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ASHEVILLE
CITY DIRECTORY,
1887.8
4 9
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HOPPHERN DIRECTORY CO., -
PUBLISTIENES.
BREVARD
FAULTALLE AND RETAIL DEALERS IS
Clothing, Boris, Shoes, That's,
Dry Goods and Nations, -
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Heavy and Staple Groceries,
If you want any :b'ng QUICK, go there first.
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SITA
FIBERTAS
1
Library OF THE University of North Carolina This book was presented by Mrs. Richmond Pearson
C 971. 11-A82C
DOUGLAS
00. SILK STITCHED GLOVE KID
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1 EST TANNERY CALF
COM
SEWED
WEAVER,
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Specialty. 1
Best and Largest Stock in the State west of the Blue Ridge.
Trunks, Valises, &c.
NO. 30 S. MAIN ST
ASHEVILLE, N. C.
UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00030756147
FOR USE ONLY IN
THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION
28957
ASHEVILLE
CITY DIRECTORY.
C. 71.11 1887
SOUTHERN DIRECTORY COMPANY,
PUBLISHERS.
PRICE $4.00.
1 PREFACE.
In response to an earnest demand for a city directory, the publishers began this work, realizing that the patronage received from Asheville's business men would poorly compensate them for their labor. Much encouragement was given by all leading busi- ness men and citizens, and finally the city officials employed them to take an official census and number the houses. The latter was done not only as a great convenience, but to be ready for the free mail service to which Asheville will soon be entitled. This en- terprise on the part of the city and liberality on the part of her citizens, has enabled the publishers to thus place the products of their humble efforts before the public with as much completeness and perfection as was possible in such work.
Altogether, a thorough canvass of the city was made, and while we do not claim that this book is either perfect or infallible- which would be impossible in such work-yet we do claim that it is as nearly correct and reliable as thorough canvassing and great carefulness could make it.
With a pardonable pride, the publishers call attention to their advertising pages, among which will be found cards from all the leading, enterprising and progressve business men of the city, whom we commend as honest and liberal in their dealings with their patrons as they have been earnest in advancing the best in- terests of the city in aiding this publication.
Some errors and changes will be found preceding this, under the head of " Errata." Some names accidentally overlooked in the arrangement of the Directory, and some changes which have taken place since our canvass was made.
Very respectfully,
THE SOUTHERN DIRECTORY COMPANY.
C971.11 A82.
NE
piso ..
3
ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Title
I
Preface
2
Errata
3
Census Table
4
Classified Business Directory
5
Miscellaneous Directory
S
List of Advertisements
IO
Historical Sketch of Asheville
17
Table of Distances
23
Street Directory .
24
Abbreviations .
28
General Directory of Names
30
ERRATA.
Removals, Corrections, Names received too late for insertion in regular order, etc.
BOSTIC, J B, real estate, 13 Patton ave, res 64 Bailey
Bostic, Mrs J B, res 64 Bailey
Bostic, Phifer, res 64 Bailey
Bostic, Bennett, res 64 Bailey
Brown E E, photographer, over 7 and 9 Patton ave.
Broyles Ed W, drummer, res 266 Patton ave
Broyles Jas M, res 266 Patton ave
Broyles Maggie A, res 266 Patton ave
Campbell C H, mfr, soda water, rear 217 Haywood
Campbell C H Mrs, res 217 Haywood
Campbell Louisa, bds 217 Haywood
Dobson S K, carp, res 336 S Main
Dobson S K Mrs, res 336 S Main
JARVIS MILTON, clk, 55 S Main, res 310 N Main Jarvis Milton Mrs. res 310 N Main
Jarvis Sallie K, bds 310 N Main
Jarvis Mary, bds 310 N Main
Jarvis Willie, bds 310 N Main
Jarvis Cora, bds 310 N Main
LAW. J H, China, Glass and Queensware, 59 S Main, bds over 56 S Main
82309
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
Lewis, Lou, c, servant, 64 Bailey
LOCKWOOD, H N, Broom Factory. 255 Patton ave, res S Main o c MCMULLEN, P. S., furniture, 33 N Main, res 60 Oak
Morgan, P M, carp, res 23 Flint
Morgan, Mrs P M, res 23 Flint
Morgan, Bonnie, bds 23 Flint
Morgan, Alex, bds 23 Flint
Rea, A A, carp, res 366 S Main
Rea, Mrs A A, res 366 S Main
Rea, Jas H, bds 366 S Main
Rudesill, M L, clk, 11 N Main, bds College.
