Hotel Charles after being refurbished from the fire in 1928. The name was changed from Central Hotel to The Charles Hotel, named for Charles Blanton.

Rare photo o the 1928 Bank collapse where many injuries and several deaths.

The collapse of The First National Bank of Shelby. Many injured and several died.

A detailed history of Cleveland Springs hotel and resort.

The story about the Second hotel at Cleveland Springs, the fire in 1907 and the lives lost.

Postcard showing College Hotel (later Cleveland Hotel). It was first a female academy then Shelby's first hospital then a hotel. Site is now where city hall is. Corner of Washing and Graham Streets.

The story of the founding of Cleveland County and Shelby NC

First sheriff in Cleveland County. married Judith Hamrick. Father of Burwell Banton

The factory was built by Major H.F. Schenck and a group of stockholders in 1873. It was run by Water power.

The Wilson home is shown on the far left. The wing was added in 1888. Before the wing was added it was a female academy during the school season and a resort in the summer months. Likely one of the first photographs of this hotel.

Postcard showing College Hotel. It was first a Female academy then Shelby's first hospital then a hotel ( College Hotel later Cleveland Hotel). Site is now where city hall ism Washington and Graham Streets.

1872 marked the arrival of the first railroad and this was the first engine. They were wood burners that started Shelby's growth. Farmers were hired to haul wood to platforms along the tracks where crewmen would transfer the wood to the engines tender.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about Catherine Babington who was the only woman mason ever! She lived in Cleveland County and is buried in Sunset cemetery.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about how Cleveland County and Shelby came to be and why Shelby's location. The importance of Cleveland Springs (formally Wilson Springs)

Dr. Ben F. Dixon

Shelby streets named after revolutionary war heros.

Warren Street, Shelby, North Carolina Named for Major General Joseph Warren

1880s photo of likely tourists at Cleveland Springs. The old Wilson house can be barely seen in the upper left corner. The L shaped wing was added in the late 1880s. This was the "Gay Nineties"

Eskridge Livery was located at Marion and Morgan Streets by the railroad tracks. The second floor served as a hotel and boarding house for train passengers.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about John A. Darwin and his plans to rebuild Cleveland Springs Hotel after the 1907 fire. Adding 18 hoes to the golf course and a clubhouse. He planted fruit trees there and designed a private restricted community adjoining the golf course. He cut roads and sold building lots and convinced Shelby to build a bridge and road to the property.

Over 100 historical tidbits compiled by Larry Simpson from Mamie Jones' 'In Cleveland County's Early Days' column in the Shelby Daily Star (1947-1955). Each piece captures a specific moment, person, or event from Cleveland County's early history, based on interviews with eyewitnesses who lived through that era

Engine Number 4 of the Lawndale Railway along side of Cleveland Mill

1890s "gay Ninety's" is the way they dressed and took rides. In a day when caps and bonnets and bows were the style. Likely going the Cleveland Springs Hotel for the ball.

Isaac Shelby : revolutionary patriot and border hero by Henderson, Archibald, 1877-1963

Sanborn Maps for Shelby North Carolina from 1885 to 1921

Song and video by Larry Simpson about Catherine Babington who was the only woman mason ever! She lived in Cleveland County and is buried in Sunset cemetery.

Born in 1811 he was a surveyor, lawyer, preacher, doctor and a philosopher. He was of great stature among men in the county. He wrote "A History of the Broad River Baptist Association" He was clerk of the association for many years. He was on the six man committee to plan the city of Shelby.

First sheriff in Cleveland County. married Judith Hamrick. Father of Burwell Banton

Dr. Ben F. Dixon

The family of the pioneer Baptist preacher Rev. Thomas Dixon. Left to right Tom Dixon. author and playwright. Rev. A. C. Dixon. known for his ministry: Frank Dixon. minister and lecturer: Mrs. Addie Dixon Thacker, author: Dr. Delia Dixon Carroll, one of the State's first woman physicians.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about how Cleveland County and Shelby came to be and why Shelby's location. The importance of Cleveland Springs (formally Wilson Springs)

Born in 1811 he was a surveyor, lawyer, preacher, doctor and a philosopher. He was of great stature among men in the county. He wrote "A History of the Broad River Baptist Association" He was clerk of the association for many years. He was on the six man committee to plan the city of Shelby.

