Happy New Year AVL, and in case no one’s mentioned it yet, welcome to the Roarin’ Twenties, part II.
To begin looking forward to the future, we felt it was only appropriate if we hit on a few key items that occurred in the past. So, what exactly were some of the things happening in Asheville in the 1920s?
Business was booming.
There’s a reason so much of the stunning architecture downtown dates from the 1920s. It’s the decade when some of our most iconic buildings – like City Hall (1928), the S&W Cafeteria (1928), the Jackson Building (1924), the Flatiron building (1927) + the Grove Arcade (1929) – went up. Asheville experienced huge growth over the course of the decade, and then was hit hard by the Great Depression. And, Asheville was a tourist town even in the 20s – it was known as a resort community + playground for the rich.
One silver lining of the stock market’s crash? Buildings stayed put and development slowed, so we got to keep many of our historic places – even though they almost became a shopping mall in the 1980s.
The arts were in.
Much like today, Asheville was known for its bohemian arts scene – and writers were some of our local + visiting celebs. Thomas Wolfe published Look Homeward, Angel in 1929. Although some area residents were miffed by their portrayals in the autobiographical novel (set in the city of “Altamont”), it still put Asheville on the writing map – where we’ve been ever since.
And, although F. Scott + Zelda Fitzgerald didn’t visit until the 30s, The Great Gatsby mentions Asheville as a tourist destination for the wealthy.
UNC Asheville opened its doors.
In 1927, Buncombe County Junior College (later UNC Asheville) held its first classes, geared towards area residents who wanted to pursue higher education. It would become UNC Asheville in 1961, when it also moved to its current location. DYK: In the 1940s, the college was located at Seely’s Castle (then Overlook Castle) on Town Mountain – which was built in the 1910s but welcomed high-society guests throughout the 20s.
Also in education – Stephens-Lee High School, Asheville’s celebrated African-American school, graduated its first class in 1924.
No doubt, as we look forward to this new decade, we’re reminded of those who came before us and their resilience in overcoming difficulties, their innovation in dreaming big + their continuous drive to make our city a better + more welcoming place.
Now, fast forward to today. Here in the AVL office, we’ve spent a little time dreaming + planning what we’re looking forward to this year – and we’ve got to say, the future’s giving us pretty solid 20/20 vision.
Brook: I personally love New Year’s Day. I enjoy creating and pursuing new goals for myself, and I absolutely adore the feeling of fresh promise that comes with 365 brand new days.
In 2020, I pledge to read more, start writing my book, figure out how to use my Instant Pot (!!), continue reaping the mental health benefits of routine exercise, and most of all, explore the myriad opportunities for family fun + memory making our city offers. It not only gets me out and about, it results in enjoyment for my kid and me. And when it comes down to it, isn’t that what it’s all about? I want to raise my daughter here because it’s big enough to have culture aplenty and small enough for me to feel comfortable. And as a parent with few other parent friends, I’m especially excited to do this with y’all. While indescribably beautiful, this parenting gig can also be hard and lonely, and the prospect of creating even a bit of community just thrills my soul.
What sorts of family friendly and kid-centric content would you like to see? Hit me up and let me know — and if I don’t immediately get back to you, I know you’ll understand it’s because I am probably climbing out from under a mountain of laundry or dealing with the latest outbreak of pink eye.
Deuces, 2019 — I am welcoming 2020 with arms wide open, all Creed-style (minus the music, it’s not my jam).
Ali: I know I probably said this last year, but 2020 is the year I’m finishing my novel. I just wrapped up a Great Smokies Writing Program course with the fab local mystery novelist Vicki Lane (sign up for her spring offering here), and I’m well on my way with revisions. Turns out there’s a lot more to do with those. 🤷 Stay tuned for my freaky science fiction take on an apocalyptic virus that turns people into trees, y’all.
I’m also excited to make 2020 the year that I continue to make a difference in the community through my work with AVLtoday, Asheville FM, and the City’s Public Art and Cultural Commission. We just worked with a fabulous team of local and visiting artists + a great advisory board to wrap up a huge project, Hope Springs Forth Brightly, as the first installment of Celebrating African-Americans in Public Art – if you haven’t seen it yet, head to the corners of Eagle + Market Sts. to check it out.
In that same vein, I’m looking forward to how conversations about equity, inclusion + sustainability will continue to develop in Asheville. From conversations about affordable housing and the local economy to the evolution of our greenways, blueways, gardens, parks, and forests, I can’t wait to see how we innovate to ensure that all of this natural and cultural beauty is here for future generations.
Want to check in with me about a story idea or tip, or just want to say hi (or ask me how the novel is going)? Write me here.