Carol Smith

It's amazing just what one can stumble on by actuall walking their own town.

The other evening I decided I was going into town (that's Graham, NC) and stroll Court Square as a way to decompress and get a new focus on life in general. So, off I went. I parked across from the cinema and decided to just walk and look in the windows of the various businesses.

First I encountered Graham Travel. What caught my eye at this point was the most adorable Golden Retriever puppy laying next to the desk of the woman inside. My curiosity got the best of me and I had to enter just to play with the dog. I'm a sap that way.

The owners of the business (and the dog) were very gracious and introduced me to Dexter - a 5 month old Golden Retriever belonging to their son. Then they introduced me to Sammy - the Yorkshire Terrier that was also romping around the shop. It was heartwarming that they would bring the 'kids' to work with them. Kind of unique in a world of political correctness and regulations galore.

Alas, I am off track again ...

So ... as I continued my stroll around Court Square I enjoyed discovering the Barrister's Cafe, Graham Furniture Mart, Graham Soda Shop and Just Desserts.

I, admittedly, have a horrendous sweet tooth and anything that resembles sweets is an immediate hit with me.

So, as I entered Just Desserts on Court Square all of my senses went haywire. The smells, the sight of all those different sweet treats ... my brain was on overload. And the ensuing conversation I had with the proprietors was a real treat as we discussed all the flavors of the day, some old dessert recipes, the benefits of cannolis, the talent and time it takes to create such beautiful presentations of the wonderful treats. Such wonderfully nice folks ... that have acquired a huge fan in me.

Visit Just Desserts on Court Square and make sure to scroll through the photos of all the delightful cakes that are available. I am still dumbfounded that one person can have so much talent. I'm envious ... and grateful that I have discovered Just Desserts.

Take a peek at just a slight sampling of the luscious treats available ... and don't worry ... I was assured by the baking expert that all calories and ill fated fats have been removed. You may peruse, drool and savor without sin.

The Lighthouse 'cake' is made of Rice Krispie treats, rice cakes, gingerbread and pretzels as the posts supporting the rope at the top. Amazing!

Now that you've been sufficiently tempted ...

Stay tuned for more of the Gems of Alamance County stories. It's an amazing area!

***all photos are the property of the author. Unauthorized use is forbidden.***

Graham, North Carolina

Seems like just another dot on a map, doesn’t it? I mean, really, most people have heard of Raleigh or Durham or Greensboro or Charlotte or Winston-Salem … but they don’t have a clue about Graham.

Well, there’s good news here for you! Graham, North Carolina is on the map! And it’s no wonder! We are a town rich in history, full of nice folks, and a true testament to the diversity of North Carolina.

I wrote a post the other day about Graham, North Carolina in an effort to acquaint people with one of North Carolina’s hidden treasures. A treasure that may be overlooked by those wanting the convenience of big city living with a small town flavor. But it would pay to take a look at Graham, North Carolina. It really would….

You see, my town … yes, I call it ‘my town’ even though I’m a newcomer … has some really nice features to it. I’m not talking about shopping or dining … although those areas are readily available … but the best feature of ‘my town’ is the history that you can witness just by driving up Main Street.

And while viewing the history you can also take a peek at the progress being made. There will soon be a new Children’s Museum, and there are new businesses popping up all around.

Back to the history. I am a firm believer that it’s very important to know your area. To know ‘your town’ and all of its little nuances. If you don’t, then you are sure to miss part of the enjoyment of living in Graham, North Carolina.

Did you know … Graham was originally located in Orange County? In 1849 some folks decided that Orange County was too large and they decided to split the county in two. Hence, Alamance County was formed.

After the split it was determined that Alamance County (officially established in 1851) needed a county seat. The town of Graham was chosen as the county seat since it is almost exactly in the center of the county. And … Graham was named for the outgoing governor, William A. Graham of Hillsborough. Governor Graham had been a US Senator and made an unsuccessful bid for the Vice Presidency.

Originally there was a total of 75 acres purchased for the county seat. Those acres were acquired from four different families and the growth of Graham began.

In June of 1849 the commissioners decided that Graham needed a permanent courthouse instead of holding court in a local church. The decision to build a courthouse was made and the cost was not to exceed $8,000. That was a lot of money for 1849! But it was crafted from granite and stone, and was completed in 1851.

So, the courthouse was built … and you can see it’s a beautiful old building. There is a new courthouse just around the corner from this one, but it really lacks the character and style of the original.

In Court Square there are many small businesses that give Graham a very special personality. And that’s what makes it a wonderful place to live.

The inscription at the base of the monument says:

"To commemorate, with grateful love, the patriotism, valor, and

devotion to duty of the brave soldiers of Alamance County."

This monument is erected through the efforts of the Graham Chapter

United Daughters of the Confederacy

And the small plaque on the side ...

