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VOL. LXVI Number 50
Published every Thursday by The Franklin Prew
At Franklin, North Carolina
Telephone No. 24
Entered at Post Office, Franklin, N. C., as second class matter.
Toward Something Better
R)|OST Americans are inclined to assume, with
out question, that we in the United States
have the best of all possible civilizations. And as
suming that, our tendency is to try to make every
part of this country exactly like all the rest.
But have we developed, in this country, the best
possible civilization?
If so, how account for the sordid mess that is
currently being exposed in Washington? ? that is
part of American civilization ! How account for the
fact that our industrial system gradually is destroy
ing the individual initiative and independence that
have made America a great nation? How account
for the rapid disappearance of the neighborliness
and kindly consideration that were an essential fea
ture of an earlier America? How account for our
disregard for human life, as illustrated by the fact
that our own automobiles kill more people than the
guns of all our enemies? How account for our di
vorce rate, our juvenile delinquency rate, our suicide
rate? How, finally, account for the generally recog
nized fact that few Americans are happy? _
American civilization, much as it has to com
mend it, can be vastly improved. And the place to
start is in the individual communities.
* * *
Can we here in Macon County build something
that is a little better?
We can, but only if we:
1. Recognize that the standard Americart com
munity leaves much to be desired.
2. Learn to discriminate between what is worth
while and what is not.
3. Consciously seek to create here a good place
to live.
This county, it should be remarked, is blessed in
being one of the few places not yet entirely stand
ardized ? not yet, .some persons would sav, entirely
ruined. But the drift is toward standardization !
Macon County undoubtedly has "it", as Mrs.
Peck, in one of the series of guest editorials The
Press concludes this week, points out. What chiefly
gives it distinction is its people; for truly there is
"no place where the folks are .so real and kind", as
Mrs. Emory so discerningly remarks. Because of
the kind of people who live here, this community
has the first attribute of any good civilization ? it
is a good place to live.
But there is sound sense in Mr. Jacobs' challenge:
"As a place to live, with friendly people, vou can't
find better! As a place of opportunity, it is well
below par!"
It has become a habit with us to assume with
out examination of the facts, that there are no op
portunities here for youth ; and because of that at
titude, the lack of opportunity often is exaggerated.
The proof of that is the number of young persons ?
many of them without either educational or finan
cial advantages ? who are making good here. As
Mr. Cochran suggests, Macon County today is
something of a frontier.
But there are not enough opportunities! And the
proof of that is the large number of young people
who go elsewhere.
Is heavv and indiscriminate industrialization the
answer? This newspaper doubts it. For what shall
we have gained if we create job opportunities only
to find we have created a community that is an
undesirable place to live? Besides, unemployment
often is at its greatest, and slums at their worst,
in the most highly industrialized cities.
How then, can we provide our young people with
opportunities to make a living and still have a com
munity that is a good place to live?
A part, at least, of the answer, may be found in
Mr. Smith's article thi^ week :
Capitalize on our tourist possibilities plus small,
diversified industry that would take advantage of
the mountaineer's natural craftsmanship ? his abil
ity to work with his hands. Tourist development
and the manufacture of hand-wrought articles would
seem to go hand in hand. That combination might
prove to be the solution of our problem of finding
a way toward what should be the ideal of any
community :
A good place to live, where there are opportun
ities to make a living.
I
Our American Civilization
Defining sijccess in terms of dollars, over a period
of a century; being shocked when some business
men and public officials, members of the third gen
eration reared under that definition, take us at our
word.
'A Good Place To Live'
EDITOR'S NOTE
Six more entries \jx The Press' editorial contest ?|1I1??I
below, (lie It winning entries already have been pub
lished.) It is regretted that it has btfa found imprac
ticable to publish all the articles submitted. Those that
follow were selected because (hey represent half 4 dosen
different. >nd stimulating ? viewpoints on "Macon Coun
ty as a Good Place to Live".
THE COMING ERA
T1ROUGHOUT most of Western North Carolina there have
been two major eras since the first white pioneers settled
the hills. First was the era of clearing new grounds and har
vesting the vast amount of virgin timber that could be had for
a song. Big sawmills were all over the area and remained until
they thought that all of the timber was gone for a long time ?
then they moved west!
The second era was not fast In coming; it was held back by
depression, wars, and the lack of good transportation. It has
come and we are In the midst of it ? the development of big
Industries that recognize the advantages of good land, good
water, and most of all good people who are willing to work.
The people of Macon County can look over the protective
mountains that surround us and see and smell some of the
large industries that have found this country attractive. We
can listen to the statistics of pay rolls, tax receipts, etc., etc.,
and some may think that Macon County is backward not to
hav^ a Canton, Ecusta, or an Enka. Undoubtedly we could send
out a chamber of commerce delegation and could attract such
Industries, because we have the water, the timber, and the
labor ? but what price would we pay?
On foggy mornings a heavy, persistent and depressing odor
would fill the valleys of Cullasaja, Cartoogechaye, Cowee, and
the other spots dear to us. Our clear streams would become
cesspools of Industrial waste and the fishing would be gone.
