Paul Shoemaker handed his camera to his younger brother Peter and sat down on the lush summer grass next to Simone. Peter framed the shot per his brother’s instructions - with the couple offset to the right, Paul’s flourishing garden in the background, and the summer sun shining with approval on the faces of a young couple in love.

Peter pressed the shutter release … and time stood still …

As a young boy growing up in northern Virginia, Will Garvey was drafted to help with his father’s hobby of beekeeping. “I didn’t like it,” he recalls. “I got stung a lot.” Now, nearly five decades later, Will is the Volunteer Beekeeper for The Park at Flat Rock and a vocal advocate for the many ways individuals can help care pollinators and for the natural world around us.

Fifty years ago this month, a healthy baby boy was born to Stephen and Paula Wiesenfeld in Edison, NJ. Within hours, however, the celebration of birth turned into unimaginable tragedy when Paula suffered an amniotic embolism and died on the same day her son was born. It was June 5th, 1972.

Although he had no way of knowing, Stephen Wiesenfeld was about to embark on an amazing legal journey that involved confronting an archaic statute of federal law. It also led him into a lifelong friendship with perhaps the most iconic female jurist in our country’s history - Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Centuries after Native Americans first met on the “great flat rock”, the current-day residents of the village name for that same landmark gathered to celebrate their community, their history, and their good fortune to live in such a beautiful place with the revival of the Village of Flat Rock Ice Cream Social.

When Robin Hawkins Anderson arrived in Henderson County in 2015, she was still recovering from the upheaval caused by the dissolution of her marriage. A friend recommended spending time on the trails of the Carl Sandburg Home to find perspective and perhaps discover a new path forward. Seven years and over 7000 photographs later, Robin has published her first book, Uncommon Sanctuary, a photographic diary featuring Carl and Lillian Sandburg’s Connemara home in the mountains of western North Carolina.

During a recent Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning course, instructor Paula Withrow did more than just teach history. She brought it to life. Dressed as Mata Hari, Withrow recounted the life and exploits of one of the most famous female spies in history. Her mastery of the subject material was captivating and her sartorial commitment to the topic gave additional life to an already fascinating subject.

As I stepped into the small Oakland Cemetery on the easternmost edge of Flat Rock, I could see her recent grave still adorned with memorial flowers. It was a cool, gray Saturday morning and the only sounds were the birds chirping in trees that border the modest cemetery on three sides. The grass was wet. The red clay, unearthed to prepare for her internment, still visible around the gravesite.

I’d come to this hallowed ground to pay my respects to a woman that I never met. To honor and reflect on a woman whose life was more intricately bound to the history of Flat Rock than perhaps almost any other living soul in the Village.

By the time John Burton was 11 years old, he had dislocated his left elbow six times and undergone three surgeries in an attempt to repair the problematic joint. John’s early medical misfortunes, however, turned out to be a bit of fortuitous fate that helped launch him on a course from the waters of Lake Summit in Tuxedo, NC to the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.

Growing up in Flat Rock wasn’t the most “kid-friendly” place. There was no late-night hang-out spot (because everything closed by 8 pm), there wasn’t a park at that time, and most of the church community was above the age of 65. However, there was one location that brought children of all ages together. A place that inspired and encouraged creativity. A place that drew people in not only from Flat Rock, but Asheville, Hendersonville, Greenville, etc. This place is the great Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina.

Beginning in the 1830s, Flat Rock became a flourishing summer colony as a number of prominent families made an annual trek from the low country of the South Carolina coast to the elevation and cooler temperatures of the mountains of western North Carolina. The tradition of spending summers in Flat Rock has continued for multiple generations and stories of those earlier summers live on in the memories and recollections of Flat Rock residents today.

One of the more dramatic and violent moments in the history of Flat Rock occurred during the Civil War. Beaumont, owned by Andrew Johnstone of Georgetown, SC, was one of the earliest grand homes in Flat Rock and during the final chaotic year of the war, a band of “bushwhackers” descended upon the estate on a warm June day in 1864 - with tragic consequence.

In the space of approximately seven years, what started as a dream has become arguably the crown jewel of parks in our region. The Park at Flat Rock is the perfect place to park your cares and lift your spirits. The story of a vision made real, here…

Nestled in a small strip shopping center halfway between Flat Rock and downtown Hendersonville, Pita Express is an oasis of Middle Eastern culinary delights with a Mediterranean flair. Owned by Lina and Mohamid Abuadas, each dish is delivered with a smile and is accompanied by a side order of love that infuses every plate of food.

Somewhere along the way, I started paying attention to the rhythm of how the forest turns green and then eventually red, yellow, and orange in Autumn. Every year the wildflowers would return in abundance. They were like brief, annual visits from old friends. By Tim Jones

.

The history of the Green River people includes many stories of moonlight entrepreneurs amidst exceedingly tough circumstances. As the Depression emerged, the mill-working farmers were forced to turn to moonshining and bootlegging, which thrived in spite of legal and religious condemnation and was a good way to make extra money in a cash-poor economy.

