This feature mines the McDowell News archives for what was going on this week in local history.
Forty-four years ago this week, the world’s biggest Pepsi – actually a 30-foot-tall replica of the soft drink bottle – was on display at the Camp-O-Rama at the Sky City shopping center in Marion. The event had a wide assortment of camping equipment and accessories. Sky City Manager Joe Jones stands beside the big Pepsi.
During the week of May 12, 1982, the McDowell High School Drama Department presented the spring musical “Finian’s Rainbow” in the high school gym. The musical was directed by Kay Bartles and featured a large cast. Pictured at the dress rehearsal were Beaver Robinette (playing the preacher), Susan Thomas (playing the bride Sharon) and Tyler Moore (playing the groom Woody).
The McDowell High School Drama Department presented the spring musical “Finian’s Rainbow” in the high school gym. The musical was directed by Kay Bartles and featured a large cast. Pictured at the dress rehearsal was Mark Eckenrod in the title role of Finian.
Foothills Community Theater was busy with rehearsals for “The Music Man.” In this photo, Jennifer Cooke is rehearsing a scene with David Mellnik, the music director. Sandra Epperson directed the musical production, which was held later that month in the auditorium of East McDowell Junior High.
Old Fort Mayor Bob Wilson (left) was named McDowell County’s Senior Citizen of the Month. Walter Morgan (right) with the McDowell Council on Aging presented Wilson with a certificate.
McDowell News society editor Evelyn Ross Rabb (left) and Paralee Hensley pose for a photo in front of the Sunsphere at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tenn. They were just two of the 37 local residents who enjoyed a bus trip to the World’s Fair.
The Church-Fun team upset the Recreation Stars 47-6 at the softball park. In this photo, Mickey Morrison scores a homer, one of four he hit during the doubleheader.
Officials with C.E. Air Preheater received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which was granted by Gov. Jim Hunt. The manufacturing plant’s leaders received this honor because of the plant’s volunteer work for the past three years at West McDowell Junior High School. The six company volunteers that tutored at the school were John Childers, Ron Bartlett, Barry Bundy, Tom Clark, Harvey Smith and Jim Frost. At the presentation, School Superintendent Ron Seifred (right) presented the award to Childers as West McDowell Principal Wayne Silvers and Guidance Counselor Margaret Thomas look on. In addition, volunteers Viola Pope and Sandra Browning received the high honor.
Pam Freshour and Jimmy Patrick were caught by photographer Evelyn Ross Rabb as they left for the Junior Senior Prom at the McDowell High School gym. Freshour wore a red chiffon dress with matching red slippers while Patrick wore a white tuxedo.
Four local residents came together to write, record and release a 45-rpm record that featured two songs: “Let Them Sing with Gladness As I Go” and “Have You Heard About My Savior.” City Manager Earl Daniels wrote the lyrics for both songs and Mary Frances Seaman wrote the music. Sam Paul Combs of WBRM and Marian Gouge (now Marian Boyd) sang the songs which were recorded at Fred Rumfelt’s Country Roads Studio in Marion. A thousand copies of the record were released and sold at local businesses. The record was also sent to radio stations throughout the Southeast.
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This feature mines our archives for what was going on this week in local history.
