Centennial Article – The Hand Family of Little Switzerland

By Jann Godwin Louisa DeSaussure Duls in the Story of Little Switzerland writes that in 1920, “the Staten home was bought by a family that was to be associated with Little Switzerland for a long time”. Her vision into the future was correct because one family member still lives here today. Davis Godwin is their […]

Tell Weather by Rhododendron’s Curl

The thick, leathery leaves on the rhododendron bushes were curled tighter than a homemade twist of tobacco. As mountain weather sharps well know, it’s a sign of winter for a fact when rhododendron leaves, though evergreen, droop and roll inwards, Up here, where rhododendron lavishes the mountain slopes and coves, the weather sharps are keeping […]

Winter Solstice at Parkway Milepost 333.4

Move Over Stonehenge! An amazing discovery about the Blue Ridge Parkway, with far-reaching cultural implications, has been publicly confirmed, Whispers and rumors have abounded for years, ever since the discoverer (your modest observer), in an unguarded moment several years ago, revealed his tentative findings. Since then, jealous rivals have been plotting to claim this discovery […]

Jann Godwin wins 2011 Realtor of the Year Award!

The Yancey-Mitchell Board of REALTORS had their Annual Awards Luncheon at the Burnsville Town Center on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.  Jann Godwin of Timberline Properties, Inc. was presented the 2011 REALTOR OF THE YEAR Award.  Jann stated that she was touched and honored by this demonstration of the respect of her peers, which she returns […]

A Women in Business Profile of Jann Godwin

FEELING AT HOMEBy Corey HoilmanLike the original settlers of Little Switzerland, Jann Godwin’s journey to the mountains afforded her the same opportunity to start life anew and pursue a new career opportunity. Jann is the owner of Timberline Properties in Spruce Pine. Incorporated in 1999, the company sells property across Mitchell County, and specializes in […]

Little Switzerland at 99 Years Old

At 99, still pretty little BY JAY PRICE, Staff Writer LITTLE SWITZERLAND, NC – Almost exactly a century ago, a man who was to become one of North Carolina’s most contradictory figures reined in his mule to drink in the view here. It took awhile. Heriot Clarkson and two companions were atop the ridgeline that forms […]

How ‘Sarvice’ Got it’s Name

The sights and sounds of spring are creeping over the land. The voice of the peeper is heard again. The robin chatters and scolds and whistles in the dawn. The tops of the maples are kindling their fires. And folks with old memories are turning their eyes toward the service trees. The tulip trees with […]

Centennial Article – Chance Meetings in Little Switzerland

By Pat Turner Heriot Clarkson’s summer colony in Mitchell County brought a variety of people to this area. As they met and mingled with local people a stage was set, that plays out to this day. Here is an example. Frank Stanley Herring and his wife, Frances, took a room at the Switzerland Inn in […]