Sherman, N T, cigar mnfr, 58 S Main
Stevens, E B, cigar mnfr, 58 S Main
Weaver, H B, phys, 24 S Main
Wilson, Mrs W H, res 34 Academy
Wilson, John, bds 34 Academy
Wilson, Luther, bds 34 Academy
Wilson, Katie, bds 34 Academy
Wilson, Mary, bds 34 Academy
Wilson, Frank, bds 34 Academy
Wilson, Everett, bds 34 Academy
Wilson, George, bds 34 Academy
CENSUS.
The Official census ordered by the Mayor and Board of Alder- men of Asheville, January 28, 1887, and compiled by the Southern Directory Company, give the following results :
Whites.
4,651
Colored
2,607
Married
2,785
Single.
4,473
Over 21 years of age.
3,564
Under 21 years of age
3,694
Males
3,42S
Females
3,830
Grand total. 7,25S
Our books show the names of 195 persons obtained outside of the corporation, and which are included above.
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
AUCTION HOUSE.
MURRAY & LANCE, AUCTION -AND-
COMMISSION MERCHANTS
15 South Main St.
Consignments Solicited. Particular attention given to the Sale of Real Estate. Highest Price and Quick Returns on all Goods entrusted to our care.
ASHEVILLE BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
COMPILED FROM OUR ADVERTISERS.
ATTORNEYS.
M E Carter, p 47 Henry Hardwicke, P 55 Jones & Shuford, p 121 Johnstone Jones, p 49 A J Lyman, p 61 W H Malone, p 43 Moore & Cummings, P 41
AUCTIONEERS.
Murray & Lance, p 4
BAKERY & CONFECTION- ERY. Moore & Robards, inset page
BARBERS.
Plum Levi, p 43 William McTrent p 261
BLACKSMITHS. Brown & McSwaign, p 261 P J Brown, P 37 J H Woody, p 115
BOARDING HOUSES.
I C Baird, p 61 C R Benjamin, p 12I Mrs Trenholm, p 37 Florida House, p 61
BOOKS AND STATIONERY.
Jas Carson, p 47 H T Estabrook, head and foot advertisements J N Morgan, head and foot ad- vertisements
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
Bearden, Rankin & Co., p 33 Brevard & Blanton, Ist p cover S R Chedester & Son, p 71 S D Hall & Co., colored inset Herring & Weaver, 2d p cover J O Howell, p 47 M Levy, head and foot ads Reynolds, Baird & Co., p 49 Straith & Thomson, p 57
BROOM FACTORY. H N Lockwood, p 115
CHINA, GLASS AND QUEENSWARE.
J H Law, 59 S Main, name in black
COAL DEALERS.
Atkins & Carrington, p 36 N W Girdwood, ad on map
COOPERAGE.
William Weaver, P 55
CONTRACTORS AND BUILDERS.
W D Justice, p 33 C L Lindsey, p 67
CORNICE AND TINWARE.
J R Hill, 3d page cover
DENTISTS.
B H Douglass, P 92 J G Queen, P 55 A B Ware, p 41
DRESSMAKERS.
Mrs C Townsend, p 37 J L Wilkie and Mrs C M Wil- liams, P 59
DRUGGISTS.
