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The
Town of Selma, North Carolina
(population 6,394 in 2002) works hand-in-hand with its
sister township Smithfield,
North Carolina (population 11,442 in 2002).These adjacent
townships share the county of residence, Johnston
County; they share the prime North Carolina
location in the Piedmont Crescent Area; they share
good soil and desirable climate; they share an
enviable unemployment rate and excellent per-capita
income. Why shouldn't they share a Chamber of
Commerce? The Smithfield-Selma
Chamber of Commerce shows what benefits
cooperation can bring.
Located on I-95 near
the I-40 intersection, half way between New York and
Florida, Selma and Smithfield's abundant, inexpensive
lodging and restaurants have made a mark on the
tourist industry. This area is part of North
Carolina’s Triangle Region, and the economy is
diversified and employment is upscale.
Selma's heritage is
celebrated annually in October by a "Railroad
Days" festival. Selma actually began as a
festival in 1867. The North Carolina Railroad had
recently established a line through the area, and a
barbecue and dance was held in order to sell lots in
the hopes of establishing a community here. The sale
of lots was boosted by a barbecue and dance held for
that purpose. Historians called the original party
"a glowing success" and contemporary
coverage raves over the current celebrations. In 1886,
a second line was built through Selma. The historic SELMA
UNION DEPOT was built in 1924. Temporarily used as
a museum, the station was restored and renovated in
2002,. It now serves Amtrak's daily Carolinian between
New York City and Charlotte, and Amtrak's daily
Palmetto between New York City and Florida, as well as
CSX and Norfolk Southern companies, and passenger
trains operated by the State of North Carolina.
Atkinson’s
Milling Co.
(built in 1757), a water-powered grist mill has been
in continuous operation for over 240 years.
In Selma, there is an
obvious respect for useful objects, which introduces
Selma's world-class shopping in their antique shops
and malls. Selma's uptown specialty shops are locally
owned and operated. (Don't miss the drug store with
its original and operating soda fountain.) Of course,
if shopping is your recreation, you will also want to
visit the Carolina Premium Outlets for unprecedented
bargain shopping.
Neighborhoods are
Victorian. There is a traditional variety show in the
historic Rudy
Theatre: American
Music Jubilee variety show in the venerable Rudy
Theatre.
Smithfield has its own
way of doing business and keeping their downtown
intact and up-to-date. Downtown property owners help
fund economic development. It is an extra tax which is
dedicated to their own interests. Appropriate tenants
are screened to encourage shops and services that add
to downtown vitality. Smithfield's downtown area has a
93-percent occupancy rate, which means it has a lot to
offer. Smithfield boasts six nearby courses, easy access to
the best in sports and recreation as well as
historical and cultural offerings, but is best known
for a story of devotion and loyalty that is almost
unmatched in today's world. Johnston County is the
birthplace of Ava Gardner and Smithfield is the home
of the Ava
Gardner Museum. This extensive collection of
artifacts representing her life and career, was
predominately assembled by one man, Tom Banks, who (at
age 12) was kissed on the cheek by Ms Gardner. She was
enrolled in secretarial school in Wilson, NC at the
time (1939). Dr. Banks, later aided by his wife, even
bought the house where Ava lived from age 2 to 13, for
his museum. In 1989, Dr. Banks suffered a stroke while
working at the Museum and died; Ms Garner died five
months later. Mrs. Banks donated the Ava Gardner
Collection to Smithfield.
Ava Gardner is buried
in The Town of Smithfield. "Grabtown
Girl" is a biography of Ms. Gardner's
childhood in rural "Grabtown", Smithfield, NC.
Charming small-town living in the heart of beautiful
North Carolina's recreational Eden is topped off with
an economy that is the envy of much of America. Quiet,
safe, historic neighborhoods, excellent schools and
health care, and a strong sense of community are
striking here in the heart of Johnston
County. Proximity to the world-renowned Research
Triangle Park, the largest planned research park in
the United States, has brought some of the largest,
best-known corporate names to Johnston County. Andrew,
Bayer, Caterpillar, Eaton, Novo Nordisk, and
ThyssenKrupp Precision Forge, now account for over
$400 million in payroll annually.
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