1930s HENDERSONVILLE NORTH CAROLINA HARRELL-CHARLESTON HOUSE INN POSTCARD 46-101
Originally dubbed the “Smith-Green House,” the Inn soon (1906) reflected its intended use when it was re-named “The Charleston Boarding House.” Interestingly in 1916 an individual by the name of L.R. Chewning and his wife, Mattie, purchased the property. The interest surrounding the Chewning purchase was premised upon his less than stellar past. It appears from all historical accounts that L.R. Chewning, a former confederate soldier, was enlisted as one of the members of the infamous “Jesse James” gang.
Apparently, James and his brother Frank enlisted several hundred former Civil War officers and concentrated their efforts on robbing the new federally established banking system. A photo of Chewning appears in our front parlor, to his far right is an individual who appears to be Frank James. During this time (1880) it has been established that Jesse and Frank made their way to Tennessee in an effort to recruit members. Legend and speculation have James in this general area just a few short years before his assassination.
In 1929 the tariff for a week’s stay at the Chewning House was $15.00 and after Chewning’s ownership ended, the Inn went through a myriad of keepers. At one point it was known as the Harrell House, then the Bonner House and the McCurry Hotel.