A detailed history of Cleveland Springs hotel and resort.

First sheriff in Cleveland County. married Judith Hamrick. Father of Burwell Banton

The story of the founding of Cleveland County and Shelby NC

1890s "gay Ninety's" is the way they dressed and took rides. In a day when caps and bonnets and bows were the style. Likely going the Cleveland Springs Hotel for the ball.

Kings Mountain High School class of 1914. The names are in the caption.

Mayor W.D. Lackey poses with with members of the Shelby Fire Department. Star publishing is in the building on the left and printed the Cleveland Star. City Hall was farther to the left. All on East Marion Street.

The Shelby Printing Company was established by C.J. Mabry in 1923 and located on West Marion Street.

Standing in front of his store on Lafyette St across from the courthouse.

A V Wray, Stough Wray, A V Wray Sr., Charles Wray, Harvey Wray, George Wray and Robert Wray.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about Catherine Babington who was the only woman mason ever! She lived in Cleveland County and is buried in Sunset cemetery.

Charles C. Blanton Industrialist and Banker

Song and video by Larry Simpson about John A. Darwin and his plans to rebuild Cleveland Springs Hotel after the 1907 fire. Adding 18 hoes to the golf course and a clubhouse. He planted fruit trees there and designed a private restricted community adjoining the golf course. He cut roads and sold building lots and convinced Shelby to build a bridge and road to the property.

Wray-Hudson Company. A.V. Wray and W.H. Hudson were partners in the 1920s. Hudson left Wray before the depression and opened his own store..

John R. Dover Sr. was a pivotal figure in Shelby, NC's textile history, founding Dover Textiles in 1907, which grew into a major employer with mills like Ella Mill and Dover Mill (later Doran Mill)

The history of the First National Bank of Shelby North Carolina from 1874 - 1930

Physician, civic leader and deacon. He married ester Suttle. He build the McBrayer house at 507 North Morgan Street in1893. Father-inlaw to Otis Mull.

1881 KING's MOUNTAIN AND ITS HEROES: HISTORY OF THE Battle of King's Mountain, OCTOBER 7TH, 1780,AND THE EVENTS WHICH LED TO IT, BY LYMAN C. DRAPER, LL. D., You are able to copy text from this PDF file.

W.G. Arey is standing in front of his Texaco filling station in 1914. Royster building is in the background.

Hugh Arey, Will Arey, Mike Borders and Ward Arey on North Washington Street in front of Arey's garage. They had Auto dealerships and filling stations. A

Mrs. W.G. Arey, Ward Hunter Arey, William Arey and W.J. Arey on South Washington Street. Auto Accessory store.

A.V. Wray and F. Sough Wray standing in front of a large shipment of shoes. W.H. Hudson was also a partner at this time.

Dr Plaster was a leading figure in Shelby for decades. Boy scout leader, Red Cross worker and Mayor.

Catherine Babington was the only female in history. This is her biography. Written by J.P. Babington her son and Mason as well. "She was bright in the First Three Degrees of Masonry, up to the time of her death."

Isaac Shelby : revolutionary patriot and border hero by Henderson, Archibald, 1877-1963

The family of the pioneer Baptist preacher Rev. Thomas Dixon. Left to right Tom Dixon. author and playwright. Rev. A. C. Dixon. known for his ministry: Frank Dixon. minister and lecturer: Mrs. Addie Dixon Thacker, author: Dr. Delia Dixon Carroll, one of the State's first woman physicians.

W.J. Arey drives a new ford in the 4th of July parade in 1916,

Governor Clyde R. Hoey. a member of the original Cleveland County Political Dynasty who later became United States Senator and died suddenly in office.

Clyde R. Hoey was a Shelby attorney who served in the House of Representees, Senate and Governor. He purchased the Shelby Review (Cleveland Star) and was editor and publisher.

Dr. Ben F. Dixon

Governor O. Max Gardner later Under Secretary of the United States Treasury and appointed Ambassador to the Court of Saint James in England, but died suddenly from a heart attack the night before he was to sail to London to take up his post of duty.

