Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Looking up Main Street from near Carringer Street in Bryson City

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  • This image taken near the corner of Main and Carringer Street in Bryson City looking west was taken by “Doc” Kelly Bennett (1890-1974). A corn field, orchard, and home under construction can be seen on the left, and in the center of the photograph, a kit home still standing today, along with signage for Fryemont Inn and Chevrolet. Bennett was a prominent pharmacist in Swain County, NC. Owner of the Bryson City Drug Company, Bennett served as alderman and mayor of Bryson City, on the Swain County Board of Education, as well as several terms as NC State Senator and NC State Representative. He participated in numerous other initiatives and organizations. Known as the “Apostle of the Smokies,” Bennett was an instrumental figure in the movement to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was also an avid photographer, skillfully documenting a wide variety of people, places, and events in Swain County and the surrounding area.