Starr Teel, owner of Flat Rock’s Hubba Hubba Smokehouse and Campfire Grill, has embraced his life-long relationship with the summer camp experience. First as a camper, then as a counselor, and later as a passionate advocate for kids in camp, Starr Teal’s fervent belief in the benefits of summer camp has never wavered.

At a time when it is easy to question the future of humanity, we appreciate this hopeful story of Lilian and Carl Sandburg’s faith in people whose lives were uprooted by racial discrimination and the fear rampant in a county suddenly thrust into World War II.

ShareWell Coffee Co. and Roastery hosted their grand opening in Flat Rock Square yesterday to officially open Flat Rock’s latest addition to the Village’s charming and bustling commercial center. Judging by the crowds that swarmed the new business on opening day, ShareWell Coffee seems to be the perfect brew of quality products and happy customers.

The Rosenwald Schools are the inspiring story of two hardworking, successful men who gave back to the country in which they prospered. Conceived by African American educator Booker T. Washington, the Rosenwald School project was a massive effort to improve black rural schooling in the Jim Crow-era South when minority students received vastly inferior education and sometimes no education at all. An effort that eventually reached all the way to East Flat Rock …

As he stood on the Heidelberg Garden terrace in August of 1921, Robert Galloway placed himself squarely at the intersection of two extraordinary chapters in the history of Flat Rock. Behind him, and representing the past, stood the magnificent structure and intriguing history of Heidelberg House. Stretching out before him was the future … his dream of a spectacular new home for the summer Bible conference of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Dave Workman, co-owner of the iconic Flat Rock Village Bakery, maintains a surprisingly low profile at one of the Village’s most high-profile businesses. Despite an unassuming demeanor, he’s quietly building a burgeoning bakery business. And Flat Rock is a primary beneficiary of his passion for serving exceptional food.

His story here…

The story begins with an unusual request received at Flat Rock Together from an amateur metal detectorist living in North Carolina. Rebekah wrote. “A fellow metal detectorist acquaintance of mine found a class ring from 1943. Based on the engraved initials and history he believes it may have belonged to someone who lived in Flat Rock. Maybe you can bridge the gap in locating him or a family member.”

Built in the mid-19th century, Farmer Hotel was the first summer hotel intended primarily for the accommodation of tourists and vacationists in Henderson County. Through its long and fascinating history, the hotel has served as North Carolina's longest operating inn for 170 years.

Those of us who live in Flat Rock drive past the property on Greenville Highway frequently ... but few of us know its full history. Author, Missy Schneck, tells that story here.

When we set out to write this recap of our favorite stories from 2021, it seemed a rather simple enterprise. But as we stroll back through 52 weeks of stories about fascinating people, places, and events in Flat Rock, we came to realize that it is an almost impossible - a perhaps rather arbitrary exercise to choose among so many deserving posts. Nonetheless, here is our list for 2021. Five great stories for another great year of bringing you Flat Rock Together. We hope you enjoy this look back into our archives.

In 1915 Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale, co-founders of Biltmore Estate Industries, left Asheville, N.C. and resettled in Tryon, a small mountain community just 40 miles southeast on the South Carolina border. Already a center for arts and crafts, Tryon became the new home for Vance and Yale’s little non-profit business, the famous Tryon Toy Makers and Wood Carvers. The company focused on two operations; the toy makers created small, painted wooden figurines based on classic nursery rhymes, while the carvers created mantles, furniture, church altars and other specialized wooden pieces.

Packing only what was necessary, Oleksandr and Halyna left Kyiv and headed 30 miles east of central Kyiv and away from the heaviest shelling, seeking refuge at her parent’s home. Although they did not know it at the time, that short journey of just 30 miles was to be the first step on a much longer odyssey leading them to a small village in the mountains of North Carolina -  5,246 miles away.

A post office was established in Flat Rock in 1829 and John Davis was appointed the first postmaster. In 1845 the Rev. Peter Stradley was appointed postmaster. It was during his tenure that the “old post office” was built. Read accounts of its history from various authors here.

Mountain Lodge — considered to be the first house built by Charlestonians in the Flat Rock settlement — was purchased out of bankruptcy by Historic Flat Rock, Inc. The house was in extremely poor condition due to its age, lack of maintenance, and vandalism. The preservation group submitted an offer from a revolving fund it uses to buy and resell endangered historic properties. Their purpose was to stabilize the house and find a preservation-conscious person to buy it.

The story of Mountain Lodge’s origin and its ultimate return to glory …

I love living in a small town where the morning show at the local radio station announces your name on your birthday. And for that, I am very thankful.

North Carolina poet laureate and Henderson County native Robert Morgan wrote of Louise Howe Bailey, “No one has taught us more about our heritage than Louise. She has served as our essential guide to the past, reminding us of our achievements with humor and respect. She has reminded us of who we are, and what she has told us is what we will pass on to our children and future generations.”

