletter is always posted on the website at saludalifestyles.com and on the Saluda Lifestyles Facebook. Don't forget to add cathy@cathyjacksonrealty.com to your address book so Saluda Lifestyles will be sure to land in your inbox!