Amzi Clarence Dixon (July 6, 1854 – June 14, 1925) was a Baptist pastor, Bible expositor, and evangelist who was popular during the late 19th and the early 20th centuries

Baptist pastor, Bible expositor, and evangelist With R.A. Torrey, he edited an influential series of essays, published as The Fundamentals (1910–15), which gave Christian fundamentalism its name. Brother of Thomas Dixon Jr.

Burwell Blanton is pictured in this 1870s picture of a gristmill located on Brushy Creek west of Shelby. He was a successful farmer, miller and businessman. He is best known as a founding member of J. Jenkins and Company, Cleveland County's first bank that was formed in 1874. It would evolve into First National Bank.

A detailed history of Belwood North Carolina compiled from many sources.

A detailed history of Boiling Springs North Carolina from many sources.

19th century photo showing C J Hamrick and Sons store in Boiling Springs. Not there now.

1924 postcard showing the Huggins-Curtis Building and the newly built Boiling Springs Baptist Church on right. The memorial building can be seen next to the main building.

The history of Casar from many sources

Song and video by Larry Simpson about how Cleveland County and Shelby came to be and why Shelby's location. The importance of Cleveland Springs (formally Wilson Springs)

The story of the founding of Cleveland County and Shelby NC

Catherine Babington was the only female in history. This is her biography. Written by J.P. Babington her son and Mason as well. "She was bright in the First Three Degrees of Masonry, up to the time of her death."

History of New Hope Baptist Church : Earl, North Carolina. First Pastor - Rev. Thomas Dixon

1969 History of the First Baptist Church of Shelby NC, Mrs. C. Rush Hamrick, Jr., Editor R. Hubbard Hamrick, Historian

Isaac Shelby : revolutionary patriot and border hero by Henderson, Archibald, 1877-1963

1881 KING's MOUNTAIN AND ITS HEROES: HISTORY OF THE Battle of King's Mountain, OCTOBER 7TH, 1780,AND THE EVENTS WHICH LED TO IT, BY LYMAN C. DRAPER, LL. D., You are able to copy text from this PDF file.

An adverting booklet describing Shelby in 1889 with many engravings of landmarks. Also descriptions of businesses, agriculture, advertisements ,schools, minerals, climate, mineral springs and more to attract visitors and investors.

1912-1913 Piedmont Highschool yearbook

The preaching for today : sermons, papers and addresses delivered at the North Carolina Baptist Pastors' Conference, Shelby, December 8,9, 1913

A detailed history of Belwood North Carolina compiled from many sources.

A history o the town of Earl North Carolina from several sources.

A detailed history of Kings Mountain gathered from many sources.

A History of Waco North Carolina compiled from various sources.

A detailed History o Mooresboro North Carolina compiled from several sources

The history of Casar from many sources

An early history of Fallston

A detailed history of Patterson Springs North Carolina compiled from many sources

Historical article about The Cleveland Star/Shelby Daily Star newspaper, covering its founding, ownership, operations, and influence in Shelby, North Carolina from 1870 to 1930, compiled from multiple historical sources.

Shelby streets named after revolutionary war heros.

A detailed history of Boiling Springs North Carolina from many sources.

A detailed history of Grover NC taken from several sources..

A detailed history of Lattimore gathered from many sources

A detailed history of Lawndale gathered from many sources.

An article that covers the history of Polkville ad the area nearby.

A detailed history of Cleveland Springs hotel and resort.

Shelby's Baptist female college, chartered in 1883, struggled with debt from the start and closed by 1889-1890. The building later became a boarding house and hotel.

The history of the First National Bank of Shelby North Carolina from 1874 - 1930

This is a history of the Charles Hotel (formally Centra Hotel) from the 1887 to 1930

The story of Shelby's first hospital, established in 1910 by Dr. T.G. Hamrick in a converted hotel building. Despite modern facilities and professional staff, the private hospital operated only until 1913-1914, unable to sustain itself financially after the loss of Cleveland Springs' affluent health tourists.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about Catherine Babington who was the only woman mason ever! She lived in Cleveland County and is buried in Sunset cemetery.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about John A. Darwin and his plans to rebuild Cleveland Springs Hotel after the 1907 fire. Adding 18 hoes to the golf course and a clubhouse. He planted fruit trees there and designed a private restricted community adjoining the golf course. He cut roads and sold building lots and convinced Shelby to build a bridge and road to the property.

