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If you have lived a while in Henderson County and you know how to read, you have most likely heard of the book "From the Banks of The Oklawaha" by Frank L. FitzSimons, Sr. Perhaps you even remember the broadcasts that are the basis for his books. In fact his book comes in three volumes and is considered a collectors item. It is filled with "hilarious anecdotes and tall tales; folklore and superstitions; history of commerce and people, prominent and not so well known; and more and more of the fabulous stories spun by “the old man on the mountain.” The Hendersonville Lightning said. "His three-volume collection of the same name is an essential ingredient in the libraries of consumers of history and lore about our corner of Southern Appalachia." From these books you can learn the history of Henderson County and Hendersonville beginning with an Indian legend of a "Moon-Eyed People," who inhabited the

Remember Constitution Week

September 17-23

NOTE: The pictures in the previous edition, of the Lions Club visiting the

museum, were all taken by Rick Hazzard. We apologize for not giving photo

credit where due.

FitzSimons’ Brothers Donate Grandfather’s WWI Uniform to Museum

SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME 5

HENDERSON COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM

Inside this issue:

FitzSimons Donation 1

Victory in Europe Day 2

Down by the Old Mill Stream

3

Robert Morgan’s Newest Book —Dark Energy

4

Ray Taylor 5

Memorial Day Event Photos

6

Zeb Kilpatrick Story 8

BBQ Invite 11

Spotlight Volunteers 12

In Ground Kiln Found

14

Kid Pages 15

Jim the Pig in Ridges 10

Photo courtesy of Carolyn Justus

(WWI UNIFORM continued from page 1)

mountains of Western North Carolina before the Cherokee and ending with stories from 1961.

If you are a relative newcomer and you have not heard the word Oklawaha, you would not know it is from the Cherokee name, Ochlawaha, for Mud Creek. In the 1800's many businesses in Hendersonville used Oklawaha in their business name. One of the many jokes FitzSimons includes in his books is this. Question: "Do you know why the Ochlawaha always has plenty of money?" Answer: "Because it has a bank on each side of it."

Frank L. FitzSimons, Sr. was much more than 'just an author.' He was a Marine hero in World War I and received the Navy Cross for his heroism. "While serving as a Corpsman with the Sixth Regiment (Marines) ... after his gas mask and overcoat had been torn from him by a shell fragment, Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Fitzsimmons continued the advance and exposed himself while dressing the wounded. He was exceptionally courageous and efficient in his work and thereby saved many lives." Apparently they spelled his name wrong and from his grandson’s comment, this is not unusual with their name.

According to the Hendersonville Lightning, Frank FitzSimons, Sr. was also a "teacher, Register of Deeds, farmer, Curb Market founder and radio broadcaster." Mr. FitzSimons was also a banker with the Northwestern Bank. In broadcasts sponsored by the Northwestern Bank, Mr. FitzSimons shared with the listeners of WHKP radio the story of their county in some 5000 programs.

He was also a father and a grandfather. Frank L. FitzSimons, Jr., his son, was in the Navy and served on PT Boats in the Philippines in World War II. Frank L. FitzSimons III (called Hank) was in the Navy like his father and served in Vietnam. His brother Dunkin FitzSimons served in the Marines like his grandfather. These two distinguished individuals have graciously decided to donate their grandfather's WWI uniform, the one he wore at the end of the war, to the Henderson County Heritage Museum where everyone can enjoy it. Both the museum and all who visit will have good reason to be grateful for their generosity.

VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY

Times News/BlueRidgeNow.com published an article on May 8th, 2015, about the Henderson

County observance of the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and listened to a recording of

President Harry S. Truman’s 1945 announcement concerning the surrender

of German forces in Europe.

County Manager, Steve Wyatt, then had music from the early to mid 1940s playing for the

remainder of the day.

Photo courtesy of Mike Dirks/Times-News.

“Never assume that you’re stuck with the way things are. Life changes, and so can you.

