HistoryHenderson County, North Carolina
Written by Merle D. Thornton (1950-1986), Arthur F. Drant, Jr. (1987-1991), and Evelyn M. VandenDolder (1992-2008)
Introduction
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead
Grimesdale owes its birth in the 1950s to one man: Charles Grimes, the original owner and developer of the property. It owes its life, however, to the group that raised, nurtured, and protected it for almost fifty years: the Grimesdale Homes Association, or GHA.
Founded in 1962, GHA was responsible for numerous additions and improvements in the neighborhood: paved roads, city water, natural gas lines, the community park, street and entrance signs, fire hydrants, a volunteer fire department, railroad crossing gates, a traffic light at a nearby intersection, and a Community Watch Program.
GHA also fought many battles to protect and defend the neighborhood from enemies at the gate. Through its concerted efforts, the association succeeded in quashing several attempts to rezone adjacent areas from residential to industrial use. It eliminated an existing junkyard, thwarted a potential incinerator and concrete plant, and fought the construction of an asphalt plant.
Grimesdale owes much to this association, this band of brothers (and sisters). Preserving the health and beauty of the neighborhood, however, will require the continued efforts of its residents. An account of Grimesdale and the group that has defended it follows below.
THE 1950s
Before 1950 the area now known as Grimesdale was an 18-hole golf course. The clubhouse was located across Brookside Camp Road in the area now occupied by apartment buildings.
Charles Grimes purchased the property. General Electric had an option to buy the land when the company decided to build a plant in Hendersonville. After GE selected Spartanburg Highway for its plant site, Mr. Grimes subdivided the area for homes. Half-acre lots were sold for $900 each. Mr. Grimes was the developer and V. D. Orr was the builder of the subdivision.
The first residents, Rod and Joan Miller, moved into their new home at 3119 Cardinal Lane in November 1955. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap moved into a home on Florida Drive soon after. Charles Grimes also built a home for himself in his new subdivision.
In 1955 mail was delivered only on Brookside Camp Road, and Grimesdale residents were required to have a postal box on that road for mail service. The subdivision had neither telephone service nor paved roads. During the rainy season, the streets were virtually impassable.
Rod and Joan Miller pioneered the effort to convince the state to pave the streets. The state consented to do so once Charles Grimes properly graded each street and all of the property owners agreed to pay for the paving materials. Wesley Way was the first street in Grimesdale to be paved.
Some streets were named for members of the Grimes family: Wesley Way for a son, and Cheryl and Charlyne Drives for two daughters. Other streets were apparently named for local residents: Primrose Drive for a Mr. Prim, and Napier Drive for a Mr. Napier.
Water was supplied by wells in the subdivision. There was a two-inch water line on each street. Charles Grimes was legally obligated to supply water to homeowners. The cost of water service in Grimesdale in the mid-1950s was $2 per month. As more residents moved in, more wells were drilled. During the peak demand for water in the summer, however, the pressure was inadequate. Residents began searching for an alternate source of water.
1962
The first Grimesdale Bulletin was issued in August. The first letter proposing the Grimesdale Homeowners Association (later renamed the Grimesdale Homes Association, or GHA) was sent to all Grimesdale residents on August 22. It included a ballot for voting for or against the association. The first organizational meeting was held at Berkley Mills on September 25. When the ballots were counted, 87.3 percent of the votes favored organizing GHA.
On November 10 the newly formed association applied for a corporation charter under the laws of the state of North Carolina. The charter was granted on November 19. The GHA Board held its first official meeting on December 12. George A. Seyfer became the first GHA President, and Rod Miller became the first Vice President.
1963
GHA was instrumental in effecting several neighborhood improvements. A mercury-vapor light was installed at the intersection of U.S. Highway 25 and Brookside Camp Road. A stop sign and danger sign were installed on Crabapple Lane at the lake.
GHA acquired 1.14 acres of land at the juncture of Charlyne and Cheryl Drives. This land, called Grimesdale Community Park, was deeded to the association on April 26 by Charles Grimes, the developer of Grimesdale. The deed included certain restrictions: “(1) The land herein conveyed shall be dedicated and held for park and beautification purposes only and not as a recreation center; (2) There shall be no structures of any kind erected on said property, and there shall be no facilities for games of any kind laid out on said property; and (3) In the event these conditions or provisions are violated in any way whatsoever, the title shall revert immediately to the Grantor, its successors, and assigns.” GHA led a park clean-up campaign, during which three large flower beds were created.
Cooperative programs were instituted to bring cost savings to Grimesdale residents: buying and delivering lawn fertilizer twice a year, and buying fire extinguishers at wholesale prices.
GHA successfully promoted regulating water use on an odd-and-even-number basis during the watering months. Extensive work was done on wells, pumps, and water lines to increase the water supply.
GHA pressured crews on I-26 to reduce their blast charges, with noted success. The association cooperated with the State Highway Department on paving Magnolia Drive and extensions of Wesley Way and Crabapple Lane.
1964
GHA hired a landscape architect to draw up a ten-year plan for the Grimesdale Community Park. The park was cleared, and trees and shrubs were planted.
New street signs were erected at each entrance to Grimesdale and at the two street forks within the subdivision. The community’s water supply was periodically tested for potability.
GHA promoted eliminating the "hump" on U.S. Highway 25 as it approaches Brookside Camp Road from the south to allow a better view of approaching traffic. It actively participated in the program to establish a Fire District that would include 600 homes within four miles of Mountain Home.
GHA also influenced area improvements, including the following: eliminating the garbage dump on U.S. Highway 25 near Shepherd Memorial Park, replacing the old one-phase electric system in Grimesdale with a new three-phase system installed by Duke Power, and halting excessive whistle blowing by the Norfolk Southern Railway at nearby railroad crossings.
Grimesdale residents enjoyed three successful socials and picnics during the year.
