Snapshots of Cabarrus Past features photos and news clippings from the past. Some come from the newspaper, while others come from local organizations, including the Kannapolis History Associates, Historic Cabarrus Association, the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society. If you have a photo or clipping to share, of if you have more information about part of the collection email Mark Plemmons, mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Eudy's Gulf Station
This photo from the 1950s shows the old Eudy’s Gulf Station at the corner of N.C. Highway 73 and Main Street in Mount Pleasant.
Rimer School
Students gather outside Rimer School in the early 1900s. The one-room schoolhouse served the entire Rimer community (north of Mount Pleasant). The schoolhouse was on the property where Cross of Christ Lutheran Church is now located on Rimer Road. The photo comes from The Concord Telephone Company’s Progress magazine for fall 1971.
Mule skinner
This photo appeared with a story by Allan Boger in the The Kannapolis Daily Independent Jan. 23, 1977. The headline read: “Ole 97 looks back ...A World War I ‘mule skinner.” Vincent C. Pipkin of the Winecoff Community is shown with Red, one of eight mules he was assigned during the War. He ferried food, supplies and munitions across the French countryside. Pipkin later worked at Cannon Mills, retiring in 1964. His co-workers called him “Old 97.”
Concord City Hall
Former Concord Mayor Zack Roberts wrote on the back of this photo that the old City Hall was built in 1902 and demolished on Jan. 14, 1957 (a year after the photo was taken). Fire horses were previously housed in the space where the Western Auto Store is shown in this image.
Parking token
When you have a question from a resident about where a parking token came from and you ask the city, officials might refer you to the ever-knowledgeable Jim Ramseur, a retired Concord City Councilman and historian. This is an old token given to customers by merchants in downtown Concord when parking meters accepted them.
Mr. Trib
Before there was Google and the internet, Mr. Trib was where many Cabarrus County residents asked their questions. Readers could call and leave a message with questions they’d like answered. Mr. Trib was featured in The Concord Tribune for many years.
One from the scrapbook
This scrapbook entry is a story from the Independent Tribune when Valerie Melton was named executive director of Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County. The story was written by longtime Tribune editor Dale Cline. The club posted many historic and memorable photos as part of the 75th anniversary celebration.
ECHS calendar
This 1910 photo of East Franklin Street in Mount Pleasant appears in the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society’s 2022 calendar. You can purchase a calendar at the museum on Saturdays or Mondays. They’re also available at Mount Pleasant Mercantile. The cost is $10.
Sis Mills
Sis Mills graduated from J.W. Cannon High School in 1950. She enrolled at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in the fall of 1950 and graduated in the fall of 1953. She became a nursing instructor in 1958 at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital, and in 1972 became an instructor at Rowan Tech and Rowan Cabarrus until her official retirement in 1996 from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Sis will turn 90 soon, but she continues to get up at 4 in the morning, swim for a while, grab some breakfast and then is off to the hospital, nursing homes or private residences to care for her patients. She is shown receiving her pin from the Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1953.
New book available
“Concord: Past & Present” is the latest book in Arcadia Publishing’s Past & Present series. This book is a collaborative effort by local photographer Michael Anderson and Historic Cabarrus Executive Director Ashley Sedlak-Propst and presents a unique look at Concord, from yesteryear to today. Comparing our present to our past is how we understand our history. Arcadia’s Past & Present series makes such local comparisons available. Books in this series offer a special view of American life by placing historical images side-by-side with contemporary photographs. The cost is $23.99 plus tax and the book is on sale at the Concord Museum Store. Online ordering is available. Email historiccabarrus@gmail.com for more information.
Shrine Bowlers 1969
This Daily Independent clipping from Nov. 12, 1969, announces Haskel Stanback from A.L. Brown and Jimmy May from Concord making the Shrine Bowl. Stanback went on to play at Tennessee and in the NFL. He is a member of the Cabarrus County Sports Hall of Fame.
Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society calendar coming
This picture may be very familiar to anyone who’s seen Mount Pleasant’s first mural. Thanks to some Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society research volunteers the little boy in the picture has been identified as Harry Nussman. This photo is one of a dozen historic photographs in the ECHS 2022 Calendar which will be available very soon.
Paramount Theater
Downtown Concord was once lined with theaters. The Paramount Theater opened in 1936 and brought locals into downtown to see hit Hollywood movies. The State Theater can be seen past the Paramount, looking toward Cabarrus Avenue. People line the sidewalk on Union Street in 1942 to see the comedy-drama-war flick, “The Bugle Sounds,” starring Wallace Berry and Donna Reed. Although the marquee is long gone, some ghosts of the old theater remain. The arched façade that once rose high above the stage and screen can still be seen on the second floor of the building.
Halloween reporters
Fred Flintstone (aka Mark Plemmons) and Ebenezer Scrooge (aka Matt Goad) were working as reporters at the Independent Tribune on Halloween in the 1990s. The photo was taken in the newsroom of the old office at the Cloverleaf. Some said Scrooge looked more like the former owner of the newspaper, Roy H. Park.
A boy and his mule
Jeff Ayscue is shown holding a mule colt at the Cabarrus County Fair in this September 1984 clipping from The Concord Tribune. Ayscue is now one of the top blacksmiths in the region.
Cannon Mills Plant 1 dinky
Kannapolis City Councilman Ryan Dayvault is shown with a Clark Electric C-5 dinky, which was used in the electric shop at Cannon Mills in Plant 1. I’ll bet we have readers who know what the dinky was used for.
75 years of service
The Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County is celebrating 75 years of service to youth in Cabarrus County. This is photo is from the days when it was just the Boys Club. Do you recognize anyone?
Hank Utley
Hank Utley, shown here preparing for Pancake Day, was the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County’s executive director for many years. Valerie Melton, the current director, took the position in 1994. The Boys & Girls Club celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a carnival Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Celebrating 75 years of service
The Boys Club of Cabarrus County, the Boys and Girls Club of Cabarrus County, had a new facility in 1949 which was state of the art. One of the Club’s first regulars was a boy named Donnie Whittington, who would have to “sneak” in because he was too young for membership. Donnie loved sports and remembers participating in other activities like arts and crafts and woodworking. Donnie stuck around to play many important roles in the history of our Club—as a Club kid and in leadership! He went on to spend 55 years dedicating his life to local youth before retiring.
