University of North Carolina at Asheville
D. Hiden Ramsey Library
Special Collections/University Archives

Oral History Register
for

Nancy Marlowe

OH-VOA M37 Na

Voices of Asheville Oral History Collection
D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNCA

Title

Creator

Dorothy Joynes for Voices of Asheville Oral History Collection

Subject

LCSH:
Marlowe, Nancy
Asheville (N.C.) -- History
Newspapers -- North Carolina -- Asheville

Subject

Keyword: Asheville Citizen-Times

Description

Abstract: Marlowe describes her early work experience, discusses her move to Asheville, and describes the city as she saw it when she arrived.  She discusses her work for the Asheville Citizen-Times, describing specific interviews and stories she has covered.  She describes changes she has seen in the city over time, and talks about Asheville's potential for greater development.  She discusses the lack of Black presence in the area, attributing this more to isolation than prejudice.  She talks about her current responsibilities as Features Editor of the Citizen-Times.

Publisher

D. H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, University of North Carolina at Asheville, NC, 28804

Contributor

Date

Electronic Record Issued: 2002-05-21

Type

Sound ; Text ; Image

Format

Physical Description: 4-page abstract ; 1 60-minute audiocassette and 1 copy ; 2 color photographs ; newspaper articles

Identifier

Source

OH-VOA M37 Na

Language

English

Relation

References: VOA Ewart Ball III Oral History

Coverage

Acquisition

Donor number: 146 ;  Date of acquisition: 1998

Processed By

Dorothy Joynes, Ruth Beard and staff

Interview Date

Interview Location

Biography

List of names

Side 1:

Electrical waves and heater noise comes and goes. 

After working as a loan officer and then Society Editor for the Lakeland (Florida) Ledger, later serving on the Governor's staff in Tallahassee and putting her husband through school, she came "kicking and screaming" to Asheville in 1968. She applied to the Chamber of Commerce, worked temporarily at the TV Station and came to the Citizen Times in 1971.

[54] She describes Asheville in January following a snow.

[99] Discussion regarding the open cut with the paper being for it and the environmentalists against it (see Griffin and Lawrence tapes) was an active issue.

[117] The freeways were intimidating to her. Her first interview was with the Superintendent of Schools in Jupiter. [Craig Phillips, June Glenn Jr.]

[154] As a feature writer, no longer reporting weddings and funerals, she reports human-interest stories and describes the changes in attitudes, clothes, and life-styles. Support groups for men and women were not a part of the culture in the 70's. She is active in them today.

[218] When she first came here "brown bagging" alcohol to Buck's restaurant was the custom. With the referendum regarding cocktails, new restaurants opened. The city began to be more attractive as new buildings were constructed. [Bernard R. Smith]

[286] The managing editor allowed her to roam around and find stories. She was given the NC Press Association prize for an early article about friendly mountaineers - who gave her tea, directions and the salutation:  "God bless, ya'll make it." She has written many stories about the T. S. Morrison store and Fains. She had no specific plan in her choice for stories but could see the area with "new eyes" whereas the rest of the staff had always been here. [T.S. Morrisons]

[336] She made it her business to be "up on Asheville" and began to feel at home. [Thom Naomi's grill]

[358] People write in with story suggestions and she welcomes this. She always takes a positive, friendly approach.

[351] She discusses an interview she had on the Three Mountaineers Inc.

Side 2:

Her interview at the Wolfe House with Fred was difficult because he was such a "character." [Fred Wolfe]

[30] She watched the city become more cosmopolitan and overcome the "Depression mentality." Pack Plaza (not to be confused with Pack Place) has not prospered as hoped but she feels that there has been a big forward leap in town. (See McGuire, Keleher, and other tapes) [Tony Lord]

[61] If the Public Market comes to the arcade she thinks the area can be another Santa Fe.

[68] She describes the downtown stores she knew in the 70's.

[89] Biltmore Estate is a wonderful asset and she sees tourists delighting in Biltmore Village (see Hyde, Griffin tapes)

[110] She has just completed a story on the waterfront. There is a long way to go but the potential is enormous. This is a "yeasty area." [Porge and Fred Buck]

[130] Her special interest right now is medical writing and she keeps a balance between physical-mental, men-women, and serious-not so serious.

[162] In an interview with a black woman the low marriage rate is discussed. She swims at the YWCA and feels that the lack of black presence in society is based more on isolation than prejudice. [Glenda McDowell, Henry Robinson, Wilhelmina Bratton, Herbert Watts]

[198] Valentines Day, due to the weather is a big time for weddings. The brides fill out a form, which makes the coverage democratic. She discusses the changes over the years.

[233] The Asheville Citizens-Times covers all counties in Western North Carolina. Special interest papers come and go (see enclosed). The public needs to be encouraged to read.

[271] "Johnny still can't read" - she feels the teachers dress too casually. Appearances do help and are necessary for self-esteem.

[331] After so many years she knows "how much grist to put in the mill for publication." She is Features Editor and responsible for bringing the various area together - LifeStyle, Health and Fitness, Community, Food Section, Family and Children, Weekend Entertainment, teenagers, Love, Leisure and Art. (See enclosed). She is responsible for balance of contents. Has an excellent staff and library. She goes to experts for information. [Fluharty, Carole Currie, Lydia Carrington]

[402] While she has had many opportunities to learn she loves Asheville and feels that, if the Grove arcade is developed with a market, the center of the city will make a great leap forward.

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