- Ralph Marston

PAGE 2 HENDERSON COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM


DOWN BY THE OLD MILL STREAM Story and Photo By Terry Ruscin

Thomas Dulus Stepp (1878–1966), a graduate of Judson College, served as a Dana postmaster for a brief time. With his brother, J.H. Stepp, he formed the partnership, Stepp Brothers Cannery & General Store.

As a Henderson County commissioner from 1927 to '30, Dulus Stepp worked to improve roads and helped bring electricity to Dana. He bought Ottaray Canning Company from his uncle, Jonathan Case (1869–1942), in 1924.

Considered a milling authority, Stepp swapped acreage for the gristmill property of Benjamin A. Merrell (1869–1935) on Tumble Bug Creek at Saconon in 1933. He learned the trade of milling after having worked Rhett's mill on Highland Lake in Flat Rock. A holdover from bygone days, the Merrell-Stepp mill stands intact today, preserved and protected by its owner, Carolyn Justus.

A monument inscribed “R.M. Stepp, Co. H 2nd N.C. Mtd. Inf. U.S. Army” marks a plot at the Stepp-Hyder Cemetery on Round Hill. Not far from this graveyard, water tumbles from Little Hungry River over a ledge of granite within a subdivision known as Oleta Falls Retreat. In 1908, a post office was established at this site — a population center known as Oleeta.

While working the gristmill at Oleeta, Reuben Miller Stepp (1839–1907) died suddenly, likely from a heart attack. His son, Robert Coleman Stepp (1860–1942), resumed operations.

But the history of milling operations predates the Stepps' tenure at Oleeta. John Jones Sr. (1764-1860), one of the early settlers in what is now the county of Henderson (Buncombe at the time), held more than 1,000 acres there. This included the site at Oleeta.

Alongside the waterfall, Jones constructed the county's first slash mill. Boards sawed at this operation furnished building materials for the early summer mansions of Flat Rock.

Besides the mills, structures at Oleeta included the miller's house and post office — all washed away during the 1916 flood.


In June, Robert Morgan (left) presented his latest book of poetry “Dark Energy.” Carolyn Justus (photo top middle) and Hilliard Station (photo top right) introduced the author. Refreshments were served after the presentation and attendees had a chance to purchase the book and have it autographed by the author.

Photos courtesy of

Rick Hazzard


From the collection of The Times-News—Aug 15, 1967

Coming soon to the Heritage Museum

….. The Ridges.

Photo Right.

Tar Heel Junior Historians

participate in the Salute to Veterans.

SALUTE TO OUR

VETERANS

PAGE 6 VOLUME 5

Photo courtesy of Times-News

Photo courtesy of Times-News Photo courtesy of Times-News Photo courtesy of Times-News


Photo courtesy of Hendersonville Lightning

VOLUME 5 PAGE 7








Photo courtesy of Hendersonville Lightning

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During the Salute to Veterans for Memorial Day at the Human Services Building, a very special thing for me happened. The day before the ceremony I read in the Times-News that Zeb Kilpatrick, an Army Paratrooper, would be attending. He was a member of the 11th Airborne Division that rescued the interned Americans held captive in the Philippines during World War II. From family stories I knew that my Great-Aunt Sarah was one of the people that was rescued. Sarah Powell England was the principal for Manila High School when the islands were invaded by the Japanese. She told my mother that the only way she survived those years in the camp was by the kindness of her Philippine friends that would sneak food and goods into her and other internees. After the war, Sarah wrote a story about her time there. She wrote, “Some of my room-mates and I crouched at the windows watching the planes—beautiful American planes.” and, “Our hopes, our hearts, our morale went up high, high as those planes.” On one of those planes was Zeb Kilpatrick. I thought he might like to hear the impact of their arrival.