Grant & Roseberry, head and foot ads
J H Woodcock, head and foot ads
Both the above firms are grad- uates of Philadelphia Pharmacy.
DRY GOODS.
Bearden, Rankin & Co., P 33 Brevard & Blanton, Ist p cover S R Chedester & Son, p 71 Graham, Graves & Co., P 39 J O Howell, p 47 Reynolds, Baird & Co., p 49 A. H. Stockton & Son, p 71 Straith & Thomson, P 57
FLORIST. Ray, McCloud & Pulliam, P 75
FURNITURE.
W A Blair & Co., 2d p Ist fly S P McMullen, p 63
GENTS' FURNISHING.
M. Levy, foot and head ads
GROCERIES.
Bearden, Rankin & Co, p 33 Brevard & Blanton, Ist p cover S R Chedester & Son, p 71 H S Greer, page 33 S D Hall & Co, colored inset S R Kepler, Head and Foot ads Reynolds Baird & Co, page 49 A H Stockton & Son, p 71 Straith & Tomson, P 57 Geo W Tilson, page 41 Stevens & Childs, p 117
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
HARDWARE.
VanGilder & Brown, page 45
HOTELS.
W P Blair "Carolina House," page 53 S R Chedester & Son, " Grand Central," page 71
A G Halyburton, " French Broad," page 49 Rawls Bro's, "The Swannanoa" page 244 J L L Slagle, " Slagle House," p 45
ICE CREAM SALOON. Moore & Robards, colored inset
INSURANCE AGENT. E J Aston, page 29
C Cowan, Head and Foot ads H L Lang, Head and Foot ads
JOB PRINTERS.
Randolph & Hunt, page 33 Advance, page 235 Citizen, page 259
LIVERYMEN.
Chambers & Weaver, page 74 F Stikeleather, page 51
LOCK AND GUN SMITH. J S Mosseller, page 37
MEAT MARKETS.
T J Sumner, page 47 Zachary & Zachary, P 35
MILLINERY.
J H Wilkie, page 59
MILLSTONES. J T Wyatt, page 53
MUSIC STORE. T M De Vault, page 35
NEWSPAPERS.
Advance (daily ) page 235 Citizen (daily ) page 259 County Homes( Monthly ) p 119
PAINTER. R L Fitzpatrick, page 59
PHOTOGRAPHER
TH Lindsay, page 227
PHYSICIANS.
A M Ballard, page 261 M H Fletcher, page 55 G W Purefoy, p 261
R. R. TICKET AGENT.
F Stikeleather, page 51
REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
Atkinson & Son, Inset Bostic, Blanton & Co, page 121 J M Campbell, Head and Foot ads
Walter B Gwyn, 4th p cover A J Lyman, Head and Foot ads D S Watson, 2d page, ist Fly
SASH AND BLINDS.
Buttrick & Cole, colored Inset T L Clayton, page 6.7
SILVERWARE.
C Cowan, Head and Foot ads H L Lang, Head and Foot ads J H Law, 59 S Main st
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
SHOE MANUFACTORY. Graham, Graves & Co, p 39
STOVES AND TINWARE. WV R Bearden. Head and Foot ads.
TAILORS. J C Brown & Co, page 43 J W Schartle, page 71
TOBACCO FACTORY. Asheville Tobacco Works, p 79
TOBACCO WAREHOUSE. The Buncombe, Stevens & Childs, p 117
WAGON AND CARRIAGE FACTORIES.
W D Justice, page 33 J H Woody, page 115
WHOLESALE DRY GOODS. Graham, Graves & Co, page 39
WINE & LIQUOR STORES. Jas H Loughran, 2d page, last Fly Frank Loughran, Ist page Ist Fly
CHURCHES.
WHITE.
FIRST BAPTIST .- Corner Woodfin and Spruce streets, Rev. W. A. Nelson, D. D., pastor. Services every Sunday at II A. M. and at night. Sunday School at 9 A. M. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday night.
