Marshall – By now, most people have seen the devastating photos and videos of Marshall, North Carolina. Steeped in the history of Western North Carolina, Marshall is known for preserving early Scottish music in its purest form, which has evolved into today’s mountain music, as well as for its tough, resilient people who are also kind and caring.
Much of that history was lost when Helene’s floodwaters raged through the town’s main street. Ironically, it was a piece of that history that caused so much damage.
Years of History Gone
The Depot was the original train station for Marshall. In the 1980s, the people of Marshall convinced Norfolk Southern Railroad not to tear down the building. It was converted into a music hall that has hosted some of the best pickers, playing authentic mountain music.
“The depot is gone. The depot is painful,” said Sarah Scully, a lifelong resident. “It was picked up by the river and smashed into Pocket Park. Then it took out Ponder’s Auto, which had been there for generations.” Scully explained that the building crashed into the Town Hall, destroyed the front railing of the Marshall Presbyterian Church, and then surfed down Main Street, colliding with the post office and My Sister’s Attic before it began to break apart.
Clean Up Begins
The flood left knee-deep mud on Main Street and in the buildings that are still standing. As soon as the weather permitted, locals began the cleanup. Volunteers arrived, and within three days, the 101st Airborne and the National Guard came to help—shoveling muck off the street and out of buildings. After four weeks, they are still shoveling mud. Even famous locals like Sheila K. Adams and singer-songwriter Pierce Evans are lending a hand.
Two early volunteers suffered chemical burns from the mud. MountainTrue was brought in to test the soil. Two chemicals were present: isopropyl toluene and trimethylbenzene. French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson stated, “The scientific literature varied regarding what levels are harmful, but the levels we found were so far below any of those thresholds that it was clear to me it wasn’t an urgent problem. However, it’s probably still not great to breathe that in or get it on your hands, particularly for folks who have been there 10 hours a day every day since the storm.”
Shady Side Florist
One of the longest-running florists in Western North Carolina lost everything. Manager Chris Worley said, “We had a complete washout. When the windows went, all the stock went out the windows.” Worley believes it could take a six-figure payout to remove and replace the old hardwood floors, walls, equipment, and stock. Despite having no coolers, electricity, or water, Shady Side still takes care of long-time customers for special events. “When you have a customer that’s been yours for 40 years and they pass away, you’re going to make sure they have the flowers they need for their services,” said Worley.
Command Central
To coordinate all of the volunteers, an impressive command center was established on Nanostead’s property. There’s a tent for signing up volunteers and providing safety training; an area to obtain gear, including boots, gloves, and PPE; and a space to pick up shovels and tools. Volunteers are then shuttled down to town to work. When they return, they must clean themselves and their gear before heading to the food tent. There’s even a tent for haircuts.
Speaking again about Marshall and its music, Scully summed up the feelings of the community: “It’s the sound of Appalachia. It’s not just the buildings—the sight of them—it’s the sounds of Marshall. It’s the river, the rumbling of the trains, the bells from the First Baptist Church, and the music that spills out from Zumas and The Depot.”