Marshall, is a small country town which flourished during the 1920s through the 1950s. The train used to stop in Marshall before automobiles became popular. Roads in the mountains were poor limiting transportation into the mountain towns. In time a road was built away from the town, thus taking traffic away. Marshall became stagnant. Locals were still patronizing the merchants in town, but most of the traffic flowed on the new By-pass road.
In 1988 I purchased the Marshall House. After being empty for a number of years it needed some refurbishing. I purchased the home in September did some revitalizing and prepared it for my first Christmas in my new home. Decorations were placed all about. Wreaths upon the doors, a tall lighted Christmas tree, garlands decorated the stairs. It became a happy house.
Many people came to see the old place.
The 1990's were good years for tourist. Folks came to raft on the French Broad River and enjoy the sights and sounds of the mountain life. Still Marshall was not a vibrant town. Other than one small restaurant there was no entertainment in town. Then things began to change. A visionary by the name of Joel opened up a coffee shop. It seemed unlikely that the local population would take to this new idea, but before long the coffee shop became a hit.
Zuma coffee grew to larger quarters and it became a hub for business in town. Serving breakfast and lunch brought more patrons and the town began to come alive. Many more changes followed.
Today, we have a very active Arts Council. They have many musical performances throughout the year. Zuma sponsors live jam sessions every Thursday night. Friday the old train station draws a large crowd to listen to local country and bluegrass music.
Good Stuff, a grocery, lunch counter and gathering place serves beer and they have entertainment on many evenings.
Main Street in Marshall has a few special stores worth mentioning. Penland & Sons department store; Flow carries jewelry and custom clothing; Lapland Bookstore, (appointment only). The Madison County Courthouse is the centerpiece of our downtown.
For light exercise there is a walking trail on the Island. The Island is another great story. In the old high school a transformation has revitalized the building to house artist studios, now known as Marshall High Studios.
During warm months a Farmer’s Market is held on the Island on Sundays.
Change continued to come to Marshall. With a state of the art library, a modern health clinic and a large Ingles Grocery store, Marshall has not been a “Town where Time Stood Still”.
"I have watched with pleasure as my little town has come to life."
Thousands of guests have passed through our doors. Listened to the whistle of the train, enjoyed the view of the river and mountains from the veranda. Stories about the house and the town are told frequently adding to a unique experience and a memorable time away from home.
All guests that come as strangers leave as friends.
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NOTE: We have cats and dogs.
My partner Tony Dunkinson is a NC Licensed Contractor.
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