Tryon Hosts 1940s-Themed Fundraiser for Local Veterans

On November 8, a vibrant fundraiser in Tryon will immerse attendees in the spirit of the early 1940s while raising funds for local Veterans. Organized by Julia Calhoun in partnership with the American Legion, the event aims to honor the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II and celebrate the town’s rich history. The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. across downtown.

Visitors can expect a nostalgic experience featuring live music and residents dressed in period attire. The streets will showcase 1930s and early 1940s vehicles, enhancing the atmosphere. According to Calhoun, “Buildings will carry signage indicating which businesses were there and what prices were in effect in those days.” This immersive event will provide insights into how local citizens contributed to shaping Tryon during that era.

Among notable residents from the 1940s were prominent historians Charles and Mary Beard, who spent several winters in Tryon. While there, Charles Beard completed his pivotal work, “The Republic,” which was serialized in Life magazine. Photographs taken during this time capture significant moments, including images of Beard with Seth Vining, Sr., the publisher of the Tryon Daily Bulletin, in front of what is now known as the Trade Street Diner.

The event will also highlight the influence of renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald, who visited Tryon’s Oak Hall Hotel in the late 1930s. Calhoun noted that Fitzgerald even penned a lighthearted ode to Missildines Drug Store, his favored spot for coffee and ice cream.

Tryon served as a rest and relaxation point for soldiers training at nearby Camp Croft in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Many local military volunteers began their service at this camp. The Tryon History Museum will host a World War II exhibit featuring artifacts and photographs from local hero Alan Calhoun, who led an Army Intelligence team comprising five French Resistance Officers. His unit played a crucial role in planning the Normandy Invasion and, on D-Day, they scouted safe routes for American troops.

The exhibit will also showcase the enduring friendship between former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ellis “Slats” Slater, the grandfather of current resident David Slater. Slater owned a large farm outside of Landrum and was an integral part of the community’s wartime efforts. Many residents volunteered for military service, while others contributed from the home front, participating in drives to collect metal for war production.

“Many activities took place to support the war effort,” Calhoun remarked, underscoring the community’s collective spirit during the conflict. The public is warmly invited to join this unique fundraiser and experience a day “on the WWII homefront.” For inquiries regarding the event, interested parties can contact Calhoun at [email protected].

This special occasion not only honors local Veterans but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and contributions of those who lived through one of history’s most challenging periods.