University of North Carolina Asheville - Archive Yearbook (Asheville, NC)

Page 10 text:

OUR C 1 1 [ U J . J! During the flush days of the late Twenties, boom times when many short-lived ventures had their day, a group of far-seeing, civic-mind- ed people under the guiding genius of A. C. Reynolds, former Superintendent of Buncombe County Schools, organized and founded Bun- combe County junior College, fn May, 1927, this institution was established as a part of the public school system, and during the first few years of its existence charged no tuition; but conditions attending the financial crisis of 1930 necessitated a reorganization, changing the name to Biltmore Junior College and placing the institution on a tuition basis. In 1934 the College was placed under the control of a board of trustees, representing the The first location of Bill mure College in Bilt- more, 1927-1934. business, professional, and educational interests of Asheville and Buncombe County. In March of the same year the school was chartered under the name of Biltmore College. In August, 1936, the chartered name was changed to Asheville-Biltmore College and con- trol was placed in the Asheville City School Board. The City . dministration began pro- viding some financial support, a policy bolster- ed in 1939 by legislation authorizing both the county and city to furnish financial aid. In 1945 the College Charter was amended, providing for changes in the board of trustees and relieving the City School Board of the responsibility of direct control. These changes in organization have been ac- companied by changes in location. From 1927 to 1934 the college functioned in the plant originally provided in Biltmore. From 1934 to 1940 it was housed in a part of the David Millard High School Building and from 1940 to 1942 in the Asheville College buildings. In 1942 the college moved to its present location The David Millard High School Building, loca- tion of the College from 1934 to 1940. on Merrimon Avenue, occupying a part of the Children ' s Home property, made available by the Board of County Commissioners. In spite of these changes and moves the col- lege has pursued its aims without interruption. It has provided training beyond the high school level, thus better preparing the youth for posi- tions of responsibility in the economic and civic life of the community. The college has also made available the first two years of standard college work for those who expect to complete their training in four-year colleges and profes- sional schools. Recently a preparatory depart- ment has been added to meet the needs of those whose high school training was interrupted by the war. Asheville-Biltmore College faces the future with confidence, assured of a permanent home at its present location, provided by the recent transfer of that property to the school, with plans for expansion in buildings and equip- ment, and with the certain knowledge of its place in the cultural life of Western North Carolina, nurtured by roots that go deep intc the life of the community, roots that will not wax old and die. C. N. Gilbert m « .f ' --4r- fW ..jMlflB BT ri ■iL ,. ' ' ■ 41 •-%.| w mimBa •1 fPWtw ■ . -- i. PtHPt ' a Asheville College Buildings, the location of .IsheviUe-Billmore College from 1940 to 1942.

Page 9 text:

omwov ' d The 1947 issue of the Summit commemorates the Twen- tieth Anniversary of Asheville-Biltmore College. This represents two decades of struggle, but due to the efforts of the teachers and administrators who served the college faithfully and well this institution has filled its place in the educational system of Buncombe County. We believe that the college has a definite place in this community, and that with the aid of its many friends it will grow into an institution of which Asheville may well be proud. We hope that this issue of the Summit will be the begin- ning of a long line of yearbooks which will serve as encour- agement and inspiration to all those who will strive for the growth and betterment of our beloved Alma Mater.

Page 11 text:

ke l reSent L otleqe iLJulidlnc Elevation facing Merrimon Avenue l ' ropoied 1 lew K olleqe i5uiidin f Elevation facing Gracelyn Road