A Day’s Journey 2
“A Day’s Journey” was a regular column in The Sun. This week the writer describes driving directly from Rutherfordton to Shelby, then returning through Boiling Springs and Cliffside. You get a good idea of the difficulties of travel in the 1920s.
At this time of the year the unimproved country roads are likely to be a trial to the motorist and they cannot be recommended for a trip undertaken solely for pleasure. It is the season for rain or a snow storm or two, and with the frosts of every few days the vast majority of the county highways are muddy and slippery in many places. Especially is this true where the route passes through woodland.
Every now and then there is, however, a day or two when the weather leaves little to be desired. The air will be sparkling in its freshness, the sky will be cloudless and the sunshine brilliant. Everything calls to you to take a trip. In dry weather when all the roads present no problems to the driver the choice of a day’s journey may be left to fancy and the traveler may go where he pleases without fear of becoming mired. Only it is necessary now a days to use care in driving as there are so many at the wheels of automobiles whose only thoughts are for themselves.
Main Street of North Carolina [Route 20, later U.S. 74] is available at all times and it is a pleasant journey to Shelby. A hard surfaced road all the way and friendly people as well as a friendly city to welcome you on your arrival there. And on the route live many of the good citizens of Rutherford and Cleveland Counties. It is worthwhile stopping at Mooresboro to have a talk with Mr. Y.L. McCardwell. This genial bank cashier is a great fox hunter and many an interesting tale he can tell of this exciting sport.
Returning from Shelby, there is another route which you can take with safety if a change of scene is desired. Go out South Main Street of the Friendly City and take the road to Boiling Springs. While it is not a hard surfaced road it is a sand clay thoroughfare and there is no danger of having to summon assistance to get out of the mud. Care, however, should be taken as there are some rather sharp turn and curves. It is a pretty road and there are many delightful views and attractive homes to be seen.
Having been the Principal of Boiling Springs High School since it was incorporated, or very soon afterward, it is only natural that Professor J.D. Huggins should be able to tell you all about the school and its history. It is, by the way, one of the very few schools which has its holiday on Monday instead of the usual Saturday. The reason for it lay in the fact that the school authorities thought the scholars would have a better chance to be prepared for their lessons. In other words they thought Monday would be utilized for study. The custom has been followed probably because it was a custom.
From Boiling Springs to Cliffside the road is sand-clay and caution must be employed as there are steep winding hills and several narrow bridges. About two miles from Cliffside there is a store which has become a landmark. Mr. A.I. Jolley who usually can be found in the store is a goldmine of information about his section of Cleveland County. Is is not far from the store to the Rutherford County line and soon the great mills of Cliffside will be seen.
Arriving at this mill town a hard surfaced road is reached. It is Route 207. Three miles from Cliffside you will pass through Avondale. The mills will be on your right. There is a crossroads where Henrietta and Avondale meet. The route to the right will take you to Ellenboro; the one to the left goes to South Henrietta. The crossroads can easily be identified for the Asbury Motor Co. has its building on the left and ins in Henrietta. The Haynes Bank and Stores are opposite and they are located in Avondale.
From Avondale you pass through Caroleen and on to Sandy Mush. From this fine little community the road leads through Alexander to Forest City and once more you are on the Main Street of North Carolina.
This item was printed in The Sun on December 23, 1926.