Loving the locals — then, now and always
Downtown Waynesville.
File photo
This past weekend our family attended the 4th annual Waynesville Chili Cookoff Stroll in downtown. The event spanned the districts of Main Street, Frog Level and Haywood Street and lasted from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
As we meandered up and down the sidewalks and alleyways tasting a variety of chilis from tradition\al to brisket-based to white chicken, I was reminded of what an incredible town I live in and how privileged I am to call Waynesville home.
As we frolicked, we visited store owners who are friends and ran into many familiar faces up and down the street, catching up on life and recent happenings. We laughed, commented on the flavors in our cups or bowls and eventually became so full we couldn’t quite get to all of the stops. There were quite a few establishments we’d never visited before, helping me realize an event like the chili cookoff is a great way to not only give downtown merchants exposure but to introduce locals and tourists to new places. When we got home, we all commented how much fun we had.
February is a perfect time for such an event since it’s Love the Locals month. While I suggest we love the locals and support small businesses year-round, it’s nice to have a full month where we’re routinely reminded that shopping and dining locally isn’t only more enjoyable than shopping online but also puts money into the local economy via the pockets of business owners who will then put money back into the local economy, creating a cyclical effect that benefits everyone.
During this month, local stores offer promotions and discounts, encouraging patrons to visit. Along with fueling local prosperity, there are a number of other reasons to shop, dine and socialize at small businesses. Municipalities with a thriving small business industry have stronger social ties and feel more attached to their communities. Additionally, small businesses create a smaller carbon footprint because not only do they have a shorter supply chain but they also feel more accountable to their town’s environmental initiatives. Local merchants also help preserve the character and “vibe” of a certain town or city.
Waynesville has a long history as a thriving business district. Several years ago I wrote an article for the Haywood Chamber of Commerce where I dug into this topic and truly enjoyed talking to long-time residents and those who have personally witnessed the evolution of Waynesville merchants. Ask any local to reminisce on days gone by and many will remember iconic downtown hot spots like the Open Air Curbside Market, Turner & Sons, Park Theatre, The Toggery, Whitman’s Bakery and more.
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A handful of stores have been thriving much longer than most people realize. Since the 1930s, a member of the Massie family has owned one or more businesses on Main Street. The Toggery was a high-end department store owned by the Massie family. Many older individuals recall shopping for shoes and even mink-trimmed coats at The Toggery. The store closed its doors in 1981 and was shuttered for a decade before Mast General filled the space in 1991 and remains to this day.
Patricia Miller, owner of Affairs of the Heart, has been a Main Street business owner since 1996 when she opened a craft store with her late mother. The original location was in the space currently occupied by Dillsboro Chocolate. In July of 1997, Patricia moved to 120 North Main, where the store still resides. What began as a small craft store where a mother and daughter sold handmade items is now a bustling gift shop popular with locals and tourists. As a fun side fact, during the 1920s, the building housing Affairs of the Heart had a swimming pool in the basement and a pool room and barber shop upstairs.
Richard Miller, owner of multiple Main Street businesses, including The Wineseller and Church Street Depot, credits much of Waynesville’s revitalization to the 1976 federal tax incentives created by Congress to promote historic preservation and community revitalization. When asked which businesses he remembers, Richard mentions The Red Wing Gift Shop, Medford Books, Tom’s Dairy Bar, Reliable Jewelers and a mom and pop grocery store located where The Waynesville Towers stands today.
In an era when many small towns are struggling, Waynesville continues to grow and evolve with the times. When the world at large feels uncertain and overwhelming, it’s helpful to focus on local living. Dine in the restaurant down the street, shop at the store owned by the woman you met at the gym, get your car serviced at a location within walking distance. We’ll be more proud of our time on earth when we look back and know we focused on friends, family and our communities, and the best way to support Waynesville and surrounding towns this month and always is to love the locals.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
