This 1954 Thunderstreak F-84 fighter is one of the 15 historic airplanes on display at the North Carolina Aviation Museum.

A Home for High Fliers

Asheboro is home to some of the most prized aircrafts in North Carolina’s aviation history.

The North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame, located on the grounds of Asheboro Municipal Airport, has become so popular that the facility’s original 12,000 square feet of display space has been expanded to two buildings totaling 22,000 square feet.

There are now 15 airplanes in the museum, all flyable except one – a 1954 Republic Thunderstreak F-84 fighter. There is even an aircraft that Orville Wright flew in 1943.

The museum also specializes in restoration projects.

The museum most recently renovated a 1944 Mitchell B-25 World War II medium bomber. The next big event will be an air show this year in early June.

Lessons in English

Many local Hispanics are being given a first chance to learn a second language, thanks to Randolph Community College.

The college has initiated a basic skills program for Hispanics that includes an English as a Second Language course. According to the 2000 census, nearly 9,000 Spanish-speaking people now reside in Randolph County.

“ The ESL response has been so positive that the college leased a new teaching facility in north Asheboro, in a neighborhood where a high percentage of Hispanics live or work,” says Cathy Hefferin, RCC director of public affairs. “We’re also offering four computer courses taught in Spanish at the new site.”

In addition, the college has initiated a Community Spanish Interpreter
certificate program, which prepares individuals to work as entry-level bilingual professionals.

‘Good-bye Pritchard’s’ was painted by Cathy Cranford Futral as a tribute to Pritchard Feed & Seed Store after the downtown icon’s closing.

An Artist Remembered

Cathy Cranford Futral no longer lives in Asheboro, but her paintings still grace many homes throughout Randolph County.

The artist, known as Cathy Cranford when she was a student at Asheboro High School, is now married and lives in Frostproof, Fla.

“ Over the years, Cathy has
produced paintings of several
Randolph County historical buildings, schools, restaurants and outdoor scenes,” says Jane Cranford, Cathy’s mother. “I’m a real estate broker, and I see Cathy’s prints or original paintings in just about every home I enter in Randolph County.”

Today, Futral is still painting – and she says Randolph County remains a favorite subject.

“ I guess the reason I still paint my hometown is because I miss it,” she says. “I do paint Florida scenes and other universal subjects, but probably half of my work is from Randolph County. I love it, and I think that makes me look at it and appreciate it in a different way.”

Once Upon a Time

The story-time program at Asheboro Public Library involves more than just reading books to young children.

The weekly get-togethers for Randolph County preschoolers feature story reading, but also include imaginative plays, singalongs and finger plays.

“ The more variety you have with younger children, the more attentive they are,” says Myra Long, children’s librarian for the Asheboro Public Library. “That’s why we keep the stories short, and act out scenes with lots of movement. We also get the children to participate.”

The overall program includes Toddler Time (for children 18 months old to 3 years) every Thursday at 10:10 a.m., followed at 10:30 a.m. by Preschool Time for youngsters 3 and up. There is also a story time for all children on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Impressive Meeting Space

Asheboro has a new banquet hall located in one of its most stately old buildings.

The Exchange opened for business in April 2002 in a 3,200-square-foot
section of the historic Hedrick Building in downtown Asheboro. A complete renovation took place prior to the grand opening.

“ It is a beautiful space that exudes character,” says owner/manager Suzanne Knott. “Hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, tiled bathrooms and recessed lighting create an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in Randolph County.”

The banquet hall can host up to 200 people for weddings, anniversaries, reunions, daytime business meetings, holiday parties, graduations and after-hours events. In addition, The Exchange has become one of the highlights of a revitalization effort for downtown Asheboro.

Stories by Kevin Litwin
A Home for High Fliers, photo by Martin Bennett
An Artist Remembered, photo submitted