Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 1

Q. Are there benefits of owning property in a designated Historic District?

A. Yes. Designation is an honor. indicating the community believes the district deserves recognition and protection. Local historic district designation has no effect on local property taxes for property owners within the designated district; however, historic zoning can help stabilize property values by maintaining the neighborhood's character, and it benefits property owners by protecting them from inappropriate changes made by other owners that might destroy the special qualities of the neighborhood.

Donations for historic Pepsi Sign restoration requested.

Artist Rendering of Restored sign by Lou Ann Peters

The Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission is looking to restore the Historic Pepsi Cola sign painted on the building located at the northwest corner of Salem Street and J.W. Thomas Way. Photos dated from the late 1920’s show the sign in its humble beginnings. The painted sign that once covered most of the southern wall of the building has faded over the years, but a ghostly outline of the early advertisement is still visible. Communities across the nation view the restoration of these remaining signs from vividly memorable advertising campaigns as a positive contribution to the preservation of local heritage. In the case of Pepsi Cola, there is the added significance of preserving the history of a company that was founded in North Carolina--in New Bern in the late 1890s.

Other buildings in Thomasville still show evidence of painted advertisements. Most of them have faded to the point that they are no longer recognizable. Across the street from the Pepsi Cola sign an old hardware store sign reads “Distributors Of” and the rest has weathered away completely. A few local buildings sporting these painted advertisements have been torn down over the years—a tragic loss of both our valuable historic assets and the reminder of distinctive vintage advertising.

Since the listing last year of Thomasville’s Business District in the National Register of Historic Places a few building owners have expressed interest in taking advantage of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits available the state and federal levels. The restoration of the Pepsi Cola sign will contribute to on-going efforts to attract more people to the downtown area. If you wish to be a part of this Pepsi Cola sign restoration project, a new facet of the local historic preservation program, contributions may be made to the Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission, PO Box 368, Thomasville, North Carolina 27361.

Highlights From the January Meeting

Application for 2007 Historic Preservation Fund Grant. This grant would allow the Commission to start the process of nominating a section of Randolph St for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed district consist of 4 homes, a church, the former HPT&D Railroad Depot and the Standard Chair Company building. This project will provide a measure of valuable protection to these properties. The area is currently on the study list for street widening and would have a serious negative impact on the adjacent historic properties.

3rd Civil War Trails Marker Citing Thomasville's Medical Contributions will be dedicated on March 24, 2007. After the Carolina Campaigns in March of 1865, wounded soldiers were transported by train away from the battlefield and many ended up in Thomasville for medical treatment.

A bronze plaque to recognize the site of the Culbreth-Harris American Legion Hut has been ordered. Built in 1933 the American Legion Hut was a popular gathering place for local dances, picnics, parties, other social events and community activities. For a time Bob Holladay, Uwharrie Council Boy Scout executive, lived in the building's second floor apartment.