City Water Works
In the 1940s, at the time of this photo, Concord’s City Water Works operated at 223 Crowell St. (off Kerr Street). The buildings have since been repurposed and restored as the ClearWater Artists Studio. It is part of Concord’s revitalization of the area.
Mount Pleasant Schools Band
Mount Pleasant Schools Band This is the Mount Pleasant Schools Band from 1956-57. Glenn Rimer was the drum major, assisted by A.L. Barringer. Do you recognize anyone else? Let us know. Email mplemmons@independenttribune.com with details.
The Time Experience
Viking rock ‘n’ rollers took the Central Cabarrus Theater Stage in 1973. “The Time Experience” was made up of Tony Freeze on trumpet, from left; Bill Foster on bass guitar; David Scercy on drums (playing a drum solo in this photo); Jeffrey Wayne Barbee on rhythm guitar; and Gene Fink on lead guitar.
Livestock at the fair
Livestock at the fair Dianne Ayscue and Brandon Ayscue show a couple of their animals at the Cabarrus County Fair in this clipping from The Concord Tribune in September 1984.
First Baptist Church, 1920s
In this 1920s photo, First Baptist Church is in the foreground and the mill office can be seen in the background. The road leading to the mill office is shown as Park Drive. It was later named Lake Drive.
Presidential Candidate
Political commentator turned presidential candidate Pat Buchanan, left, talks with Dr. Al Johnson of Concord before taping a TV show. The photo appeared in The Concord Tribune on June 8, 1995.
Prize sheep
Nazareth Farm Manager Terry Brown shows his prize sheep that was entered in events at the Cabarrus County Fair. The photo appeared in the Sept. 16, 1992, edition of The Concord Tribune.
Swanee Theater, 1951
In May 1951, the Swanee Theater, at 206 West Ave., was playing “Bitter Rice.” Colonial Finance Company occupied suites 3 and 4 on the second floor of the Swanee Building. Colonial offered loans from $5 to $100. State Capital Life Insurance was in suites 1 and 2. Kannapolis Florist was on the first floor at 200 West Ave. and Central Cab operated out of the Swanee parking lot.
Mount Pleasant Milling Company
This ad for the Mount Pleasant Milling Company is from about 1960. The mill was on Franklin Street on the east side of town beside Mount Pleasant Hardware.
Prize winner
David Pless stands with his prize-winning holstein at the 1992 Cabarrus County Fair. The photo appeared in The Concord Tribune on Sept. 16, 1992.
Sheep at the fair
Sheep at the fair Odell 4-H Club member Kate Barger clips her market lamb at the Cabarrus County Fair. The photo appeared in The Concord Tribune Sept. 16, 1992.
Cabarrus County Fair
County fairs have a long history in Cabarrus County as shown by this fair book cover from October 1889. It was reprinted in The Concord Tribune on Sept. 16, 1992, along with a then-current photo of “The Swing” at the fair.
Corning groundbreaking
A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Corning Inc. plant in Midland was held April 25, 1997. In this photo, developer Rob Wallace, from left, shakes hands with Gov. Jim Hunt as Corning Plant Manager Thomas Nettleman looks on.
A different mode of transportation
A mule-drawn wagon heads up Depot Avenue toward downtown Concord. Many years later the street was renamed Cabarrus Avenue. It looks much different today than it did when the photo was taken.
P.M. Morris Building
The P.M. Morris Building, shown here around 1900, once housed the Hotel Normandy on its upper floors. The Cabarrus Bank began here before moving across the street. Prominent African-American businessman and entrepreneur Warren C. Coleman had a general store on the first floor of this building before his creation of Coleman Manufacturing Co., the first African-American owned and operated textile mill in the United States.
A tiger in Cabarrus
Tracie Jones and Teka the Siberian tiger are shown here at Fancy Feathers Farm on Simplicity Road in Cabarrus County in February, 1995. The tiger had been in Union County but complaints from neighbors forced the big cat to be moved. Teka was only a temporary visitor. A few days later it moved to a farm in Rowan County, which now is Tiger World.
Rocky River wedding
Cleone Morrison stands by the Rev. Daniel Allen Penick’s grave at the old Rocky River Presbyterian cemetery. The clipping from the Sept. 27, 1992 edition of The Concord Tribune was with a story about Rocky River’s re-enactment of the wedding of Emma Black to Dr. J.C. Black. It was the first wedding in Rocky River’s current sanctuary, which was built in 1861. The re-enactment was part of Cabarrus County’s bicentennial celebration. Rocky River Presbyterian Church was established in 1754.
Mount Pleasant Graded School
Long before Cabarrus County Schools, students in eastern Cabarrus County attended the Mount Pleasant Graded School. This photo of the frame school building is about 100 years old and part of the collection at the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum.
Mount Pleasant Graded School
In honor of school starting back for the year, the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society shared this photo of the students at the Mount Pleasant Graded School. The photo is about 100 years old.
Then the largest textile company
Pillowtex CEO Charles “Chuck” Hansen points to two colors of Fieldcrest-Cannon towels in this September, 1997 Independent Tribune clipping. The photo, by Ed Herndon, was used with an interview with Hansen conducted by reporter Mark Plemmons as Pillowtex was in the process of buying Fieldcrest Cannon, which at the time was the nation’s largest textile mill.
Piedmont Phillies
Piedmont Phillies general manager Jack Swallow shows a couple of baseball cards to mascot Hi-ho. The photo was taken in 1995 and appeared in The Concord Tribune. It was the only season the team would be called the Piedmont Phillies, after having moved to Kannapolis from Spartanburg, South Carolina. The next season the team was called the Piedmont Bollweevils, then later the Kannapolis Intimidators. The minior league team now goes by the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
Fisher-Earnhardt Oil Company 1975
The Fisher-Earnhardt Oil Company has been a landmark business in Mount Pleasant on Highway 49 for decades. This 1975 photo shows the Phillips 66 staton.