SECOND BAPTIST .- Corner Patton avenue and Bailey street, Rev. J. L. Carroll, D.D., pastor. Services every Sunday at II A. M. and 4 P. M. Sunday School at 9:30 A. M.
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH .- Church street, Rev. H. W. Bays, D D., pastor. Services every Sunday at 11 A. M. and at night Sunday School at 9 A. M. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday night.
PRESBYTERIAN .- Church street. Rev. Mr. Lefevre, pastor. Services every Sunday at 11 A. M. Sunday School at 9 A. M. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday.
EPISCOPAL .- Corner Church and Willow streets, Rev. Jarvis Buxton, rector. Services every Sunday at 11 A. M., and at 5:30 P. M. Sunday School at 9 A. M. Regular week services Wednesday at 10 A. M. and Friday at 6 P. M.
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
CATHOLIC .- Valley street, Rev. Father Price. pastor. Services every Sunday at 11 A. M. and mass at 7:30 every morning.
METHODIST MISSION CHAPEL .- North Asheville, Rev. Mr. Aikins, pastor. Sunday School at 3 P. M. and services at S P. M. every Sunday.
COLORED.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH-Corner Valley and S. Beaumont streets. Services every Sunday at II A. M. and at night. Sunday School at 4 P. M.
METHODIST .- Zion, College, near Pine street crossing, Rev. S. Sherman, pastor. Services every Sunday at 11 A. M. and at night. Sunday School at 9 A. M. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday night.
BAPTIST .- Corner S. Pine and S. Beaumont street, Rev. Mr. Rumley, pastor. Services every Sunday at 11 A. M. and at night. Sunday School at 9 a m. Prayer meeting every Wednes- day night.
ASHEVILLE SOCIETIES.
CYRENE COMMANDERY, No. 5, K. T .- J. A. Porter, Eminent Commander; Jordan Stone, Secretary. Meets first Wednesday night in each month. Hall No. 13 N. Public Square
ASHEVILLE CHAPTER, R. A. M .- G. II. Bell, High Priest; S. Hammershlag, Secretary. Meets the second Wednesday night in each month. Hall No. 13 N. Public Square.
MT. HERMON LODGE, NO. HIS, F. & A. M .- H. C. Fagg, Wor- shipful Master; Fred. L. Jacobs, Secretary. Meets the first Friday night in each month. Hall No. 13 N. Public Square.
SWANNANOA LODGE, No. 646, K. OF H -E. Levy, Dictator; Jordan Stone, Secretary. Meets the first and third Monday nights in each month. Hall. over 15 N. Main Street.
FRENCH BROAD COUNCIL, NO. 701, R. A .- S. Lipinsky, Re- gent; Jordan Stone, Secretary. Meets on the second and fourth Monday nights in each month. Hall, over 15 N. Main Street.
THE ASHEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY-Over Kepler's store, oppo- site Eagle Hotel, and next door to the Bank of Asheville. Open
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
to visitors from 10:00 A. M. to 1 P. M., and from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M.
ASHEVILLE CLUB .-- W. R. Penniman, President: T. W. Patton, Secretary. Hall over the Bank of Asheville, S. Main Street.
KNIGHTS OF LABOR .- C. W. C. Deake, Master Workman: - Montieth, Secretary. Meets every Thursday night.
No. 40, F. & A. M. (COL.)-Jas. Lattimore, W. M ; Harrison Brown, Secretary. Meets first and third Monday nights in each month.
LIST OF ADVERTISEMENTS.
" Advance," Daily and Weekly PAGE.