"Conquered they can never be, whose spirits and whose souls are free."

Graham, North Carolina

There have been numerous posts and articles lately about where "the best" place to live is. And. just by human nature, we all think that ours is the best place.

After doing a little research I am convinced that I do live in the 'best' place, or at least in one of the best places around. Graham, North Carolina.

If you're curious about the housing market in Graham, North Carolina, then perhaps these charts will help explain why I am bragging. Our area (market) may not boast the largest amount of multi-million dollar estates, or have all the metro-chic, trendy building going on that other areas have, but if you want a solid area with stable prices, good neighborhoods, friendly folks, the conveniences of bigger cities without the hustle and bustle ... well, then I suggest you take a look in my neck of the woods. It's really worth consideration.

In doing my research I came across a comment made by someone that had been considering a move to Graham, North Carolina. I read it ... chuckled ... read it again ... and still chuckled. Apparently when they had asked one of the locals what to expect they were told, "It's like Mayberry - just 40 years later." Honestly, I can't think of a better description.

Small town feel, big city convenience. Check us out. You'll be glad you did!

(Information from CLRSearch )

Now for some details about what conveniences you might enjoy in Graham, North Carolina.

We have Food Lion and Lowe's Foods for major grocery stores.

We have branches of all the major banks - Bank of America, Wachovia, RBC, Mid Carolina, Capital Bank and Community Bank.

We have all the chain fast food joints - Wendy's, Burger King, McDonald's, CookOut, Sonic, Subway, Pizza Hut, etc. BUT - we have some really wonderful local restaurants such as Lucky Bamboo (great Chinese buffet!), Mayberry Diner (the BEST homemade chicken salad in existence!), and a great assortment of bakeries, Italian food and more!

You can be on Interstate 85/40 in minutes. From the center of Graham you can go 30 miles either direction and be in Greensboro or Durham. In less then 10 miles you can be in Burlington if malls and specialty shopping is your thing.

Ya know ... in reading my own words ... we ARE Mayberry ... just 40 years later. And that, my friends, is a great thing if you want a great place to raise a family, make wonderful friends, and revel in the natural beauty of the great state of North Carolina.

It's simple living. It's peaceful living. It's home ... to me.

Come check us out. You won't be disappointed.

Alert! Alert! Alert!

If you are interested in historical homes, historical areas or just history in general, then you have come to the right place to get started. Alamance County is chock full of wonderful hidden gems. One only need to drive a short distance to enjoy the changing industrial landscape.

When we arrived in our new home, our leasing agent (Hi June!) gave us a special community section of the newspaper designed just for us out-of-towners. One of the communities was Glencoe Mill Village. There is quite a story behind this gem.

We added this community to our list of 'must explore' and I had not really thought much more about it since things have been so busy. But, alas, we wound up there a couple of weeks ago.

Talk about an intersting place! Holy cow! It's truly like walking back in time. A time when the mills were chugging along on hydro-electric power, the shipping bays were full and the town was a bustling little hub of commerce.

As happens with the pains of modernization and global trade agreements, the mills have closed over the years. But the history is still there. And you can feel it when you walk the streets and venture down the dirt lanes between the mills. You can hear the buildings telling you of their glory. How they had employed so many of the locals and how the local folks took such pride in the products they were putting out. Then, with the shift of the sun, the conversation will end. Only the whispers of the breeze will be audible.

Since I am also a huge photography buff it was no surprise that a camera was hanging around my neck. I truly wanted to catch the character of Glencoe Mill Village. The sense of a simpler time fraught with hard work and long hours. A time when many would walk home from work, waving and speaking with neighbors along the way. A time when neighborhoods were important and there were no strangers on the street.

Glencoe Mill Village is located 3 miles north of Burlington, NC on the Haw River. The original village was established on a 95 acre site between 1880 and 1882

Glencoe Mills was built on the site of an old sawmill and gristmill. The name Glencoe comes drom a site in Scotland where the infamous 17th century massacre involving the McDonald clan took place.

Glencoe Mills was one of 17 cotton mills that, by 1890, had made Alamance County the leading cotton manufacturing center in the state in terms of looms and spindles.

Glencoe Mills closed its doors in 1954. According to Preservation North Carolina it is one od the most undistrubed mill and village complexes in North Carolina.

Glencoe Mill Village is a rare find. The homes are restored and renovated so as to maintain that ambiance that made it so special.

So sit back and enjoy a few photos of Glencoe Mill Village. If you're already in the area, make sure to get by there and re-live the glory days. If you're coming from out of town, don't hesitate to call me. Playing tour guide is one of my favorite things.

*********INVESTOR ALERT*************

There is currently 22 acres for sale in Glencoe Village. If you know someone that would be interesting in a historical development program, then have them contact Preservation North Carolina.

Gems of Alamance County - Part 1

Gems of Alamance County - Part 2