Those of us who live in Flat Rock drive past Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue’s Station #2 almost daily. Sitting adjacent to Village Hall and atop “the Great Flat Rock” that gives the village its name, the old substation was renovated last year to add living quarters. As of February 2022, Station 2 is now the home away from home for the dedicated men and women who are committed to keeping area residents safe, healthy, and protected.

From Granny Smiths to Red Delicious, autumn in Western North Carolina delivers a bounty of sweet varieties from Henderson County’s 150 apple orchards. Occupying more than 5,500 acres, the county’s apple production ranks as the seventh largest in America and brings visitors from near and far to the orchards for wholesome fun like apple picking, hayrides, baked goods, and corn mazes.

The year 1933 was a very good year for dinosaurs. The movie, King Kong, was released and featured a giant ape captured on an uncharted island inhabited by long-lost dinosaurs. It was also the year of the Chicago World’s Fair which featured animatronic, roaring dinosaurs. The prehistoric creatures even found their way into newspapers around the country via a cartoon strip about a Stone Age caveman and his pet dinosaur, Dinny. The strip was called Alley Oop.

Improbably, that same caveman would later find a home in Flat Rock, NC.

From its humble beginnings decided over a cup of coffee in 1951, Flat Rock Playhouse took root in the rocky ground that surrounded Mrs. Conrad’s Rockworth estate. Under Robroy’s leadership, the nascent theater would steadily grow to become not only one of the finest summer theaters in the land …

The character of communities is often shaped and defined by the presence of a handful of seminal figures who have the ability to transform the world around them by sheer force of will and tenacity. For Flat Rock, Robroy Farquhar was clearly one of those individuals.

When John Quinley moved to Henderson County in 2006, it was a reunion of sorts. John grew up in Maywood, Illinois just a few blocks from where a young reporter named Carl Sandburg had lived for five years. Half a century later, John found himself once again living close to a Sandburg home. Destiny, one might argue, was calling the life-long educator to revive and retell the story of Carl Sandburg.

For nearly two centuries the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness has rested on a wooded knoll in the Village of Flat Rock. What most people likely don’t know is that the building they see today sitting on the corner of Greenville Highway and Rutledge Road is actually the third place of worship to stand on that site.

For years, the lure of Lake Summit has been water activities and improvising a whole lot of fun. Days were and still are spent in and around the boathouse; a treasured waterfront structure that functions as a building to keep boats and to provide a home base for playing on the lake.

This Sunday is the final day of one of Flat Rock’s most gracious and beautiful events of the year. The Gallery at Flat Rock is hosting its 7th Annual Art in Bloom - a celebration of ephemeral beauty that pairs professional floral designers with fine artists. The resulting imaginative interpretations of juried artworks result in a spectacular exhibition of creative talent and natural beauty.

In the summer of 1971, a young college student attended an evening presentation offered by the National Park Service at a campground in the Badlands of South Dakota. During that presentation, she realized that she wanted to be a Park Ranger … and a dream was born.

Twenty-three years later, that student would follow that dream all the way to the job as the Park Superintendent at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock North Carolina. It was a position that Connie Hudson Backlund would hold - and cherish - for the next 18 years.

When Lance Hiatt and Tim Parks first decided to step away from their professional careers in architecture and luxury retail to pursue their dream of creating a vineyard and winery, it was a daunting proposition to admit. “It was almost embarrassing to tell people that we were going to start a winery in a vineyard,” Lance recalls with a laugh “I couldn't even say it.”

When Flat Rock artist Kate Thayer thinks about her painting, she is always mindful of a favorite quote from Andrew Wyeth:

“I can’t work completely out of my imagination. I must put my foot in a bit of truth; and then I can fly free.” — Andrew Wyeth

For Kate, that foot in a bit of truth involves spending time in the solitude of the woods of western North Carolina. It is in those woods that she encounters the muse that inspires her captivating landscapes.

As a very young child, Cole Lindsey was working in a commercial kitchen, helping his father at the Highland Lake Restaurant in Flat Rock. Although one might assume that a child would find this work boring and more punishment than opportunity, that was not the case for Cole. He loved being in his father’s kitchen and now, more than three decades later, Cole Lindsey is still happily ensconced in the kitchen.

Today, however, it is his own kitchen where he pursues his passion.

Meagan Lucas’s debut novel, Songbirds & Stray Dogs, tells the story of a young woman named Jolene who arrives in Flat Rock as an outsider and struggles to find her place in her new home.

Although the heroine of the book has challenges and struggles her author has never experienced firsthand, Meagan Lucas, who grew up in Canada, certainly understands the feeling of trying to make a new home in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

In 2020, Luke Hunter was working as property manager for Susie Rindal’s home in Flat Rock. As he helped clear scrub brush in the woods that surrounded her home, Luke noticed something about the contours of the land that evoked memories from his childhood days spent roaming the abandoned rice fields on his grandmother’s land just south of Charleston, SC.

