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Description
This article traces the evolution of lighting and public utilities in Shelby and Cleveland County from early fire-starting methods and candles to kerosene lamps, electric lights, and city infrastructure. It recounts community memories of borrowing fire, early matches, and fears of kerosene accidents, then describes the arrival of electric lighting around 1900, including generators at local mills and the city’s purchase of the electric plant in 1912. Later sections highlight early bicycles, sidewalk paving, and waterworks improvements.
Publication Date
12-6-1950
City
Shelby, NC
Keywords
Sanders Wright, W. H. Anthony, Noah Hoyle, Harry Fulenwider, Jim Alexander, Lawson Quinn, John Shannonhouse, Clyde Webb, Shelby Electric Light & Power Company, Duke Power Company, Robinson’s Circus, Shelby, Fallston, Knob Creek, Laura Glenn Mills, Shelby Cotton Mills
Contributors
Fay Webb Gardner Collection in the Gardner-Webb University Archives
Recommended Citation
Jones, Mamie, "1950, December 6 - Cleveland County Early Days" (1950). Cleveland County Early Days Newspaper Column. 48.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/fay-webb-gardner-cleveland-county-early-days-newspaper-column/48