Although he never learned to read and write, Oscar Avery was proficient in the skills CPR, first aid, and other skills he needed as a volunteer fire fighter. http://hendersonheritage.com/early-leaders-of-fire-department/
Alma Logan Avery sold vegetables she grew on her farm in Lake Lure at the Tailgate market. https://www.blueridgenow.com/article/NC/20040705/News/606053642/HT
Henderson County’s licensed chauffeurs included several African Americans like Fred Potts. The Merry Garden Casino in Flat Rock attracted nationally known swing bands. https://www.blueridgenow.com/lifestyle/20200207/beyond-banks-driving-fairfax-grinder-and-further-chauffeuring-trivia
The Landina Guest House was one of many Black-owned businesses that served the Black community in the days of segregation. https://www.blueridgenow.com/news/20190714/beyond-banks-doing-it-by-green-book
Many of the slaves owned by wealthy Charleston planters chose to remain in Flat Rock after the Civil War. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41446547?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents
Robert Quinn wired local theaters and churches in the 1930’s. This interview with his wife was done in 1939 through the National Writers Project. https://www.loc.gov/resource/wpalh2.27080215/?sp=1
Black families in Edneyville have farmed in the area since before the Civil War. http://hendersonheritage.com/black-history-in-edneyville/
John Markley and his sons were well-known African-American blacksmiths in Flat Rock from 1877 until the early 1900’s. https://www.blueridgenow.com/article/NC/20130217/News/606022456/HT
The period from 1950 through 1965 brought change to Henderson County. The transition from the injustices of segregation to the equal rights guaranteed under the Constitution was a quiet, slow, and relatively smooth process. It did take courage to complete the process, but for the most part these …
By 1910, 46 Blacks owned at least 30 acres of land with three of these farmers owning 100 acres or more: M. R. Anderson of Mills River Township (230 acres), Martin Herrin (100 acres) and Washington Shipman (100 acres) both of the Hendersonville Township. To be a …