Ridgeview in Hickory in Catawba County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Historic Ridgeview Library

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 22, 2024

1. Historic Ridgeview Library Marker

Inscription. In 1940, the first library in Hickory's African American community of Ridgeview was started by Mrs. Nellie Harbinson Corpening. It was a small space inside a storefront building on 12th Street SW (now Center Street). The library began with a WPA grant under the guidance of four local women. The rent was paid by local church groups, and the library's materials originally came from the main Hickory library, Lenoir-Rhyne University, and private sources. Community interest, and the library collection, continued to grow, requiring more space. George Ivey purchased a lot at 1st Street and 7th Avenue SW and deeded it to the City of Hickory as a site for the library. Hickory civic clubs, businesses, and individuals continued to donate funds, under the sponsorship of the Altrusa Club, and the new Ridgeview Public Library opened in 1951. Today, the former Ridgeview Public Library remains a vital and important structure to the Ridgeview community and stands as one of the last links to the neighborhood's past. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 12, 2001.

Photo credit: The Hill Book

Erected 2024.

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.

Location. 35° 43.627′ N, 81° 20.325′ W. Marker is in Hickory, North Carolina, in Catawba County. It is in Ridgeview. It is at the intersection of 1st Street Southwest and 4th Avenue Court SW, on the right when traveling north on 1st Street Southwest. Marker is on the north side of the building near the handicapped ramp. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 415 1st St SW, Hickory NC 28602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

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

Historic Ridgeview Library Marker and building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 22, 2024

2. Historic Ridgeview Library Marker and building

Location of the building's rear side

of this marker: Faith & Films (within shouting distance of this marker); Patterson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Business District (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); People & Places (about 600 feet away); Mt. Pisgah Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hartzell Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named People & Places (approx. 0.2 miles away); Education & Recreation (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hickory.

Ridgeview Public Library sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 22, 2024

3. Ridgeview Public Library sign

Street view of Historic Ridgeview Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 7, 2024

4. Street view of Historic Ridgeview Library

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 4. submitted on December 7, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.