An old photograph of Cullowhee hanging at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva shows stores, warehouses, storage buildings and a railroad bridge – a different picture than the mix of businesses, apartments and empty buildings there today. “The photo was taken before the flood of 1940, and if it weren’t labeled, I don’t think many people would recognize it as Cullowhee,” said the Rev. Tim Moore, past director of WCU’s Wesley Foundation and a Jackson County native. “Cullowhee used to have a booming little downtown.”
It can again, say community members and students, faculty and staff who recently joined together as the Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor, or CuRvE. “When you begin talking with Cullowhee residents, you quickly notice that they care deeply about this place,” said Christopher Blake, assistant professor of English and CuRvE co-chair. The nonprofit organization aims to unite business owners and residents interested in developing the community in a way that reflects the culture, history and natural beauty of the area. Long-term goals include supporting current businesses and attracting new dining, shopping and entertainment venues; building safe paths that connect the area to campus; and increasing the availability of clean, attractive and affordable housing.
What sparked CuRvE’s formation was research by Todd Henry ’07, whose presentation at WCU’s 2007 Undergraduate Expo suggested a river park could boost economic development near campus along Old Cullowhee Road. Henry’s presentation got people talking: What would revitalize “Old Cullowhee?” Could the Tuckaseigee River, already a draw for anglers and boaters, be an untapped treasure?
“Many towns don’t have a river that runs through them,” said Moore. “I have traveled, and I know if there is a restaurant overlooking the water, people are drawn to it. The more we can do to enhance the river, the better.” Riverfront resident Rick Bennett ’70 ’75 said there’s a lot to watch and enjoy, from beavers to a variety of birds. “You just never know what is around the next bend,” Bennett said.
Duke Energy has plans, as a result of relicensing and lease agreements, to improve canoeing and kayaking access to the river in Cullowhee, construct additional parking and add landscaping. Those plans fit right in with CuRvE’s vision for supporting development of picnicking and walking areas, and a river park similar to the recreation area developed in Cherokee, said Mary Jean Herzog, CuRvE co-chair and professor of educational leadership and foundations.
So far, the organization has “adopted the highway” along Old Cullowhee Road, and the Mad Batter Bakery & Cafe in Cullowhee conducted the first clean-up this spring as part of its employee party. Flower boxes with yellow marigolds, purple trailing petunias and white begonias were installed on a bridge over the river as part of CuRvE’s first beautification day in May – an event that drew about two dozen volunteers. Also, group members have met with transportation representatives to discuss safety issues and possible improvements, such as sidewalks, on Old Cullowhee Road. Work is under way to raise money for a native stone and cedar “Cullowhee, N.C.” roadside sign.
Members of the WCU community taking part say this effort dovetails with the university’s commitment to serving the people of the region and the state. During the spring, students in WCU’s Freshman Leadership Institute hosted a 5K fundraiser on campus for the organization. Despite a heavy downpour, 11 runners completed the course. “The money that was raised for CuRvE will support efforts to make our community a better place to live,” said Brandon Ward, the event coordinator and a rising sophomore from Charlotte. This summer, WCU’s Institute for the Economy and the Future housed and supported a recent WCU graduate who worked part time to research grant opportunities and coordinate activities for CuRvE. This fall, a service-learning class taught by Todd Collins, assistant professor of political science and public affairs, will develop a survey to find out what community members would like to see in Cullowhee commercial areas. “This project shows students a practical application of what they learn in the classroom, and in a community close enough to campus that they will be able to see the results,” said Collins.
The revitalization activity has stirred hope in business owners such as Norman West ’72, who owns Cullowhee Real Estate and has called the area home for decades, and Lori Richards MA ’98, who has been teaching Kindermusik and Suzuki flute lessons in Cullowhee for 10 years at The Music Village, the former home of Brenda’s Mini Market. Richards also owns and operates Suds Your Duds Laundromat and Kokopelli Village Apartments in Cullowhee. “The people here are very friendly and good-natured,” said Richards. “I love the quaintness of many college towns, and would love to see Cullowhee regain some of its past charm.”
Learn more about the Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor at http://www.gocullowhee.org/.