I emailed my older sister who then sent me a digital copy of Aunt Sarah’s story. I then emailed Carolyn Justus and Knox Crowell telling them that. Carolyn was excited and decided to add it to the ceremony the next day. That’s the story behind me being introduced, a retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, and presenting to U.S. Army Paratrooper Zeb Kilpatrick, with a copy of my Aunt Sarah’s diary.

Later I attended a wonderful briefing and movie by Tom Nebbia at the library telling the story of that rescue. After the show, Mayor Barbara Volk presented a Proclamation (see next page) to Zeb designating May 30th, 2015, “Zeb Kilpatrick Day.” As if all of that is not enough to know how small the world is, well, Barbara Volk presented a copy of that proclamation to Steve Hogenboom who was also present. He and his family were also imprisoned by the Japanese there 70 years ago.

It was quite an honor to meet both gentlemen.

It’s A Small World After All! By Phoebe Blackwell

Photo above shows Sarah Powell far right, Jeremy Powell far left and my grandfather, Francis Foster

Powell, in the center.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 PAGE 9

Jim the Pig in the Memorial Day

Parade. Jim the Pig, weighed in at 2415

pounds. The photograph of him is one of the things that will be covered in the new “Ridges” display

at the museum. Photos courtesy of

Rick Hazzard


If you have not read the books “On the Banks of the

Oklawaha” (Volumes I, II and III) by Frank L. FitzSimons, you

should. They are a wonderful collection of stories of the

founders of this area and history of the early years.

A favorite story of mine from the first volume is this one about

Preacher Edney.


The above photos, taken by Rick Hazzard, are the property of the International Lions Club and may not be copied or used in any form without permission from the photographer.

PAGE 12 VOLUME 5

to someone who cannot afford glasses. They both do volunteer work and extra research on the Baker-Barker Collection. Rick canvases local merchants for coupons to give to children visiting the museum and has created a scavenger hunt for them to do while visiting the museum. He also belongs to the Apple Country Woodworkers who produce 1,500 wooden toys every year to give to Children in need at Christmas. Rick is a great photographer, See two examples

below. The one on the left was chosen last year as the State of North Carolina Photo of the Year in the Lions Club. The photo on the right of the yellow swallowtail has already won for District this year. Nancy gave me a tour of the train set-up in the Bo Thomas Room. Bo Thomas was Nancy’s brother-in-law. With every new scene she told me stories of her childhood spent right there. “That’s where me and daddy went froggin’,” she told me. She showed me where her grand-mother’s house was and told me all about the old hosiery mill. She also told me that Rick was raised a Parton and was cousins to Dolly Parton. If you want a tour and a great group of stories of local life in these mountain, be sure to stop in the museum on Saturday and ask for Nancy. Thank you Nancy and Rick for giving of yourselves!

On Saturday, June 27th, 2015, I met two very interesting people, Nancy Hazzard Crozier and her son, Rick Hazzard. I was interviewing them for this article for Volunteer Spotlight but I was delightedly impressed by the depth and width of their volunteerism. They both volunteer at the museum; giving tours and helping. They are both in the International Lions Club. This means if you have old used glasses, drop them at the museum and they will recycle them to give

SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS

Docents… Volunteer docents are needed to lead tours and answer questions in the rooms of the Henderson County Heritage Museum. Docents are required to take four hours of classes. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Visitor Hospitality Specialists… Volunteers are needed to welcome visitors, answer questions and distribute brochures. One hour of training is required. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Gift Shop Volunteers… Volunteers are needed to work in the museum's gift shop. One hour of training is required. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Exhibits and other activities… Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down exhibits for each rotation. Volunteers are also needed to assist with research for upcoming exhibits and also to assist in hospitality at Special Events. To volunteer call 694-1619 Wednesday through Sunday or email to: [email protected].


Museum Gift Shop Our Heritage Museum gift shop resides in a room of the Historic Courthouse that was

funded by the generosity and civic concern of the League of Women Voters of Henderson

County. The shop celebrates our Guardians of the Past who preserved and continue to enrich the heritage of Henderson County. Books are available to purchase from such well-known local story weavers and history preservers as

Frank FitzSimons, Louise Bailey, Terry Ruscin, Robert Morgan and Mead Parce, just

to mention a few. New items include local jams & train toys.

