On Nov. 20, 1930, three banks in Hendersonville, one branch bank in East Flat Rock, and the Bank of Fletcher closed on the same day, along with most of the nation’s banks. Within a short time, the State Trust opened. It was the only bank in town. This bank later became known as the Northwestern Bank. This was the beginning of the Great Depression in Henderson County.
The Fleetwood Hotel in Laurel Park was left standing as a shell of a building. The 13th floor was the last floor completed, and the hotel was razed in 1939 by a salvage company.
At least 50 percent of the population still lived on farms at the beginning of the Great Depression. People who lived on farms and those who still farmed, even though they had other jobs at the beginning of the Great Depression, fared better than others. They managed to eat. Many people went back to wood-burning stoves and did not use electricity if they even had it.
Those who did not farm or have gardens suffered the most.
With money in short supply, cotton cloth and shoes became luxuries. Many local folks tell of making clothes out of flour and grain sacks and repairing and patching shoes that were passed down from child to child.
During the Great Depression the Salvation Army was the main agency serving the needs of people suffering from lack of jobs and the economic crisis. Led by George Gibbins, the Salvation Army distributed food and clothing, found shelter and food for transients, and began the first work-relief through a wood yard.
Cold and snowy winters added to the suffering. Churches of the city and county began helping people as they could, providing food and shelter during the winter.
Also active in helping residents were the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, and the Red Cross Chapter that opened a sewing room to provide employment and make clothing for the needy. The Junior Welfare Club was formed and offered free soup kitchens in two elementary schools. Lodging for transients was provided at the city jail.
A free milk station opened at Hendersonville Elementary School.
In 1933 the New Deal came to Henderson County. Four Civilian Conservation Corps camps opened in the county to provide jobs. Most of the men in these camps worked on reforestation projects, built trails in the national forest and conducted other public service projects. There were some WPA projects. The gymnasium at Hendersonville High School was a WPA project.
A three-member county board of Public Welfare formed in 1937. This was the fore-runner of today’s Department of Social Services.
Political Events and Leaders, 1930s
Agriculture and Industry, 1930s