1965
GHA constructed the Grimesdale sign at the entrance to the subdivision. It also obtained liability insurance of $10,000 to $20,000 and property damage insurance of $5,000 to cover any person or property injured in the Grimesdale Community Park. A safe-deposit box was rented in the bank to harbor the GHA charter, park deed, insurance papers, and other important documents.
GHA took an active part in establishing the Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department. Two Grimesdale residents served as officers in the Mountain Home VFD: Harold Carrick as President and Charles Benninger as Secretary.
1966
This was the year, after months of negotiations, when Hendersonville water was finally obtained in Grimesdale. When the City of Hendersonville extended a 16-inch water line down U.S. Highway 25 to Mountain Home to supply an industrial complex, Grimesdale residents asked if this service could be available to their subdivision. In January a GHA water committee was formed, which included Shirley Workman as Chairman, Ed Horrocks, and Joe Kemper. Through much of the year, they negotiated with the City of Hendersonville and Charles Grimes. They made a survey of GHA residents: 97 percent of the homeowners opted for city water.
The water system was extended to Grimesdale at a cost of $25,000, including fire hydrants and meters. Mr. Grimes contributed $5,000 of this amount and paid front footage costs on unsold lots. The balance was paid by Grimesdale residents at a cost of $170 per lot for complete installation.
A comprehensive Grimesdale directory was issued to all GHA members, under the direction of Vice President Alden Whitney. This was probably the most important and useful single publication in Grimesdale history.
A Cooperative Bulk Driveway Program was instituted, which allowed homeowners the opportunity to have their driveways blacktopped or recoated at considerable cost savings.
GHA secured the appointment of Rod Miller as a Deputy Sheriff with jurisdiction in Grimesdale. Eighty-one (81) homeowners joined GHA during the year.
1970
All streets in Grimesdale were resurfaced.
1972
The GHA monthly Bulletin was officially named the Grimesdale Informat.
1973
County Commissioner Bill Prim, aided by GHA, won a battle in the war against the overflowing junkyard on U.S. Highway 25. Unfortunately the victory didn't last long. The first official GHA Zoning Committee was established.
1975
After many years of GHA effort, the traffic light at the intersection of U.S. Highway 25 and Brookside Camp Road was installed.
1980
GHA finally got some zoning on the county books through the dedicated work of its members H. Kraus and Bill Niesel. Attorney Coiner was retained as GHA counsel and agreed to defend the zoning ordinance for a maximum fee of $500. After many years of effort, spearheaded by Harold (Hal) Carrick and others, railroad signals and gates were installed on Brookside Camp Road.
A GHA committee headed by Francis Murray succeeded in getting natural gas lines installed on Cardinal Lane, Florida Drive, and part of Crabapple Lane. The gas company assured appropriations for the rest of Grimesdale for the 1981-1982 season.
When the North Carolina Forestry Service proposed cutting and selling the largest stand of trees in the Hendersonville watershed area, homeowners were asked to petition through the local Board of Realtors to prevent the action.
James Kirkpatrick organized CPR training at Pardee Hospital for interested Grimesdale residents. While engaged in this worthwhile project, Mr. Kirkpatrick himself died of a heart attack.
Hickory Hill petitioned to join GHA, but the GHA charter covers only the homes in Grimesdale.
1981
In October GHA faced a deficit and explored ways to reduce expenses. The streetlight at the intersection of U.S. Highway 25 and Brookside Camp Road was eliminated. Park mowing, sign repainting, etc. was done by volunteers.
1982
The GHA treasury was again solvent, with a $1,000 balance after cost-cutting measures and increased paid membership (103 homes).
As in previous years, the Grimesdale Informat reported good attendance at the April covered-dish supper, June picnic, September luncheon, and Christmas season meeting. These gatherings gave residents an opportunity to become better acquainted and promoted the good neighbor feeling in Grimesdale (sometimes likened to a family), especially during times of illness or loss.
1983
Some residents of Grimesdale suggested that the Grimesdale Community Park be sold to eliminate the expense of insurance, taxes, and maintenance. Research discovered that if this property ceased to be used as a park, it would revert back to Charles Grimes. Thus, the property cannot be sold.
1984
The brick pylons at the entrances to Grimesdale were found to be deteriorating. The estimated cost of repair by a contractor was $700. A special voluntary contribution was solicited from GHA members to defray this cost. Longtime residents Rod and Joan Miller volunteered to do the job for the minimal cost of materials.
Linford Thomas, another Grimesdale resident, volunteered to repaint the weathered street signs and replace those in need as a gift to the community. The funds saved by these volunteer services were used to replace plantings at the pylons.
1985
The 30-year Restrictive Covenants on Grimesdale properties approached expiration on some parcels on Cardinal Lane and Florida Drive.
For several years GHA officers had appealed (to no avail) the county ruling on taxing the park property as private property. Mildred Todt was instrumental in getting the assessed value reduced from $7,000 to $3,500.
1986
As a community, Grimesdale contracted with Duke Power to reinstall a streetlight at the intersection of U.S. Highway 25 and Brookside Camp Road for the safety of all drivers using those roads.
Several attempts were made to change the zoning of property close to Grimesdale from business to industrial use. Thanks to the research and forceful presentation of GHA President Bill Read, as well as the overwhelming attendance of GHA members at public hearings, the zoning ordinance remained intact.
In April the League of Property Owners of Henderson County asked GHA residents to join their organization. In June GHA joined the Henderson County Council of Subdivision Homeowners, and GHA President Bill Read was elected president pro tem of the organization. Each subdivision had two representatives on the council, and the council had four members on the League of Property Owners Board.
As of October there were 145 homes in Grimesdale, of which 108 were paid GHA members.
1987
Hazel and Hal Carrick were honored with a plaque at their new home in Heritage Hills for their unselfish and productive contributions while they resided in Grimesdale.
The junkyard on U.S. Highway 25 was finally being cleaned out in September after a long-fought battle, which included the sentencing of the owner, Thomas Wilson, to a 60-day jail term for failing to comply with North Carolina agencies having jurisdiction. The battle against this junkyard began in the 1970s.
