Beyond 1842 is more than a digital archive—it's a community initiative dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of McDowell County. Through outreach programs and partnerships, we work to connect people with their local history and encourage the sharing of stories, photographs, and memories.
Our outreach efforts include participating in community events such as the East Marion Community Reunion, where we collect and preserve local history while celebrating the people and traditions that have shaped the community. We also support the Local History Club at McDowell County Public Library, providing opportunities for residents to learn about the county's past, explore historical topics, and engage with one another.
By meeting people where they are, Beyond 1842 helps ensure that the stories of McDowell County are preserved for future generations. Every conversation, photograph, and memory shared helps create a more complete picture of our community's history.
Our outreach efforts include participating in community events such as the East Marion Community Reunion, where we collect and preserve local history while celebrating the people and traditions that have shaped the community. We also support the Local History Club at McDowell County Public Library, providing opportunities for residents to learn about the county's past, explore historical topics, and engage with one another.
By meeting people where they are, Beyond 1842 helps ensure that the stories of McDowell County are preserved for future generations. Every conversation, photograph, and memory shared helps create a more complete picture of our community's history.
EAST MARION COMMUNITY REUNION
On April 25, 2026 community members from East Marion, Clinchfield, and Stumptown (Eastfield) reunited for a homecoming to celebrate memories, accomplishments, and share stories. For those who grew up in the shadow of the mill, their lifestyle revolved around it. Their parents worked in the mills, they grew up in mill homes, shopped at the mill stores, and they attended the schools and churches that the mills helped to sponsor. Unfortunately the schools are long gone, but their former site still holds a presence in the memory of those who attended. The homecoming occurred at the site of the former East Marion Elementary School, a school once largely supported by the Marion Manufacturing Company. Below the former school site is the large ballfield used by several generations of the community, and is still in use today. The ballfield was a hub for activity, where baseball and softball games between Clinchfield and East Marion Mill employees would take place.
Pictured here are some of those who grew up in these communities. At the homecoming the guests enjoyed a catered meal from Countryside BBQ, a memory tent which featured pictures of the mills, schools, and churches, and a reunion tent to share stories and reminisce over the past. While the history of Marion Manufacturing has a complicated past, the majority of those who grew up in the community have fond memories of the community and neighbors the mill supported, such as activities in Carroll Baldwin Hall, and community members invested in the wellbeing of their neighborhoods.
Pictured here are some of those who grew up in these communities. At the homecoming the guests enjoyed a catered meal from Countryside BBQ, a memory tent which featured pictures of the mills, schools, and churches, and a reunion tent to share stories and reminisce over the past. While the history of Marion Manufacturing has a complicated past, the majority of those who grew up in the community have fond memories of the community and neighbors the mill supported, such as activities in Carroll Baldwin Hall, and community members invested in the wellbeing of their neighborhoods.
