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Post Cards of Historic Blowing Rock Parkway Publishers In 2001, The Blowing Rock Historical Society published Volume I of Post Cards of Historic Blowing Rock. This full color, 126-page book featured post cards of the Blowing Rock area, including downtown and Main Street, the Blowing Rock (namesake of the village), churches, estates, hotels, inns, motels, and restaurants. In addition, scenic views of mountain terrain, curving roads and trails, Grandfather Mountain, waterfalls, and other attractions were captured in the post card format. The historical thrust of Volume I was a celebration of this special place in the years from the 1880s to 1975. This book was so well received that Volume II has been published to continue the historic journey started with the first book. Additional collectors came forward with new cards that had not been featured in Volume I, and the project of presenting this volume was undertaken with dedication and industry by the Post Card Book Committee. New insights have been gained about the significant role that the postal card played in marketing this unique area to the flatlanders down the mountain. The desire for clean air, cool breezes, and unparalleled vistas brought visitors to Blowing Rock from surrounding states and the cities of the Carolinas, as well as Florida and the Deep South. Seasonal homeowners returned year after year to entertain guests and share the glories of “The Crown of the Blue Ridge.” This volume tells of the special village called “Green Park,” separated from the village of Blowing Rock until they were joined together in 1927 by annexation. It shows the tourist industry in attractions that were available to visitors and celebrates some homes that were important enough to have post cards made of them. A furtherance of the mission of chronicling Blowing Rock’s history is in the second volume. Many readers of Volume I asked why certain photographs were not used to show the significant buildings or places. The important answer is that no post cards were found of those sights or sites, and these two volumes are entirely devoted to the postal card, which developed a variety of forms over the years. Communications have changed as have the times in our village, but we hope you will enjoy Volume II and once again remember the good old days (1880-1975) that are portrayed here. Blowing Rock is richer for all who have passed this way and visited our village. Many have stayed and added to the texture of this town, and many others have sent post cards to far away friends telling of their pleasure in sharing our “little piece of heaven.”
Reviews “An excellent compendium of photographs that adorned postcards from a bygone era from this wonderful hamlet. While many of the hotels, motels, and attractions no longer exist, you can still find them in the mind’s eye with this book . . . truly a treasure to savor and share with your children.” “A project of the Blowing Rock Historical Society, Post Cards Of Historic Blowing Rock is a coffee-table book showcasing wonderful samples of rare, historic, and colorful postcards from the American town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. A brief caption with background information on the pastoral scenes and landmarks enhances each postcard presentation and thereby brings to life a vivid, visually impressive, and memorable collection. A unique and highly recommended approach to regional American history, Post Cards Of Historic Blowing Rock could well serve as an example of what might be done by other community organizations to celebrate and memorialize their villages, towns, and cities.” “A delightful collection of post cards depicting this lovely mountain settlement when it was pristine and largely untouched by man's hand. Much has been destroyed and replaced by new homes and condos, but the Historical Society captured life as it once was, drawing flatlanders to cool from the summer heat, when transportation was difficult and arduous to Blowing Rock and God was still the architect in charge.”
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