235
Atkinson & Son, real estate. colored inset pages
Atkins & Carrington 36
Asheville Tobacco Works, mf'g smoking tobacco
79
Aston, E. J., insurance agency 29
Baird, I. C, boarding house. 61
Ballard, Dr. A. M., physician. 261
Bearden, W. R., stoves and tinware. head and foot ads
Bearden, Rankin & Co., general merchandise 33
Benjamin, C. R., boarding house 121
Blair, W. P., " Carolina House ". 53
Blair, W. A. & Co., furniture, Ist fly. 2
Bostic, Blanton & Co., real estate. I2I
Brevard & Blanton. general merchandise Ist page cover
Brown, J. C. & Co., merchant tailor 43
Brown, P. J., blacksmith. 37
Brown & McSwaign, blacksmiths 261
Buttrick & Cole, sash and blinds colored inset page
Campbell, J. M., real estate head and foot ads
Carson, James, books and stationery. 47
Carter, M. E., attorney-at-law
47
Chambers & Weaver, liverymen
74
Chedester, S. R. & Son, general merchandise and hotel. 71
" Citizen," Daily and Weekly 259
Cowan, C., jeweler. head and foot ads
De Vault, musical instruments 35
Douglass, B. H., dentist. 92
Estabrook, H. T., books and stationery head and foot ads
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
PAGE
Fletcher, M. H., physician.
55
Fitzpatrick, R. L., painter 59
Girdwood, N. W., coal. . card on map
Grant & Roseberry, "the popular druggists." head and foot ads Graham, Graves & Co., wholesale dry goods 39
Greer, H. S , groceries. 33
Gwyn, Walter B., real estate. . 4th page of back
Hall, S. D. & Co., general merchandise. colored inset page
Halyburton, A. G., French Broad Hotel. 49
Hardwicke, Henry, attorney-at-law. 55
Hill, J. R., cornice and tin-worker. ยท 3d page cover
Hope Bros. & Co., jewelers, Knoxville, Tenn. 131
Howell, J. O., dry goods. 47
Jones & Shuford, attorneys-at-law 121
Jones, Johnstone, attorney-at-law 49
Justice, W. D., wagon and carriage builder. 33
Kepler, S. R., groceries. head and foot ads
Knoxville Business College, Knoxville, Tenn 16
Knoxville Trunk Company, Knoxville, Tenn. . 2d page 2d fly
head and foot ads Lang, H. L., jeweler.
Law, J. H., china, glass and queensware, 59 S. Main
Levy, M., boots, shoes, hats, etc head and foot ads
Levi, Plum, barber. 43
Lindsey, T. H., photographer 227
Lindsey, Chas. L, contractor and builder 67
Lockwood, H. N., broom factory 115
Loughran, Jas. H., wines and liquors Ist page, 2d fly
Loughran, Frank, wines and liquors Ist page, Ist fly
Lyman, A. J., attorney and real estate 61
Malone, W. H., attorney-at-law 43
McMullen, P. S., furniture 63
McTrent, W., barber 261
Mosseller, J. S., lock and gunsmith. 37
Moore & Robards, bakery and confectionery . colored inset Morgan, J. N., books and stationery . head and foot ads
Purefoy, G. W., physician. 261
Queen, J. G., dentist. 55
Randolph & Hunt, job printers 33
Rawls Bros., Swannanoa Hotel. 244
Ray, McCloud & Pulliam, florist 75
Reynolds, Baird & Co., general merchandise. 49
Schartle, J. W., merchant tailor. 71
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
PAGE
Stikeleather, F., R. R. tickets, etc.
51
Stockton, A. H. & Son, general merchandise 71
Stockton, Mrs. A. H., Florida Boarding House 61
Straith & Thomson, general merchandise.
51
Sumner, T. J., meat market. 47
Tilson, G. W., groceries. 41
Tomlinson Bros., "Country Homes,". 119
Townsend, Mrs. C., dress maker. 37
Trenholm, Mrs, boarding house.
37
VanGilder & Brown, hardware. 45
Ware, Dr. A. B., dentist 41
Watson, D. S., real estate 2d page, Ist fly
Weaver, William, cooperage.
