WATER SYSTEM FOR ETOWAH - 1966
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" The direct relationship between community growth and the availability of potable water is nowhere better shown than in the Etowah community. "
J. T. Fain, Jr., "A Partial History of Henderson County," p.458. Times-News Editor 1956 - 1972 |
WATER SYSTEM CONTRACT SIGNED - 1964
1966 Water Tower on Little Mountain. Photo courtesy of Ward Seguin, 2022
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The 1950s and '60s brought increasing population and changes to the Etowah Valley. In the mid to late 1950s, NCDOT re-routed Highway 64 through Etowah. Today's Old Highway 64 was the former route. This strategic road change connecting Hendersonville and Brevard, and the transformation of the former Moland-Drysdale brickyard industrial site into a scenic golf resort, are among the major influences that set the stage for a re-visioning of community development in Etowah. In addition, farming was on the decline in west Henderson County.
Rural America was built on access to water from wells and septic systems for waste management. With an eye to the future, a group of citizens formed the Etowah Water Association in 1964 for the purpose of establishing a water supply system to serve the area. The design included up to 8 miles of lines branching out from the intersection of Highway 64 and the Southern Railway crossing, with service for 210 charter members. Two hundred signatures of subscriber-patrons in Etowah were required in order to secure a $250,000 loan grant from the Farmers Home Administration for the construction of the system. With less than a week before the expiration of the loan offer, and only 125 signatures obtained, Bob Greer and colleagues in the Etowah Water Association, Inc. pushed forward and achieved the necessary minimum of 200 signatures, thereby securing the FHA loan. |
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1964, October 5 - Etowah Water Association, Inc. (aka Commission) is chartered.
Officers: Robert E. Greer, president; Odell Owens Jr., vice-president; James M. Moyes, secretary-treasurer. Members: W. A. Morgan, J. P. Ramsey, Furman G. Gossett, Harry D. Woodson, D. E. Hawkins, Leon Lyda, M. F. Toms Sr. 1966, September 24 - Water System is dedicated at a ceremony held at the Etowah Lions Club. Local historian and author Frank FitzSimons Sr. introduced the guest speaker, U. S. Representative Roy A. Taylor who stated, "This is one of the most beautiful places in my district." |
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"ETOWAH WATER CONTRACTS SIGNED - The Etowah Water Association, Inc. signed loan agreements and contracts for a community water system this morning. Pictured at the signing are (front l to r) FHA Supervisor Trueman Westmoreland, Association Attorney Fred Toms Sr., and President Robert [Bob] Greer, and (rear) Frank Todd, director and treasurer; Odell Owens Jr., director; James Moyes, secretary; Cline Roberts, director; and Joseph Hardee of the supervising engineering firm. Times-News photo."
Times-News article, 1964 (mo/day ?) |
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Times-News article and photo, September (day?), 1966
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For more about the dedication ceremony,
THE ASHEVILLE CITIZEN, Monday, Sept. 26, 1966: "Rising Economy Seen At Etowah"
THE ASHEVILLE CITIZEN, Monday, Sept. 26, 1966: "Rising Economy Seen At Etowah"