More Bull Discovered at Cherryville Historical Museum

2:09 PM EST |January 15, 2025|Lauren Ramsey|History, News Articles, Recreation

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN)— The Cherryville Historical Association Inc. has launched a season of reflection, strategic development, and restoration to revitalize the Cherryville Historical Museum. This effort marks a new chapter of growth for the museum and the city known as the “City of Cherryville.” As part of the renovations, museum volunteers have uncovered more of the iconic Bull Durham bull painted on the wall, adding a new layer of historical significance to the building.

The Bull Durham sign painting on the Museum Wall. January 14th, 2025 (Contributed to WNN)

Exciting Times for Cherryville

The association’s board members are optimistic about the museum’s future, sharing on Facebook that “Exciting times are ahead for both the board and the city.” However, they also acknowledged the significant hard work that lies ahead.

Challenges and Developments

This optimism comes in the wake of challenges. In February 2023, the City of Cherryville announced its intention to sell the museum building and subsequently approved a $400,000 bid from Patrick O’Leary, the investor of Cherryville Main Street, LLC. This news sparked concerns among residents about the future of the museum and its historical artifacts. In response, the Cherryville Historical Association filed a lawsuit against the City Council, claiming possession of the building. The situation escalated, with a notice of nonrenewal posted on the museum’s door, informing the association that its lease ended on December 31, 2023. However, recent developments have brought new twists to the story. In November 2023, the contract for the sale of the Cherryville Historical Museum was canceled. Despite this cancellation, the Historical Association’s lease still ended on December 31, 2023. According to City Manager Brian Dalton, a lease is currently being drafted between the City of Cherryville and the Historical Association to formalize the arrangement.

Museum’s Future Secured: A Community Victory

Following months of negotiations and community efforts, the museum’s future was secured. The Cherryville Historical Museum remains at its current location on Main Street. The City Council voted unanimously to keep the museum in its historic building, recognizing its importance to the community’s heritage. This decision came after extensive discussions between city officials, the Historical Association, and concerned citizens, highlighting the power of community engagement in preserving local history.

The Cherryville Historical Museum Sign. December 28th, 2024. By Rusty Wise (WNN)

Major Projects Underway

Museum volunteers, Mary U. Ferguson and Carole Stroupe have been hard at work on various aspects of the renovation. Several projects are happening simultaneously throughout the building. The comprehensive work includes carefully disassembling and boxing current exhibits for temporary storage while addressing repairs to plaster walls in the far back and upstairs front areas. The renovation team is also upgrading the museum’s single bathroom and has been carefully chipping away at 100-year-old plaster to reveal the Durham Bull’s “rear end”.

The back of the Durham Bull sign painting in the Cherryville Historical Museum. January 15th, 2025. (Contributed from Facebook)

Beyond these specific projects, the team is conducting a top-to-bottom cleaning of the facility and working to repair and restore the building’s pine flooring. Plans are also underway for new exhibit layouts and upgraded lighting systems for both floors of the museum.

The ceiling in the bathroom of the Cherryville Historical Museum. Thursday, January 9th, 2025. By Rusty Wise (WNN)

Uncovering the History of Bull Durham

The iconic Bull Durham tobacco brand, with its distinctive bull logo, holds a significant place in American history. Originating in Durham, North Carolina, in the 1850s, this loose-leaf tobacco produced by W.T. Blackwell and Company became a cultural phenomenon that lasted well into the 20th century. Its popularity soared during the Civil War when soldiers from both sides developed a taste for the mild, bright-leaf tobacco. This wartime exposure led to widespread demand, transforming a local product into a household name.

Main Street in Cherryville, NC, circa the 1900’s with the Bull Durham sign on the right. (Sourced from Cherryville Historical Museum website)

A Brief Pause for Progress

While these extensive renovations are underway, the Cherryville Historical Museum will remain temporarily closed. The closure enables the much-needed facelift to proceed safely and efficiently.

The Cherryville Historical Association emphasized that these efforts have “only just begun,” marking the start of a broader initiative to revitalize this cornerstone of the community. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a refreshed space that celebrates Cherryville’s rich heritage.

Cherryville Historical Museum Volunteers Mary U. Ferguson and Carole Stroupe with a Bull Durham Poster. January 15th, 2025 Via Facebook.

Want to Visit?

If you would like to visit the museum once the renovations are completed, it is located at 109 E Main St, Cherryville, NC 28021.

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