Grimesdale residents, led by John Todt and Bill Read, met with residents of Hickory Hill, Stony Mountain Estates, and Cannon Woods to oppose the rezoning of the Schafer property from Residential R-15 to Industrial I-2 use. After much deliberation with Henderson County officials, the zoning request was withdrawn.
1988
GHA notified the Henderson County Health Department that debris and assorted car parts were being thrown behind Clark's Auto Repair Center on U.S. Highway 25. Mr. Clark was cited and appeared in court, where he promised to clean up the mess, which he did.
On January 20 Thomas Wilson was given 60 days to complete the cleanup of his junkyard to the satisfaction of the Henderson County Health Department. Monroe Morrison befriended Mr. Wilson and endeavored to comply with the department’s ruling. The department's Environmental Director, Robert Smith, finally approved Mr. Morrison's cleanup.
Several meetings were held as the owners of the Schafer and Rodgers properties on Brookside Camp Road reopened discussions on rezoning their properties from Residential R-15 to Industrial I-2 use. The Henderson County Planning Board, despite strong objections from Grimesdale, Stony Mountain, Cannon Woods, and Hickory Hill residents, voted 4-2 to recommend that 12.7 acres be rezoned from Residential R-15 to Industrial I-2. C. D. Cagle added his property to the Schafer and Rodgers properties for rezoning purposes. GHA attorney Sam Neill considered appealing the Planning Board decision pending the outcome of a similar case that was being heard in Greensboro, North Carolina.
In 1988 Crabapple Lane was a long, disjointed street that ran most of the length of Grimesdale. It encompassed the current streets of Crabapple Hill Lane, Starlight Lane, and Apple Creek Lane. To alleviate the confusion over the meandering path of Crabapple Lane, Rudy Gay volunteered to make additional street signs.
The Grimesdale Extension Homemakers Club celebrated its tenth anniversary with a luncheon attended by the club's president, Maude Glasscock; past presidents Grace Lewis, Betty Snyder, Pauline Novy, Jean Dombrowsky, and Ruth Enge Holm; and other members.
As of September 1988, 109 households were GHA members. After careful review, the GHA Board decided to raise the annual dues from $10 per household, which had been in effect since 1962, to $15, effective as of 1989.
1989
Rod Miller and Lilla Fawess were reelected GHA President and Secretary, respectively. Francis Murray replaced Charles Porter as Vice President, and Jim Mills replaced Hamilton Halen as Treasurer. Bill Novy reenlisted as Editor.
The most noteworthy event in 1989 was the furor over the reevaluation of properties in Henderson County, including those in Grimesdale. The Tax Assessor received so many complaints that he had to reduce most of the reevaluations. No changes were reported in the zoning status of the Schafer, Rodgers, and Cagle properties.
Merle Thornton and Francis Murray discovered that the Grimesdale entrance sign was falling apart, but they were able to salvage eight of the ten large white letters that spell "Grimesdale." Merle donated the wood to rebuild the sign and also did most of the work, with the help of his wife, Phyllis. The sign was rebuilt with new brass screws and a new paint job for a total cost of $67.08.
After noticing that the Auto Cleaning and Polishing Firm and the New Paint and Body Shop were selling used cars, which violated zoning laws, Bill Read and John Todt contacted Sam Laughter, the County Engineer, who investigated the situation and enforced the zoning restrictions. Bill and John also contacted the parties responsible for cleaning up the junkyard on U.S. Highway 25 to ensure that the remaining debris would be cleared away.
Steve Schmelz and Rod Miller contacted the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT), requesting that its engineers fix the deteriorating street signs on the brick pylons facing Brookside Camp Road. DOT declined due to insufficient funds but suggested that GHA contact county agencies for relief. Merle Thornton and Francis Murray investigated the cost of replacing the signs with ones made of more durable material, and they hired the Something Special organization to produce new metal signs. Merle and his wife, Phyllis, also replaced missing nuts and bolts on several speed limit signs in Grimesdale.
Jim and Ruth Mills led a gang of gatherers, including Ed Fawess, George Austin, and Herb Engeholm, who cleaned up the litter along Brookside Camp Road from U.S. Highway 25 to Hickory Hill. Jim and Ruth Mills, as well as Rudy Gay, also repainted and relettered all of the concrete street pylons within Grimesdale.
Seventy-three people attended the fall luncheon. The guest speaker was Jody Barber of the Camera Shop, who narrated a slide presentation on the magnificent hotels that once graced Hendersonville and surrounding areas.
Tony Schultz compiled and printed the GHA directory of Grimesdale residents, which was distributed to all dues-paying members. John Westman, the Grimesdale Community Park Director, pruned the dead branches from the flowering shrubs in the park and beautified the area with additional plants that were purchased by nearby residents.
As required by the GHA charter of incorporation, the association held its annual meeting in December to elect new officers and directors for the upcoming year. Retiring street directors were reminded that it was their responsibility to find a replacement director for their area. True to tradition, GHA held its Christmas party at the same time as the annual meeting.
GHA officers reminded Grimesdale residents that GHA, one of the oldest community organizations in Henderson County, had accomplished much since it was founded in 1962. Among other things, GHA (1) helped to establish the Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department, (2) obtained city water and fire hydrants in Grimesdale, (3) convinced the state to pave neighborhood roads and maintain them, (4) got the railroad crossing gates installed, (5) convinced the gas company to bring natural gas to the area, (6) fought to obtain the protection of R-20 zoning, and (7) acquired the deed from Charles Grimes for the community park.
The Grimesdale Knitters, a group of fifteen dedicated women led by Grace Grether, met monthly to knit and crochet hundreds of items that were donated to worthy causes: 134 socks, exercise balls, and elbow guards to the Hendersonville Volunteer Services; 60 hats and mittens to the Rosebud Indians of South Dakota; 142 hats and mittens to the Fort Washakie Indians of South Dakota; and 30 hats to the Head Start Program of Hendersonville.