Cannon Mills Machine Shop, 1940s
Bobbie Cannon Motley recently found this photo of the Cannon Mills Machine Shop crew from the 1940s. Her father, Mack Cannon, a military police officer in the U.S. Army, is standing on the left. Her great uncle, Will Cannon, is among the men kneeling. Do you recognize anyone? Let us know. Email mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Weddington Hills butterflies
Weddington Hills third-grade teacher Lynn Read, in this May 13, 1999, Independent Tribune photo, and her students help a butterfly take its first flight. After the end-of-grade tests, all of Weddington Hills’ third graders released butterflies as part of a study of insects and life cycles.
Horse and buggy in 1900
A horse and buggy are shown in the street in front of Moose Drug Co. in Mount Pleasant in this August 1900 photo. The drum in the back is on display at the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Museum.
Scouts honored
A special Honor Court was held by the Concord District of Boys Scouts to honor Explorer Blake Seamon, who helped save a 4-year-old from drowning at Lake Norman, and two Eagle Scouts, Joe Ellington and Johnny Ramsey. The ceremony was held at Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church in March 1969.
W.T. Grants ad, 1969
W.T. Grants published this ad in the March 28, 1969, edition of The Concord Tribune. As you can see, the prices have changed over the years. A bucket of chicken with the fixings was only $2.69. For comparison today, a national chicken chain in Concord charges $22.99 for an eight-piece meal.
North Main Street in 1905
This is a look down North Main Street in Mount Pleasant in 1905. The Lentz Hotel is shown on the left side of the photo.
Nurse Nancy Burrage
Nancy Burrage started working as a registered nurse at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital in 1950. She was featured in a story about the history of nursing in North Carolina by Appalachian State University. Burrage worked for the hospital, now called Atrium Health Cabarrus, for 62 years. She helped deliver babies for five decades.
Almost football season
Concord High’s Carl Furr poses for a photo in his Spiders uniform. Furr, the father of Gene Furr, was a junior during the 1934 season when this photo was taken.
Beverly Hills Book Week, 1963
Beverly Hills School held its annual Book Week Art Contest, with winners shown in this Nov. 22, 1963 clipping from The Concord Tribune. Winners were Peggy Corriher, from left, Lu Ann Cook, Kathy Britt, Joanne Ashe, Greg Cagle, Janice Black, Geney Widenhouse, David Black, Phillip Kikpatrick, Connie Newton and Dale Cline (absent and not pictured). The photo credit said “Photo by Babb.”
A little privacy, please
A new use for a spittoon? Maybe. This old photo is one of several showing unidentified children among the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society’s collection. If you know who this child is or if you have old photos you would like to share, let us know. Email mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Child's photo
Do you recognize this child? The image is one of several photos of children in the collection of the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society. Let us know if you know anything about this photo or if you have old photos you would like to share. Email mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Who's the kid?
The Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society in Mount Pleasant has a number of unidentified photos of children, like this one found in its collection. Do you recognize the child? Let us know by emailing mplemmons@independenttribune.com or contacting the ECHS.
New Concord School Board member
In this clipping from the Jan. 23, 1973, edition of The Concord Tribune, Mrs. Anna C. Bailey raises her hand, taking the oath of office to become a member of the Concord City Board of Education. She replaced Mrs. Fran Tomlin, who resigned. Concord Mayor Alfred Brown administered the oath with Board Chairman J. Roy Davis Jr., left, and Bailey’s husband, Dr. Robert C. Bailey looking on. The photo was taken by John W. Kennedy, who later became the publisher for the newspaper.
Winecoff Student Council
The Winecoff High School Student Council in 1963 included, from left,: Jay Shive, president; Vicki Coats, secretary; Frances Goodman, treasurer; and Tommy Barringer, vice president. The photo, taken by Edgar Readling, appeared in the Nov. 22, 1963 The Concord Tribune.
Eckerd's Drug Store
Eckerd’s Drug Store was in Carolina Mall for many years and had other locations across Cabarrus County. They are all gone now. This is an ad from the Dec. 7, 1973, edition of The Concord Tribune. Anybody recognize the person in the ad? Let us know. Email mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Camp Spencer
Gene Furr, a photographer for The Concord Tribune in the early 1970s, took this photo at Camp T.N. Spencer on a day that a special swimming program was held for the disabled. Furr later moved to The Raleigh News & Observer, where he took many award-winning photos over the years.
A.L. Brown addition, 1958
A new addition to the west side of A.L. Brown High School opened in October 1958. It contained the new “little auditorium,” which held 264 people. It was part of the new science wing on the second and third floors. The wing was equal to 12 classrooms, in addition to the auditorium.
West Franklin Street in the 1950s
Here is a look down West Franklin Street in Mount Pleasant in the 1950s. It looks a bit different now, and recently had a new mural added to the townscape.
The first Cabarrus Courthouse
This drawing of the first Cabarrus County Courthouse comes from the Local History and Genealogy Collection at the Concord branch of the Cabarrus County Public Library. The collection includes historical and genealogical information dating back to 1750. Records include deeds, wills, court minutes, marriage records, tax lists, estate papers and county censuses. Records from the Daily Independent, The Concord Tribune and The Independent Tribune are also available. Many records are also online through the county website: cabarruscounty.us/resources/local-history-resources.
Loyalty Banquet in 1940
This Cannon Mills Loyalty Banquet took place at the YMCA in 1940. Pictured along with Charles A. Cannon are B.L. Wallace, Plant 8; John Goodnight and A.H. Sides, Plant 1; and C.E. Mauldin, Plant 2. Each had worked at Cannon Mills for 45 years.
Dr. P.A. Barrier
Dr. P.A. Barrier, shown here, was a member of the Board of Health. According to Mount Pleasant Town Ordinance 24, this is how the spread of disease was handled in 1899: “… no person who has been in attendance upon or in a house with any person stricken with cholera, small pox or scarlet fever or been in any city, town or other place infected with any such diseases, shall within fifteen days thereafter, without the permit of the Chairman of the Board of health of said town countersigned by the Mayor, enter into the corporate limits of said town or go upon any of the streets of said town. Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined ten dollars or be imprisoned twenty days.”
Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum
This is a look into one of the rooms at the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum. The classroom featured here is much different than those used today, with a blackboard/chalkboard, ink well on one of the desks and a bell to call school to order. This is one of many exhibits at the museum in Mount Pleasant.
New postmaster, 1956
Elbert L. Lippard, right, takes the oath and becomes acting postmaster for Kannapolis. Administering the oath was J.W. Rich of Charlotte, representing the Atlanta region of the U.S. Postal Service. The appointment of postmaster was made to the U.S. Senate by Sen. Lyndon Johnson, who later became president. Lippard had been business secretary at Cannon Memorial YMCA for 30 years. Charles Foster took the photo Sept. 4, 1956.
Fred's Curb Market
Fred’s Curb Market, shown in this 1930s photo, was at 1117 S. Main St. in 1940, south of what is now What-A-Burger No. 10. The owner and/or manager was Fred F. Oates.
Furniture store in the 1930s
Maxwell Brothers & Collins Furniture, shown here, was at the corner of East Depot (Cabarrus Avenue) and Church streets in the 1930s. It was later Helig-Meyers Building, and in recent years it was renovated and converted into apartments. This photo was taken by Zack Roberts and appeared in a 2012 Historic Cabarrus publication, “Past Times.”
Tuscarora Cotton Mill 1931
The workers at Tuscarora Cotton Mill gathered outside the mill in Mount Pleasant for this photo in October 1931.
Latta Plantation
BH Media This screen grab shows the Latta Plantation Facebook page on Sunday. By Sunday afternoon, there were about 370 comments on site manager Ian Campbell’s statement regarding the “Kingdom Coming” event.
Mount Pleasant Collegiate Institute, 1920
This is the main building for the Mount Pleasant Collegiate Institute. The 1920 college catalog says this: “Mount Pleasant is what its name implies — a pleasant, enterprising, orderly town of 800 inhabitants. … The elevation, favorable climatic conditions, pure cold water, beautiful landscape scenery and wholesome environment render it an ideal location for a school. No one can visit the grounds of the Collegiate Institute without being impressed by their natural beauty and classic scenery. … It is a rare exception that a young man does not enjoy his stay in Mount Pleasant. The rule is that students become warmly attached to the place. The social advantages are many, and they are highly appreciated by the students.”
Logan School football 1947
The photo is a bit damaged, but you can clearly see most of the members of the Logan School football team in 1947. The photo comes from the Lawson Bonds-Oxford Studio in Concord. Do you recognize anyone? Let us know by emailing mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
First Presbyterian Church, 1904
This flashback photo appeared in Historic Cabarrus’ “Past Times” news magazine for Summer 2016. It’s of First Presbyterian Church. The photograph, part of First Presbyterian Church’s history room, depicts the fourth church building that served as a place of worship from 1904 to 1927.
Kmart ad
Need any 8-track tapes? The Kmart at the corner of Centergrove Road and Cannon Boulevard had them for as little as $1 in this Dec. 26, 1972, ad for Kmart in The Concord Tribune. Back then, the store was at the corner of Centergrove Road (now Dale Earnhardt Boulevard) and Cannon Boulevard. Wilson Pickett and the Guess Who were among the artists on the tapes at the time.
Mont Amoena Seminary
A state historic marker in Mount Pleasant commemorates the Mont Amoena Seminary, which occupied the three-story brick building that is now the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society.
Mont Amoena Seminary
Mont Amoena Seminary This is a look inside a laboratory at Mont Amoena Seminary from the school’s bulletin from 1924-25. The school was founded by Mrs. D.H. Bittle in 1859 and called the Mount Pleasant Female Seminary. The name was changed in 1892. The school was in a frame building until a fire in 1911. It was replaced with a three-story brick building for $30,000. Mont Amoena closed in 1927. The building is now the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum.
Coca-Cola 600 winner
Dale Earnhardt receives congratulations from track owner Bruton Smith after winning the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in May 1986. The Kannapolis native was one of NASCAR’s all-time great drivers. A statue in downtown Kannapolis honors Earnhardt’s achievements in racing and the community.
Mont Amoena Seminary
This photo is of a business class at the Mont Amoena Seminary in Mount Pleasant. It comes from a bulletin from 1924-25. It said: “The Courses of Instruction ... have been found to meet all the needs of a large class of patrons who wish their daughters trained for useful spheres of life in a limited time and at a moderate cost. Effort will be made to impart a thorough and thought-producing education rather than the superficial kind, which in some quarters has been the bane of woman education. It is designed to prepare the student for the actual duties of life by giving them the fundamental tools of knowledge and by establishing them in character. More self-dependence is being required of women at this time than ever before, and each succeeding year will make the requirement more urgent.”
West Avenue June 1947
This photo by Roscoe Lewis, dated June 1947, is taken from the 131-139 block of West Avenue looking toward South Main Street. In the foreground is the police department. The fire whistle can be clearly seen on the top of the Montgomery Ward Building. Looking past the police department you can see Miller Jones Shoes on South Main.
Mount Pleasant Hosiery Mill
The Mount Pleasant Hosiery Mill operated for many years at the corner of Main and Franklin in downtown Mount Pleasant. The renovated mill now is home to the upscale 73 & Main Restaurant. This photo is from 1963.
Towel Shop
This postcard for the Towel Shop proclaims “World’s Largest Towel Manufacturing Center.” The shop sold towels, sheets, hosiery, spreads, bath sets, dish towels, blankets and gift sets. It offered to mail a price list upon request. Here is the contact information listed: Phone St 2-3593 736 Cannon Blvd., Concord N.C.
