Mount Airy in Surry County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Whittling Wall

2018

The Whitting Wall Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, October 23, 2021

1. The Whitting Wall Marker

Inscription. The Whittling Wall pays homage to local icons who have helped shape our history and culture in Mount Airy. Featured on the wall are the Whittler-Representing the history of the wall; Tommy Jarrell-A legendary Fiddle player, Fred Cockerham-A renowned banjo player, Ralph Epperson-founder of WPAQ Radio Station; donna Fargo-A famous country singer and songwriter, LH Jones-A groundbreaking public educator for the African American Community; Floyd E. "Flipp Rees-a Businessman who led the worker-representing the thousands of women and men who worked in local textile mills. The brick sculptures, by North Carolina Artist Brad Spencer, tell the story of who we are in Mount Airy: Artisans, Musicians, educators, small business owners, and hard-working people who make Mount Airy what it is today. The Whitling Wall project was made possible by a downtown revitalization grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the City of Mount Airy, Mount Airy Downtown, Inc., and private donations from the citizens of Mount Airy, it is our hope that you see yourself in the people represented on this wall, and that you ask yourself the question:

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How can I make my community a better place for future generations?"

Erected 2018.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Environment.

Location. 36° 30.092′ N, 80° 36.52′ W. Marker is in Mount Airy, North Carolina, in Surry County. It is on West Oak Street west of North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mount Airy NC 27030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tommy Jarrell

The Whittling Wall Marker looking town the intersection of West Oak and N. Main Streets image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 30, 2024

2. The Whittling Wall Marker looking town the intersection of West Oak and N. Main Streets

(here, next to this marker); Fred Cockerham (here, next to this marker); Ralph Epperson (here, next to this marker); The Whittler (here, next to this marker); Donna Fargo (a few steps from this marker); Leonidas Harold "L.H." Jones (a few steps from this marker); Floyd Eugene "Flip" Rees (a few steps from this marker); The Mill Worker (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Airy.

The Whittling Wall Marker near The Whittler statue & marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 30, 2024

3. The Whittling Wall Marker near The Whittler statue & marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 754 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.