The large fir tree along Cheryl Drive in the Grimesdale Community Park was again trimmed with brightly colored lights for the holiday season. Harry Logan supplied the electrical power, and George Austin, Tye Gilliland, John Westman, and Rod Miller trimmed the tree.
After serving as Editor of the Grimesdale Informat for four years, Bill Novy resigned at the end of 1989. Arthur (Art) Howe took over the position and served as Editor for the next eleven years. As of September, 110 homes in Grimesdale were paid GHA members.
1990
Rod Miller was reelected GHA President and earned the distinction of being the first person to serve in that office for three terms. Elizabeth Bruce and Art Howe became the new Vice President and Editor, respectively. Lilla Fawess and Jim Mills reenlisted for another term as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
The County Engineer was asked to survey the deep hole at the intersection of U.S. Highway 25 and Brookside Camp Road. GHA requested that the drainage pipe be extended and the hole filled to eliminate the hazard when making a turn at the intersection. DOT reported that they would make the requested changes, install left-turn lanes, and erect additional traffic lights to control the traffic patterns.
An industrial incinerator was proposed for the Mountain Home Industrial Park. This proposal met with immediate disapproval from residents of Grimesdale, Cannon Woods, Hickory Hill, and other communities in Henderson County. Bill Read and John Todt spent many hours researching the pros and cons of constructing the incinerator. Bill also made a trip to Galax, Virginia to inspect a similar incinerator operating in that town. He uncovered many alarming facts about the incinerator and its lack of adequate EPA and state inspections.
The Citizens for Responsible Waste Management (CRWM), whose leaders included three GHA members (Jim Mills, Bill Read, and John Todt), was formed to fight the installation of the incinerator. Eugene Adams, the applicant, was refused a permit because of zoning restrictions and the determined efforts of CRWM to persuade the County Commissioners. CRWM also helped propose and develop a county ordinance that would include strict controls on the placement and operation of incinerators in any area of Henderson County, zoned or unzoned. GHA donated funds to CRWM, and several GHA members were involved in its activities.
The Grimesdale Knitters continued their efforts to knit and crochet items for various organizations. From the time it was founded in 1982 until January 1990, this group had already made and donated 2,664 items. A total of 113 households were GHA members in 1990.
1991
Newly elected GHA officers included Arthur (Art) Drant as President, John Fleming as Treasurer, and Jean Dombrowsky as Secretary. Elizabeth Bruce and Art Howe reenlisted as Vice President and Editor, respectively.
The Henderson County Commissioners appointed GHA and CRWM member Bill Read to the Henderson County Board of Adjustment. The commissioners held a public meeting, which many GHA members attended, to discuss ordinances concerning solid waste incinerators.
Several break-ins and robberies of Grimesdale homes, as well as vandalism of mailboxes and signs, were reported to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department. Unfortunately no arrests were made, even though residents had spotted likely offenders and their vehicles. Art Drant engaged Sergeant Cliff Eubanks of the Sheriff’s Department to speak at the GHA covered-dish supper and describe the Community Watch Program. Sergeant Eubanks told residents how they could protect their homes while they were away and mentioned that most break-ins occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Confusion had reigned over the actual location of a certain house number on Crabapple Lane. Art Drant made a sign giving explicit directions from the corner of Wesley Way and Crabapple Lane. Vandals removed the sign after it had been in place for only a few weeks. Fortunately Bill Read retrieved the sign, which was repaired and reinstalled.
GHA joined several other civic groups in preventing the construction of a concrete plant in an unzoned residential neighborhood on North Rugby Road. The plant was relocated to Brickton.
At its Valentine's Day luncheon, the Grimesdale Ladies Club, formerly known as the Grimesdale Extension Homemakers Club, raised $100 to benefit Mainstay's program to help battered women. Jim and Ruth Mills, as well as other Grimesdale residents, continued their campaign to clean up the litter along Brookside Camp Road from U.S. Highway 25 to Hickory Hill.
Rudy and Carolyn Gay donated several trees and shrubs, Harry Logan donated plants, and other Grimesdale residents donated money so that Park Director John Westman could improve the landscaping in the Grimesdale Community Park. George Austin, Tye Gilliland, John Westman, and Rod Miller again decorated the large pine tree in the park for the Christmas holidays. A total of 114 households were GHA members in 1991.
1992
Charles "Kip" Edwards was elected GHA President. Other GHA officers, who had served in 1991, volunteered to serve another term. A total of 116 households were GHA members in 1992.
1993
Rod Miller was once again elected and served his fourth term as GHA President. Corrine Murray was elected Vice President, and the other GHA officers, who had served in 1992, reenlisted for another term. Art Drant volunteered to maintain GHA's historical records after Merle Thornton resigned this position.
Rod Miller reminded residents of some of GHA's accomplishments over the years. In addition to those mentioned in the entry for 1989, Rod noted these GHA achievements: (1) pushed to get the traffic light installed at the intersection of U.S. Highway 25 and Brookside Camp Road; (2) helped to remove the junkyard on Newman's curve on U.S. Highway 25; (3) erected the entrance sign and street signs in Grimesdale; (4) repaired and maintained the brick pylons and surrounding landscaping; (5) established the Community Watch Program in Grimesdale; (6) successfully opposed the construction of an incinerator in Mountain Home; (7) obtained legal services so residents could fight rezoning and other battles together as an association rather than individually; (8) compiled, updated, printed, and distributed directories of Grimesdale residents to GHA members; (9) wrote and distributed the Grimesdale Informat, the neighborhood newsletter; and (10) maintained the Grimesdale Community Park.
Nearly 100 residents attended the annual covered-dish supper in April. Nippy Page, the Integrated Solid Waste Planner for Henderson County, was guest speaker at the supper and discussed the importance of recycling materials and reducing solid waste.
