Lenoir in Caldwell County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Smithey's Department Store

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024

1. Smithey's Department Store Marker

Inscription. In 1936, N.B. Smithey of North Wilkesboro constructed Smithey's Department Store on this site. Smithey built and owned seventeen such stores in communities in northwest North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Smithey's was the forerunner of the modern department store and sold clothing, household goods groceries, and even sported a café. Smithey's was a popular venue where some families are reported to have spent their entire Saturday. The Smithey's chain closed in the 1990's following the death of Mr. Smithey's son-in-law, who inherited the business. The two-story rock building was occupied by various groups until it was razed in 2005. Stones from the original building were used to construct these entry columns, which mark the corners of the building.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 35° 54.802′ N, 81° 32.437′ W. Marker is in Lenoir, North Carolina, in Caldwell County. It is at the intersection of Harper Avenue and Boundary Street NW, on the left when traveling east on Harper Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is

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at or near this postal address: 912 Harper Ave, Lenoir NC 28645, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. 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: Blackwelder Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Raiders in Lenoir (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Belk's Department Store (about 400 feet away); United States Post Office (about 400 feet away); St. James Episcopal Church Labyrinth (about 400 feet away); Hog Waller Market in Downtown Lenoir (about 500 feet away); Lenoir City Clock (about 500 feet away); Davenport College (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map

Wide view of Smithey's Department Store Marker at intersection of Harper Ave and Boundary St.NW image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024

2. Wide view of Smithey's Department Store Marker at intersection of Harper Ave and Boundary St.NW

Pillar is made from stones of the original Smithey's Department Store. This marks the southwest corner of the former location.

of all markers in Lenoir.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Raiders in Lenoir (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Stone entry posts to the marker's adjacent parking lot along Harper Ave. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024

3. Stone entry posts to the marker's adjacent parking lot along Harper Ave.

The posts mark the south side of the former Smithey's Department Store

Stone entry posts to marker's adjacent parking lot along Church Street NW image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024

4. Stone entry posts to marker's adjacent parking lot along Church Street NW

The posts mark the east side of the former Smithey's Department Store

Stone entry posts to marker's adjacent parking lot along Boundary St NW image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024

5. Stone entry posts to marker's adjacent parking lot along Boundary St NW

The posts mark the northwest corner of the former Smithey's Department Store

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,231 times since then and 124 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 22, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.