Dixie Debs
Kannapolis’ own Dixie Debs — Mildred and Evelyn Guy and Laverne and Juanita Simpson — are coming home in 1941 to help Dean Hudson and his famous band entertain their home folk in Kannapolis at the Gem Theatre. The Towel City girls, who combined their talents, performed at gala dances throughout North Carolina, joined Hudson’s band and gained fame over the radio, on phonograph records and through personal appearances all up and down the eastern coast from Maine to Florida. The photo was donated by Anita Simpson Galliher. (Note: This information was taken from a Daily Independent article, dated Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941.)
Cannon Mills Plant 1, Mill 7
This undated photo of Plant 1, Mill 7 is from an angle that is rarely seen. The smokestacks stand nearly 200 feet tall and 30 feet apart. The first one was erected in 1928 and the second in 1950. They were imploded on Aug. 10, 2006. On the 350-acre Cannon property, they were next to last to fall, leaving only the checkered water tower. You can see Mary Ella Hall, the mill office and the third YMCA building.
South Main Street, 1956
In this 1956 photo, Query Bros. and Rose’s are located at the upper section of the first block of South Main Street. Rose’s would later relocate to West Avenue in the building of the former Dixie Home Stores, and Query Bros. would move further south, down the block beside Kannapolis Drug.
Concord Hotel postcard
The back of this postcard of the Concord Hotel says: “Carolina’s finest small hotel, 100 modern fireproof rooms, coffee shop — on U.S. Highway No. 29 — Otis Phillips Jr. manager.” The hotel, at the corner of Union Street and Cabarrus Avenue, was recently converted into apartments.
Lake Lynn Lodge
Lake Lynn Lodge, shown in this old postcard, overlooks an 18-acre lake east of Concord off N.C. 73. The postcard said the menu included aged charcoal and grilled western steaks, country ham, fried chicken and seafood. The lodge had seven private dining rooms. Lake Lynn hosted many parties and receptions over the years.
CTC phone book, 1915
The Rules for Subscribers were listed at the front of the 1915 telephone directory. The rules include: “The use of the telephone is limited to the subscriber and his family, and the length of conversation should in no case exceed five minutes, but you are requested to make it as brief as possible. Some one on your line may be waiting to make an emergency call.”
Colonial Motor Court
This postcard shows the Colonial Motor Court that was on U.S. 29 (now Concord Parkway) on the site that now has Bebo’s Charcoal BBQ and the offices of Allen Tate Realtors. The back of the postcard said there were “63 luxurious air-conditioned rooms with private tiled bathrooms, heat, television, pool.” It also mentioned a meeting room and the “excellent restaurants adjoining.”
M.N. Petrea & Sons
M.N. Petrea & Sons Grocery, a member of Independent Co-operative Stores, was located at 600 Bethpage Road and owned and/or operated by C. McNeil Petrea. It was listed in the 1969 City Directory, but not in the one for 1971. A special thank you to Ralph Deal and Nancy.
Mayfair Motel postcard
The Mayfair Motel is still in Concord today, tucked behind the Verizon Wireless Store and the Golden Corral, off Concord Parkway. It looked a lot different in this postcard, which, on the other side, promoted its air-conditioned rooms with phones and TVs and a swimming pool and playground.
South Main Street, 1938
Over the years, Cabarrus Bank and Trust in Kannapolis moved several times. In this photo from 1938, its location is on the corner of South Main Street and West A, beside Woolworth. Looking south is Woolworth, Query Goodman’s, Professional Building, F.L. Smith Drug and Montgomery Ward.
Band music from 1915
Band music from 1915
This is a piece of music for the Cannon Band in 1915.
Downtown Kannapolis from the air
This photo is from later than 1954, as the dome has been replaced by a steeple on First Baptist Church, but it is before 1958, as the white brick building on South Main is still standing. This photo was taken from a different angle than we normally see. Most of Plant 1 and the business district can be seen. Ladys Funeral Home is on the corner of Main and First, and heading east is the first block of South East Avenue. On Main Street is Montgomery Ward, The Professional Building and Woolworth.
YMCA 1948
This picture from the Charles Foster Collection is dated May 1948. If you were raised in Kannapolis in the 1950s, 1960s or 1970s, this YMCA was like a second home to so many people. In the 1960s, the membership was $1 per person or $5 per family per year.
First United Church of Christ
This photo is of First United Church of Christ and was processed on June 1, 1958. The pastor at that time was noted as Reverend Morgan on the envelope. Do you recognize the three individuals in this photograph? It is from the Lawson Bonds Photography collection. Michael A. Anderson Photography and Historic Cabarrus are working to digitize hundreds of the old photos.
Mount Pleasant victory bell
A two-foot wide, 125-pound bell that stood atop Mount Pleasant High School for 30 years became the school’s victory bell. This clipping from The Concord Tribune shows some of the school leaders at the time, from left,: co-captain Bob Burris, chief cheerleader Mary Ann Fisher, drum major Glenn Rimer, chief majorette Joyce Sides and co-captain Ray Cauble. The bell was mounted on a cart at Furr’s Garage and Welding in the 1950s.
Mount Pleasant football
It’s been nearly 50 years since this Mount Pleasant Tigers football team won the Rocky River Conference title and came in second in the Western AA State Championship. We thought it a fitting time to run this photo since the Tigers clinched the RRC title again Friday, April 9, and head into the playoffs undefeated.
W.H. Leonard Jewelers
This 1940s photo is from the Charles Foster collection and shows the interior of W.H. Leonard Jewelers, which was on West First Street.
Ruth Coltrane Cannon
Ruth Coltrane Cannon Mrs. Charles A. (Ruth Louise Coltrane) Cannon is sitting at a desk at Pity Sake Farm in the 1940s. This photo comes from the Charles Foster Collection.
Downtown Mount Pleasant
This is the corner of Main Street and Franklin Avenue in downtown Mount Pleasant. The date of the photo is unknown, but the car is a 1916 Model T Ford belonging to W.E. Hahn, who is standing in the doorway next to the column (right side) and wearing a black derby. The man standing on the sidewalk with the black derby is J. Frank Lowder. He operated the livery stable behind the mercantile. The man behind the car is thought to be Luther Lentz, the owner of Lentz Building and Lentz Hotel. Luther Lentz died in 1918. He was the father of Chulie Lentz, shown on the left. Chulie’s daughter is also in the photo.