At the May GHA Board Meeting, Lance Smith of the Public Service Company of North Carolina, Inc. discussed the possibility of extending natural gas service in Grimesdale. At that time, only homes on Cardinal Lane, Florida Drive, and Charlyne Drive had gas service. GHA street directors handed out surveys to obtain information from residents regarding their need for additional gas lines.
After noticing that the rabbit and squirrel populations in Grimesdale were declining, residents assumed that someone in the area was poisoning the animals. Three dogs in the neighborhood also died in 1993 as a result of being poisoned: Janet Stewart of Mason Way lost two dogs, and Bob Lenk of Cheryl Drive reported that his dog, Amanda, had died in his arms.
Several street names and signs were changed in Grimesdale to help the Police and Fire Departments locate homes more easily. Crabapple Lane from Magnolia Drive to the Crabapple Lane cul-de-sac was renamed Starlight Lane. The cul-de-sac was renamed Apple Creek Lane. The house numbers, however, remained the same.
The Grimesdale Knitters donated another 80 hats and 12 pairs of booties to the Indians of South Dakota and Minnesota, 35 hats to the Head Start Program in Hendersonville, socks and shawls to the Hendersonville Council on Aging, exercise balls to cancer patients, and elbow guards to hospital patients. The number of paid GHA memberships in 1993 was 116, out of a total of 154 households.
1994
Newly elected GHA officers included Betty Bruce as President, Lee King as Vice President, and Caroline King as Treasurer. Jean Dombrowsky and Art Howe volunteered to serve another term as Secretary and Editor, respectively. As in previous years, each street in Grimesdale was covered by two street directors, who delivered the Grimesdale Informat, welcomed new residents, and told them about GHA and its worthwhile activities.
After receiving several complaints about the poor condition of the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing on Brookside Camp Road, Art Howe contacted the track supervisor, who said that the asphalt pavement needed repair. GHA contacted DOT officials and asked them to fix the problem.
The County Sheriff and District Attorney closed a labor camp that had been set up between the railroad tracks and U.S. Highway 25, where squatters were selling drugs. The guest speaker at the GHA covered-dish supper was Alan Leonard, the County District Attorney, who said that the federal government had seized and padlocked the property and had informed the owners, who lived in Florida, that the property would be sold.
As Chairman of the GHA Subdivision and Zoning Committee, Rod Miller kept residents informed about any changes in the proposed annexation of county land (including Grimesdale) by the City of Hendersonville. All GHA Board members were against annexation. Betty Bruce served as the GHA representative on the Committee for Efficient City and County Government, which was composed of residents from several subdivisions. This committee kept abreast of annexation provisions, proposals, and alternatives; monitored city and county government meetings; and reported to residents. GHA donated $20 to the committee to help cover postage and printing costs.
After Louise Grant of Magnolia Drive informed GHA officers that DOT intended to take some of her land to widen Brookside Camp Road, they contacted state officials. DOT said that the road would be widened to three lanes from U.S. Highway 25 to just west of Charlyne Drive as an adjunct to the widening of Highway 25 and as a way to create a safer railroad crossing. Because the two brick pylons at Magnolia Drive would have to be demolished to allow the road widening, Betty Bruce, Rod Miller, and Art Howe negotiated with DOT officials to obtain the fair market value for the pylons.
George and Rozena Huizinga donated several pieces of cypress lawn furniture to the Grimesdale Community Park. A total of 113 households were GHA members in 1994.
1995
Lee King was elected GHA President, and Rod Miller was elected Vice President. Other officers who had served in 1994 volunteered for another term.
Carol Bumgarner served as the GHA contact with the Public Service Company of North Carolina while the company researched the possibility of installing new gas lines in Grimesdale. Gas service was extended to Magnolia Drive and Wesley Way.
Polly Orr (as Chairman), George Huizinga, Rod Miller, and Art Howe formed a committee to study the need for changes in the GHA covenants to protect residents and their properties. They updated the covenants, which hadn't been changed in 30 years, and submitted them to the GHA Board for consideration.
Grimesdale residents experienced many problems with telephone service (outages, interference, etc.) due to the old lead aerial cables. George Postler and other GHA members asked Southern Bell to repair or replace them. The company buried several cables, which alleviated the problems.
The Norfolk Southern Railway delivered ties and timbers for the widening of the railroad crossing on Brookside Camp Road.
Rod Miller was instrumental in clearing up the clutter at the corner of Brookside Camp Road and U.S. Highway 25. Cars for sale, an advertising sign, old appliances, and other junk were removed to give drivers an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic.
The GHA Board donated $25 to the League of Property Owners of Henderson County, of which GHA was a member. This donation defrayed the cost of guest speaker David Rusk, author of Cities without Suburbs, at a public meeting in Hendersonville High School.
Polly Orr updated and printed the Grimesdale directory after Anthony Schultz, who had done this job for many years, moved away. A total of 105 households were GHA members in 1995.
1996
Newly elected GHA officers included George Huizinga as President, Jean Briggs as Secretary, and Doris Jones as Treasurer. Rod Miller and Art Howe reenlisted as Vice President and Editor, respectively.
GHA offered a $210 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who poisoned Janet Stewart's dogs. A laboratory in North Dakota determined that the two dogs were poisoned by a deadly insecticide that had been banned 25 years earlier. (A third dog, owned by Bob Lenk, had also been poisoned but wasn't tested.) The insecticide had been added to fish in an amount that was 2,000 times stronger than the minimum deadly dose. The contaminated fish was then fed to the dogs. The Hendersonville police found two potential sources of the insecticide, but no one was ever charged with the crime. GHA donated the $210 reward money to the animal shelter, All Creatures Great and Small.
Rod Miller spearheaded a GHA effort to stop a resident on Magnolia Drive from operating a commercial landscaping business out of his home, which was a violation of the county's zoning restrictions. The resident applied for several zoning variances that would have been detrimental to the neighborhood. After five months of waging battle, GHA prevailed, and the County Enforcement Code Administrator ordered the resident to cease all commercial activities on his property and relocate all landscaping materials.
