Beech Memories
Some of the most fondly remembered programs in Beech occurred from the 1970s through the 90s. During that time, the community collaborated with the friendly support of many people who dedicated their time and energy to make the community center a hub of activity, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness among residents.
While the 4th of July tradition started in 1884, in the 1980s, the program took on a new level as people from across Weaverville came to Beech to see their impressive world-class fireworks, a marching band, floats, and fabulous speakers. The fireworks were part of the 100th anniversary and were a testament to Jim Smith’s devotion to create a great experience for the community. Jim worked with the fire department to make it happen, going through pyrotechnics training to earn a certificate and manage fireworks that required as much as a 6” diameter iron launcher. In addition to the fireworks, the hard work of Pat Nesbitt brought the North Buncombe High School band for the Beech Parade.
In addition to the 4th of July, the community had Easter egg hunts with kids divided into older and younger groups vying to find plastic eggs with secret treasures, usually a candy; fall festivals with games and crafts; and even a Halloween haunted house that took brave visitors into the dark passages of the community center's coal storage trenches. Art classes, music performances, and neighborhood contests for things like best Christmas lights and outstanding gardens were also part of their legacy. During that time, Beech Community won several awards from non-profit organizations that advocated for development of North Carolina mountain communities. These events not only brought joy to residents of all ages but also strengthened the bonds within the community.
The community was gifted with enthusiastic artists like Sue Mooney who’s art classes enriched the community experience over several years. There were art contests with awards announced at events like the 4th of July. The community also benefited from having best-selling author Elizabeth Daniels Squire, author of several best-selling books, and Geraldine "Gerry" Carter Koontz, who wrote for the Asheville Citizen Times among its residents. Music also was in full swing, as David Cook and other musicians performed and raised money for an area fire house.
In addition to organizing events, volunteers actively participated in various community projects. Betty Parker supported maintaining the community history, now retained in the scrapbooks at the community center library. David Pruett would play Santa Claus at Christmas events. Susan Smith Wilson served as treasurer and helped organize the North Buncombe Co-Ed Church Softball League. Early on, William Barbee, Carl Smith, Leonard Rhea, and Carl Bolin were among the early volunteers to help with the building and Marjorie Buckner Smith tirelessly supported community programs. Later, other community members including David Bradley and Bob Nesbitt, worked tirelessly with Jim Smith and others to maintain and improve the community center. They painted the auditorium, installed paneling, and ensured the building remained clean and functional.
There was one tense moment during this period when a county politician was interested in buying the property from the county for private development purposes. Jim Smith then went down with four other community members and worked with an attorney to draft a document that would solidify the property’s purpose so it would only be used for the benefit of the community.
One of the most notable activities across the decades has been softball. The softball games initially were baseball games then evolved over time to softball. Teams represented Beech Community, Reem Creek, Barnardsville and other areas, and eventually became a church league, similar to what exists today. Softball quickly became a popular pastime for both men and women. To bolster the softball program, the community club bought the famous popcorn machine, snacks, and hot dogs. Suzie Smith Wilson helped coordinate the league, and drawing on his connections, Jim Smith secured Pepsi products, a scoreboard for the league, and warning track that doubled as a walking path, and the most challenging of all additions, the sky-high lighting, further enhancing the community's recreational opportunities. The lighting was a three year project with two light installations set up each year around the 1980s.
“We didn’t try to make much money off of the concessions,” Jim said, “hot dogs were one dollar, so some people from town would come out for an affordable meal” and some sports entertainment. Susan Smith added, “We had rivalries among teams on the field, but we were great friends off the field!”
The community has grown and continued to evolve in recent decades, but neighbors still enjoy getting together at events like the 4th of July Cindy Wilson has been organizing in recent years. The Community Center flourished when residents came together to celebrate their community and each other. The legacy of service, collaboration, and commitment to community expressed by so many people in Beech is a model to inspire current and future generations.
If you have your own specific memories of Beech to share, reach out via our contact us page or consider joining the Beech Community Memories page on Facebook. It’s a great resource with some interesting stories and photos posted by your neighbors who love this community.
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(thank you Pat Nesbitt for offering some corrections!)
