USA > North Carolina > Rowan County > Salisbury > Nelsons' Metropolitan Salisbury, North Carolina City Directory Supplement [1962] > Part 2
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ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH One of Solisbury's most beautiful old churches.
The First American Gold Rush took place at Gold Hill, located 17 miles SE of Salisbury on Highway 52. Gold was first known to exist in Rowan as early as 1799, but the first veins were not discovered until 1842, when the Gold Hill Company was activated. Shafts sunk 800 feet into the ground still exist.
Educational Future Brighter
The educational future of the youth of Salisbury and Rowan County has never been brighter.
The Salisbury school system includes six elemen- tary schools, two high schools and one brand new junior high school. While facilities are excellent, they also exemplify quality education at its best. This entire system is accredited by the Southern Associa- tion of Secondary Schools and Colleges, and at pres- ent is the only complete system in North Carolina to meet these standards.
m In the Rowan County school system there are five e { new consolidated high schools, two junior high schools and 19 elementary schools. Three of the high schools are already accredited by the Southern Association and the other two are working towards this accreditation.
Altogether, these two systems enrolled 18,242 students in 1962. While the drop-out problem can- ;not be minimized, the record here is well above aver- age, as 86% of the students completing the eighth grade also complete high school and 45% of the high school graduates also enter college.
Of major importance is the Rowan Industrial Edu- - cation Center which will be complete and in oper- v vation by late 1962. This regional school, part of the yit North Carolina system, will provide sub-college tech- If nological education and training in industrial trades and skills for the citizens of Rowan and several adjacent counties.
Salisbury is also the home of two fine four-year liberal arts coeducational colleges, both fully accred- ited by the Southern Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges.
Catawba College, founded in 1851 by the Evan- : gelical and Reformed Church, has a campus of 19 acres and 22 buildings, a staff of over 100 and en- rollment of about 900 including some 400 local day students. It grants a B. A. degree in 25 major fields of study, and its Science, Pre-Med and Business Ad- ministration Departments are especially highly re- garded. A number of night classes are offered to local residents.
Livingstone College is one of the finest Negro colleges in the country. Sponsored by the A. M. E. Zion Church, it has a lovely 315 acre campus and a student body numbering about 800. The spirit pre- vailing between Livingstone and the community is a major factor in the unusually good race relations pre- valent in Salisbury. Both Livingstone and Catawba are currently in the midst of extensive building pro- grams.
The final link in Salisbury's complete educational picture is Salisbury Business College. Having just moved into new quarters, it has a capacity of about 100 students and offers a full range of business courses.
ROWAN MUSEUM The old Presbyterion Monse, erected in 1819. Owned and operated by o privote historical society.
"OLD STONE HOUSE" Restored ond open for viewing is this 18th century German form- house located neor Gronite Quorry.
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ROWAN INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION CENTER Architect's model of this fine facility now under construction on o lovely site on Interstate 85 one mile south of Solisbury.
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HIGH ROCK LAKE One af the many vantage paints an the 365 mile shareline af this lavely lake.
RETIRED CITIZENS CLUB Some like ta play-others prefer kibitzing-but all enjay their club.
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MILL SUPPLY
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SOAP BOX DERBY Orderly canfusian befare the start of this annual event.
Recreation Is Booming Business
Recreation; both organized and independent, is a booming business in Salisbury and Rowan County. In the last few years Salisbury has expanded its organized recreation program through the building of two city recreation centers around which year- round programs revolve. In addition the citizens of Salis- bury and Rowan County have built a half-million dollar YMCA and implemented it with a full staff and well-rounded extensive program.
The Salisbury recreation program provides a va- riety of activities for all age groups, from the an- nual Soap Box Derby to adult classes in ballroom dancing, art, ceramics and interior decorating.
The City Park Recreation Center is the meeting place of the Retired Citizens Club. The largest and most active such club in North Carolina, about 140 of its 350 members meet here every Tuesday for a morning of fun and fellowship
Sports events of the local colleges and high schools offer a full schedule of spectator entertain- ment. The Salisbury Braves, in the Western Caro- lina League, Class D won their pennant in 1962 and provide exciting professional baseball. Woodleaf Lanes, a new addition, offers the best in facilities for both league and open bowling. There are two theatres in downtown Salisbury and three drive-in theatres just outside the city.
