THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NCFOR TEACHERSFOR KIDSBLOGCONTACT USHISTORYTOURS AND ACTIVITIES Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel.Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of

HISTORY OVERVIEW

History Overview. The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel. It had been his home for ten years. Strongly influenced by his childhood in Asheville and by life in the boarding house, Wolfe turned to his early experience for

THE WOLFE FAMILY

The Wolfe Family. Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born on October 3, 1900, the youngest of eight children to William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. The family lived in a five-room house located at 92 Woodfin Street in Asheville, North Carolina. Wolfe later wrote about his memories of the roaring fires and sumptuous meals at his

father’s home.

CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE The county seat was named “Morristown” in 1793. In 1797, Morristown was incorporated and renamed “Asheville” after North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe. Transportation in early Asheville consisted of a few paths cut through dense forests and travel by river. This began to change in 1828 with the completion of the

Buncombe Turnpike.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES Students will investigate how our homes have changed since this time. The guided program contains three 20 – minute sections, including: a tour of the first floor of the Old Kentucky Home, a walk through our exhibit hall and/or an exhibit hall scavenger, and hands-on activities demonstrating household tools and chores from the boardinghouse. THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

TOM’S LIFE

Sadly the disease had advanced too far for treatment. Thomas Wolfe died a few days later on September 15, 1938. He was only thirty-seven years old. The funeral was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Asheville. Following the service Thomas Wolfe was interred in GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman. THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NCFOR TEACHERSFOR KIDSBLOGCONTACT USHISTORYTOURS AND ACTIVITIES Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel.Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of

HISTORY OVERVIEW

History Overview. The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel. It had been his home for ten years. Strongly influenced by his childhood in Asheville and by life in the boarding house, Wolfe turned to his early experience for

THE WOLFE FAMILY

The Wolfe Family. Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born on October 3, 1900, the youngest of eight children to William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. The family lived in a five-room house located at 92 Woodfin Street in Asheville, North Carolina. Wolfe later wrote about his memories of the roaring fires and sumptuous meals at his

father’s home.

CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE The county seat was named “Morristown” in 1793. In 1797, Morristown was incorporated and renamed “Asheville” after North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe. Transportation in early Asheville consisted of a few paths cut through dense forests and travel by river. This began to change in 1828 with the completion of the

Buncombe Turnpike.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES Students will investigate how our homes have changed since this time. The guided program contains three 20 – minute sections, including: a tour of the first floor of the Old Kentucky Home, a walk through our exhibit hall and/or an exhibit hall scavenger, and hands-on activities demonstrating household tools and chores from the boardinghouse. THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

TOM’S LIFE

Sadly the disease had advanced too far for treatment. Thomas Wolfe died a few days later on September 15, 1938. He was only thirty-seven years old. The funeral was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Asheville. Following the service Thomas Wolfe was interred in GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman. BLOG | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NC Several efforts have been made to bring a major work by Thomas Wolfe to the movies. October 4, 1953, on NBC, the Hallmark Hall of Fame series aired a portion of the novel Of Time and the River concerning the death of W.O. Gant. Another TV movie was released on NBC February

25, 1972.

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper VOLUNTEER | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Volunteer. Thank you for your interest in sharing your valuable time to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. Volunteers play a vital role in keeping the works of Thomas Wolfe alive, and sharing the story of the Wolfe family and The Old Kentucky Home in Asheville. LESSONS AND PROGRAMS Our traveling trunks can be checked out for a two-week period and can be picked up at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. For more information, or if you would like to use one of our trunks, please call (828) 253-8304. YOUNGHILL KANG AND THOMAS WOLFE Kang gifted Julia Wolfe an inscribed copy of his first novel The Grass Roof (1931) for her 80th birthday in 1940. The inscription reads “A Happy Birthday to the dear mother of Thomas Wolfe-whose enormous vitality, joy of life, magnificent poems and sincere friendship helped me so much. Very sincerely yours Younghill Kang 16 February 1940.”.

THE HOUSE 1880S

The House 1880s – 1950s. In 1883 a leading local private banker, Erwin Sluder, built a small home at 48 Spruce Street on a 95’ x 190’ lot. It was a wedding present for his daughter and son-in-law, Cordelia and W. W. Barnard. After the home was completed, it was transferred to a number of different owners.

