Local North Carolina HIstory Books
Secrets on the Mountain
Copyright 2001 by W.D. Washburn
It is often said the Appalachians have secrets they will never yield. And until now, the dark and mysterious ways of the fabled moonshiner have been among the most tightly guarded of these secrets. However, in this book, the author is able to document both the human side and the shady side of the legendary art. Meet a retired craftsman, his family, and his trade. Learn the basics of setting up a mountain "pot tail" , the purpose of the "worm", and of course, even the famous recipe. These hallowed hills may never give up all their secrets, but they now allow a tantalizing glance at one of the most storied characters of the region's history. 70 pages.
AWARD WINNER!
PICA Award of Excellence, 2002
Hickory Motor Speedway
The World's Most Famous Short Track
Copyright 2003 by W.D. Washburn
This book is the definitive history of a raceway that helped spawn the birth of NASCAR and dozens of its legends. Drivers such as Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, Ned Jarrett, and the Houston family recollect their days banging fenders on the track that was literally laid out with the heel of a boot. Team owner Gary Hargett shares his rare photos and fondly recalls his memories of fielding cars for Harry Gant and the Earnhardts.
In addition to these memories, discover what role the track played in the formation of NASCAR, and go behind the scenes to examine the legacy of some local bootleggers. This book contains dozens of never-before-published photographs, first-hand recollections of the drivers, and even detailed setups for the various types of cars used on the track today. Over the past half century, Hickory Motor Speedway has earned its rightful place in the history of motorsports. From the very first race to the Nationwide Series today, this is the story behind the track, as told by those who were there.
AWARD WINNER!
2003 PICA Special Judges' Award- Soft Cover
Hiddenite: Land of Discovery
Copyright 2002 by Adam B. Smith
The small town story of unprecedented riches and discovery takes place in a rural farming community known as "White Plains." In 1879, respected scientist William Hidden was sent by Thomas Edison to this area to look for platinum, but instead was credited with finding a mineral previously undiscovered, which became "Hiddenite."
National attention was attracted and many mines were opened throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Thousands of carats of valuable minerals were mined over time, as a total of 66 mineral varieties have been found.
More recent discoveries of the 21st century are so unprecedented that geologists may have to re-write the text books. 90 pages.
AWARD WINNER!
PICA Best of Category, 2002