Town of Connelly Springs

Early 1900's

As the town grew, Main Street featured two general merchandise stores, a barber shop, bank, furniture store, and blacksmith shop. Several industries sprang up including a cotton mill, gristmill, sawmill, furniture and wagon shop, glove factory, and pottery. A doctor and a dentist were available and drugs could be purchased at the drug store on Main Street. When the automobile arrived on the scene, a “filling station” was opened on the main road into town to provide gasoline for residents and travelers.

Two churches, the Methodist and First Baptist, served the congregations in the village. Many churches dotted the rural landscape. Education as well as religious teaching was important. In 1915 a one -room schoolhouse was located in the village. When it closed, students attended elementary school in Rutherford College and later, high school in Valdese. A small one-room schoolhouse located behind Israel Chapel served the close-knit African American community in the Shady Grove area.