The Gift Shop is currently displaying an historic Gillespie Rifle. Phillip Gillespie hand

crafted rifles on the banks of Henderson County's Mill's River from circa 1836 through 1862. This example of his work is among his

more ornate pieces, surviving in unusually fine condition. The Gillespie family believes this to be Phillip's own rifle. This weapon is on loan

to the Museum through the kindness of collateral descendants Tom and Robertjohn

Gillespie and their mother, Virginia.

Board of Directors: Ms. Carolyn Justus, Chair Ms. Virginia Gambill Mr. Tom Orr Ms. Bessie Mae Levi Bright, Treasurer Mr. Andrew Carl Brannon Ms. JoAnn Stepp Fain Ms. Patsy Farmer Jones Ms. Miller Medina Mr. Jim Toms Mr. J. Michael Edney, Ex-Officio - Commissioner Representative

Our Board of Directors The Henderson County Heritage Museum Board of Directors is dedicated to fulfilling its responsibilities to the Henderson County Board of Commissioners to design and operate a heritage and history museum in the restored Historic Courthouse located on the block in downtown Hendersonville between First and Second Avenues and Main and Church Streets.

Heritage Museum Staff: Knox Crowell, Museum Director, (828) 694-5007 [email protected] Sherby Merchant, Museum Supervisor (Weekdays): 828-694-1619 [email protected] Barbara Green, Museum Supervisor (Weekends): 828-694-1619 [email protected] Chris Czikra, Video & Media, [email protected]

May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope for-ever wipe away your tears, and, above all, may silence make you strong. -Chief Dan George

Help Keep History Alive—Heritage Museum Volunteer Opportunities

PAGE 13

Back in 1979, when Frank L. FitzSimons published his third volume of "From the Banks of The Oklawaha," he wrote about a mystery on the Orr Farm. The Orr Family are descended from pioneer

settlers of Henderson County who came to these mountains in the 18th Century.

The son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Orr cited in this chapter was leveling and clearing on the farm when the bulldozer he was running ran into masonry. He was smart enough to stop bulldozing and begin

excavating by hand. Soon they had uncovered two brick and stone lined kilns buried several feet down. Eventually they came upon a stone arch that proved to be the actual furnace of a pottery kiln. Some of the bricks they found were glazed with colors that some thought were caused by the intense

heat in the manufacturing process.

Many wedges were found that were identified as chinks or spacers that were once used when building arches of brick or stone. Speculation ran wild. Some thought that these wedges were a long forgotten and lost art of the Aztec Indians of Mexico. Some thought that they were produced by the Cherokee Indians who once roamed these hills. Others thought they were from two male pioneers who built

kilns and started making clay pipes and things for trade with the Indians. So far pieces have been sent and passed on and passed on again for opinion or analysis in the search for facts but no information

has been received back. Although many archeologists have been contacted, none have visited the site to make an informed opinion. Perhaps they have their heads in the sand somewhere else. Which

ever way it works, there remains this wonderful mystery of the Orr Family Farm.

It’s Still a Mystery!

PAGE 14 VOLUME 5

British Photographer Carl Warner likes to make funny pictures. Did you recognize that everything in this

picture is food? The hot air balloons are a strawberry; a garlic clove, a bunch of bananas, an

apple, an orange, a lime, a lemon, a pear and an onion. Can you name the rest of the food in this

picture?

THE KID PAGES

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE Can you guess what these three photos are?

3

2 1

PAGE 15 HENDERSON COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM ANSWERS: Under the Microscope: 1) CHALK 2) A FRUIT FLY FOOT 3) SALT CRYSTALS

TO:

FROM: Henderson County Heritage Museum 1 Historic Courthouse Square #4 Hendersonville, NC 28792

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