Mount Pleasant Collegiate Institute
Mount Pleasant Collegiate Institute students gather on campus for a photo in 1921 or 1922 with Main Street in the background.
Downtown Mount Pleasant in 1969
This aerial photo shows downtown Mount Pleasant in 1969. The buildings from the air look much the same as today, except the businesses inside are different. The Lentz Hotel was still there. Other businesses included Eagle’s grocery, Kirk’s Dry Cleaners, Moose Drugstore and Barringer’s Filling Station.
Shinn's Store
Georgeville, south and east of Mount Pleasant, was named for George Shinn, who founded a store there in 1885. Georgeville was thriving around the turn of the 20th century with a store, post office, flour and corn mill, cotton gin and private academy.
Nimer's Ice Cream, 1930s
In the 1930s, Nimer’s Ice Cream store was on South Main Street in Midway. Cobb’s Market was two doors down. According to the writing on the windows and items inside, you could purchase a “real” 7-Up, a plate lunch for 25 cents, ice was 15 cents, and the Pabst beer was not priced.
Cruse School House
This photo of the Cruse School House and its students was taken in June 1896. The building was near the location of Cline School.
Jones photo studio
This is the waiting room at the Healy and Foye Jones Studio at 38 Union St. The photo was taken around 1943. It became the Lawson Bonds Studio and then Oxford Studio. Decades later, the waiting area looked much the same.
John R. Mott's YMCA Men's Club
This is a photo of the John R. Mott’s YMCA Men’s Club of Kannapolis. The Nobel Peace Prize for 1946 was awarded to John Raleigh Mott, an American who was the head of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). According to the Nobel Committee, Mott won for his contribution to the creation of a peace-promoting religious brotherhood across national boundaries.
Cabarrus Register of Deeds Jim Bonds
James O. “Jim” Bonds is standing in the Register of Deeds Office. He served as the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds from December 1964 to December 1984.
Winecoff vs. China Grove
Winecoff and China Grove battled on the gridiron Oct. 7, 1955. Helmets were a little different back then (notice the lack of face mask or bar across the chin/mouth). The photo comes from Lawson Bonds/Oxford Studio. Do you recognize anybody? Let us know by emailing mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Old newspaper
Along with thousands of photos and negatives at the old Lawson Bonds-Oxford Studio, Mike Anderson found other interesting items, including this edition of The Concord Tribune, dated May 18, 1967. Concord was trying to get alcohol sales, and the Vietnam War was raging on with more deaths reported. On this day, it was “commie” rockets that killed American soldiers.
Sundrop vending machines
Anybody remember soda vending machines like these two? Sundrop used to be marketed as Sundrop Golden Cola. This photo came from the old Lawson Bonds-Oxford Studio.
Earl Graham
Many of the photos posted from the Kannapolis History Associates were taken by Earl Graham. He graduated from China Grove High School and studied photography at Modern School of Photography in New York City. Earl served in World War II. After being discharged from the Army, he owned and operated the Camera and Hobby Shop while working as a staff photographer at The Daily Independent.
Early's Texaco Service
Jeanette McKinney, Holding Brothers hostess, presents the Dealer of the Month trophy to George Early of Early’s Texaco Service at the intersection of North Cannon Boulevard and Brantley Road (Lane Street). Early and staff members earned this honor by displaying the highest standards of cleanliness, service and merchandising. Notice the Esso sign in the background and the S&H GreenStamps sign at the top — both “signs” of the times. Esso became Exxon in 1972.
Cabarrus Hall
Cabarrus Hall was erected by Cabarrus Mill in 1918 and opened in the spring of 1920 to meet the needs of female employees. Some teachers working at McIver School also lived there. Cabarrus Mill was renamed Plant 4. It became the property of Cannon Mills as a result of the 1928 consolidation of the mills. Cabarrus Hall was built on 400 West Ave. soon after Mary Ella Hall was opened and was within walking distance of Cabarrus Mill. Meals were served, but it lacked some amenities that residents of Mary Ella Hall enjoyed. In its later years, the back part of the building housed the Cabarrus Health Department. Cabarrus Hall accommodated 150 boarders, while Mary Ella accommodated 350. Cabarrus Hall closed in 1952 and borders were sent to Mary Ella Hall. It was torn down in May 1972.
Kannapolis' second YMCA
In the early years of the YMCA in Kannapolis, J.W. Cannon built a large swimming pool in the basement or first floor of the second YMCA building. That building burned on Dec. 29, 1937, but the pool remained, and in 1940 when the third YMCA building was erected, it was built around the pool, thus explaining why there were many steps going to the front and back doors at the Y.
YMCA Pool and Ray Waller
Those of us raised in Kannapolis probably at some point spent time with Ray Waller in the YMCA pool. He worked for the Y, beginning in 1952, for more than 60 years.
The Intimidator
The 20th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death is Thursday, Feb. 18. The seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, left, is shown here talking with 3-time Cup champion Cale Yarborough in the infield at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Earnhardt made his first Cup start at CMS in the 1975 World 600. His last race ended in his tragic death at the Feb. 18, 2001, Daytona 500. In honor of the Kannapolis native's career and impact on the community, we have compiled a gallery of photos from his career online at IndependentTribune.com.
Call Mr. Trib
For many years, Mr. Trib was a regular feature in The Concord Tribune. This clip comes from the June 7, 1968, edition. Questions that day included: Does The Trib buy freelance articles; how can you get grass stains out of pants; and how do you get a job at polling places? The phone number in 1968 for Mr. Trib was ST 6-4040.
1930s aerial view
In the back left of this late 1930s aerial view sits Trinity Methodist. Trinity moved to its new building across from A.L. Brown in 1952. Mary Ella Hall and First Baptist Church are shown in the rear center. The only business on the north end of West Avenue is Kannapolis Laundry.
State Highway Commission
This July 25, 1969, photo appeared in The Concord Tribune. Robert K. Jewell, left, is greeted by N.C. Gov. Robert Scott, who presented Jewell with a special pin recognizing his 45 years of service to the State Highway Commission.