The Grimesdale Knitters donated 86 hats to the Indians of South Dakota, 49 hats to Head Start of Hendersonville, and 16 shawls to the Council on Aging. A total of 105 households were GHA members in 1996.
1997
Newly elected GHA officers included Dwight Giles as President, Jim Mills as Vice President, Ferne Schnitzler as Secretary, and Joe Pafford as Treasurer. Art Howe continued to serve as Editor. Mike Orr audited the GHA books for 1996, as he had done in previous years.
Dwight Giles and Polly Orr met with an attorney who had experience with restrictive covenants to discuss the proposed revisions to the GHA covenants, specifically the text pertaining to R-20 zoning. The attorney sent a revised draft to GHA Board members, who discussed it at length and made additional changes before submitting it to Grimesdale residents for approval.
The GHA covered-dish supper featured Sheriff George Erwin and Police Lt. Billy Wilson as guest speakers. They described the activities of the Sheriff's Department, cited crime statistics, and encouraged residents to renew their commitment to the Community Watch Program in Grimesdale. Sheriff Erwin also suggested that GHA members contact DOT to replace the 25 mph signs with 15 mph signs where children were living and to erect new signs reading "Children at Play."
Dwight Giles contacted DOT to arrange an inspection of all streets in Grimesdale. DOT engineers checked the condition of the streets and recommended repairing the potholes on Primrose Drive, Starlight Lane, and Napier Drive. They also suggested that DOT fill and level ditches in the neighborhood and that GHA remove brush and overhanging branches to improve safety. DOT said that GHA would have to erect the "Children at Play" signs because of the department's lack of funds and workers.
GHA Board members met with Thomas Looby, Chairman of the Committee on Consolidation of City and County Governments, to hear his views on the subject. The guest speaker at the GHA fall luncheon was Louise Bailey, author of the "Along the Ridges" column in the Hendersonville Times-News, who spoke about the history of Henderson County.
A GHA committee composed of Rod Miller, Art Drant, Jim Mills, and Art Howe sifted through several boxes containing the association's papers and decided that only a small portion should be maintained as GHA historical records.
The Grimesdale Knitters donated 46 hats to the Indians in South Dakota, 32 hats to the Indians in Redley, Minnesota, and 20 hats to Head Start in Hendersonville. Polly Orr revised and printed the Grimesdale directory. A total of 103 households were GHA members in 1997.
1998
All of the GHA officers from 1997 volunteered to serve again in 1998, except Secretary Ferne Schnitzler, who was replaced by Colleen Shank.
Grimesdale residents met with attorney Randall Romeo to discuss the new GHA covenants, which included the R-20 zoning rules. By March 106 households had signed the document in the presence of a notary public, 34 households were undecided or had not been contacted yet, and 15 households had refused to sign, out of a total of 155 homes.
GHA and other community groups successfully opposed the construction of a racetrack in Naples. A petition to stop this development, which was submitted to the Henderson County Commissioners, included 1,840 names, 170 of which were Grimesdale residents. Mr. Brownlow Hyder, who owned the Naples property, decided not to sell his land to the developer.
DOT promised to repave Primrose Drive and Starlight Lane. A total of 104 households paid the $15 GHA membership dues in 1998. No other homeowners association in Henderson County had lower dues than GHA.
1999
Dwight Giles was reelected for a third term as GHA President. Joan Pafford replaced Colleen Shank as Secretary, but the other officers from 1998 reenlisted for another term. After serving for fourteen consecutive years as street director of Cheryl Drive, George Postler resigned. A total of 94 households were GHA members in 1999.
2000
All GHA officers from 1999 volunteered to serve another term, except for Vice President Jim Mills, who was succeeded by Corey Ellis.
The GHA Board reminded residents of the association's primary purpose: to protect the neighborhood from various dangers, including threats to property values. The Board noted that Charles Grimes had deeded the land for the Grimesdale Community Park to GHA in 1963 but had reserved the right to reclaim the property if GHA ceased to exist. Several years earlier, the Grimes family had tried to regain control of the park so they could build an apartment complex on the site. GHA successfully fought those efforts. Had GHA failed, the apartment complex would certainly have lowered the property values and quality of life in Grimesdale.
A dead oak tree was removed from the Grimesdale Community Park. The Grimesdale Knitters donated 120 hats to various charities. GHA dues was increased from $15 to $20 per year. As of October, 92 households were GHA members.
2001
Newly elected GHA officers included Dick Johnston as President and Bob Wilson as Vice President. After serving eleven years as Editor, Art Howe resigned and was replaced by Suzanne Collins as Secretary and Editor. By July, however, Suzanne had resigned and was succeeded by Lance Siebel as Secretary and Barbara Miller as Editor. Joe Pafford volunteered again to be the Treasurer, but he was replaced by Jim Mills when Joe and his wife, Joan, moved to Michigan.
The main issue facing GHA members in 2001 was the proposed construction of an asphalt plant less than half a mile from Grimesdale. When John Pace, owner of Tarheel Paving Co., bought 16 acres of land next to U.S. Highway 25, the previous owner had placed a deed restriction on the property that specifically prohibited the construction of an asphalt plant. In 1995, however, after much legal maneuvering, Pace succeeded in getting this restriction lifted and began plans for building a plant that could produce 200,000 tons of asphalt per year (250 tons per day).
GHA and other concerned residents of Henderson County organized a citizens' action group to block the plant. The group, called Citizens Against the Asphalt Plant (CAAP), held rallies, distributed pamphlets, sponsored public forums, and attended government meetings to educate citizens and convince public officials about the plant's adverse effects on air quality, water quality, flooding potential, people's health, and property values. Janet Stewart, a GHA member who lived on Mason Way, was elected CAAP Chairman.
At a February public hearing, which drew more than 600 people, most of whom were from Grimesdale and neighboring communities, four out of every five speakers opposed issuing a permit for the plant. Despite this public outcry, the N.C. Division of Air Quality (DAQ) issued a permit to Tarheel Paving in April.