In addition to the Salisbury Country Club and its 18 hole Donald Ross championship course, there are two 18 hole golf courses in Rowan County. The best mountain courses are less than 90 miles away and Pinehurst, Carolina's golf capital is about 65 miles from Salisbury.
Probably the fastest growing sport in the area is boating, enjoyed mostly on 15,000 acre High Rock Lake with many miles of beautiful shoreline. Public access areas are provided, and many Rowan residents maintain lake front cottages-useful in our climate for most of the year.
High Rock Lake is popular also for water skiing, fishing and swimming, and now another most at- tractive man-made lake, Tuckertown, is filling in a wilderness area just east of High Rock.
Salisbury is located just west of the center of North Carolina. As a result the Blue Ridge Moun- tains ore less thon a two hour drive away, while in the oposite direction the lovely Carolina beaches are only o four or five hour drive.
Fine Year-Around Climate
Rowan County enjoys a nearly ideal "happy medium" in respect to climate. The temperature in the winter is moderate, not only because of its south- erly lotitude, but also because the high mountains of Western North Carolina form a massive barrier against the bitter cold waves moving west to east. Though definitely Southern in climate, Solisbury is still far enough north, and hos sufficient altitude (764 feet above sea level), to escape the humid op- pressive summers of many regions of the South. Early morning temperatures average below 68° even at the hottest time of the year.
Thus extremes in climate are very rare and short- lived and the usual winter days are pleasant. The total snawfall in a year averages around 6 inches and each is generally welcame because of its beauty and ephemeral quality. In the winter days af Jan- uary and February, the high temperature averages around 50° and the low araund 32º. The average July and August day has a high of araund 87º and a law of 66° with a usually camfartable range af humidity. And Spring? It is the Spring af the paets beautiful, refreshing, flawering, and unfar- gettable. Then after the pleasant and fun-filled Sum- mer Autumn is dry, crisp, exceptional with a vivid radiance that lingers well into November.
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All in all, the climate af Salisbury and Rowan County affards many pleasant days for enjoyable living.
HOMES
Salisbury's residential areas are amang the mast pleasant to be faund anywhere in the country. From the charming older hames clase to the dawntown area, the lovely homes in the Country Club section for the newer outlying developments a home can be found to meet almost any taste and purse.
Mast streets in both ald and new sections are lined with beautiful shade trees, adding much to (the friendly, relaxed atmasphere. Municipal facili- tties are well maintained and steadily being improved. The majarity af aur hames are awner-occupied and show the good effects of pride in hame ownership.
While Salisbury's transient population is small, there are always some homes and apartments for rent and of course hames for sale. In addition there are many attractive lots available and there is goad healthy competition among a number of good lacal home builders. Consequently a lovely home can be built here for as little as $10 per square faat, and ots are equally reasonable.
Far the individual who prefers country living, Rowan Caunty affers many, many acres af rolling Farm land and waoded areas. And all of the com- munities in the county are equally pleasant places in which to live.
CHURCHES
Salisbury and Rowan County are in the "Bible Belt" and, especially cansidering present-day candi- tions, are proud af that distinctian. Of a caunty papulatian af 82,817, about 44,000 are members of our 135 churches, well above the national average. Most af these members are active and gaod sup- porters af their churches, and all churches maintain vigorous youth programs.
The majority of Salisbury and Rowan Caunty resi- dents are Protestant, with Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists .and Baptists predominating. Virtually all ther denaminatians are represented by one ar more hurches, including the Cathalic and Jewish segments of the papulatian.
Each year sees more new churches established and existing ones improved and expanded. But along with these new churches Rawan Caunty cantains some of the oldest houses af warship in the country.
Every visitar and newcamer is sure ta find a warm and friendly welcame awaiting him at the church af lis choice.
CITY LAKE AND PARK Graciaus living at its best.
LOWER STONE CHURCH German families that settled in Rawan County in the early 1700's built this rugged church of native granite.
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CATAWBA-ROWAN AUDITORIUM Artists conception of this lovely building now under construction
CULTURAL ATMOSPHERE
The cultural atmasphere of the Salisbury area is significantly enriched by the outstanding programs af Catawba Callege and the other colleges in the area.
