Jon Elliston will explore the bizarre odyssey of John R. Brinkley, one of Western North Carolina’s most infamous figures. From his humble mountain origins, Brinkley rose to national stature as a medical scam artist. He made a killing on sketchy goat gland implants and other oddball treatments, only to die pretty young and totally broke. At the same time, Brinkley built radio audiences for some of his musically talented Jackson County neighbors and others from around the country, including the Carter Family. He helped shape modern advertising and political campaign tactics that are still in use today.
Sponsored by Friends of the North Carolina Room
Check our “Programs” page for more information on these additional events sponsored by the Friends of the North Carolina Room, scheduled for Lord Auditorium at Pack Memorial Library:
| February 22 12n-1p |
Roy Harris and guest storyteller — Whose Mule is the Fastest? The story of two cousins who each think their own mule is the fastest, so to prove it they walk their mules from the Eastern part of North Carolina, through Asheville, and on to the Kentucky Derby. |
| March 29 12n-1p |
Terry Taylor — Greetings from Asheville: Postcards in the North Carolina Collection. |
| April 26 6p—7p |
Elizabeth “Liz” Colton — Discovering WNC from the 1850s, Asheville, Ancestors, and Immortality. |
| May 31 12n-1p |
Lynne Poirier-Wilson — Made with the Simplest of Tools: Appalachian Rustic Style. |
| June 28 12n-1p |
Bruce Johnson — Family Feud: The Bitter Battle Between E. W. Grove and Frederick Seely for the Grove Park Inn. |
| July 26 6p-7p |
Martha Fullington — Richard Sharp Smith: Asheville’s Arts & Crafts Architect. |
| August 30 12n-1p |
Marla Milling — Legends, Secrets and Mysteries of Asheville. |
| September 16 (Saturday) |
Topic: Anne Penland, Asheville Native and WWI Nurse Anesthetist. Symposium speakers to be announced. Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a dedication ceremony for the Anne Penland historical marker. |
| October 25 (time TBD) |
North Asheville Neighborhood History Project Presentation |
| November 29 12n-1p |
Nan Chase—Asheville: 200 Years of Good Eating |