GENIUS, THE MOVIE

Genius, the Movie. Several efforts have been made to bring a major work by Thomas Wolfe to the movies. October 4, 1953, on NBC, the Hallmark Hall of Fame series aired a portion of the novel Of Time and the River concerning the death of W.O. Gant. Another TV movie was released on NBC February 25, 1972. This time based on Ketti Frings

Pulitzer

WALKING IN THOMAS WOLFE’S SHOES 1. Old Kentucky Home and Playhouse (48 Spruce St.) Immortalized as “Dixieland” in Look Homeward, Angel, Julia Wolfe’s boarding house is a National Landmark today. THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NCFOR TEACHERSFOR KIDSBLOGCONTACT USHISTORYTOURS AND ACTIVITIES Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel.Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of

HISTORY OVERVIEW

History Overview. The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel. It had been his home for ten years. Strongly influenced by his childhood in Asheville and by life in the boarding house, Wolfe turned to his early experience for

THE WOLFE FAMILY

The Wolfe Family. Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born on October 3, 1900, the youngest of eight children to William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. The family lived in a five-room house located at 92 Woodfin Street in Asheville, North Carolina. Wolfe later wrote about his memories of the roaring fires and sumptuous meals at his

father’s home.

CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE The county seat was named “Morristown” in 1793. In 1797, Morristown was incorporated and renamed “Asheville” after North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe. Transportation in early Asheville consisted of a few paths cut through dense forests and travel by river. This began to change in 1828 with the completion of the

Buncombe Turnpike.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES Students will investigate how our homes have changed since this time. The guided program contains three 20 – minute sections, including: a tour of the first floor of the Old Kentucky Home, a walk through our exhibit hall and/or an exhibit hall scavenger, and hands-on activities demonstrating household tools and chores from the boardinghouse. THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

TOM’S LIFE

Sadly the disease had advanced too far for treatment. Thomas Wolfe died a few days later on September 15, 1938. He was only thirty-seven years old. The funeral was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Asheville. Following the service Thomas Wolfe was interred in GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman. THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NCFOR TEACHERSFOR KIDSBLOGCONTACT USHISTORYTOURS AND ACTIVITIES Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel.Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of

HISTORY OVERVIEW

History Overview. The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel. It had been his home for ten years. Strongly influenced by his childhood in Asheville and by life in the boarding house, Wolfe turned to his early experience for

THE WOLFE FAMILY

The Wolfe Family. Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born on October 3, 1900, the youngest of eight children to William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. The family lived in a five-room house located at 92 Woodfin Street in Asheville, North Carolina. Wolfe later wrote about his memories of the roaring fires and sumptuous meals at his

father’s home.

CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE The county seat was named “Morristown” in 1793. In 1797, Morristown was incorporated and renamed “Asheville” after North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe. Transportation in early Asheville consisted of a few paths cut through dense forests and travel by river. This began to change in 1828 with the completion of the

Buncombe Turnpike.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES Students will investigate how our homes have changed since this time. The guided program contains three 20 – minute sections, including: a tour of the first floor of the Old Kentucky Home, a walk through our exhibit hall and/or an exhibit hall scavenger, and hands-on activities demonstrating household tools and chores from the boardinghouse. THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

TOM’S LIFE

Sadly the disease had advanced too far for treatment. Thomas Wolfe died a few days later on September 15, 1938. He was only thirty-seven years old. The funeral was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Asheville. Following the service Thomas Wolfe was interred in GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman. BLOG | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NC Several efforts have been made to bring a major work by Thomas Wolfe to the movies. October 4, 1953, on NBC, the Hallmark Hall of Fame series aired a portion of the novel Of Time and the River concerning the death of W.O. Gant. Another TV movie was released on NBC February

25, 1972.

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper VOLUNTEER | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Volunteer. Thank you for your interest in sharing your valuable time to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. Volunteers play a vital role in keeping the works of Thomas Wolfe alive, and sharing the story of the Wolfe family and The Old Kentucky Home in Asheville. LESSONS AND PROGRAMS Our traveling trunks can be checked out for a two-week period and can be picked up at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. For more information, or if you would like to use one of our trunks, please call (828) 253-8304. YOUNGHILL KANG AND THOMAS WOLFE Kang gifted Julia Wolfe an inscribed copy of his first novel The Grass Roof (1931) for her 80th birthday in 1940. The inscription reads “A Happy Birthday to the dear mother of Thomas Wolfe-whose enormous vitality, joy of life, magnificent poems and sincere friendship helped me so much. Very sincerely yours Younghill Kang 16 February 1940.”.

