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mast general store - Hendersonville

Knoxville
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527 N. MAIN ST. HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792 Plus-code-icon8G9Q+7J Hendersonville, North Carolina

STORE HOURS

mon10AM - 6PM

tue10AM - 6PM

wed10AM - 6PM

thu10AM - 6PM

fri10AM - 6PM

sat10AM - 6PM

sun11AM - 6PM

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Look Homeward, Hendersonville

The mayor of Hendersonville recently declared it to be "The Friendliest City for Retirees in America!" We think it’s pretty friendly to most everybody. During sweltering summers in the 1800s, residents from the Low Country of South Carolina would journey up the mountain to find relief in the cool air. There were so many Charlestonians that spent summers here that it became known as Little Charleston. It is often said, "you can’t go home again." In fact, Thomas Wolfe from nearby Asheville wrote a book about it and was further inspired by an Italian marble angel in Oakdale Cemetery to pen Look Homeward Angel.

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Story behind the store logo

The city of Hendersonville is known as The City of Four Seasons. The building located on Main Street that is now home to the Mast General Store was constructed during a tremendous growth spurt for the city. Up until the late 1890s, most of the structures along Main Street were frame structures, private homes, and even vacant lots. The Syndicate Building was constructed in the early 1900s, ca. 1909, and has been home to a number of different businesses.

Maxwell Brown's Fancy Grocery was its first tenant. From looking at old photographs, Mr. Brown was meticulous in his merchandising. All shelves were perfectly stocked with cans and other goods. At that point in time, customers would bring a list to the counter to be filled by the clerk.

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The city of Hendersonville is known as The City of Four Seasons. The building located on Main Street that is now home to the Mast General Store was constructed during a tremendous growth spurt for the city. Up until the late 1890s, most of the structures along Main Street were frame structures, private homes, and even vacant lots. The Syndicate Building was constructed in the early 1900s, ca. 1909, and has been home to a number of different businesses.

Maxwell Brown's Fancy Grocery was its first tenant. From looking at old photographs, Mr. Brown was meticulous in his merchandising. All shelves were perfectly stocked with cans and other goods. At that point in time, customers would bring a list to the counter to be filled by the clerk.

Later tenants included Freeze Drug, Potts 5¢ and 10¢, a ladies' dress shop, and First Citizen's Bank. Inside you can still see the original tin ceiling that was long hidden by the drop ceiling panels and parts of the wood floor.

In the 1920s, the Woodmen of the World held their meetings upstairs. The WOW was a fraternal order that provided, and still provides, life insurance to those in their order.

We're sure you've heard of the infamous Turkey Drop performed on the 80s TV show WKRP in Cincinnati. Well, a turkey drop was hosted by this store in the early part of the 20th century.

The Mast Store opened its doors in Hendersonville in 1995.

*Photo: Maxwell's Fancy Grocery in Downtown Hendersonville circa 1910, in the Syndicate Building. From the Barber Collection.

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Plan your visit to Hendersonville

Hendersonville is a retreat from the heat for many people from the lowlands. Sometimes called “Little Charleston,” you may see some grand homes reminiscent of that area. While you’re visiting, take in a show at NC’s official state theatre, catch a concert on Main Street, or take part in some hands-on activities for the whole family.
Hendersonville is a retreat from the heat for many people from the lowlands. Sometimes called “Little Charleston,” you may see some grand homes reminiscent of that area. While you’re visiting, take in a show at NC’s official state theatre, catch a concert on Main Street, or take part in some hands-on activities for the whole family. Read less ...
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LOCAL FLAVOR

  • October 25, 2021 3 minute READ
    Halloween Happenings

    Halloween Happenings

    They say that Halloween is the spookiest time of the year. Legend warns it’s when the veil between our world and the afterworld is thin and spirits can easily pass from one side to another. We don’t know about that, but we do know it’s one of the “funnest” times of the year. Check out these family-friendly events in our local communities. ...read more

    tags-icon Local Flavor | Travel

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  • October 18, 2021 4 minute READ
    Harvest Season Getaway in Hendo

    Harvest Season Getaway in Hendo

    The arrival of railroads in the western part of North Carolina was a lifeline for farmers and loggers. They also opened up these once-isolated communities to travelers and adventurers from the lowcountry, the piedmont, and even places in the nearby foothills.  ...read more

    tags-icon Local Flavor

    location-icon Hendersonville

  • March 7, 2021 7 minute READ
    The Last Days of Winter Hiking

    The Last Days of Winter Hiking

    The winter months are not just for curling up with a good book in front a crackling fire. They are great for hitting the trails. Your favorite trails will show you new views. It’s a great time to discover new trails, too, when there aren’t as many hikers out and about. Here are a few of our favorite winter hiking spots that make us say, “Don’t hibernate, getting outside in the winter is great!”  ...read more

    tags-icon Adventure | Inspiration | Local Flavor

    location-icon Asheville | Annex - Valle Crucis | Boone | Hendersonville | Original - Valle Crucis | Waynesville | Winston-Salem

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FROM OUR BLOG

  • April 29, 2022 4 minute READ
    Everyone Should Hug a Tree for History, Health, and Happiness

    Everyone Should Hug a Tree for History, Health, and Happiness

    Today is Arbor Day, and we’re celebrating the beauty and symbolism trees lend to our world. Take a look at this tree-themed trivia from across our region. We hope the facts will inspire you to hug a tree or, especially, plant one in honor of all that trees do for us and our environment!  ...read more

    tags Inspiration | Gardening

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  • April 20, 2022 4 minute READ
    Thinking Outside the Bin - Part 1

    Thinking Outside the Bin - Part 1

    Recycling is a comprehensive process. Many of us are familiar with the basic “3 R’s” that describe it: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse. ...read more

    tags Inspiration

    locations All

  • March 30, 2022 5 minute READ
    Energizing the Virtuous Cycle 

    Energizing the Virtuous Cycle 

    The virtuous cycle requires a willingness to buy recycled goods which in turn creates demand for recycled items and makes the manufacturing of recycled goods desirable. Learn more about how you can energize the virtuous cycle in your own life! ...read more

    tags Inspiration

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area-events

AREA EVENTS

Apr 22, 2023

Event:
Hendo Earth Fest
TIME:
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Place:
Downtown Hendersonville
More Info
community-partners

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Manna Foodbank

Conserving Carolina

The Pisgah Conservancy

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