In June, with the help of attorney Lyman Gregory, CAAP filed a lawsuit, seeking to compel DAQ to enforce its own rules and require that Tarheel Paving comply with them. CAAP wanted DAQ to measure the air pollution around the plant and force the company to enclose areas of the facility to reduce dust, smoke, and odors. The GHA Board and other GHA members contributed time and money to support CAAP's efforts. In August Tarheel Paving began operating its asphalt plant as the lawsuit continued.
GHA updated, printed, and distributed a new Grimesdale directory, which was given to the 87 dues-paying members in 2001.
2002
All of the GHA officers from 2001 volunteered to serve again, except for Vice President Bob Wilson, who was replaced by Sara McCord.
As in previous years, Cheryl Drive resident Rod Miller continued to spend more than 100 hours, for which he was paid $400, to mow and trim the Grimesdale Community Park and the area around the entrance sign on Brookside Camp Road. Rod offered to pay someone to help him maintain the area near the sign.
Carolyn Sloan noted that traffic in Grimesdale had increased greatly since outsiders started using it as a practice driving area and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began giving drivers' tests in the neighborhood. She called the DMV in Raleigh to complain and asked GHA President Dick Johnston to send a letter to the DMV on behalf of GHA to complain about the heavy traffic. This action was postponed, however, when residents noticed that the traffic had abated.
Bill Fitch organized a group of Grimesdale residents to repaint and restencil the original, white, concrete street posts in the neighborhood.
The lawsuit against the asphalt plant continued. In April CAAP filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, which included testimony from expert witnesses, to try to bring resolution and closure to its long legal battle.
Steve Brooks, who lived on Charlyne Drive with his wife and children, was involved in a serious car accident that left him in critical condition. He was flown to a Houston hospital, where specialists could treat his brain injuries. To benefit the Brooks family, GHA collected cash contributions and organized a neighborhood yard sale with donated items at the Balfour Baptist Church. Steve's condition improved, and he was moved to a care center in Atlanta.
GHA distributed a survey to Grimesdale residents, seeking input on needed changes in the neighborhood, interest in social events, and use of the community park. Of the 150 surveys that were distributed, only 19 were returned to GHA President Dick Johnston.
Because of the low turnout at the September luncheon, the GHA Board decided to cancel this annual event in 2003. A total of 81 households were GHA members in 2002.
2003
All of the GHA officers from 2002 reenlisted in 2003. Crabapple Lane was officially renamed Crabapple Hill Lane to help distinguish it from Crabapple Circle.
After nearly three years, CAAP, which included many GHA members, lost its battle with DAQ and Tarheel Paving. In September the N.C. Environmental Management Commission, which reviews disputes over environmental rules, upheld DAQ's decision to grant a permit for the asphalt plant. CAAP members decided not to file an appeal with the Superior Court because of the cost and futility of continuing their fight.
Stray dogs continued to be a neighborhood nuisance, necessitating a call to Animal Services. An Animal Control officer set up a baited cage, captured one dog, and brought it to the pound. A total of 88 households were GHA members in 2003.
2004
Dick Johnston and Lance Siebel were elected to their fourth terms as GHA President and Secretary, respectively. Chuck Mason and Bill Fitch were elected Vice President and Treasurer, respectively. Charles Parker succeeded Barbara Miller as Editor, but he resigned shortly thereafter and was replaced by Lance Siebel.
Chuck Mason agreed to audit the GHA records for 2003. Dwight Giles distributed new Community Watch decals and brochures. Polly and Mike Orr updated and printed the Grimesdale directory, which was distributed to new residents and GHA members.
The GHA Board discussed DOT's proposed interchange off I-26 onto Brookside Camp Road. They agreed to survey all Grimesdale residents for their opinions if DOT made a formal decision on the interchange. DOT, however, abandoned the proposal.
The Board asked DOT officials to erect "Children at Play" signs in Grimesdale to alleviate the danger from speeding cars. DOT declined, however, because the department no longer manufactured, let alone installed, this type of sign.
In September Grimesdale residents suffered property damage and a four-day power outage. The remnants of three hurricanes -- Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne -- passed through western North Carolina that month, bringing heavy rains and strong winds, spawning tornadoes, flooding large areas, generating landslides, uprooting trees, and downing power lines. Grimesdale residents provided food, protective tarps, and other assistance to neighbors whose homes were damaged by falling trees, and some residents supplied interim power with generators.
Rod Miller and Fred Bushmann, both of Cheryl Drive, cleaned up the debris in the Grimesdale Community Park that was left by the hurricanes. The Board gave Rod and Fred free GHA memberships for 2005. A total of 77 households were GHA members in 2004.
2005
Newly elected GHA officers included Chuck Mason and Mike Garren as President and Vice President, respectively. Other officers (Bill Fitch and Lance Siebel) volunteered to serve another term. Chuck Mason volunteered to audit the GHA financial records for 2004.
The GHA Board asked DOT to send a crew to Grimesdale to clear away the overgrowth that obscured street and stop signs and obstructed the view of drivers at many intersections. Board members also asked residents to help with the trimming near their own properties.
A late December ice storm, which hit just before Christmas, knocked out power in Grimesdale for five days. The storm cut electrical power to 1.6 million customers in North and South Carolina. Henderson County was one of the hardest hit areas. Grimesdale residents with generators helped powerless neighbors during the outage. A total of 78 homeowners were GHA members in 2005.
2006
Chuck Mason and Bill Fitch reenlisted as GHA President and Treasurer, respectively. Lance Siebel resigned as Secretary and Editor. Joyce Mason volunteered to serve as Secretary, and Mike Garren volunteered to serve as both Vice President and Editor.
After 20 years of mowing and maintaining the Grimesdale Community Park, Rod Miller resigned. Ultimate Lawn Care, owned by Shane Messer of Charlyne Drive, was awarded the contract for mowing the park.
