From our archives: Here’s a look back at this week in 1989
During the week of Dec. 9, 1989, Foothills Community Theatre’s production of the musical “Annie” opened for audiences at East McDowell Junior High School. The Marion Community Chorus performed before the musical started.
During the week of Dec. 9, 1989, Titan Ricky Pearson gets hammered as he grabs an offensive rebound but he still manages to score to set up a three-point play during a game with Kings Mountain.
During the week of Dec. 9, 1989, Santa Claus came to town despite the cold and dreary weather. The jolly old soul brought up the rear during the annual Christmas parade. According to organizers, the 1989 parade was the largest in the history of the event.
Twenty-five years ago this week, the McDowell High Fall Sports Banquet was held at the high school. The Girls Cross Country Team recognized two outstanding athletes: Amy McLlwain (left) was named Most Improved Runner and Laine Ledford was named Most Valuable Runner.
During the week of Dec. 9, 1989, McDowell High quarterback Jason Van Dyke hands off the ball under the watchful eye of Titan Head Coach Johnny Anderson during Shrine Bowl practice at Charlotte’s Garinger High. VanDyke was one of the two quarterbacks on the squad and Anderson was picked as assistant coach in charge of the offense. VanDyke was named as a starting quarterback and one of the four captains for the N.C. team at the Shrine Bowl.
During the week of Dec. 9, 1989, local artist and cartoonist Howard McCurry was scheduled to be the grand marshal in the Marion Christmas parade. McCurry was beloved by the readers of The McDowell Express for his Scruffy cartoons in the 1980s. Scruffy was a real dog and he joined McCurry in the parade.
During the week of Dec. 9, 1989, local artist and cartoonist Howard McCurry was scheduled to be the grand marshal in the Marion Christmas parade. Here, Howard McCurry and his wife Florida stand in front of their home on Morgan Street. A McDowell native, McCurry worked in hosiery manufacturing for much of his adult life. He and Florida owned the McCurry Hosiery Mill in Marion for 20 years. In addition to his business and civic involvement and his Scruffy cartoons, McCurry also gained fame for his numerous paintings which depicted historical sites and bygone eras in McDowell County. With his characteristic humor, McCurry said he was selected to be the grand marshal of the Christmas parade because he met all the requirements. "I'm an old man with an old dog and an old car," he said jokingly.
During the week of Dec. 9, 1989, athletic and graceful Rebecca Cross executed a picture-perfect dive as she competed for McDowell in a tri-team swim meet at Shelby High School’s indoor pool. The Lady Titans won for the first time ever under Coach Charlene Sisk.
Twenty-nine years ago this week, volunteers were busy wrapping presents for Project Christmas. McDowell High Junior Civitan President Mike Parker and club members Carrie Gouge and Kelly McElveen were just a few of those helping wrap the presents. The Junior Civitan Club’s effort for Project Christmas was just one of the many ways McDowell High students, staff and faculty worked together to bring holiday cheer to others.
Twenty-nine years ago this week, Mayor Everette Clark (left) presented a key to the city of Marion to long-time and beloved attorney and civic leader E.P. “Sandy” Dameron as some 40 city officials – past and present – gathered at the Marion Community Building to show their appreciation for his many years of service. Dameron, whose wife Nancy watched as he received the key, had served the city of Marion since 1941.
Twenty-nine years ago this week, the McDowell High Fall Sports Banquet was held at the high school. Three soccer leaders were recognized for their achievements. They were (from left) Wes McKinney (Best Offensive Player – scored 50 percent of Titans’ goals), Brian Dodge (Most Valuable Player) and Brian Byerly (Most Improved Player).
Twenty-nine years ago this week, the McDowell High Fall Sports Banquet was held at the high school. The varsity volleyball award winners were (from left) Patti Plemmons (Most Valuable Player), Aletha Wise (Most Valuable Player) and Nessy Brewer (Team Before Self).
During the week of Dec. 9, 1989, McDowell experienced its first winter storm for 1989-1990. In this photo, a tractor-trailer went out of control because of the snow slick roads and hit the side of an embankment while heading south on N.C. 226. This was one of the 15 local accidents reported over that weekend. According to a witness, there were no injuries in this wreck.
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