A key part of Mike and Don’s legacy came to fruition this summer when the Friends of Carl Sandburg Mike Sollom/Don Hubbs Scholarship Fund made its first two awards to a pair of accomplished local students who share Don and Mike’s passion for the natural world.

From the time she was born, Marty Whaley Adams had a foot in two very different worlds. The first was her Charleston home where she was immersed in a life of gracious creativity by a mother who was an accomplished painter, gardener, and author. The second was at her extended family’s summer home in Flat Rock where her grandmother’s advice to a young granddaughter was simple and direct. “Marty, if you want it, make it.”

Reading the playbill for West Side Story at Friday night’s opening, I glance over a listing of the men and women who are the beating heart and soul of Flat Rock Playhouse. They are uniformly talented and dedicated to their craft. Together, they have built the iconic musical from the ground up. And, with few exceptions, they are virtually unknown by the audiences they so routinely thrill, amaze, make laugh, and move to tears.

This is their story …

Paige walks into the studio 20 seconds before The Breakfast Show goes live. She slides into her studio chair, adjusts the microphone hanging in front of her, and picks up the notes Mark has placed on the counter where she sits. With 5 seconds to spare, she is ready to go. Mark flips on the mic and cues the show’s opener.

Announcer: Wake up Sleepy Heads! It’s time for the Breakfast Club … with Mark and Paige!

Mark: Good morning, Good morning! It’s 11 minutes after seven in the morning on a fabulous Friday. Good morning, Paige!

Paige: Good morning, my love.

At a time of day when most of us are fumbling with coffee makers and struggling to formulate anything other than single-syllable sentences, Mark Warwick and Paige Posey are providing their listeners with news, announcements, local interviews, music, trivia, and delightful energy to start a new day in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Actors often tell stories of the “big break” that altered the course of their lives and careers. Stories typically involve one last casting call before giving up on their dream, or a chance meeting while struggling to make ends meet as a waiter at a local bistro. For Flat Rock Playhouse Vagabond legend, Scott Treadway, his big moment transpired in a place familiar to anyone that’s ever been to the Playhouse - during the organized chaos of Playhouse parking.

The Highland Lake Inn & Resort is known today as one of the Southeast’s premier resort destinations. But its history extends back over 230 years to the earliest European settlers in western North Carolina.

When Priscilla Casanova first met her husband Al in Denver, CO, he enjoyed going to the dog tracks to bet on Greyhound races. But while Al was enjoying the races, Priscilla could only think about what became of the dogs when their racing careers were finished.

That question, her passion for animals, and a long winding road to Flat Rock ultimately resulted in a new local business for Flat Rock …

“St. John in the Wilderness and Flat Rock have stories that are intertwined from their earliest days. Over the decades, both parish and village have grown up and changed, but the connection between St. John and Flat Rock is undeniable. As a parish community, we are overwhelmed with gratitude at the beauty and wonder of this place when we look at Flat Rock and the people who call it home.“

Family was everything to my father and he lived for us to be together. He promised us that one day we would thank him for his words of wisdom and family rules. He did it for love …. And I loved him for it.

Spend just a couple of minutes chatting with John Wilkerson, Park Ranger for The Park at Flat Rock, and it’s impossible not to come away with one primary impression. He is a good guy. And, to the great benefit of the Village for the past three years, John has been the smiling face and affable presence welcoming thousands of visitors to one of the crown jewels of Flat Rock, NC.

Since the early 1900s, thousands of children have packed their trunks for an annual pilgrimage to summer camps in North Carolina. Camps play a large role in Henderson County and the arrival of camp season draws many families to Flat Rock. Tucked away in the mountains of Western North Carolina are more than 70 summer camps. Flat Rock is home to some of the oldest ones.

Meredith Ward started in the wine business long before she was old enough to purchase a bottle of her family’s signature Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards wine. A little over a decade later, she could not only legally purchase the product but also found herself managing the Saint Paul wine tasting room in Flat Rock, NC.

Flat Rock artist Miriam Hughes is colorful in many ways. She is an artist known for whimsical and vibrant multicolored paintings. She wears bright clothes that complement her shock of wild and curly red hair. And Miriam has a commanding and colorful personality seldom constrained by norms.

Put all those elements together and you have an artist who adds a lot to the kaleidoscope of life in the Village.

“For as long as I can remember just the lights going dark and the overture starting would make all the hairs on my arm stand up. It was like, ‘I don't know where I’m going, and I don't care. But I'm ready!’”

That magical feeling still keeps Lisa Bryant going, even during challenging times.