The job of repainting and stenciling the old concrete street posts proved to be more difficult than originally thought, so GHA hired someone to finish the job and to repaint several directional street signs.
The GHA Board considered renaming the newsletter to make it sound more neighborly and inviting and asked for suggestions from Grimesdale residents. After reviewing submitted names, the Board decided to change the Grimesdale Informat to the Grimesdale Gazette, starting with the May 2006 issue.
GHA purchased a new park sign and two wooden picnic tables with benches for the Grimesdale Community Park. Joe Stefanko assembled the tables, and Chuck Mason water-sealed them. Shane Messer delivered four loads of free mulch from the landfill to the park for landscaping and cushioning beneath the tables. Chris Swain spread two of the loads by himself before getting assistance from Dan Dellinger, Bill Fitch, Dick Johnston, and Chuck Mason. GHA held a community picnic in the park in October, which was well attended.
GHA members fought another rezoning battle with the Henderson County Board of Commissioners in October. The commissioners were considering a proposal to rezone a 16.25-acre strip of land from R-30 (low-density residential) to I-2 (general industrial district). This strip of land was even closer to Grimesdale than the asphalt plant. If the rezoning request were approved, junkyards, drag strips, truck terminals, and other industries would be allowed to set up shop on Grimesdale's doorstep. GHA street directors distributed fliers to Grimesdale residents, alerting them to this threat and asking them to attend the public hearing and to write letters to the commissioners expressing their outrage about the rezoning proposal. Several Grimesdale residents also spoke at the hearing. Because of these concerted efforts, GHA won this fight. The commissioners were prepared to unanimously vote down the rezoning request, but they gave the applicant the opportunity to withdraw his request, which he did.
Chuck Mason updated, computerized, printed, and distributed the Grimesdale directory to new residents and dues-paying members. A total of 85 households were GHA members in 2006.
2007
Chris Swain was elected GHA President, and Evelyn VandenDolder was elected Secretary and Editor. Chuck Mason agreed to serve as Vice President, and Bill Fitch reenlisted as Treasurer.
An April storm with gale-force winds uprooted trees and knocked out power to 30,000 residents in Henderson County, including those in Grimesdale. Once again, Grimesdale residents aided their less fortunate neighbors who suffered property damage from falling trees.
Grimesdale entered the electronic age in April, when GHA President Chris Swain launched a neighborhood website that he had designed. The website -- http://www.grimesdale.org -- included a list of GHA officers and street directors, upcoming events and meetings, the GHA covenants, a history of Grimesdale, and other matters of concern to residents. The website also allowed residents to send their comments and questions to their GHA representatives.
GHA warned residents of suspicious persons in the neighborhood after one homeowner on Wesley Way reported that a stranger had tried to open her basement door and another had canvassed her backyard with a flashlight. Grimesdale residents were reminded of the Community Watch Program, which was specifically designed to protect the neighborhood from criminal activity.
Chuck Mason cleared out the ivy and weeds and trimmed the bushes around the six entrance posts in Grimesdale. The posts were then pressure washed. The GHA Board investigated ways to refurbish the Grimesdale sign and relandscape around it and began work on those improvements.
Board members also studied ways to alleviate the flooding problems in the ditch near the Grimesdale Community Park and Mary Ashe's property on Charlyne Drive. The ditch belongs to Grimesdale and is therefore GHA's responsibility. The Board also asked residents for help in compiling an inventory of potholes and other needed road repairs in Grimesdale to send to DOT officials.
Fred Bushmann and Uel Evans, both of Cheryl Drive, received the GHA Excellent Neighbor Award for removing a fallen tree from Mary Ashe's property after the April windstorm and for mowing the community park while the maintenance contract was being renewed.
GHA held another picnic in the community park in October, which was well attended. Because of the low turnout at previous Christmas parties, the Board decided to forgo the party in 2007. The GHA Business Meeting, which was usually held during the Christmas party, was held at the October picnic instead. A total of 89 households were GHA members in 2007.
2008
GHA Vice President Chuck Mason was elected President, after serving for six months as Acting President. Bill Fitch and Evelyn VandenDolder reenlisted as Treasurer and Secretary/Editor, respectively. Despite repeated requests, no one volunteered to serve as Vice President. After many years of dedicated service, Dwight Giles resigned as Chairman of the Community Watch Program. Bob Wilson volunteered to take over his position.
Because of the complexity of tax issues, Bill Fitch suggested, and the Board agreed, that GHA should hire a professional firm, such as H&R Block, to prepare the association's tax forms every year.
In the spring Grimesdale held a neighborhood garage sale, which was advertised in the Hendersonville Times-News. About a dozen households participated, selling their own goods on their own properties for their own benefit.
Rod and Joan Miller, the first residents of Grimesdale, died within months of each other. After buying their first home in the neighborhood in 1955, they spent more than 50 years serving Grimesdale and its residents, including Rod's terms as GHA President, Vice President, and caretaker of the Grimesdale Community Park. GHA honored the Millers posthumously with an ice cream social in June, which was attended by about 30 people. GHA also held a picnic in the park in October, which was a social success as well.
After a concerted effort, GHA convinced DOT to fix the potholes and crumbling pavement on Grimesdale's streets. Board members sent DOT a letter, along with an inventory of needed road repairs compiled by Evelyn VandenDolder. GHA officers and Bob Wilson, Grimesdale's resident road expert, met with DOT engineers to inspect the problem areas. Although the Board pressured DOT officials to repave the streets entirely, they claimed it was impossible because of budget constraints.
After investigating several options, Chuck Mason fixed the clogged drain and solved the flooding problem in the ditch near the community park. He continued his search for a viable landscaping plan for the Grimesdale entrance sign. With the help of his son and Bill Fitch, Chuck laid out a bed border around the sign, using retainer wall stones. He also finished updating the Grimesdale directory for distribution to all dues-paying members. A total of 85 households were GHA members in 2008.
