Town of Lake Lure, 

North Carolina
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THE LAKE LURE TRIBUTE

1927-2002

75 YEARS OF PROGRESS

 Mayor: Jim Proctor

Commissioners: Blaine Cox, Lea Hullender, Dick McCallum, George Pressley,

Town Manager: H.M. AChuck@ Place

 APRIL  2002

 Published by Town of Lake Lure, P.O. Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746

Newsletter Editor & Coordinator: Monica Stofer

Telephone: (828) 625-9983                                                            Fax:      (828) 625-8371

Website:     www.ci.lake-lure.nc.us                                     E-mail:  lakeluretown@blueridge.net

MAYOR'S COMMENTS

by Jim Proctor

As we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee I thought perhaps I should write about the history of our town.  History is boring to some, but for me it is wonderful stuff to delve into.  So here's the first installment of my take on Lake Lure's history.  Please forgive me for starting at my own doorstep.

The travel and tourist industry came early to the Hickory Nut Gorge. During the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, way stations and inns created a network throughout the region, providing meals and lodging to travelers.  The route through the Hickory Nut Gorge appears to have been favored by the early operators of stagecoach lines.  Two entrepreneurs, Dr. John Washington Harris and his brother Zadock, were aware of the business potential associated with travel and tourism.  These two men built two of the first inns in Rutherford County. 

Zadock Harris established his inn on what was then known as the "Spartanburg-Rutherfordton Turnpike" in the southeastern part of Rutherford County.  Dr. John Harris decided to build in the more remote but scenic western part of Rutherford County.  He built at least one of the original log buildings that became known as the Harris Inn (now known as "Pine Gables") sometime between 1782 and 1800 on a tract of land he acquired during this period. 

The Harris Inn was used as the tollgate for travelers going west to Asheville.  The first post office to serve the Chimney Rock community was established at the Harris Inn (in what is now the kitchen) on December 19, 1843, with John W. Harris as postmaster.  By the 1850s, a visit to Hickory Nut Gorge was a favorite excursion for travelers in the Western North Carolina mountains.  Already the natural wonders of the area such as Chimney Rock, the Bottomless Pools, Hickory Nut Falls and the grand panorama of the gorge were much admired.

In 1866 Judge George Washington Logan (my great-great-great grandfather) bought the inn and called it the "Logan House".  Just as it was in its earliest years, the Logan House continued to be a focal point for travelers, tourist and writers passing through this region.  It was while staying at the Logan House that Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote her play, Esmeralda.  Esmeralda became the longest running play on Broadway in the nineteenth century.  In 1891 Col. Thomas Turner built another famous inn three miles northwest of the Logan House and named it the Esmeralda Inn after Ms. Burnette's famous play.

Next month hear about Dr. Lucius B. Morse, his dream and accomplishments.

 If you would like to see Pine Gables and other unique homes and other architecture in Lake Lure, make your reservation for the Parade of Homes on April 21st.  Who knows, you may be greeted by me in my Logan tartan kilt.

 DSL NOW AVAILABLE IN

LAKE LURE!

 BellSouth has recently upgraded the main phone terminal near the town office to accept DSL (Digital Access Line) connections.  To find out if your home or office qualifies, log on to www.fastaccess.com, then enter your phone number.  If your site does not have DSL, please fill out a request online.  The more requests received, the better the chance of upgrades. Also email DSL@lakelure.com to allow a local  company to keep track of folks interested in DSL.

 

by H.M. Chuck Place

 It=s budget time again.  The Town Manager's Report will not be presented this month due to the time constraints of preparing the Capital Improvements Plan.  The promised report on the hydro-electric facility will appear in the next issue of the Tribute.

 

 

TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

by Town Clerk Mary Flack, MMC, CTC

   REGULAR MEETING: The regular town council meeting was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2002, 7:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

   Under the Aconsent agenda,@ Council:

 * approved the minutes of February 12, 2002 (regular meeting & closed session meeting);

 * approved request from Ed Ditmer to suspend the Town=s Alcohol Ordinance in order to serve beer, and wine during a birthday party being held inside the Community Hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center on March 23, 2002 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight;

 * approved request from the Dixie Rodder=s to (1) hold a 18th annual car show July 12-13 on town property; (2) rent the town Community Center along with the grassy area behind and adjacent to the building which extends toward the town marina; (3) suspend the town peddling ordinance to allow the club to sell t-shirts and other vendors to sell food and car parts; (4) use of P.A. system for playing music and making announcements and (5) suspend the town alcohol ordinance for participants to consume beer during this event (July 12-13, 2002) as stipulated with restrictions by the Lake Lure Police Department; and

