This first picture is one of the many artworks along Asheville's Urban Trail. I wish we had more time to explore this-if there is ever a next time for Asheville, we will return to this. I have no idea how I visited Asheville without investigating the Urban Trail. It is almost like my mind was in the same Mobius strip as I wrote about in my last post.
The second picture is the old S and W Cafeteria building.
This is a gem of Art Deco decorations, built in 1929. Actually one of the few styles I have some knowledge of.
This next one is a plaque on the S and W building.
This is Pack Square over on the left. The obelisk is the Vance Memorial.
This sign is part of a written "tour" detailing the history of the Jewish people in Asheville. The role of Jewish merchants in 19th and 20th century mercantile life is mocked in certain quarters, but Asheville is proud of it.
Here is one more picture; unfortunately I can't remember what I took a picture of.
The reason why Asheville has so many old buildings in its downtown is quite fascinating.
I'll let the link above tell the story. But, in a way, you can say Asheville is the city that was saved by the Great Depression. Of course, it never would have happened without city fathers who believed in paying their debts back. Even if it took until 1976 to pay them all off.
Just think of that, in our era of instant gratification, and instant (or else) problem resolution.
And all of us tourists, and the locals, can be thankful for that. Due to this intregrity, we get to enjoy some 170 historic buildings in downtown Asheville.
You can't talk about Asheville, of course, without talking about the Vanderbilt family. More on them in another post.
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