Spruce Pine

by David Biddix, Chris Hollifield, Gloria Houston (Foreword by)

Overview

There is a little piece of Spruce Pine in almost every home and business in America. Known as the Mineral City, Spruce Pine is the hub of mining activity in the mineral-rich Toe River valley, which provides mica, feldspar, and ultra-pure quartz for computer chips and other electronic components. Images of America: Spruce Pine is the story of a town with two main streets that was started by the arrival of the railroad. This volume includes the characters, events, tragedies, triumphs, and memories shared by town residents. From catastrophic fires, ravaging floods, and economic turmoil, to visits by U.S. presidents and the Carolina Barn Dance, it is all right here.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738567693
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	09/23/2009
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Authors David Biddix and Chris Hollifield, two natives born and raised in Spruce Pine, weave a visual story of industriousness, creativity, and adaptation that demonstrates how physical and geological challenges can be overcome with hard work and a love of the land. David Biddix is webmaster/coordinator of multimedia for Mayland Community College and has an avid interest in local history and preservation. Chris Hollifield is a history teacher at Harris Middle School and a historian who has collected materials on local history for several years.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6

Foreword Gloria Houston 7

Introduction 9

1 The Spruce Pine at the Forks of the Road: A Community Begins 11

2 The Mineral City: A Regional Crossroads 29

3 Chalk and Slate: A Miner Makes His Mark 41

4 Hidden Treasures: A Mountain of Opportunity 61

5 How Firm a Foundation: A Fellowship of Faith 79

6 Mountain Gems: A Tribute to Success 87

7 Our Town: A Moment in Time 95

Bibliography 127