 * approved agreement between the Town of Lake Lure and TCB Materials, Inc. regarding lease of dredge and removal of sand from the river;

   In other activities, Town Council:

 * approved a request from Mike Harris to restore water frontage;

 * approved a request from the Edneyville Boy Scout Troop 605 to waive boat permit fees for two motorized and two non-motorized boats; additional boat permits will be charged at a resident rate;

 * approved request from Richard Coley to change dates on fabric structure permit for the Lake Lure Fun Center to April 15, 2002 until October 15, 2002;

 * approved request from Richard Coley to erect a double-sided 60" x 36" highway sign at the east end of the town beach and a double-sided 60" x 36" highway sign at the west end of the town beach;

 * denied request from Richard Coley to erect a single-sided 48" x 29" sign at the entrance to the town beach house #2 (Beach Water Works);

 * tabled request from Richard Coley to erect a sign at the town marina for scenic boat tours and boat rentals. Mr. Coley was asked to put the sign up at the town marina temporary for review prior to the next town council meeting scheduled on April 9, 2002; This request will be reconsidered at April 9th town council meeting;

 * approved a draft letter of March 12, 2002 prepared by McGill Associates, P.A. on behalf of the town to be sent to Brown Utility Company regarding wastewater pump station relocation project pump deficiencies;

 * approved a memorandum of understanding made by and between the Counties of McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford regarding a cooperative, comprehensive and continuing transportation planning and the establishment of a rural transportation planning organization; authorized the mayor to sign this memorandum of understanding on behalf of the Town of Lake Lure; appointed the town manager  to serve on the Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) and appointed the Mayor to serve on the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) described in the memorandum of understanding.

MUNICIPAL CLERK'S WEEK

by Mary Flack, Town Clerk

 Municipal Clerk=s Week has been designated April 28, 2002 through May 4, 2002 recognizing municipal clerks for their vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent. The office of the municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants, and provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels.  Municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all. Municipal clerks serve as the information center on functions of local government and community.

 

TOWN EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

by Betty Hinson, Personnel Director

 Shauna Crater, employee of the month, joined our Lake Lure Police Department on April 23, 2001.  Prior to employment with Lake Lure,  Shauna was with the Columbus Police Department.

Shauna is a graduate of R.S. Central High School of Rutherford County and received her Basic Law Enforcement Training Certification at Isothermal Community College in Rutherford County.

Shauna has attended and completed several law enforcement related courses which include interview and interrogation, sexual assault investigation and problem solving for community police officers.

Shauna and her husband Michael reside in Rutherfordton, NC and we appreciate everything that Shauna does for our town.

  

We would like to welcome Victoria Coggins who is replacing Rosa.  We are very fortunate to have Vicki on our staff.  Vicki and her husband reside on Bills Creek Road and again we say welcome.

 

 

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

by Chief Mike Bustle

As springtime arrives and more tourists begin our lovely area, please remember to increase awareness of safety and security concerns throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge.  If anything is observed to be unusual or out-of-the-ordinary, please don=t hesitate to notify the proper authorities.  You can help by enhancing your awareness level and timely reporting of suspicious circumstances.

 A preliminary analysis of the first quarter=s results since council=s reduction of the town speed limit has produced some positive statistics. Traffic accident totals reflect an overall reduction in the number of motor vehicular accidents, and a substantial reduction in the amount of property damages incurred by our citizens.

 The Lake Lure Police Department has joined with the local District Attorney, District Court Judges and Isothermal Community College in offering a safe driver course for those who have received traffic offenses.  Completion of the course may prevent premium surcharges on your insurance, points on your N.C. license, and may allow you a plea arrangement to driving with improper equipment (a lesser offense). Some restrictions may apply.  Contact any Lake Lure Officer for further information.

 All town employees extend their heartfelt sympathies to the family of S.R. Swaringen, Sr., 63, of Route 1 Boys Camp Road, Lake Lure, who passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2002, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, following a brief illness.  AS.R.@ was sworn in as Police Chief in January of 1974 and served as such until December of 1983.  No services were planned, but memorials may be made to the Elizabeth House, c/o Four Season=s Hospice, P.O. Box 2395, Hendersonville, N.C. 28793.  Anders-Rice Funeral Home in Asheville is in charge of arrangments.

 

SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN

by Sgt. R.W. Tullis

 In response to recent inquiries, the Lake Lure Police Department is putting together  a class for anyone interested in self-defense or personal protection.