My mother was a genius! When other mothers were fighting the child-war on vegetables, she was working on strategies. Her quick wit coupled with her creative brilliance fed her “think outside of the box” tactics. Somehow my siblings and I did not die from eating these vegetables …

While the adults provided the organization and the planning, the Cub Scouts clearly provided the energy and enthusiasm. Small but willing muscles excavated the holes for the new trees and then shoveled dirt and nutrients around the Park’s newest leafy residents.

One would never expect to find an extensive collection of stained glass from early 20th century Detroit, Michigan in Flat Rock, NC. Until that is, you meet the very unconventional John Fundukian and experience his passion and enthusiasm for his amazing collection. Then it all makes perfect sense.

David Lawrence Dethero came to Flat Rock in 1971 by way of a family friend, I’on Lowndes. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, where I’on also resided and worked with the Park Service. The two were members of St. Luke Episcopal Church and began chatting one day about places to live and opportunities to buy land. I’on’s family had a long history with Flat Rock, NC, and he recommended David give Flat Rock a try – so he did.

When Fred Thompson asked Andrea to marry him, he made an unusual vow. “He didn’t promise me a castle, but he did promise me bluebirds,” she recalls with a shy smile. “And he has certainly delivered on that.”

Tucked inside the beautiful community of Highland Lake in Flat Rock, NC lies The Garden Hamlet, a charming neighborhood made up of permanent residents and vacationers, all surrounding a large pasture.

Inside the pasture lives The Hamlet Herd.

Sandy Hunter Jones was born with a needle and thread in her hand. When Sandy was only three, her mother spotted her mending Elfie, her stuffed elephant. This young creative prodigy had remarkable dexterity, and she in time developed a lifelong passion for smocking and heirloom sewing. Her story here …

In December of 2003, Howard Molton was delivering a Christmas gift at WTZQ when he ran into local radio legend, Frank “Hollywood” Johnson. At that time, Hollywood was manager of the Skyland Arts Cinema in Downtown Hendersonville and Howard told him how much he and his wife Barbara loved the cinema. He casually added that he would enjoy doing something like that someday. Hollywood suggested he call the owner and inquire about the possibility of buying the theater…

Tim Jones reflects on the difficulties of the past year and the promise of a new beginning as discovered in his search for the earliest wildflowers on the forest floor.

The Highland Lake Inn & Resort is known today as one of the Southeast’s premier resort destinations. But its history extends back over 230 years to the earliest European settlers in western North Carolina.

Actors often tell stories of the “big break” that altered the course of their lives and careers. Stories typically involve one last casting call before giving up on their dream, or a chance meeting while struggling to make ends meet as a waiter at a local bistro. For Flat Rock Playhouse Vagabond legend, Scott Treadway, his big moment transpired in a place familiar to anyone that’s ever been to the Playhouse - during the organized chaos of Playhouse parking.

When I was in the first grade, I volunteered my mother to be in charge of our class Valentine Party. She was clever and creative – holidays and parties were her forte. They brought to the surface a breed of woman not to be believed …

A Valentine’s Day story from Missy Izard Schenck

As the original group of about 50 former slaves traveled northward through Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, news of their crusade spread, and their numbers grew to about 200 people. Upon reaching S.C., the entourage met with freed slaves who spoke of families from the “Lowcountry” who made annual pilgrimages to the high country where miles of uninhabited mountain wilderness existed. Led by a dream, the caravan of former slaves set out on the Buncombe Turnpike for North Carolina — the possible end to their questing pilgrimage.

Their quest was to take them to an intersection in history with the family of John Davis, one of Henderson County’s earliest settlers.

In a few short weeks, spring will arrive once again at the Carl Sandburg Home here in Flat Rock. Forsythia will begin blooming on the bushes near the house. Daffodils will dance in the grass, and baby goats will start emerging from the barn sporting jaunty colorful sweaters. We can thank Lilian Steichen, Carl’s wife, for this annual spring treat.

In the last decade, the data has been piling up, revealing a Native American culture over 10,000 years old. The evidence of Native Americans at Green River Preserve is extensive. There are petroglyphs on Long Rock, bivouacs throughout GRP, a fault line where an ancient rock quarry is located, many lithic scatters on the surface from flint knapping, and points dating from 10,000 BC to 500 years ago. Additionally, there is Native American pottery, a 5000-year-old Native American fire ring 2 feet below the surface, dwelling sites along the Green River, evidence of long-distance trade, and more.

Although the young girl visiting from Florida had no way of knowing at the time, the Village of Flat Rock and the building that housed Clarence Peace’s vintage grocery store would eventually become two of the most consequential places of her adult life.

After just a few moments of talking to Anna Kimmell about her new job as Director of Education at Flat Rock Playhouse, it becomes readily apparent that, to the extent that enthusiasm, energy, and a positive outlook are predictors of success, the Playhouse has the right woman on the job.

When I asked them about 2022, Annika spoke of her new life and career in Spartanburg and the chance to nurture blossoming friendships. I turned to Chris and asked him if he thought 2022 would be a good year for him. He sat in silence for a moment and then flashed a smile that presaged the coming surprise.

