Hidden History of Asheville

by Zoe Rhine (Compiler)

The milestones of Asheville's long history are well known to locals, but so many interesting stories are all but forgotten.


Thankfully, the staff and volunteers of the North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library have unearthed the best of those hidden tales. Meet daredevil aviatrix Uva Shipman and Tempie Avery, who went from slavery to respected nurse and citizen. Learn the poignant tale behind the sad death of former mayor Gallatin Roberts and uncover the parts of old Asheville lost to the wrecking ball. These and many more historic episodes come to life in this collection compiled by North Carolina Room librarian Zoe Rhine.

Genres: Unfinished, History

256 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2019

Reviews

[Anna Bison Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was born and raised in Asheville, but the only history that I am (overly) familiar with is the history of the Biltmore Estate and the Vanderbilt/Cecil influence in the WNC area. This book was an amazing look inside the little things, and the ups and downs of the little city I grew up in. I loved every bit of this book!!

[Renee McLendon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would be infinitely more interesting to locals living in Asheville, versus those who have only visited or passed through. The stories herein are somehow too specific to places and people with whom only those who are very well acquainted with the area would be able to relate.

[Ncsherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting historical information and some early photos of
Asheville compiled by folks working at the library.

[JT Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining in its eclectic series of vignettes inspired by photographs. Only slightly Thomas Wolfe obsessed. It’s certainly going to appeal mostly to an Asheville resident but it helps fill in the gaps of more formal histories for those of us admiring the city from a distance. Well done.