Some of the topics that will be addressed are; home security, vehicle safety, phone safety, public places, (hotels, parking lots, shopping centers), and self defense.  The self-defense will have some practical exercises.  However, it is not a requirement that you participate in the self-defense to complete the class.  We will have a questionnaire to fill out for this class and your participation in this questionnaire is very important.  I think that this can be great opportunity for everyone involved to gain invaluable insight into her own protection.  We will be compiling the information we receive from the questionnaire and developing a class soon.

You can get these questionnaires by coming into the Town Hall or the Lake Lure Police Department.  If you have any questions, call Sgt. R.W. Tullis at 828-625-4911.

 

   YEAR 2002 BOAT PERMIT UPDATES

by Anita Taylor, Customer Service Supervisor/Deputy Town Clerk

 The year 2002 Lake Lure Boat Permits are now available at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. They are available from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.


Annual Resident Boat Permits must be purchased at the Town Hall. All others may be purchased at either the Town Hall or the Lake Lure and Fairfield Marinas during their hours of operation.  You may call 625-1373 for the Maina hours.

To obtain a motorized boat permit, you must present a valid state registration card for the boat in which you are registering.  There will not be any exceptions.

According to Section 85.51 of the Town Code, Aproperty owners and residents qualify for the resident annual water vessel permit, provided that not more than three such permits for motorized water vessels may be issued per developed lot or one such permit per undeveloped lot to the owners or residents of any lot or parcel without approval by the Town Council.  A developed lot shall be a lot whereon a residence or business building is constructed.@  (Revised July 2001)

Permit sales began on March 25, 2002.  After April 25, 2002, all 2001 permits will be void and subject to law enforcement action.

 

GOLF COURSE NEWS

by Chris Shute, Golf Course Manager

 FAIRWAYS AND GREENS

 Spring has brought us rain and sun and a chance to work on the fairways and greens.  We have fertilized at the optimum time and the results are showing.  There is excellent definition between fairways and primary rough.  That's always a plus for those who want to play ABINGO-BANGO-BONGO@.  As well as the fertilizing, we aerated the tees and greens in mid-March.  The mild winter allowed us to keep the greens in as good a condition as anyone could ask for during this time period.  The aeration, while making your putts a little bumpy up until about the 1st week of April, will make for continued good condition of the putting surface.  Other course maintenance that will impress at least some of our players is the ongoing brush clearing.  Along the left side of # 4 fairway is a set of piney woods that have been thinned.  Now you won=t have as much trouble finding that errant tee shot.  Also, significant to note, is the seeding of the area surrounding the auxiliary parking lot.  Hopefully it won't take too long before we=re looking at something other than a red clay bank.  So, ya'll bring a friend and come play our beautiful course; and when you play...Fairways and Greens!  You couldn't ask for a better wish-except for one putts maybe.

Just a reminder, our current prices are:

  Wkdays   Cart(incl. tax)      Greens       Total

Mon-Thurs.       

  9 Holes         $6.40               $8.00          $14.40

18 Holes         $10.65             $11.00        $21.65

 Seniors-55+

Mon-Thurs.

  9 Holes    $6.40          $7.00         $13.40

18 Holes    $7.50          $8.00         $15.50

 

Weekends/Holidays

Fri., Sat., Sun.

  9 Holes    $7.50         $10.00        $17.50

18 Holes    $11.75       $14.00        $25.75

 4-Play Package - $64.95

Includes 4 18-hole rounds with cart and all taxes.

Days to play: Monday-Thursday, March-November 2002.

 Memberships: Single  Fam.of 2   Addit.

Annual          $200.00   $300.00    $50.00

Semi-Ann.    $150.00   $200.00    $40.00

 Currently, The Pro Shop is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the last time for 9 holes with a cart is 5:00 p.m. 

CARTS MUST BE IN NO LATER THAN

6:45 P.M.

 Prices, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

 


LAKE LURE CITIZENS TO RECEIVE LOWER INSURANCE RATE

by Ron Morgan, Fire Safety Coordinator

 Citizens of the Town of Lake Lure received official notification this week that their insurance rating is dropping from a class 9S to 6/9S.  This means the vast majority of property owners in Lake Lure will receive lower insurance rates for their homes and businesses.