Sanborn Maps for Shelby North Carolina from 1885 to 1921

Shelby Cigar Company =, makers of Colonel Shelby Cigars.

Over 100 historical tidbits compiled by Larry Simpson from Mamie Jones' 'In Cleveland County's Early Days' column in the Shelby Daily Star (1947-1955). Each piece captures a specific moment, person, or event from Cleveland County's early history, based on interviews with eyewitnesses who lived through that era

Caption on back of photo: 'Tues. 8:30 A.M. 25 children in bed ready for operation, amusing themselves with books, ball and mechanical toy being worked by nurse standing. Little six-year-old in cot by nurse, sitting, is absorbed with pencil and scratch tablet. Parents are by the cots. We don't try to have them keep the blankets 'just so' before operation.' In 1917, George Cooper was appointed the Director of the N.C. State Board of Health's Bureau of Medical Inspection in Schools, and in 1919, he instigated the tonsil and adenoid clinics.

The company was destroyed in the collapse of the building in the 1928 Shelby Disaster.

Shelby's main business in the 1890s A bar was in the corner (became First National Bank) and in the next building too.(Cohen's later)

Hotel Charles after being refurbished from the fire in 1928. The name was changed from Central Hotel to The Charles Hotel, named for Charles Blanton.

This is a history of the Charles Hotel (formally Centra Hotel) from the 1887 to 1930

Central Hotel (later Charles Hotel) notice showing rates and amenities and rules

This 1910 Postcard shows the Central Hotel (later Charles Hotel) and First National Bank on the corner of Lafayette and Warren Streets. The bank occupied an office inside the lobby at the time.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about John A. Darwin and his plans to rebuild Cleveland Springs Hotel after the 1907 fire. Adding 18 hoes to the golf course and a clubhouse. He planted fruit trees there and designed a private restricted community adjoining the golf course. He cut roads and sold building lots and convinced Shelby to build a bridge and road to the property.

A detailed history of Cleveland Springs hotel and resort.

Song and video by Larry Simpson about how Cleveland County and Shelby came to be and why Shelby's location. The importance of Cleveland Springs (formally Wilson Springs)

The story of the founding of Cleveland County and Shelby NC

The Wilson home is shown on the far left. The wing was added in 1888. Before the wing was added it was a female academy during the school season and a resort in the summer months. Likely one of the first photographs of this hotel.

1880s photo of likely tourists at Cleveland Springs. The old Wilson house can be barely seen in the upper left corner. The L shaped wing was added in the late 1880s. This was the "Gay Nineties"

The second Cleveland Springs hotel and grounds. You can see the old Wilson home across from the Hotel. Many improvements had been made to the hotel and grounds . The new wing was added in 1888. The small structure behind the hotel seen on the upper right was the kitchen. Lightening struck the transformer above it, in 1907, and the resulting fire destroyed the entire hotel.

The story about the Second hotel at Cleveland Springs, the fire in 1907 and the lives lost.

1923 Postcard showing the new Cleveland Springs Hotel that opened in 1921.

A 1920s flier promotes the hotel with the claim of being fireproof which it sadly was not. It burned in 1929.

Cleveland Springs Hotel in 1924

Newly opened Cleveland Springs Hotel in 1921. This was the third and last hotel on the property. The previous hotel was destroyed by fire in 1907. That same fate was destined to this hotel.

1920s postcard featuring the sulphur spring at Cleveland Springs hotel and park.

This third Cleveland Springs Hotel was built in 1921 at a cost of $250,000. There was concrete road coming from Shelby that continued to Kings Mountain and connected to the Bankhead Highway that ran from New York to Jacksonville Florida.

Advertisement for a flying circus at the Cleveland Springs Airport which was located behind the present day Golf course clubhouse. $2.50 for passenger flights.

After the second Cleveland Springs burned down many still came for the mineral springs and recreation at the park like surroundings. It was a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike..

Splendid dining room in the Cleveland Springs Hotel built in 1921.