Elaine Thompson loves Christmas. It was her mother’s favorite holiday and a decorating feast every year for her family. It is a tradition Elaine happily carries on at Dunroy, the historic home she and her husband, Michael, own in Flat Rock. Elaine’s mother had a saying in their childhood home when the Christmas season began: “If you don’t move quickly enough, you’ll be decorated too.”

Christmas 1993 will always go down in history as one of the best in our family. The path that was set almost thirty years ago remains at the core of Christmas for all of us – out of hand, out of heart.

As it turns out, the onset of a pandemic can be an opportune time to launch a new ministry. When St. John in the Wilderness struggled to find ways for church members to stay connected during the lockdown, parish member Cynthia Easterling and Father Josh Stephens discussed the possibility of doing something outdoors. The result was an unconventional way to do church and to honor the historic church's wilderness legacy.

A person’s true legacy is much more than the outward trappings of success traditionally celebrated in our culture. There is a case to be made for defining a person’s legacy as “acts of kindness done well, and without expectation of reward or recognition, that find a special place in people's hearts and that are the most important.”

By this latter definition, Mike Sollum and Don Hubbs left a legacy both impressive and transformational.

Sunday night, November 28, 2021 was a wake-up call for the Village of Flat Rock. A fire that erupted early that evening on one of the historic properties of the community could easily have destroyed the entire estate had it not been for neighbors and the prompt response of the Blue Ridge Fire Department.

Thanks to the dedication and passion of four women entrepreneurs, our small village of Flat Rock is blessed with unusually diverse and intriguing options for holiday shopping. Within the space of a short walk in downtown Flat Rock, shoppers will find an enchanting assortment of crafts, apparel, jewelry, gifts, fine art, and warm smiles as they seek out that perfect gift for the special people in their lives.

Much of the early religious significance of Thanksgiving has been lost and it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Over the years most families have developed some traditions associated with Turkey Day, from the food served to the pre and post-feast activities. My personal favorite is the pine cone turkey with colored construction paper feathers … by Missy Izard Schenck

The community of East Flat Rock is east of the Flat Rock community; therefore, it was named East Flat Rock in the early 1900s. It is and was an area of bogs and wetlands, with numerous small creeks flowing into Bat Fork Creek. Bat Fork Creek then flows into Mud Creek. East Flat Rock was one of the earliest towns in the county.

The community was sparsely settled prior to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Until machinery was invented and purchased that could drain the bogs, making much of the area suitable for farming, early settlers found farming in the area difficult. In the first 100 or so years of county settlement, the community was considered a part of Flat Rock and the Upward community.

When the antique beauty of Flat Rock was threatened in the 1960s with the demolition of two historic properties and the burning of another, a nonprofit organization was formed with the purpose of helping to protect as much as possible of the community’s unique character and the preservation of the area’s historic sites and values. This organization was named Historic Flat Rock, Inc.

Although still a relatively young man, Michael Dages has managed to cram an impressive volume of experience with parks and outdoor activities into his 27 years. His latest adventure is his new job as Park Ranger for The Park at Flat Rock, and his experience and outgoing personality seem to be the perfect fit for overseeing one of the area’s favorite outdoor destinations.

Born to two musically talented parents, Nat Zagree’s earliest memories invariably involve music. In the Zegree home, music infused and informed almost everything the family did and was a priority for Nat, his older sister, and his parents. “Before I could even count my fingers,” recalls Nat, “My father had my fingers on the piano.”

Whether it was by foot, stagecoach, train, or car, traveling to the mountains was always an exciting adventure and still is. It is hard to imagine a two-week journey by stagecoach with our 70 mph speed limit now that I-26 makes the trip from Charleston to the mountains a four-hour drive.

A further history of the evolution of transportation into Flat Rock, Henderson County, and western North Carolina.

By Missy Izard Schneck

Lisa Bryant, Artistic Director of Flat Rock Playhouse, walked into the spotlight at the center of Leiman Mainstage. Stepping up to the microphone, Lisa prepared to welcome the audience to the Playhouse and to introduce a new performance - as she’s done dozens of times before.

This time, however, was very different.

On Sunday, October 3rd at 4 p.m., Father Josh Stephens will preside over a Blessing of the Animals and he readily admits it will be a departure from the usual service at St. John in the Wilderness. “The service is always beautiful, but typically filled with a holy chaos,” he says with a grin.

I have forgotten many things in my life, but there is one moment I will never forget. In my mind, I can still see pretty much every detail. It was the first time that I went to get groceries and something different happened at the checkout counter.