THE HOUSE 1880S

The House 1880s – 1950s. In 1883 a leading local private banker, Erwin Sluder, built a small home at 48 Spruce Street on a 95’ x 190’ lot. It was a wedding present for his daughter and son-in-law, Cordelia and W. W. Barnard. After the home was completed, it was transferred to a number of different owners.

GENIUS, THE MOVIE

Genius, the Movie. Several efforts have been made to bring a major work by Thomas Wolfe to the movies. October 4, 1953, on NBC, the Hallmark Hall of Fame series aired a portion of the novel Of Time and the River concerning the death of W.O. Gant. Another TV movie was released on NBC February 25, 1972. This time based on Ketti Frings

Pulitzer

WALKING IN THOMAS WOLFE’S SHOES 1. Old Kentucky Home and Playhouse (48 Spruce St.) Immortalized as “Dixieland” in Look Homeward, Angel, Julia Wolfe’s boarding house is a National Landmark today. THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NCFOR TEACHERSFOR KIDSBLOGCONTACT USHISTORYTOURS AND ACTIVITIES Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel.Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of

HISTORY OVERVIEW

History Overview. The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel. It had been his home for ten years. Strongly influenced by his childhood in Asheville and by life in the boarding house, Wolfe turned to his early experience for

THE WOLFE FAMILY

The Wolfe Family. Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born on October 3, 1900, the youngest of eight children to William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. The family lived in a five-room house located at 92 Woodfin Street in Asheville, North Carolina. Wolfe later wrote about his memories of the roaring fires and sumptuous meals at his

father’s home.

CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE The county seat was named “Morristown” in 1793. In 1797, Morristown was incorporated and renamed “Asheville” after North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe. Transportation in early Asheville consisted of a few paths cut through dense forests and travel by river. This began to change in 1828 with the completion of the

Buncombe Turnpike.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES Students will investigate how our homes have changed since this time. The guided program contains three 20 – minute sections, including: a tour of the first floor of the Old Kentucky Home, a walk through our exhibit hall and/or an exhibit hall scavenger, and hands-on activities demonstrating household tools and chores from the boardinghouse. THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

TOM’S LIFE

Sadly the disease had advanced too far for treatment. Thomas Wolfe died a few days later on September 15, 1938. He was only thirty-seven years old. The funeral was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Asheville. Following the service Thomas Wolfe was interred in GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman. THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NCFOR TEACHERSFOR KIDSBLOGCONTACT USHISTORYTOURS AND ACTIVITIES Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel.Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of

HISTORY OVERVIEW

History Overview. The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel. It had been his home for ten years. Strongly influenced by his childhood in Asheville and by life in the boarding house, Wolfe turned to his early experience for

THE WOLFE FAMILY

The Wolfe Family. Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born on October 3, 1900, the youngest of eight children to William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. The family lived in a five-room house located at 92 Woodfin Street in Asheville, North Carolina. Wolfe later wrote about his memories of the roaring fires and sumptuous meals at his

father’s home.

CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE The county seat was named “Morristown” in 1793. In 1797, Morristown was incorporated and renamed “Asheville” after North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe. Transportation in early Asheville consisted of a few paths cut through dense forests and travel by river. This began to change in 1828 with the completion of the

Buncombe Turnpike.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES Students will investigate how our homes have changed since this time. The guided program contains three 20 – minute sections, including: a tour of the first floor of the Old Kentucky Home, a walk through our exhibit hall and/or an exhibit hall scavenger, and hands-on activities demonstrating household tools and chores from the boardinghouse. THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

TOM’S LIFE

Sadly the disease had advanced too far for treatment. Thomas Wolfe died a few days later on September 15, 1938. He was only thirty-seven years old. The funeral was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Asheville. Following the service Thomas Wolfe was interred in GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman.