The family of the pioneer Baptist preacher Rev. Thomas Dixon. Left to right Tom Dixon. author and playwright. Rev. A. C. Dixon. known for his ministry: Frank Dixon. minister and lecturer: Mrs. Addie Dixon Thacker, author: Dr. Delia Dixon Carroll, one of the State's first woman physicians.

History of New Hope Baptist Church : Earl, North Carolina. First Pastor - Rev. Thomas Dixon

1969 History of the First Baptist Church of Shelby NC, Mrs. C. Rush Hamrick, Jr., Editor R. Hubbard Hamrick, Historian

Mt. Harmony Methodist

Amzi Clarence Dixon (July 6, 1854 – June 14, 1925) was a Baptist pastor, Bible expositor, and evangelist who was popular during the late 19th and the early 20th centuries

Charles C. Blanton Industrialist and Banker

The history of the First National Bank of Shelby North Carolina from 1874 - 1930

Central Hotel (later Charles Hotel) notice showing rates and amenities and rules

This 1910 Postcard shows the Central Hotel (later Charles Hotel) and First National Bank on the corner of Lafayette and Warren Streets. The bank occupied an office inside the lobby at the time.

The collapse of The First National Bank of Shelby. Many injured and several died.

Shelby's main business in the 1890s A bar was in the corner (became First National Bank) and in the next building too.(Cohen's later)

Engine Number 4 of the Lawndale Railway along side of Cleveland Mill

Postcard of a gristmill on Broad River near Piedmont High School

John R. Dover Sr. was a pivotal figure in Shelby, NC's textile history, founding Dover Textiles in 1907, which grew into a major employer with mills like Ella Mill and Dover Mill (later Doran Mill)

Lawndale Dummy locomotive sitting on the ground.

A detailed history of Lawndale gathered from many sources.

The factory was built by Major H.F. Schenck and a group of stockholders in 1873. It was run by Water power.

Burwell Blanton is pictured in this 1870s picture of a gristmill located on Brushy Creek west of Shelby. He was a successful farmer, miller and businessman. He is best known as a founding member of J. Jenkins and Company, Cleveland County's first bank that was formed in 1874. It would evolve into First National Bank.

c. Main Street in Lawndale North Carolina.

Newspaper employees in front of the Cleveland Star office on East Marion Street. Clyde Hoey purchased the Shelby Review in 1894 and renamed it to the Cleveland Star and it was incorporated in 1903 as the Star Publishing Company.

Clyde R. Hoey was a Shelby attorney who served in the House of Representees, Senate and Governor. He purchased the Shelby Review (Cleveland Star) and was editor and publisher.

One of several tobacco companies in Shelby. Later moved from Shelby

Dr. Ben F. Dixon

The family of the pioneer Baptist preacher Rev. Thomas Dixon. Left to right Tom Dixon. author and playwright. Rev. A. C. Dixon. known for his ministry: Frank Dixon. minister and lecturer: Mrs. Addie Dixon Thacker, author: Dr. Delia Dixon Carroll, one of the State's first woman physicians.

Honeycutt Feed and Seed Was on West Warren Street. O.Z. Morgan would later move it across the street and RR tracks and changed the name to Morgan and Company.

Shelby Cigar Company =, makers of Colonel Shelby Cigars.

Historical article about The Cleveland Star/Shelby Daily Star newspaper, covering its founding, ownership, operations, and influence in Shelby, North Carolina from 1870 to 1930, compiled from multiple historical sources.

Suttles's Potato House was located on Lee Street. It stored produce through the winter. Note the chimneys and vent windows to control the temperature.

Eskridge Livery was located at Marion and Morgan Streets by the railroad tracks. The second floor served as a hotel and boarding house for train passengers.

Young Paul Wellmon stands next to his Shelby Ice and Fuel wagon with a block of ice in his hand. The small wheels in the front of the wagon makes it easy to make sharp turnes.

W.G. Arey is standing in front of his Texaco filling station in 1914. Royster building is in the background.

1915 postcard showing the interior of Kendall's Drug Store. There were many drugs stores around Shelby.

1920s Arey Oil Company selling Texaco products. This was located is at the railroad on South Morgan Street.

James Perry Austell Jr. is on the front of the float. Mr. & Mrs. Coley as well as Mr. & Mrs. Casstevens are in the car

The Shelby Printing Company was established by C.J. Mabry in 1923 and located on West Marion Street.