Tim Jones
Homily for 4th Sunday in Lent 2021

On October 17th, 2018, Roger Bass had a massive stroke. The neurosurgeon caring for the 66-year-old resident of Flat Rock told Roger’s family that if he didn’t die, he could very well be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

As it turns out, Roger Bass had a different plan for his future…

In the early 19th century, there were few roads in the North Carolina Mountains. More often than not, what qualified for a road was a single-track Native American footpath, a “trace,” or paths left by wildlife. Passible by nothing more than a horse and rider, these primitive roads were treacherous trails cutting through gorges and across mountain peaks. As time passed, many of these early pathways evolved into wagon roads, paved roads and even highways, some of which survive today, at least in part, along their original courses.

Labor Day beckons those feelings that wash over me when another summer nears its end. I’ve tasted the saudade of life; the yearning for my childhood when the days would merge into one another and the passing of time was of no consequence. Labor Day reminds me that it’s time for school to begin and camp to be over. The Peter Pan in me is tormented by the exit from my favorite season that allows me to never grow up.

Suzanne was in the middle of nowhere, with no cell service, and no idea on how to extricate her vehicle from the ditch. As she stood by the side of the road contemplating her dilemma, an emaciated brown puppy suddenly appeared out of the nearby woods. The young dog clearly needed help, and it seemed the puppy had decided that Suzanne was just the person for the job.

For over 30 years, FOCS has worked towards its mission by supplementing the Park’s funding and programming in a number of different ways - all of which serve to promote, protect, and help preserve the Park and its many historic and natural resources.

The tapestry of Albert S. Gooch, Jr.’s life is as colorful and multifaceted as the shirt the amiable southern gentleman was wearing during a recent interview with Flat Rock Together.

Alexander Campbell King III related wonderful stories of growing up at Argyle, a family home with the distinction of having the longest continuous possession in the same family of any place in Flat Rock, perhaps in all of Western North Carolina. His people have owned it since 1830. The house felt alive with history. I could almost hear it humming as Mr. King told tales of family picnics, fishing at the dam, and swinging on the porch with his grandmother…

This past Friday, Sandburg Park Superintendent Polly Angelakis said a few words of welcome before a small group of visitors, staff, and Sandburg volunteers and then swung open the gate to the goat barn … and to one more small step in the direction of normal park operations.

Nestled in an out-of-the-way corner of a very busy park, a handsome post and beam shelter stands as an oasis of quiet solitude in the midst of our often busy modern lives. That’s exactly what Christine and Terry Hicks envisioned …

Local artist, Marsha Hammel, has spent a lifetime capturing the essence of life that swirls and dances around each of us, in moments both exceptional and ordinary. And now there is a new book about her life as a creative detailing the arc of her exceptional career entitled, Thriving on a Riff. A life of art and music.

On any given Monday morning, you are likely to find Wendy Beville and Gina Moffitt happily digging in the dirt, pulling out uninvited weeds, and gently pruning a riot of colorful plants which populate the garden. Wendy and Gina are the Master Gardener Group Co-Chairs for the Pollinator Garden at The Park at Flat Rock. To put it another way - and much more succinctly - they and their compatriots work hard and the results are spectacular.

When Cam Boyd’s family purchased Flat Rock’s historic Saluda Cottages in 1955, Cam was just 11 years old and not particularly pleased with the move. His life of riding bikes and playing sports with a crowd of neighborhood kids was no longer in the cards. But as is so often the case, change can be both good and bad. “Growing up in Flat Rock was a mixed blessing,” Cam recalls now. “I did not realize how lucky I was until later in life.”

When Kelli Spector’s daughter graduated from college, she informed her mom that she would not be moving back to the family home in St. Louis. She went on to suggest that her mom find a better place to live. As Kelli relates the conversation now with a laugh, “I had been dismissed. I was free to leave St. Louis!”

At the end of the day, no one is getting rich at the Flat Rock Farmers Market. It is a place where people can sustain their passion and share their produce and crafts with people who appreciate the hard work and sacrifice that goes into providing local produce. And every vendor has a story to tell …

Whenever you go about living in our lovely little village, you’re liable to see something new, charming, historic and interesting. A house that fits the bill is one almost everyone goes by often, perhaps without a thought about who built it, who lived there, why it’s right in that specific location, or its “life” up until now.

Philanthropist Magazine recently profiled Flat Rock resident, Lisa McDonald, and quoted her self-description as an “unapologetic entrepreneur, philanthropist extraordinaire and lifelong animal advocate.” During a recent conversation with Lisa, it quickly became obvious that she is a person of both exceptional energy, big and benevolent ideas, and seemingly boundless compassion for the delightful menagerie of animals that share a home with her on the Sweet Bear Rescue Farm animal sanctuary.

The necessity of your decision was clear. Still, the words stung and left us feeling adrift. Flat Rock Playhouse is the beating heart of the village we love, and the decision to close your doors opened a gaping hole in our hearts. The

Like millions of Americans, Jessica Owenby was recently furloughed from her job as an office manager due to the COVID-19 crisis. For most people, hers would be one more story of hardship and loss during difficult times. Jessica, however, looked beyond the adversity and saw opportunity. 