The fire departments serving Lake Lure (Bills Creek, Chimney Rock and Fairfield Mountains), have been working towards this goal for servral years.  Beginning last May, they underwent a field inspection by the office of the State Fire Marshal. This inspection evaluates all aspects of fire protection for the municipality including record keeping, equipment, maintenance, response procedures, water supply, training, communications and many other intricacies of the fire departments.  The information gathered was applied to a rating formula used nation wide for the fire service.  The new rating will affect every property owner within 1000ft. of a fire hydrant or within 1000ft. of a lake shore, which includes the vast majority of our structures.  Measures are underway to  hopefully extend this new rating to every Lake Lure  resident in the future, but this is the first step.

The new rating which takes effect on June 1, 2002 will save the average homeowner with $200,000 of coverage as much as $288.00 a year in insurance premiums.  A business owner with $250,000 coverage can save as much as $755.00 a year in insurance premiums.  Any property owner with structures eligible for the new rating can contact their insurance agent for the reduction.  Anyone with questions can contact the Lake Lure Fire Coordinator, Ron Morgan, at (828) 625-9333.

 

 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD

by Pat Bowen, Secretary

 Litter Sweep

 The Parks and Recreation Board will be leading the Litter Sweep program on Saturday, April 13.  This is an annual state-sponsored effort to clean up our roads and highways. Volunteers from across the state will pick up litter during the month of April and deposit it in bags supplied by the NC Department of Transportation for pickup by their crews.  These are the bright orange bags you see along the highways from time to time.

If you would like to help clean up our beautiful community, the board would really appreciate your help.  Litter Sweep volunteers (aged 12 and older) will meet in the parking lot at the Hickory Nut Gorge Visitor=s Center next to Town Hall at 10 a.m. on the 13th.  Safety vests and bags will be provided, but please bring your own gloves.  For further information, call Parks Board Chairman Hal Hermann at 429-2108.

 

MOUNTAINS BRANCH LIBRARY

Ann Eggleston, Sec, Mtns. Branch Library Bd.

 The community of Lake Lure is fortunate to have the Mountains Branch Library available to them and many Lake Lure residents have become members of the "Friends of the Mountains Branch Library".  Some also give support through volunteer services, donations and/or purchase of books at the two annual book sales.

It is that time of year again when memberships are renewed.  Annual dues are: Individuals $6.00, Family $10.00, Patrons $25.00.  Many are deciding to pay a one‑time Life Membership fee of $100.00 or Couple Life Membership of $150.00.


If you have not visited the library lately, you will be pleasantly surprised at the computer center now available for use, on‑line or off‑line.  The video, audio‑book and book collections continue to grow.

The next program, open to the public, promises to be both informative and highly interesting.  Kevin Duffus, a documentary film‑maker will share some of the adventures he had while making "War Zone".  This documentary tells the story of WWII action off North Carolina's coast at the Outer Banks. Please join us on May 5th at 3:00 p.m. at the library for this exciting presentation.

Also, coming up in May is the book sale on May 18th and again on May 25th.  Again, stop by for great selections and bargain prices.

See you at the library!

 

 

by Terri Ringo

 The 100th anniversary for the 4-H National youth education organization will be celebrated this year.  This organization, with the backing of State University based studies, has been active in helping both urban and rural youth pursue interests in a wide variety of subjects.

4-H was originally started in 1902, to bring agricultural advances from the state universities to local farms.  The diversity of the educational material and volunteer support has expanded today to just about any interest a youth age 5-19 would like to study.

To help support and celebrate these first 100 years, Rutherford County 4-H would like to hear from any  4-H alumni in Lake Lure and document how 4-H has helped them in their lives.  We would also like to hear from any past 4-H leaders anywhere in the U.S.,  or extension agents who would like to join us in our celebration.

Please contact us at 828-429-9724 or 828-286-1285.

 

 

 Lake Lure Newcomers invite those who are new residents in Lake Lure (24 months or less) to join them in various activities which include: potluck, gourmet, out=n about, theater, bridge/poker, book club, and hiking.  Anyone interested in becoming a member, call Hugh or Nancy Pinney at 828-625-0867.

 Lake Lure Tours scenic tours and the Marina and Resort Marina open for the season, Friday through Sunday during March and daily beginning April 1.

 

DIAMOND JUBILEE

EVENTS AND SCHEDULES

 

The Diamond Jubilee Committee has determined the dates and locations for many of the events planned for this year.  The committee is comprised of representatives of Chimney Rock Park (celebrating 100 years of ownership by the Morse family) and the Town of Lake Lure (celebrating its 75th year since incorporation), and the events include activities sponsored by both organizations.  For information not listed at this time please call the town at (828) 625-9983, look at the most recent Town Newsletter, or look at the town website: www.ci.lake-lure.nc.us

 

1.     AN EXHIBIT OF PHOTOGRAPHS, POSTCARDS AND MEMORABILIA is being showcased in an exhibit sponsored by Chimney Rock Park at the Asheville Mall from March 9 through April 18.  The Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville on May 1-31, and again at Asheville Mall from August 1- September 10. Photographs, postcards, old uniforms, etc. will give viewers a glimpse of what life was like at the Park.