Hoffman's Confectionery, 1949
According to a 1924 ad in the Cannon Pioneer yearbook, Hoffman's Confectionery sold everything from ice cream and sodas to beer and cigars, magazines and fancy groceries. Hoffman's was located at the square of First Street and North Main. It was the local meeting spot, and the men shown in this 1949 photo have stopped by to take a break. It comes from the Charles Foster Collection.
Kannapolis Christmas Parade 1947
The Dec. 5, 1947, Christmas parade seems to be ending in this photo and breaking up at A.A. Wagner Co., a wholesale grocery at 220 Oak Ave. At the time, it was known as Oak Street, not Avenue. In 2019, the addresses were as follows: Pizza Hut, 250; Tuttle Family Practice, 230; Atlantic American Properties, 226; and Castle and Cooke at 210. Looking north on the upper left side is Beasley Cross Chevrolet and the mill office. This photo is from the Charles Foster Collection.
Famous furniture
Charles A. Cannon was able to acquire Gen. Douglas McArthur’s desk and side table. He used them up until his death in 1971. For a while, they were on display at the Visitor’s Center on West Avenue and now can be found at the Kannapolis History Museum, along with J.W. Cannon’s roll-top desk. The photo is from the Charles Foster Collection.
GI Town in 1949
GI Town, circa 1949, is shown in this aerial view of Kannapolis. GI Town was a group of mill houses built for the troops returning home from World War II. You can see the young oak trees at each house. The picture came from the Charles Foster Collection.
Firestone 1949
This 1949 photo of the interior of Firestone on West Avenue in Kannapolis reminds us of one of the Highlight Magazine picture search puzzles. It has everything in it: graters, grinders and glasses, strollers, sleds, sifters and strainers, tires, trikes tubs and thermoses. The photo is from the Charles Foster collection.
The Sloop family
The Waldo Sloop family in Kannapolis has received a bit of notoriety over the years as a result of having the largest family in Kannapolis, one that consisted of 14 children. In this 1950 picture, they are attending the Gem Theater's showing of "Cheaper by the Dozen."
1996 Olympic Torch
On June 24,1996, the Olympic Torch passed by Fieldcrest-Cannon en route to Atlanta, site of the 1996 Summer Games. The mill whistle, which was normally reserved for mornings, blew to welcome the torchbearers. Fieldcrest-Cannon was the official licensee of home textiles for the games and manufactured towels, sheets and blankets with the official Olympic logos and symbols. The photo appeared in Kannapolis NC, a Pictorial History.
Propst Furniture in Centerview
Propst Furniture Company and Propst Launderite was owned and managed by Boyd D. Propst and was the largest business in Centerview when it opened in July, 1949. They were located next to Wiles Billards and Taxi Company, according to Daily Independent stories. They filed bankruptcy in December, 1953. All inventory and equipment were auctioned off.
Hill's Clothing
Owen Hill worked for Wright’s Clothing Store in Greensboro. An opportunity arose for him to go into business with Mr. Wrenn in Kannapolis and, in 1939, he moved his family there to begin the partnership. Hill and Wrenn was located at 139 South Main St. Hill bought out Wrenn in 1946 or 1947, and that store became Wrenn’s. In 1948, Hill moved the business to 117 South Main St., which was between Singer and Mann’s Drug. At that time, he became the sole owner of Hill’s Clothing and operated at that location until 1969, when Fred R. Goodnight purchased the business from Hill. Fred changed the name of the business to Goodnight Clothing and remained at the South Main Street location until 1986, when Mr. Murdock requested that they relocate. Goodnight Clothing moved to Oak Avenue in April 1986.
Cabarrus Bank and Trust 1950
This information comes from The Daily Independent, Sunday, July 30, 1950, edition: The new building, located at 201 West Avenue, for the Kannapolis Branch of the Cabarrus Bank and Trust Company opened for business on Monday, July 31, 1950. The building is 43 feet wide and 142 feet long, which nearly doubles the width of the old bank and adds 32 feet to the length. Eight tellers were at the old building and 15 are at the new location. Approximately 350 personal lock boxes were in the old building, compared to more than a 1,000 in the new building. The new location is equipped with a new PBX telephone system. The bookkeeping department is built into a mezzanine floor where workers will be completely sealed off from noise and outside disturbances. At the time of the opening, C.A. Cannon headed the list of Cabarrus Bank and Trust Company officers. In September 1899, a branch of the bank was opened at Albemarle, in 1907 Mount Pleasant gained a branch office and in September 1909 the Cabarrus Bank and Trust Company moved into Kannapolis. Hours of operation were from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. each day and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. each Wednesday and Thursday.
Concord Marching Band
This is a photo of the Concord High School Marching Band that was found at the Lawson Bonds-Oxford Studio. It is thought to be from the 1940s. Do you recognize anyone? Let us know by emailing mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Harrisburg Lions 1975
No. 31 Philip Elmore shares this photo of the 1975 Harrisburg Lions football team. Others identified are Fred Moore, No. 12; Kevin Taylor, No. 80; Michael Johnson behind Kevin Taylor; Dean Jordan, No. 62; David McClure, No. 82; third row, far left, and now Sheriff's Deputy Lenny Rivera, biggest player, top row middle, behind No. 22. Most of the Lions became Central Cabarrus Vikings, and in 1975, CCHS was only 10 years old. If you recognize anyone else in the photo, let us know by emailing mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Viewfinder
Here is a Viewfinder item from the 1980s. The Concord Tribune ran these photos for many years. Each had information about a young lady. Photographer Frankie Furr took thousands of these photos over the years. Often, the models would call the newspaper and set up a photo to run on their 16th birthday.
Main Theater 1949
The Main Theater was located at the corner of Jackson Avenue and 801 North Cannon Blvd. This photograph, from the Charles Foster collection, is dated June 28, 1949, at which time the theater was still under construction, but nearing completion. It was built by B&W Contractors. According to Cinema Treasures, the theater had 594 seats and was air-conditioned. The Main opened in 1950 and closed in the early 1960s. Malone’s Factory Outlet opened at that location on Feb. 28, 1963. In addition to Malone’s, various other businesses have occupied the building, including The Shoe Department and a grocery store.