Faced with a shuttered gallery and uncertain prospects about when she would be able to reopen, The Gallery at Flat Rock owner Suzanne Camarata seized upon a suggestion that she consider opening a …

The post on Miriam ‘s Facebook page seemed innocuous enough. A beloved older dog slowing down and needing a little more TLC and more frequent visits to the vet. In reality, however, Miriam’s Facebook message was the first post in a four-month-long social media love letter…

We may be stuck at home, but that doesn’t mean our creative talents can’t continue to roam free through the wild backwoods of our imagination. Enter the Getty Museum Challenge and The Gallery at Flat Rock …

For hundreds of local citizens in crisis, Elizabeth and the IAM staff have been a ray of hope in an otherwise dark time…

At Flat Rock Playhouse the prevailing attitude these days is “Keep calm and the show will go on!” So, although public performances are not currently possible, the staff and volunteers at the Playhouse continue to find ways to contribute to the life of Flat Rock …

On a normal Saturday morning at 10 am, there is a jumble of cars jockeying for the prime parking spots in front of the restaurant and a hungry crowd of people milling around Rainbow Row while waiting for a table to open up. In short, during normal times, Honey & Salt is one of the busiest places in Flat Rock on a weekend morning.

But, of course, these are not normal times…

Paige walks into the studio 20 seconds before The Breakfast Show goes live. She slides into her studio chair, adjusts the microphone hanging in front of her, and picks up the notes Mark has placed on the counter where she sits. With 5 seconds to spare, she is ready to go. Mark flips on the mic and cues the show’s opener.

Announcer: Wake up Sleepy Heads! It’s time for the Breakfast Club … with Mark and Paige!

Mark: Good morning, Good morning! It’s 11 minutes after seven in the morning on a fabulous Friday. Good morning, Paige!

Paige: Good morning, my love.

At a time of day when most of us are fumbling with coffee makers and struggling to formulate anything other than single-syllable sentences, Mark Warwick and Paige Posey are providing their listeners with news, announcements, local interviews, music, trivia, and delightful energy to start a new day in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Georgia Bonesteel has created an extraordinary career woven from a life filled with resilience, determination, and a teacher’s passion to share her experience and knowledge. Given these qualities, it’s no surprise that this Flat Rock resident has fashioned a career as a television personality, prolific author, and been accorded the title of “Grande Dame of American Quilting.”

Driving down Greenville Highway in Flat Rock a couple of weeks ago, I noticed several people in bright orange vests walking along the side of the road. They were collecting trash in large bags as they worked their way down the road.  Whoever they were, it was obvious that they were working to keep Flat Rock beautiful.

In June of 2005, Kris and Tony Crimi set sail from Bayfield, Wisconsin in pursuit of a dream - a dream that would span three years and take them to nearly 50 islands in the Caribbean Basin. Those three years would fill their lives with memories too numerous to count, adventures few of us ever experience, and friendships that will last the rest of their lives.

Did you make a New Year’s resolution for 2020? Flat Rock Together was curious to see what area residents and visitors had planned for not only the new year but a new decade. We also wanted to know what would make 2020 a successful year in their opinion. 

For Sonja Bruton, her work as Postmaster at the Flat Rock Post Office is more than a job. It is a calling. And for the residents of Flat Rock, that is a very fortunate thing.

I was sitting alone in our den on Christmas Eve years ago. The twinkling bulbs on the Christmas tree provided the only light in the room. The last frenzied rush of wrapping presents was finished, and the tree was half-buried with a pile of presents that threatened to obscure the true meaning of Christmas.  

Bob Staton had been retired in Kenmure less than three years when he got a call from Judy Boleman at Flat Rock Village Hall. “We want to talk to you about serving on the Planning Board,” Boleman told him. Staton was eager to go.

“I thought, ‘Oh, this is great.’ I put on a coat and a tie like it was a job interview,” he said.

Growing up in The Eastern, Ohio, Donna Hastie learned the importance of perseverance and the motivating force of poverty at a very young age.

Those forces ultimately helped propel her to a career impressive by any standard, especially so for a woman entering the workforce in the 1950s. 

One end of the porch has caved in. Parts of the roof were dragged down with it, and a landmark in local history has lost ground in its struggle to hold on. Argyle, built in 1830 as a summer home for Judge Mitchell King and his family, stands seriously threatened by the high cost of repair.

Our very own Flat Rock Farmers Market has been bringing fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods to Flat Rock for 14 years.

The Market will be open each Thursday from 3-6pm May through October.

In celebration of Flat Rock Playhouse's 2019 Homecoming season, the theater has announced the much-anticipated revival, elevation and reveal of the Backstage Ball, which serves as the Playhouse's signature fundraiser this year.

On a Sunday morning in June of 1815, Scotsman James Brown found himself staring across the countryside of Waterloo, Belgium. A bugler for the Scots Greys, Brown clutched his instrument and prepared to enter battle against the famous French army of Napoleon Bonaparte.