Each year the Catawba College - Community Artist Series-brings a minimum of four cultural events to Salisbury including singers, musicians, charal groups, symphony orchestras, folk groups, bands, and drama groups. Catawba's fine Drama Department, which was selected ta represent the United States at the 1957 International Festival af Amateur Theatre in Monte Carlo, offers a dozen professianal-type drama praductions each year ranging fram the clas- sics and Shakesperian plays to contemporary drama and original plays.
Livingstone College has a cultural series that brings exceptionally talented artists ta the community as da nearby Davidson Callege and Pfeiffer College.
The Piedmont Players, a community little theatre organization, is just campleting its first year, and has been most successful. Guided by a full-time paid director and supported by 270 members, they have staged faur regular productions, using the facilities at Knox Juniar High School. The new cammunity- callege auditarium, when complete, will include a 400-seat Little Theatre far the use af this graup and others.
Other cultural events of interest are the yearly performances of the North Carolina Symphony, nu- meraus musical recitals by callege musical depart- ments, art exhibitions, musical programs of the churches, important speakers, and meetings of the Fine Film Club and other cultural groups.
All of these varied programs provide a high type of enjayment for a large number of people.
Civic and Fraternal ORGANIZATIONS
Most of the leading national organizations have one or more strang chapters in Salisbury-Rowan, and in addition there are many local organizations such as variaus music, book and garden clubs, Art Guild, Rowan Museum, Kennel Club, Rose Society, Retired Citizens and others.
Among the fraternal arganizations are Masons, Pythians, Shrine, Eastern Star, Knights of Calumbus, American Legian, Elks, Maase and B'Nai B'Rith.
Civic Clubs -- There are aver 40 in Rowan County -- include Rotary, Lians, Kiwanis, Civitan, Optimist, Jaycees, Toastmasters, Waman's and Juniar Woman's, Altrusa, Business & Prafessional Woman's and Credit Women's Breakfast Clubs.
HOSPITALS
The Rawan Memarial Haspital is an up-ta-date 232 bed, 34 bassinet, voluntary, general short term hospital. It was founded in April 1933. The hospital is governed by a Baard of Trustees cansisting of nine members, twa af whom hove served since the has- pital's faunding.
It is a member of the American Haspitol Associa- tian and the Narth Carolina Haspital Association. The haspitol is appraved by the Americon Hospital As- sociotion and is fully occredited by the Joint Cam- mission on Accreditation af Hospitals, a natianal ar- ganization which establishes standards for every area of the haspital and medical profession octivities in the haspital.
There are opproximately 325 emplayees, exclud- ing students, 63 physicians and surgeans an the Med- ical Stoff (all specialists represented) ond several groups of loyol volunteers, including Candy Stripers, the ARC Gray Ladies and the RMH Auxiliaries.
There are, ot present, three schools canducted by the haspital. The Schaal of Nursing is occredited in North Carolina and the School of X-Ray Technology .. is approved by the American Medical Assaciation. The mast recent schaal, established at the haspital in 1960, is far the training af medical technalagists.
In emergencies, an interchange af doctars and facilities with our 1000 bed Veterons Administratian Hospital is available. Ambulonce service is on tap oround the clack, olong with the services of the fully- equipped Rowan Rescue Squod.
Far rore cases beyond the scope of Rowan Me- morial Hospital, usually anly complicated brain ar heart surgery, Bowman Gray Hospital in Winston- Salem is anly an hour away ond Duke University Hospital in Durham about twa years.
Our 15 dentists seem to have their situation well in hond. An appointment rarely need be mode mare than two weeks aheod, ond they hondle emergencies promptly. Undoubtedly the use of fluoride in aur water supply far many years has reduced the inci- dence of dental problems.
LIBRARIES
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The Rawan Public Library is lacated in downtown Salisbury, with bronches in several other communi- ties in the caunty, o $100,000 Negro branch and a boakmabile to serve the rurol cammunities.
Since June 20, 1961, the circulation hos been 240,936 from a tatal af 75,387 valumes in the sys- tem. Through inter-librory agreements the Rowan Library alsa has call on a tremendous number af baaks in other libraries thraughaut the state.
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Much emphasis is placed an adult nan-fictian books and business infarmatian. An increasing num- ber af films (over 1444 in 1961) is loaned every yeor, along with many pictures and recards. Its his- tarical section, especially nated for its McCubbins Callectian af early Rawan records, is regularly fre- quented by visitars fram oll over the country. A spociaus, camfartable meeting roam is also available for community use.