2.     MYSTERY NIGHT:  The Mystery Night was a great success, thanks to our friends at the Lake Lure Inn. 

3.     PARADE OF HOMES:  April 21st.  Showcasing some of the historic and unique homes and other architecture in Lake Lure.  Each participant will receive a brief description of each home, a folded map with the location of the homes marked and a flat map of lake lure suitable for framing.  A short list of participates includes: Pine Gables, Haynes Hill, John Cloud’s home, The Chalet Club, The Lodge on Lake Lure, Ivivi Lodge, Buck and Joan Cashion’s Home, and others.  Donation of $10.00 per person is requested with each reservation.

4.     PHOTOGRAPHY PRESENTATION: Chimney Rock Park will sponsor a multi-media photography presentation at the Bo Thomas Auditorium at BRCC in Hendersonville on Thursday evening, April 25. The reception starts at 6 pm, and the presentation starts at 7 pm. Peruse historical photographs of the Park while enjoying hammered dulcimer music by John Mason.  Then sit back as Sam Johnston presents a slide presentation set to music.

5.     ISOTHERMAL SINGERS: The Isothermal Singers will present a concert at the gazebo in Morse Park on May 5th. There will also be a talent show.  Check with the Town Hall (625-9983, Ext. 0) or the town’s newsletter for more details.  Local talent welcomed!!

6.     DANCE RECITAL:  Miss Pat’s School of Dance from Hendersonville will present a recital on May 18 from 11 am to 1 pm. At the point in Morse Park.  We also plan to have an exhibit by local artists and local storytellers as a part of this day’s events.

7.     MOUNTAIN MUSIC: A series of evening concerts are planned for June 15, and 22 and will be held in Chimney Rock Park. Call (828) 625-9611 For more information.

8.     STREET DANCES:  Many of you will remember the highly successful street dances that use to be held downtown adjacent to the Community Center.  Back by popular demand and emceed, again, by Jack Biggerstaff, will be three dances, planned for the evenings of June 17, July 15, and August 19.  Local service clubs will provide refreshments, and the several volunteer fire departments will be responsible for traffic control and for the sale of tickets.

9.     Golf Tournament: Details to follow.

10. COSTUME BALL:  As a part of our annual Halloween festivities, we plan to hold a costume ball at the Lake Lure Inn (625-2525) on October 26.  More details will be available as this date approaches.

11. MAKING HISTORY FOR THE FUTURE: On the afternoon of November 9, guests to Chimney Rock Park will take part in the planting of memorial trees, hear a review of the past and a promise of more to come in the future. As a culminating activity, the Morse family will bury a time capsule containing memorabilia from the past 100 years in celebration of our local anniversaries.  If you have anything you consider appropriate for this event, please call Mary Jaeger-Gale at the Park at 625-9611 or e-mail maryjg@chimneyrockpark.com. More details to come.

12. THE DIAMOND JUBILEE CENTENNIAL BALL:  Last, but certainly not least, are our plans for a Grand Finale to the year’s events; a ball to be held on November 9 at the Arcade Building Convention Center.  Music for dancing, “heavy” hors-d’oeuvres, and a cash bar will contribute to the festivities.  Dress will be formal (black tie optional) and reservations will be limited to 200 guests, so it is important for you to make your plans early.  $100.00 per couple or $50.00 per person.  Call town hall for reservations (828) 625-9983.

 

The Diamond Jubilee Committee invites you to purchase an engraved brick that will be installed in the Remembrance Walk in Morse Park at Lake Lure.  Each brick has room for 28 characters, 14 on each of two lines. Please call the Lake Lure Town Hall for details.  Examples of the bricks are being engraved to be available in various locations throughout the town (e.g., banks, Visitors Center, inns and motels) for you to see how the “final” product will appear.  And you are all invited to visit the park at your convenience.  Many of the plantings have been completed, particularly those from the front gate to the picnic area, and the future beauty of the area can be appreciated at this time.

 Our Gold Sponsors are:

 

 
 

 


                            

 

 

 

 

 Notice

 For comments about the operations of the Lake Lure Tours, call 828-625-0077.

   

The deadline for newsletter articles to be received at Town Hall for the May issue is April 17, 2002.

 

 

 
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