PHC at Highland Farms

The Story of Early Montreat, As Told by the People who Lived There

So often history is written from the perspective of the record keepers, using “official” documents like annual reports, advertising brochures, and the correspondence of officers. And it is good to know about the progress of building Hotel Montreat and the road to Black Mountain. But what, exactly, was that trip to Black Mountain like? Today, we don’t think anything about it. Gotta run to Ingles for bread and milk. But in 1898?

Fortunately, a few early residents wrote reports, letters, and journals, from which we get glimpses of what life was like during Montreat's first years.

• Weston Gales, one of Montreat's founders, wrote very complete reports

• Mary Martin, who arrived in Montreat in 1898, wrote beautiful letters

• Irena and Kenneth Foreman, who came to Montreat in 1903 as children, kept journals

You will hear their words, see Montreat through their eyes.  And enjoy more than a few chuckles!