In addition, the fine library at Cotowba Callege is available far Solisbury and Rawan citizens. Its frequent art ond ather exhibits add much ta Salis- bury's cultural atmosphere, and its scientific and business sectians are a great asset ta lacal industries ond businesses.
U. S. VETERANS HOSPITAL
ROWAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL A fine, modern facility-nurses' home and school, at left, doctors' offices at right, Country Club area in background.
ROWAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
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ROWAN COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA
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GREENVILLE
3,000,000 People Within a 90 Mile Radius ..
1,500,000 People Within an Hour's Drive ...
BENDIX-WESTINGHOUSE AUTOMOTIVE AIR BRAKE CO. One of Solisbury's newest plonts, located on Interstote B5.
SALISBURY GRANITE INDUSTRIES Bolfour Pink Granite, hardest in the world, is unique to Rowon County.
INDUSTRY
As the above schematic map shows, Salisbury- Rowan comprises the heart of the dynamic Piedmont Crescent and the Piedmont Industrial Triangle. In this Triangle, an area bounded by Interstate Highways 1-85, 1-77 and 1-40, industrial plants produce a great variety of goods whose value added by manufac- ture is greater than that of any equal area any- where in the South.
For many years industrial employment in Salis- bury and Rowan County was concentrated in just two industries-the Southern Railway Shops and tex- tiles.
Soon after World War II, however, Southern Rail- way began to retire its steam locomotives in favor of diesels with a consequent drastic reduction in workforce. The textile mills turned to modern ma- chinery and automation requiring fewer but more highly trained employees. Our farms became more and more mechanized, releasing many more people to swell the rolls of those seeking industrial employ- ment.
A 900-employee Veterans Administration Hospital was located in Salisbury, a few new plants were brought in and some healthy home-grown industries started, but not nearly enough to close the employ- ment gap.
Early in 1959 the Salisbury-Rowan Chamber of Commerce took bold steps to meet this challenge. In less than two years it has unified Rowan County as never before and doubled its membership and bud- get, thus providing the money and manpower for an intensive new industry drive and action to im- prove the business and industrial climate.
Despite a serious setback in October, 1960, when Southern Railway, completely closed the mechanical shops in Spencer, the results have been little short of fantastic. In approximately a two year period from early 1960 to early 1962 the scoreboard shows twelve new plants added, over twenty industrial expansions, hundreds of new jobs. And by the end of 1962 a new $500,000 Industrial Education Center will be in op- eration.
While 56% of Salisbury-Rowan's 10,000-plus in- dustrial jobs are still in textiles or garments, the bal- ance are broadly diversified. Some of these are: structural steel, brick, several types of furniture, high purity aluminum foil, industrial wire cloth, mobile homes, humidifying equipment, industrial rubber rolls and rubber hose, printing and publishing, building and monumental granites, automatic curb-laying ma- chinery, flour and feeds, commercial refrigeration equipment, proprietary medicines, beverage syrups, textile chemicals, lumber and millwork, florists sup- plies, packing plant products, headache remedies, Balfour Pink Granite, the hardest granite in the world . . a total of 121 manufacturing and service in- dustries.
Salisbury-Rowan still has, however, a large pool of excellent recruitable labor and an abundance of fine industrial plant sites. With its many other ad- vantages it is destined for considerable industrial growth in the immediate future.
Transportation -- Distribution
Salisbury, nearly the geographic and population center of North Carolina, is located on Interstate High- way 85, 42 miles from Charlotte, 53 miles from Greensboro and 38 miles from Winston-Salem. It is the cross roads of 1-85, U. S. 29, 52, 70, 601 and N. C. 150. Over 3,000,000 people live within 90 miles of Salisbury, 1,500,000 within 55 miles, and 60% of the population of the United States within an overnight truck haul. The seaports of Wilmington, Morehead City, Charleston and Norfolk are less than a one-day truck haul away,
The Southern Railway main North-South line goes through Salisbury, with major carload and LCL freight handling service on the northern limits of the city at the sprawling Spencer Yards. In addition, South- vor sern's Western Division carrying freight to the West in ( via Asheville and Knoxville branches out of the Spencer Yards. This mainline trackage gives Rowan re : County shippers excellent schedules North, South and ore West along with lower switching costs and unusually let prompt handling.