HISTORY OVERVIEW

History Overview. The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel. It had been his home for ten years. Strongly influenced by his childhood in Asheville and by life in the boarding house, Wolfe turned to his early experience for

COVID-19 MESSAGE

September 5, 2020 - May 14, 2021. Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. – Limiting visitor capacity, to allow a comfortable visit to the Visitor

Center

VOLUNTEER | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Volunteer. Thank you for your interest in sharing your valuable time to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. Volunteers play a vital role in keeping the works of Thomas Wolfe alive, and sharing the story of the Wolfe family and The Old Kentucky Home in Asheville. OKTOBERFEST BY ELLEN BROWN Oktoberfest by Ellen Brown. *Ellen was scheduled to appear at Thomas Wolfe Memorial for the monthly discussion of a Thomas Wolfe short story on April 9th, 2020 sponsored by the Wilma Dykeman Legacy. She has offered us a written version of the discussion from her selection of the story Oktoberfest, found in The Complete Short Stories of

Thomas

THOMAS WOLFE AND THE SOVIET UNION While the Soviet Union (USSR) only existed from 1922 to 1991, it has had an enduring reputation as an oppressive regime that controlled everything its citizens could do, say, and even read. These tight restrictions on life relaxed after Joseph Stalin’s death in 1953. At least one Thomas Wolfe short story, however, was printed and available

in

THE HOUSE 1880S

The House 1880s – 1950s. In 1883 a leading local private banker, Erwin Sluder, built a small home at 48 Spruce Street on a 95’ x 190’ lot. It was a wedding present for his daughter and son-in-law, Cordelia and W. W. Barnard. After the home was completed, it was transferred to a number of different owners. YOUNGHILL KANG AND THOMAS WOLFE Kang gifted Julia Wolfe an inscribed copy of his first novel The Grass Roof (1931) for her 80th birthday in 1940. The inscription reads “A Happy Birthday to the dear mother of Thomas Wolfe-whose enormous vitality, joy of life, magnificent poems and sincere friendship helped me so much. Very sincerely yours Younghill Kang 16 February 1940.”. FRIENDS OF THOMAS WOLFE Membership Form 2017. The Friends of Thomas Wolfe are the membership arm of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. This group supports the mission of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site as a nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of North Carolina and designated a 501 c3 tax exempt charitable organization. WALKING IN THOMAS WOLFE’S SHOES 1. Old Kentucky Home and Playhouse (48 Spruce St.) Immortalized as “Dixieland” in Look Homeward, Angel, Julia Wolfe’s boarding house is a National Landmark today. SHORT STORY DISCUSSION WITH CATHERINE FRANK We will be discussing “No Door,” originally published in two installments in Scribner’s Magazine in 1933 and 1934, and later become part of Wolfe’s full-length book Of Time and the River. THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NCFOR TEACHERSFOR KIDSBLOGCONTACT USHISTORYTOURS AND ACTIVITIES Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel.Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of

HISTORY OVERVIEW

The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel.

THE WOLFE FAMILY

Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born on October 3, 1900, the youngest of eight children to William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. The family lived in a five-room house located at 92 Woodfin Street in Asheville, North Carolina. CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE Asheville: Land of the Sky. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the land where Asheville now exists was within the boundaries of the

Cherokee Nation.

COVID-19 MESSAGE

Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. TOURS AND ACTIVITIES For Middle and High Schools “Thomas Wolfe’s Family, Friends, and Folklore” This program examines life in the Old Kentucky Home during the years covered by Look Homeward, Angel.There are two main sections: A video overview of Thomas Wolfe’s life and career and a THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper

TOM’S LIFE

At age five, while too young to attend, Thomas Wolfe followed his sister Effie to the nearby Orange Street School and the teacher allowed him to stay. GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman. THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC ASHEVILLE, NCFOR TEACHERSFOR KIDSBLOGCONTACT USHISTORYTOURS AND ACTIVITIES Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel.Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of

HISTORY OVERVIEW

The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel.

THE WOLFE FAMILY

Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born on October 3, 1900, the youngest of eight children to William Oliver Wolfe and Julia Elizabeth Westall. The family lived in a five-room house located at 92 Woodfin Street in Asheville, North Carolina. CONTACT US | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager Media Relations tom.muir@ncdcr.gov. Kayla Pressley Seay, Historic Interpreter III Part-time & Volunteer

Supervisor

THE HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE Asheville: Land of the Sky. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the land where Asheville now exists was within the boundaries of the

Cherokee Nation.