This ad advertisement was in the Danville Bee (Danville, Va.) looking for a salesman. Rex Cigar Company, Shelby N.C.

The company was destroyed in the collapse of the building in the 1928 Shelby Disaster.

Standing in front of his store on Lafyette St across from the courthouse.

Wray-Hudson Company. A.V. Wray and W.H. Hudson were partners in the 1920s. Hudson left Wray before the depression and opened his own store..

Patterson Grocery Company in Kings Mountain. Note the bananas and the advertisement for Southern Vaudeville Showes

This is a history of the Charles Hotel (formally Centra Hotel) from the 1887 to 1930

Aerial view showing the location of the Carolina Theatre (formally The Princess Theatre)

The New Princess Theatre opened in 1917 and was showing silent films, In 1941 it was renamed Carolina Theatre. It was later converted into a Woolworth store.

Photo of the interior of the Princess Theatre

1925 program for the New Princess Theatre showing what is showing for the week of October 10th 1925.

Opening in 1930 the Webb Theater had seating listed at 500. It closed in 1955

A V Wray, Stough Wray, A V Wray Sr., Charles Wray, Harvey Wray, George Wray and Robert Wray.

Postcard showing College Hotel (later Cleveland Hotel). It was first a female academy then Shelby's first hospital then a hotel. Site is now where city hall is. Corner of Washing and Graham Streets.

Court View Hotel (previously the Commercial Hotel) across from the courthouse on the corner of Marion and Lafyette streets.

Hotel Charles after being refurbished from the fire in 1928. The name was changed from Central Hotel to The Charles Hotel, named for Charles Blanton.

Photo of the Cleveland Hotel (formally College Hotel) on the corner of Washington and Graham streets. It was demolished and replaced by City Hall. This building had been the first female academy and the first hospital in Shelby

The second Cleveland Springs hotel and grounds. You can see the old Wilson home across from the Hotel. Many improvements had been made to the hotel and grounds . The new wing was added in 1888. The small structure behind the hotel seen on the upper right was the kitchen. Lightening struck the transformer above it, in 1907, and the resulting fire destroyed the entire hotel.

Pictures and history of the Dummy Railroad that ran from Cleveland Mils to Shelby North Carolina.

The Royster Building is a historic commercial building located at 101-106 E. Warren St., Shelby, NC 28150. It was built in 1910 and designed by the prominent architect James M. McMichael.

The story of Shelby's first hospital, established in 1910 by Dr. T.G. Hamrick in a converted hotel building. Despite modern facilities and professional staff, the private hospital operated only until 1913-1914, unable to sustain itself financially after the loss of Cleveland Springs' affluent health tourists.

Hugh Arey, Will Arey, Mike Borders and Ward Arey on North Washington Street in front of Arey's garage. They had Auto dealerships and filling stations. A

Mrs. W.G. Arey, Ward Hunter Arey, William Arey and W.J. Arey on South Washington Street. Auto Accessory store.

A.V. Wray and F. Sough Wray standing in front of a large shipment of shoes. W.H. Hudson was also a partner at this time.

1923 Postcard showing the new Cleveland Springs Hotel that opened in 1921.

Splendid dining room in the Cleveland Springs Hotel built in 1921.

A 1920s flier promotes the hotel with the claim of being fireproof which it sadly was not. It burned in 1929.

Cleveland Springs Hotel in 1924

Newly opened Cleveland Springs Hotel in 1921. This was the third and last hotel on the property. The previous hotel was destroyed by fire in 1907. That same fate was destined to this hotel.

1920s postcard featuring the sulphur spring at Cleveland Springs hotel and park.

This third Cleveland Springs Hotel was built in 1921 at a cost of $250,000. There was concrete road coming from Shelby that continued to Kings Mountain and connected to the Bankhead Highway that ran from New York to Jacksonville Florida.

Advertisement for a flying circus at the Cleveland Springs Airport which was located behind the present day Golf course clubhouse. $2.50 for passenger flights.

The company was destroyed in the collapse of the building in the 1928 Shelby Disaster.

Advertisement for a flying circus at the Cleveland Springs Airport which was located behind the present day Golf course clubhouse. $2.50 for passenger flights.