Six motor freight lines have terminals in Salis- bury, and a total of more than 40 lines operate through Rowan County. All principal cities of the East and Midwest can be reached by motor freight in one or two days running time.
Rowan County Airport, 3 miles from downtown Salisbury, has a 4200' x 100' paved and lighted run- way. Hangar space and private plane servicing are available. An application for commercial service is pending.
However, the major commercial airports at Char- lotte, Greensboro-High Point and Winston-Salem are less than an hour's easy drive from Salisbury. These airports provide excellent service to all parts of the United States via Eastern Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, Piedmont and Southern, Hertz and Avis main- tain car rental agencies at these airports.
Frequent bus service in all directions is provided by Carolina Trailways, with nearly 100 daily arrivals and departures. Their service also includes parcel shipments.
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COMMERCE
Salisbury's central shopping district is unusually complete for a city of its size, as it is a hub of trading and cultural activity for a wide area, Audit Bureau of Circulation figures indicate that Salisbury serves a trading area population of 218,482 people. Consequently Salisbury's many fine stores offer all the advantages of much larger cities but with the convenience and hospitality of the small community. The compact, pleasant shopping district offers ample parking facilities, A 20-year plan for further im- provement of this Central Business District has been completed and is already being put into effect. A number of new store fronts, trees, planters and benches along Main Street, all accomplished through voluntary cooperation of property owners and city government, are obvious results of this plan.
There is one modern shopping center on the west jide of Salisbury. Each of the smaller communities in towan County is, of course, well served by its own shopping area.
Ample good water-excellent highways-roilroads-utilities-all foster Rowan's industrial growth.
ROWAN COUNTY AIRPORT
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DOWNTOWN SALISBURY Rapidly develaping a "new loak"-nate trees and benches.
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UTILITIES
Power:
Salisbury is located at the center of the immense Duke Power system, providing an almost unlimited source of electric power at exceptionally low rates. Anticipating increasing demands for power in this area, the local Buck Steam plant capacity has re- cently been expanded to 460,000 KW.
Natural Gas:
The metropolitan Salisbury area is served by Piedmont Natural Gas Company from their tap point on the Transcontinental Gas pipeline which crosses the western portion of Rowan County. South Rowan is served by Public Service Corporation.
Water:
The Yadkin River, which forms the northeast boundary of Rowan County, provides Salisbury with an abundant supply of good water. The present average flow will be still further increased on com- pletion of the Wilkesboro Dam some 75 miles up- stream.
The Salisbury water system, completely modern and closely controlled, is currently operating well be- low its present treatment capacity of 4,000,000 gal- lons per day. Pumping capacity is 8,000,000 gallons per day, and the filter plant is designed for expan-
sion as needed to 12,000,000 gallons per day by simply adding filter bays.
The system of distribution mains has now been thoroughly modernized to assure maximum fire pro- tection to all parts of the city. In addition, the Salis- bury water system supplements the Spencer system, supplies the Town of Granite Quarry, and has been extended to a number of industrial plants well be- yond the city limits. Alone with standard treatments, Calgon is added as a softening agent and Sodium Fluoride is added to reduce tooth decay.
Sewage Treatment:
The present Salisbury sewage treatment plant is operating close to capacity. However, it is now being up-dated and expanded, and a second plant costing over $1,000,000 is being built to take care of future needs. All sections of the city as well as some outlying areas are served by this system.
Telephone and Telegraph:
Salisbury is served by Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company and by Western Union. Southern Bell's ultra-modern equipment, housed in an attractive new building, allows Salisbury residents to dial directly nearly all other dial telephones throughout the United States. The east portion of Rowan County is served by Eastern Rowan Telephone Co. while South Rowan is served by Concord Tele- phone Company.
BUCK STEAM PLANT Duke Power Company's 460,000 KW generating plant an the Yadkin River.
AGRICULTURE
Rowan County has, according to a 1960 census, 88,436 acres of land in farms, with 13,872 people ving on farms of five or more acres. Farming is ighly mechanized, and crop diversification and land se shows a modern conception and application of est methods. One Watershed Control Program is . early complete, a second is getting underway and thers are contemplated. The N. C. Department of griculture maintains a major Experimental Farm in owan County.
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