Word on the street: McCarson’s appliance store in West Asheville is closing

7 Comments

1. 

   Ralph Roberts August 18, 2011

   He was a good guy. I remember back in the late 80s when I was publishing CAROLINA VETERANS NEWS and the SAGEBRUSH JOURNAL out of the old Native Stone building, he was one of our regular advertisers.

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2. 

   Jeff August 7, 2011

   "Eyesore" is in the eye of the beholder. The old appliances never offended my sensibilities, and of course the McCarson's employees are just downright hunky.

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3. 

   A neighborhood resident August 6, 2011

   The “roots” of this particular part of West Asheville precede the appliance store in question. In the first half of the century, before Patton Ave and the freeway were built, Haywood was a THRIVING business community. A partial list of businesses within 4 blocks of the Brevard / Haywood intersection include:

   Restaurants: The Fairfax Café, Moore’s, Pat’s, Capps Café, None Such Café, Ida Rhoads Cafe, OK Lunch Room, Dowtin’s Bakery, Standard Lunch, The Steak House Restaurant, Hazel’s Grill, J&R Grill, Brooks Café, Cherokee Café

   Retail: Sterchi Brothers men’s store, Byer’s Department Store, Cobble’s Department Store, H. J. Olive’s merchandise, George W. Jenkins’ general store, West Asheville Flower Shop, 2 shoe shops, Home Furniture Company, Oscar Judd furniture, Fortune’s Hardware, Ideal Paint and Hardware, Ben Franklin 5&10

   Services: Bon Ton Cleaners, Star Cleaners, 4 barber shops and beauty parlors
   Numerous realty offices and a commercial developer the Skidmore Land Co

   Grocery: The Great A&P Tea Company, May’s Market, J. G. Ball’s Semi-Super Market, Pender grocery, Ideal Fruit Store, Edmond’s Grocery, Piggly Wiggly, H. L. Timmons grocery, Lucian Franklins grocery

   Health Care: Craven’s drug store, A pharmacy, Dr. Baier, a physician, Dr. Davies, a dentist

   Entertainment: The Isis Theater, The Palace Theatre, a bowling alley, various drinking establishments, a card room

   Transportation: Streetcar to downtown, Bus Station, Atkins Service Station, Pure Oil Station, Brooks Trucking Company

   Many of the two story structures had apartments and rooms for rent

   I am struck how most of the new businesses mirror those of the past, locally owned, employing neighbors and providing similar services to the community. Perhaps they were “trendy” in there time. We can only hope for that earlier vitality.

   I admire anyone willing to dream and risk opening a small business in our neighborhood, particularly in this economic environment. And I thank those that started this “trend”.

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   1. 

      Dave Piper February 5, 2014

      I am interested in pictures of previous businesses at 715 Haywood Rd.
      Thanks,
      Dave

      Reply
4. 

   M. Michael Hyatt August 4, 2011

   McCarson's was a great place to get recycled appliances that working people could afford. I've bought three refrigerators and an stove off him and his younger apprentice over the years. This is more an example of a neighborhood becoming too gentrified for it's roots than any great win for the people of the city. Hopefully he will find a new place to work his magic, and provide space for another trendy bar, coffee shop or restaurant.

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5. 

   Becky August 3, 2011

   It's also sad. McCarson's kept countless appliances out of the landfill, and you could get an affordable appliance there if you didn't have a lot of money. McCarson's also employed guys who really needed work, but weren't finding it. It was one of the last places around town that actually fixes things instead of selling you a new cheap one from China. I appreciate folks are trying to upgrade West Asheville, but geez. There is a history there. Some respect would be good.

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6. 

   Paul August 3, 2011

   The white building is one of the oldest on the street and was originally an A&P.
   It has great potential.

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