Church history
Cleone Dulin Morrison, shown here in a clipping from The Concord Tribune’s May 11, 1984, edition, kept the records for historic Rocky River Presbyterian Church. Her husband, James Robert Morrison, held the same position with the church for 15 years. Mrs. Morrison and her daughter, Alice Marie Morrison, received an award from the N.C. Presbyterian Historical Society for completing two volumes of the church register, covering records from 1751 to 1983. One volume contained membership and the second rolls of pastors, trustees, elders, deacons, baptisms, marriages, death, scouting honors and leaders from Sunday school and other organizations of the church. Mark Plemmons took this photo.
Softball champs
This clipping from the Aug. 3, 1992, edition of The Concord Tribune shows the McGill Avenue Baptist Church softball team that won the Concord Parks and Recreation Church League with a 15-0 record. Shown are: front row from left, Tim Helms, Roger Eury, Phil Herndon, Dr. Jim Spencer and Keith Troutman; and back row, Greg Andrews, Coach Mark Plemmons, Brent Arrowood, Bobby Newsome and Tim Yates. Other team members not pictured were: Baker Arrowood, Scott Reavis, Ward Martin and Steve Pearson. The photo was taken by Danny Smith.
New computers
In September 1985, The Concord Tribune got a new computer system. In this clipping from the Sept. 22, 1985, edition of The Concord Tribune, then-reporter Mark Plemmons compares the old system and the new Compugraphic system. It was a big improvement then, but compared to today's computers, it was a glorified word processor. Another observation: Plemmons' hair was a lot darker, and he was skinnier back then. Frankie Furr took the photo.
Big Star
This photo of Big Star in Concord is thought to be from the 1940s. Little else is known about it. It's one of the thousands of photos and negatives from the Lawson Bonds-Oxford Studio in Concord. If you have more information about the Big Star, let us know by emailing mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas lights are strung across North Union Street in this photo believed to be from 1955. The Cabarrus Theater, Hotel Concord and Kale-Lawing Company signs can be seen. It was a festive time in downtown Concord. We're not sure who took the photo. If you know more or have photos from Cabarrus’ past that you would like to share, email mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Christmas ad
Many of our older readers will remember H.G. Blackwelder and his businesses on McGill Avenue in Concord. This is an ad from the Dec. 24, 1975, The Concord Tribune. The Merry Christmas edition featured Christmas and holiday stories and lots of ads from businesses across Cabarrus County wishing their customers a "Merry Christmas."
Coltrane Junior Red Cross
This is the Coltrane Junior Red Cross in 1953. Robert Nash shared this photo and names of people on the first row are as he remembered: Sandra Trull, Johnny Fletcher, Bobby Nash, Laura Overcash, Bobby Biggers, Margaret Whittecar, Cynthia Batte, Joyce Harrison; second row, Booby Goode (seated), Max Spence (in knickers), Others Nash remembered in the photo are Pleas Carter, Jimmy Deaton, Freddie Eaves, Wayne Williams, Bruce Arrowood, Jerry Hunter, Gene Furr, Norman Campbell, Whitey Joyner, Elaine Boyce, Bubby Kepley, Kim Furr and Gerald Clark, tallest on the back row. He remembered other faces but not the names. The teacher may be Mrs. Fritz. It looks like grades are mixed from fourth to seventh. If you recognize someone or have more information, email mplemmons@independenttribune.com.
Meadow View School
Meadow View School (c. 1890) is the oldest known remaining Black school in Cabarrus County and predates the Rosenwald schools by several decades. This 2019 photo is from the Historic Architectural Survey and Preservation Plan done by the city of Concord and Laura Purvis.
Heller call to arms
Jones brains
Jesse Pike's Drug Stores
Who remembers Jesse Pike's Drug Stores or buying film like this? This is an ad from the Dec. 24, 1975 The Concord Tribune. The Pike family has long been in the pharmacy business, dating back to 1919 when Joseph William Pike bought Pearl Drug on Church Street. Jesse Pike Sr. and his brother worked there later and ran the store after the elder Pike's death in 1935. When World War II broke out, both brothers volunteered to serve and Pearl's was sold. Jesse came back home after the war and the first order of business was to build a pharmacy on Church Street, near where Pearl Drug has been and the company grew from there. At one time, there were Pike drug stores in Concord, Kannapolis, Locust, Oakboro and Charlotte. The family operates Pike's Pharmacy today in Charlotte.
A colorful hobby
George Wagoner of Mount Pleasant is shown in this front page photo from The Concord Tribune on Dec. 24, 1975. Wagoner at the time taught building skills at North Stanly High School. He started growing poinsettias as a hobby and turned it into a thriving business, growing thousands each year.
1949 Kannapolis Christmas Parade
The 1949 Kannapolis Christmas Parade was held Thursday, Dec. 8. It began at 4:30 in the afternoon and continued up North Main Street rather than turning on West First Street as it did in later years. Many animals were used, and you can tell the little kids were loving it. This photo is from the Charles Foster collection.
The Concord Tribune
This photo of the news staff is part of a Christmas ad for The Concord Tribune on Dec. 24, 1975. Longtime Tribune photographer Frankie Furr helped us identify everyone. Shown are, front row, from left, Lib Jay, Susan Cline (we think), and Phyllis Andrews; and back row, Edgar Readling, John Kennedy, Everette Gilliam and Furr.
1947 Christmas Parade
The Christmas Parade rolled on Dec. 3, 1947, in this photo found at the Lawson Bonds-Oxford Studio. The photo was in an envelope from Roberts Studio Inc.
Fire at Big Star
A fire in 1947 left a big mess inside Big Star in Concord. This photo was one of several found in a Roberts Studio Inc. envelope at the Lawson Bonds-Oxford Studio. The grocery story was heavily damaged by the fire.
Step back into the past with these photos, clippings and other information from Cabarrus County's past. The photos and information come from a…
