drawn here because of the friendly spirit and
the sense of community wherein we help each
other out. With so many needs waiting to be
addressed, the Committee has chosen to focus
on making Carthage more welcoming. We want
to attract businesses and residents to create a
healthy atmosphere.”
Established in 2011, the Appearance
Committee started when Nancy, along with
her neighbor Hilda Morris, realized a need and
provided a solution. Nancy tells, “I approached
Tommy Stuart, mayor at the time, if we could
start the committee because Carthage was
going downhill fast. There was no welcoming
aura; everything was closing up; we didn’t
have restaurants or shops drawing people
downtown.”
Growing up in Carthage, Nancy knows
first hand how Carthage has changed over the
years. She remembers back to the 50s when
everything was thriving—the tobacco market,
the lumber mill, and all the produce was being
raised by the farmers. Nancy exclaims, “People
were coming to town; the livery stable was going
strong; people were selling produce. The town
was alive! Once tobacco was declared harmful
to people’s health, the tobacco markets just
dried up along with the incomes of those who
dealt with tobacco, all the warehouses, and the
men who came to do the selling. As the tobacco
industry died, so did the town.”
Remembering back to the good old days
when Carthage was vibrant, welcoming and
known as Sweet Carthage, Nancy and Judy seek
to renew the down-home charm. Serving with
the Committee for six years, Judi has lived in
Carthage for 57 years; her husband Archie was
born and raised here. Together they operate the
D.A. Kelly’s Office Furniture in town, and once
upon a time, they owned D.A. Kelly’s private
label of ladies’ clothing. Judi tells, “I remember
when neighbors would visit each other. They
would sit on the front porch in rocking chairs
and talk; neighbors helped one another.”
SWEET CARTHAGE con't. next column
SWEET CARTHAGE continued SWEET CARTHAGE continued
Drawing hope from happy memories and
known as the Dynamic Duo, Nancy and Judi
are making things happen. The purpose of
the Appearance Committee remains to make
downtown Carthage more presentable. For
instance, when the buildings around the circle
were in disrepair; they approached the Realtor
who was managing the properties about
painting the store fronts if they raised the
funds. After months of negotiations, the Realtor
brought his designer, presented the paint colors,
and we approved the plan. Judi says, “Once we
got that done, people started to notice.”
Moving on to the planters, the Committee
asked the town to build some flower pots, and
the town built 18 masonry planters. In addition
to those, the Committee under Nancy and Judi’s
direction raised enough money to buy seven
blue pottery planters. To raise the money, they
had a few fish fries. Also local businesses such
as Kelly Plantation Trucking and other business
owners such as Jimmy Riley gave generous
donations. “We raised $2,000 and bought those
planters,” smiles Judi. “We fill the planters with
flowers which
last from
April until
September or
October.”
Once again,
the locals
n o t i c e d —
they love
the flowers!
Sharon Crisco
of Possum
Run Nursery
in Robbins
provides the
flowers at the
best prices;
this year, the
chosen variety
is called
Super-Tunias
or Bubblegum
petunias. Keeping the flowers watered through
summer’s heat involved another team effort.
Previously Nancy and Judi were watering the
plants from the back of a Gator. However, once
health issues and hot temperatures ended this
means, Town Manager Tom Robinson, who
works closely with the committee, approved
for the town to water them. Twice a week in the
summer, the firemen water the flowers.
Flower planters adorn downtown Carthage.
Recently, the town got a grant to fix up the
little park where the water tanks used to be, so
the committee hopes to plant flowers and put
up a swing and a picnic table for families to
enjoy. Other ventures include putting walking
trails between the downtown murals. Currently
there are three murals—Tyson Jones in Fred’s
parking lot; the McConnell Memorial; the local
farming scene on the Marion building. Nancy
encourages, “We want people to come to town,
have lunch, get a coffee from Buggy Town, and
enjoy a visit.”
The Century Committee, of which Judi and
SWEET CARTHAGE con't. next column
SWEET CARTHAGE con't from FRONT PAGE
Nancy McKenzie with Judi Kelly.
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Archie are members, are the ones who started the
mural project. Inspired by a town in California,
Tommy Phillips and crew thought Carthage
could likewise benefit. Working together, the
Century Committee helps the Appearance
Committee in many ways such as providing the
metal benches along sidewalks and supplying
money for commercial trashcans. The Century
Committee does much good for the community.
During the holidays, the work of the
Appearance Committee continues to shine
through Christmas decorations. Using garlands,
mini lights, ornaments, and ribbon to wrap
wire tomato cages, the “trees” are put in before
Thanksgiving—locals loves them. Judi shares,
“Upon cleaning out the summer flowers, we fill
the 27 planters with Christmas trees which greet
all who pass through Carthage and all those who
attend the Christmas parade.”
As the Appearance Committee brainstorms
new ideas and incorporates new projects,
the future looks bright. Ready to get started
on another project, Nancy and Judi discuss a
wealth of ideas which include projects both
big and small from
a museum, to an
art gallery, picnic
tables, umbrellas,
and some new
sidewalks.
Truly it takes
a village, a small
hometown, and a
committee to make
things happen, and
the Appearance
Committee is
blessed with
a handful of
members who
faithfully serve.
Nancy and Judi
welcome new
members. As
long as they live
in Carthage, then
they can join the team. Nancy invites Carthage
residents to call the town office and ask for
Dorrie for more information. The Appearance
Committee meets the second Monday of the
month for one hour at the town office.
Judi encourages, “We need those who truly
care about the town to get involved. We need
interested people who are willing to share
both their ideas and their time to help us
grow the Appearance Committee into the next
generation.”
Just as Moore County is, “Growing!” describes
Judi—Nancy finishes, “Carthage is home sweet
home and growing!” Judi adds, “We have a small
town atmosphere wherein everybody knows
everybody, and our children are safe. We don’t
have the big city issues; we know our policemen,
firemen, EMS workers, and the county workers
who work here in Moore County.”
Together strong and together invested
to restore their home town, the Appearance
Committee remains dedicated to preserving
sweet, Sweet Carthage for generations to come.☐
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