A place with history you can visit

Keep It Local, by Barbara Lawrence – June 14, 2012

Whether you are paying your water bill, or getting involved in local historical societies, we hardly notice the facilities that make our place in the Catawba River District interesting.  A variety of historic facilities have been restored to continue to serve the community.  Here is just a small start to get you thinking and looking around.

First, keep up to date on the Catawba River District and what is going on in the area. Visit the website's community calendar often and follow along on Facebook, and sign up to get email updates.

Mount Holly's old and new city halls

The Mount Holly Historical Society is off to a great start as volunteers work through the archives and set up displays for the public to see in the former City Hall on Main Street.  Find out more about participating in this effort in their new home in Downtown Mount Holly.  Contact Sandy Carter at 704-827-7552 or email her.



Mount Holly Historic Archives in the former City Hall, Main Street, Mount Holly, NC

City of Mount Holly Municipal Complex and Grand Hall, 411 E Central Ave

Most city offices are now housed in the Mount Holly Muncipal Complex at 411 E. Central Ave. The Grand Hall in this restored mill building can handle 1,000 for special events such as wedding receptions.

Joe DePriest, columnist stated, “If you were looking for a symbol of change in Mount Holly, and the whole region for that matter, you couldn't find a better example than the two-story citizens center."

According to Robert Allison Ragan's “The Textile Heritage of Gaston County,” the building went up in 1888 as home for Mount Holly Knitting, the city's third textile mill.

The Catawba River flowed about 150 yards to the east; to the north were tracks that later became part of CSX Railroad.” (July 20, 2008 Charlotte Observer)

Find out more about the City of Mount Holly and Visit Mount Holly for information.

Belmont Historic Society located at 40 Catawba Ave, Belmont, NC

Belmont Historical Society Cultural and Heritage Learning Center 

This historic house at 40 Catawba Street in downtown Belmont is believed to have been the third house built in Belmont, and built during a time when the kitchen was separate from the main house. The restored house is now home to the Belmont Historical Society. You can see displays, a restoration project on a 1920 mill house, and several projects underway.

Hours of operation: 1-5 p.m. Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Special group tours can be arranged by calling Monday - Thursday 9AM - 2PM - 704-825-4848. Admission is free, but the group welcomes (and needs) donations for its operation.

Learn more about the society's activities at its Facebook page.

City of Belmont City Hall, 115 N Main St, Belmont, NC

Belmont City Hall

The City of Belmont preserved this historic building at the center of Downtown Belmont and provides convenient services for residents and visitors. Learn more about the City of Belmont and Visit Belmont. 

About Barbara Lawrence – Barbara has a background in economic development and real-estate research. Her work has included revitalization of downtown Boone, downtown Gastonia and now Mount Holly.