55
Weaver & Herring, boots and shoes 2d page cover
Wilkie, J. L., millinery . 59
Woodcock, J. H., druggist .. head and foot ads
Woody, J. H., wagon and carriage factory 115
Wyatt, J. T., millstones. 53
Zachary & Zachary, meat market. 35
PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND ASHEVILLE.
Located itself in one of the most beautiful and picturesque por tions of the country, with magnificent scenery on every hand, yet there are many spots in and around this growing mountain city to which we desire to call the special attention of visitors. The roads leading to these places are generally in good condition, mak- ing pleasant drives, with some of the finest views to be had from the roads themselves.
First, we will mention Richmond Hill, which is four miles northwest from the courthouse, approached by a well kept and de- lightful drive, crossing the French Broad river on a first-class iron bridge, just below the county and Western North Carolina Rail- road bridges. These splendid grounds are the property of Hon. Richmond Pearson, at present member of the Legislature from this section, and are generously thrown open to the public. We cannot attempt a description of them, but assure our readers that a visit will be thoroughly enjoyable.
Fernihurst, the property of Col. J. K. Connally, is just two miles south of the courthouse, overlooking the Swannanoa river, and besides the beautiful grounds, commands many magnificent views of river, valley, hills and mountains. This is approached by a pleasant drive down Main street, and out Garrett avenue.
Beaumont is situated on the summit of the mountain, just east and overlooking the town, the property of Capt. Hazzard. A fine drive circles the summit, giving extensive views of the city and the surrounding country. This is unquestionably the finest view near Asheville.
Tahkeeostee Farm is something over a mile, nearly directly west from the city, and west of the French Broad river, and is a very popular drive for the pleasure seeker.
Sunset Drive extends from College street along the side and
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
gradually assending the mountain immediately east of the city, shaded by the giant forest trees of the mountain and affording ex- cellent views of the city and surrounding country.
The White Sulphur Springs is fifteen miles northwest of Ashe- ville, and besides possessing the attraction of excellent white sul- phur water, is located in an unusually lovely and picturesque sec- tion. There is a first-class hotel here, and is largely patronized by pleasure and health seekers during the entire year.
Five miles west from Asheville is to be found the Yellow Sul- phur Springs. These springs are located in the midst of some of the most enchanting scenery, and are strongly impregnated with sulphur. Leaving Asheville, going out Patton avenue, or Hay- wood street, crossing the county bridge over the French Broad, and on out the Haywood road, this is one of the most pleasant drives leading from the city.
Directly east from Asheville, some two miles, across the moun- tain, are found mineral springs of several varieties, and besides gaining some of the best views of the city from the summit of the mountain, a far extending panorama of distant mountains, hills and valleys is laid before the eye more beautiful in natural and pic- turesque grandeur than the famous mountain scenery of Switz- erland.
Arden Park, just ten miles south from Asheville, offers many attractions to the summer tourist. Here is found one of those first-class, hospitable and stylish hotels, for which this mountain section is so justly celebrated, and is approached by an easy and well shaded drive over the Hendersonville road.
Something over twenty miles east from Asheville, on the West- ern North Carolina Railroad, is the famous Round Knob Hotel, situated in a basin formed by the surrounding peaks of the Blue Ridge, and near that point in the mountains where the railroad winds its serpentine coils up the steep mountain sides in assend- ing to the summit. Here, just in front of this hotel is a fountain which throws a strong stream of ice-cold sparkling wa- ter over a hundred feet in the air. This fountain is supplied through pipes from a natural spring near the summit of an over- hanging peak.
The Hot Springs are located on the Western North Carolina Railroad and the French Broad River, forty miles below
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
Asheville, and are surrounded by giant peaks and lofty mountains on either hand, the only approach or outlet being up or down the river. This popular resort is too well known to require any de- scriptions from us. The new hotel, just completed, has every modern equipment, and the most fastidious can find perfect satis- faction.