COVID-19 MESSAGE

Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. TOURS AND ACTIVITIES For Middle and High Schools “Thomas Wolfe’s Family, Friends, and Folklore” This program examines life in the Old Kentucky Home during the years covered by Look Homeward, Angel.There are two main sections: A video overview of Thomas Wolfe’s life and career and a THE WORKS OF THOMAS WOLFE The Crisis in Industry, The University of North Carolina, 1919. Look Homeward, Angel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Of Time and the River, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. From Death to Morning, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935. The Story of a Novel, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. A Note on Experts: Dexter Vespasian Joyner, House of Books, Ltd., 1939. The Web and the Rock, Harper

TOM’S LIFE

At age five, while too young to attend, Thomas Wolfe followed his sister Effie to the nearby Orange Street School and the teacher allowed him to stay. GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman.

HISTORY OVERVIEW

The historic Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse operated by Thomas Wolfe’s mother was depicted as “Dixieland” in Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward, Angel.

COVID-19 MESSAGE

Thomas Wolfe Memorial will welcome visitors back into our Visitor Center and historic structures beginning on Saturday Sept. 5th, contact the site at 828-253-8304 for information about availability of tours or special programs. VOLUNTEER | THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL OF HISTORIC Volunteer. Thank you for your interest in sharing your valuable time to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. Volunteers play a vital role in keeping the works of Thomas Wolfe alive, and sharing the story of the Wolfe family and The Old Kentucky Home in Asheville. OKTOBERFEST BY ELLEN BROWN Thomas Wolfe’s “Oktoberfest” By Ellen Apperson Brown *Ellen was scheduled to appear at Thomas Wolfe Memorial for the monthly discussion of a Thomas Wolfe short story on April 9th, 2020 sponsored by the Wilma Dykeman Legacy.

THE HOUSE 1880S

In 1883 a leading local private banker, Erwin Sluder, built a small home at 48 Spruce Street on a 95’ x 190’ lot. It was a wedding present for his daughter and son-in-law, Cordelia and W. W. Barnard. THOMAS WOLFE AND THE SOVIET UNION While the Soviet Union (USSR) only existed from 1922 to 1991, it has had an enduring reputation as an oppressive regime that controlled everything its citizens could do, say, and even read. FRIENDS OF THOMAS WOLFE Membership Form 2017. The Friends of Thomas Wolfe are the membership arm of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. This group supports the mission of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site as a nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of North Carolina and designated a 501 c3 tax exempt charitable organization. YOUNGHILL KANG AND THOMAS WOLFE Younghill Kang and Thomas Wolfe. An April 2020 issue of The New York Review of Books recently reminded us of the friendship between Korean born Younghill Kang and THOMAS WOLFE’S REVIEWS Stirring First Novel By Local Man Making Big Hit In Literary World Thomas Wolfe’s Story of Small

Town is Unique

WALKING IN THOMAS WOLFE’S SHOES 1. Old Kentucky Home and Playhouse (48 Spruce St.) Immortalized as “Dixieland” in Look Homeward, Angel, Julia Wolfe’s boarding house is a National Landmark today.

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Asheville, NC 28801

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WELCOME TO THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL STATE HISTORIC SITE THOMAS WOLFE DIRECTIONS The Thomas Wolfe Memorial 52 North Market Street

Asheville, NC 28801

Historic Victorian home located in Downtown Asheville, NC

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9:00am – 5:00pm

Tuesday – Saturday Sunday & Monday: CLOSED Closed State Holidays

ADMISSION

HOUSE TOURS ARE OFFERED DAILY AT HALF PAST EACH HOUR. LAST TOUR LEAVES

AT 4:30 PM.

GROUP TOURS BY RESERVATION.

ADULT - $5.00

STUDENT (AGES 7-17) - $2.00 ADULT GROUP (10+) - $2.50 each STUDENT GROUP - $2.00 each

6 & UNDER - Free

OLD KENTUCKY HOME -THE THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938) Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, _Look Homeward, Angel_. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks. TELL US ABOUT YOUR VISIT TO THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL

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