The following is a quote from Dan Morrill, Consulting Director from the Charlotte Mecklenburg
Landmarks Commission:
"People who have talent and people who have money usually are the ones who have their
history remembered, but history is a tapestry that covers all segments of society."
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With those thoughts in mind, and the wish to dispel the myths and record the facts, we researched
and assembled this history of Stanley, North Carolina.
Since 1991 most of the research of libraries, courthouses, recordings, newspapers, and other reference
sources was accomplished by Sara Grissop and Joyce Handsel, with assistance from other members of the Historical
Association. Editing, compiling, and authorship of the book was the responsibility of Joyce J. Handsel.
Contributing articles were submitted by Nancy Smith Abernathy; Velma Alexander; Andrew J. Armstrong,
Clarence Armstrong; W. Robert Boggs; Mrs. A. B. Brooks; Ralphine Johnson Cannon; Eugene Clemmer, Robert
Cloninger; Doris Shook Cope; William T. Cope; Margaret Stroupe Green; Ruth Ann Weathers Grigg; Sara Helms
Grissop; Olin Handsell; Gary L. Harrill; Louise Rhyne Hawley; Charles Hite; John M. Hovis; Robert
Koehler; Dan
Long; David Ray Long; John Long; Bill Luckey; Rayvon Mabry; Betty McDonald; Ruby Morris Markland; Faye
Helms Moore; Jack Cathey Moore; Selma Potts; the late Mrs. Allie Rhyne through her son, Alfred Rhyne, who also
contributed; Louise Rhyne; Lollie Boyd Sigmon; Joe Graham Rutledge, Jr.; Rev. Cecil Smith; William B. "Bill"
Smith; and Bobby Gene Watts. Some of these stories were recorded and are transcribed in the words of the story
teller.
Our appreciation goes to all who were generous with their remembrances and pictures. A very special
appreciation is bestowed upon our historians from the past, without whose passion for preserving Stanley's history
and pride in the town, we would have had a much more difficult task. Mrs. Allie Rhyne, Mr. Stewart Dellinger, Mr.
Marsh Cavin, and Mr. A. C. Taylor are four of our past benevolent historians.
We definitely wish to extend our thanks to the people who frequently visit the Brevard Station Museum
and show their support of our accomplishments. The late Bill Hawley visited us often and shared with us some of
what he knew of the Native Americans who lived here two hundred years ago, as well as other historical tidbits he
had stored in his vast bank of knowledge. He often told us how happy he was that Stanley had such a museum and
once wrote in our guest book, "Love the Place." We loved having him visit, too. Jack Moore has given us
tremendous moral support as well as sharing with us his historical memories and also artifacts for the museum. We
are especially grateful to Mr. Charlie Williams of the Charlotte - Mecklenburg Library and The Treasure Tree
Group, for bringing to our attention, and sharing with us the information he obtained regarding Andre' Michaux's
discovery of the Magnolia tree in Stanley. Another person who has been a wonderful supporter is Archie Link,
known to most Stanley folks as Sonny Boy Murphy. He has furnished many artifacts, lots of pictures and memories,
and brings friends and relatives to visit the museum. May they, and the others not mentioned, always be our
friends and continue to support the museum with visits, artifacts, and information.
And last but certainly not least, our most exalted appreciation goes to the Stanley Town Officials who
believe in our museum, treat us with dignity, and, support with encouragement, our endeavors.
Joyce J. Handsel
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