The independence of our mountain people would gradually give
way to the drudgery of factory slaves whose pallor betrays
their indoor work, and the labor unions would soon dictate the
terms and hours of work.
The mountains would no longer contain the mountaineer.
The third era Is fast approaching and Is the hope of Macon
County. The Appalachian mountains are finally being recog
nized as the true playground and inspiration of the East.
Thousands are now flocking here to gain a relief from the
pressures of city life. They are looking for exactly what Macon
County has to offer and they are willing to pay for their plea
sure. Also the timber that the big sawmills thought was gone
has come back, through the husbandry of the U. S. Forest, and
now it is here to stay, offering Jobs every year from now on '
for the mountaineer, who thrives on the business of harvesting
timber. Clean Industries that do not despoil the air or the
water should be welcomed, for the mountaineer is a craftsman
who can make fine carvings, furniture, and works of art.
I have lived for several years in Macon County. I have also
lived in the swamps of Louisiana, the plains of Texas, the hills
of Arkansas, the lake country of Wisconsin, and now In the
Piedmont of North Carolina. I feel that I am ably qualified to
point out the merits and the dangers of Macon County, and I
also feel that I should, for in a few years I plan to return to
live on the side of Leatherman Bald.
Mebane, N. C.
WALTON R. SMITH.
WE, THE PEOPLE OF MACON COUNTY
WIEN we travel along our paved highways on a crisp bright
autumn day observing as we go the acres of green pas
ture:, the lazy fat cattle, the harvested crops stored away
against winter, the modern new homes and In our county seat
the bustle and hum of a busy flourishing town, we cannot help
but feel that Macon County is indeed a good place to live.
But we must go deeper than that to find what our county
really Is like. The true worth of a town, a county or a nation
lies concealed in the character of its Individuals.
We mountain people were given a very precious Inheritance
by our pioneer forefathers. It was that quality of character
known as integrity. Now what have we done with our inher
itance? Some of us, I fear, have almost smothered its glow in
our struggle to get ahead in the world. Some of us have sold
it outright in exchange for money, power, or position. But there
are many of us, thank Ood, who have held on to it through
grim hardship, poverty and temptation, and for these people
we should be grateful.
We have many brilliant minds in our county. This intelli
gence, coupled with Integrity and its related qualities, can in
sure the future of Macon. When integrity guides the hand of
leaders and followers alike, inspiring a mutual confidence and
trust, the possibilities of our county will become unlimited.
So it Is up to us. Let's make Macon County not only a good
place to live, but one of the best!
MRS. HELEN H. COFFEE.
Highlands, N. C.
BECAUSE FOLKS ARE REAL AND KIND -
BEING limited in education, I hesitate to attempt to say
what I want to be said about this wonderful county ol my
birth. It is not only beautiful to the eye in every resp?ct but
such a quiet, peaceful place to spend one's days and nights. No
place where the folks are so kind and sympathetic. I've never
traveled very 'much, but have lived In several different states
and towns and I find no place where the folks are so real and
' kind.
Our county Is growing each year in every way. Look at the
, difference in schools, roads, business and many other things
too numerous to mention since even 1920. Then we country
kids had to pay to go to Franklin High school. The few of us
who ventured to go. If It was too far to walk from our homes
we stayed with city folks and washed dishes, milked cows, etc.,
for the bread we ate. Of course some of the folks who In
herited money from ancestors didn't have it as tough but the
It takes these and a lot of other things to make the pot boil.
genera) run of country children worked hard to learn what
Uttle bit we got. Our parents had very little Income.
Today the average (arm family has lights, water and all
modern conveniences and a bus to ride to school. The parents
have an Income from poultry, stock and many other things
unheard of then. Any boy or girl now has a better chance to
be, as the old folks used to express It, Somebody.
If any one is worth his salt he can have plenty to eat and
clothes enough. After all, it isn't the "coat that makes the
man or the dress that makes the woman". It's what is in
the person's heart.
I don't think you will find a county where any more kind,
good people live. Most of them are not hypocrites nor in the
least artificial. Maybe our grammar Isn't perfect but we man
age to make ourselves understood.
As one old man remarked, "John haint got no larnln', but
he shore cln plow a straight row", and as John plowed, he saw
the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and all the other things we
love, such as gazing on old Wayah Bald. Listening to the whlp
poorwill at night mingled with the tinkling of cow bells Is much
sweeter music to me than all the hustle and bustle of the big
cities.
Once, years ago, a high official of Franklin remarked, "No
body Is left In Macon County but morons". The lady he made
this remark to answered very tartly, "Sir, it's such a pity you
stayed behind with all of us morons. Why didn't such a bright
person leave, too?"
In my long life I can't see the ones who return every sum
mer for a free two weeks' vacation are nearly so happy and
Continued on Page Three?