We only call attention to some of the most prominent places of interest, as our space is limited, and as the livery and hotel men mentioned in this work will all take pleasure in adding any information possible on this subject.
We close by briefly mentioning a few places in the city:
Asheville Library, over S. R. Kepler's, S. Main street.
Asheville Club, over the Bank of Asheville, S. Main street. City Greenhouse, Chestnut street.
Lindsey's Art Gallery, 57 S. Main street.
The Fish Ponds, owned by J. W. C. Deake, on Charlotte street. Asheville Cemetery, west of the city, on Cemetery street. Fish Pond, owned by Capt. Cocke, on Depot street.
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
Anax ville Collar Knoxville, Denn
R.S. Collins, Penman.
THE LEADING Southern School of Business Training,
THOROUGH AND COMPLETE COURSE OF STUDY
OPEN ALL THE YEAR.
STUDENTS MAY ENTER AT ANY TIME.
Prepares Young Men and Ladies for the active duties of Business Life.
Progressive, Active, Thorough.
Send for Catalogue at once.
Address,
J. T. JOHNSON, Principal,
KNOXVILLE,
-
TENNESSEE.
A
17
ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
ASHEVILLE.
In introducing the Directory to the public, it is proper to say something of the subject to which it is chiefly devoted. But in doing so, we shall treat very lightly of historical events, however interesting they may be ; since, as is natural, the concern of our readers is more directly with the present than the past, and in the rapid tide of events which sweep on so resistlessly to bear the the modest village of a few years ago to the altitude of city dig- nity, it is better to view it from that point at which its develop- ment began. For there was a period, and that a long one, during which the germs of this development lay dormant, and from its foundation until the accession of railroad facilities there was a pro- gress so little noticeable, that Asheville vegetated in torpid quie- tude, rather than advanced in size, population or consequence.
Briefly, it may be said that Buncombe county, of which Ashe- ville became the county seat, was formed in 1791 from the coun- ties of Burke and Rutherford, and was named for Edward Bun- combe, of Revolutionary memory, but distinguished more largely for hospitality and geniality of nature than for soldierly qualities, or the wisdom or brilliancy of statesmanship. And the name, like that of many of the compatriots of the day, might be forgot- ten had it not been kept in living memory by the national prover- bial expression associated with it. Buncombe county had another title to prominence ; for before it became subject to sub-division, it was the sole county of the transmontane region, filling an area nearly equaling one-fourth of that of the whole state of North
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ASHEVILLE CITY DIRECTORY.
Carolina, and drawing to it the magniloquent name of the "State of Buncombe."
Asheville, the county seat, and for many years the center of ts business, commercial and legal, was located the same year the county was formed, and at first named Morristown, subsequently receiving its present name, in honor of Samuel Ashe, a revolu- tionary patriot, and once Governor of North Carolina. It is situ- ated near the confluence of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, the courthouse being one mile from the former and two miles from the latter, though the expansion of the town in all di- rections is rapidly bringing it to the margins of each of these streams. The site of the town is a series of broken hills between the Town Mountains on the east and the French Broad River, on the west. Relatively to the higher mountains, and as seen from them, the location is a plain ; but as related to the river, from which the hills rise as they recede from from it to a height of 250 feet above its level, it presents a broken irregular contour, friendly to the picturesque and to purposes of health, but interposing some obstacles to symmetrical arrangements of public thoroughfares. But if irregular in surface, compensation is had in all its parts, in the magnificence of the prospects spread before the eye ; in the placid foreground of broad or sinuous valley, in the verdant foot- hills with which they are margined, and in the distant outlines of mountain ranges, surmounted by many a culminating peak, and invested in that deep or tender blue which distance throws over the scene.
The elevation of Asheville above the sea, according to meas- urements long accepted, is 2,250 feet, and 250 feet above the level of the river. More recent measurements, made under the author- ity of the general government, but never officially announced, add 130 feet to this elevation.
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