The Alexander County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) toured the downtown commercial district of the Town of Elkin on May 22. HPC members representing Alexander County were Alexander County Commissioner Larry Yoder, Helen Chestnut, Nancy Coley, Betty Long, and Taylorsville Town Council member Tamara Odom.
Town of Elkin Main Street and Community Development Director Laura Gaylord shared an overview of Elkin’s history. Gaylord guided the tour through several parks, the Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Visitor Center, and one Historic Residential District and the Downtown Elkin Historic District — both listed with the National Park Service. Elkin became an NC Main Street community in 1998.
Gaylord guided the tour, starting with the history of Elkin, while viewing the extensive displays in the Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Visitor Center located at 257 Standard Street in Elkin. Just outside, two covered stages and public restrooms with a picnic shelter were recently constructed on this property with supplemental funds from an NC Department of Commerce Rural Transformation Grant. The town provides these venues for annual events and festivals.
A driving tour highlighted the historic homes, newly developed parks, and innovative commercial enterprises throughout the town. Sabrina Wilmoth, owner of the Liberty Building, shared stories of the development of the former tobacco warehouse that now houses Angry Troll Brewery & Restaurant and Coley Hall, an event venue seating 200+ people.
Lunch at Southern on Main was followed by a tour of the Sample Store building. The family-owned building is currently being renovated for mixed-use purposes. The ground floor will be used for retail while the upper floor will offer two Airbnb units with the target audience of area wedding and event venues. Dr. Gunnar Key guided the tour of the building while sharing family history and plans for the future.
Alexander County and the Town of Taylorsville appreciate the time and energy expended by the Town of Elkin to provide insight into their historic preservation accomplishments and share their story of success. For more information about the Town of Elkin, visit www.elkinnc.org.
Learn more about the Alexander County Historic Preservation Commission at https://alexandercountync.gov/hpc.