# Others' Opinions
THE SOLE GREAT ISSUE
As the Presidential candidates jockey for position and favor,
it appears that the 1952 Republican battle cry (Taft style) will
be "crime and corruption" while the Democratic slogan (Tru
man style) will be "prosperity and peace." ?
We have each of these things in varying quantities. Crime
and corruption have come In the wake of a great war, as crime
and corruption always do. Prosperity is surface-deep, far below
it near the crust of the economy lie rock-hard inflation and
debt. The only issue of real consequence is peace? and how to
get It.
The United States is living In a new world much of Its own
making. Anyone who cannot see the utter futility and danger
of economic and political isolation Is purblind. This country has
committed Itself to the leadership of the free nations, who
worry only whether it might fall them. It has strung military
garrisons and air bases all around the world ? so far around
that their number and disposition would, if known (we are not
among those who know), amaze the American people. Billions
have gone into aid programs to salvage Western democracy,
and more billions will go in. General Elsenhower, the most
popular American of his day, is building through NATO the
first international army evex raised in peacetime.
All of this program for peace ? for peace with honor ? is built
upon the Marshall Plan, the United Nations, NATO, Point Four,
and the containment of communism. It is a program aimed at
equating our power with that of Russia or over-matching it,
at which point it may be possible to negotiate a peace. The
program belongs to no man or party. It is a program of inter
nationalism. That above all.
In this troubled decade most other Issues grow pale. Fair
Deal or Old Deal, the domestic essentials of social justice will
be dealt with as the people wish, while the unessentials which
are so much politics will be recognized as such.
American leadership, internationally-minded, in a free world's
quest for peace is the sole great Issue. It is a cut and dried
matter of national survival and international morality. The as
signment is ours of necessity. In carrying It out we shall have
to tread a long, hard, painful road for most of our lives.
The question to ask of any candidate for President is whether
he will go the distance.? Asheville Citizen.
For O, the courage in the world
So far outweighs the fear?
This the Truth that dawns on us
More clearly year by year,
-As we climb the Hills of Life
Through shadow, rain and sun?
This the great unfolding Truth?
That God and man are One.
EDITH DEADERICK ERSKINB
Editor
WeavervUle, North Carolina,
\
INVICTUS
BESS HINQQN HINES.
HlfhltmU ?uid California.
Business
Making
News
? By BOB SLOAP
Dependability Is a virtue that
should be prized highly In this
uncertain world oi today. With
that in mind we would like to
hand out an Acolade for de
pendability to certain groups
here in Franklin in connection
with the Christmas season. The
Franklin Fire Department for
putting up the Christmas lights
? It was a nice job and sure
makes Main Street more attrac
tive. Sammy Beck and the
Franklin high school band for
giving such a cheery welcome
to Santa. It doesn't matter
what the occasion you can de
pend on the local band to real
ly come through with a good
performance. Perhaps some of
the bandsmen or bandsladies
played a little more lustily than
usual Saturday In an effort to
redeem themselves with Santa
for previous slip ups. Henry
Dillard, who Isn't a native of
Macon, but should be adopted
for his part in Santa parade^^
each year. Incidentally I got to
talk to Santa Saturday and in
the course of the conversation
he remarked that what he
would like for Christmas would
be a new suit. If we enjoyed
the program Saturday and
would like to show our appre
ciation to Santa let's show it
by mailing a contribution for a
new suit to J. C. Jacobs and
mark it Santa Fund.
Standard Oil Company of New
Jersey is building a new attrac
tive gas station at their site
near the depot. While we are
in the oil business. Watch for
a new Amoco station to go up
(Turn to Back Page 1st Section)
1
Do You
Remember?
(Looking backward through
the files of The Press)
50 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
fhe Press is informed that a
poplar tree was cut on Mr. P.
B. Williams' place on Ellijay
last week and after cutting off
ten feet from the butt, a stock
was cut 16 feet long that scaled
3,482 and two-thirds feet of
lumber.
Mr. J. C. Wright had two hogs
slaughtered yesterday that
weighed 257 and 237 pounds,
total 494.
Mr. J. L. Barnard has receiv
ed a position as traveling sales
man for a large Philadelphia
clothing house. He left Satur
day for the Quaker City to en
ter upon his work.
25 YEARS AGO
We may be guilty of many
sins, but we cannot be charged
with using an X for Christ in
the word Christmas.
Mrs. George A. Jones, Mrs. J.
V. Arrendale, Mrs. Lester Con
ley, and Mrs. Robert Davis
motored to Waynesvllle Thurs
day to attend a "meeting of the
officers of the Woman's Mission
ary societies of the Methodist
church in the Waynesvllle dis
trict.
Attorney C. C. Polndexter left
last Monday for Waynesvllle,
where he will open law offices.
10 YEARS AGO \
C. Gordon Moore was nameV
master of the Franklin Masonld
lodge at this week's meeting ot
the Junaluskee lodge.
From 1,500 cases output In
1931 to 15,000 cases in 1941 is
the record made by the Nanta
hala cannery, one of Macon
County's home-owned and home
?upported Industrie!.