Did You Know?

As families increasingly came to Montreat in the early 20^th century for vacations and conferences, they sought activities for their children.  The club program, which offered structured activities during parts of each weekday, were quite popular. But there were many other times when lively children needed physical activity.  In 1923 William Henry Belk of Charlotte, N. C., a generous contributor to the Presbyterian Church, donated $420 for a playground.  Located just below the lake, it remained much as it had been built until the 1960s when it was replaced by the Moore Center and a more modern (and safer) playground was built in its current location. The man in the foreground is believed to be Belk.

Thanks to the Presbyterian Heritage Center, especially Nancy Midgette, for this glimpse from the past. Stop by the PHC for even more Montreat history and so much more.