|
|
Living High In North Carolina's High Country
From the Spring 2005 Issue
|
 |
Spencer Robbins … a development pioneer who brought Hound Ears and Elk River communities to life.
|
More than anyone else, the Robbins family was responsible for the early development of the western North Carolina mountains. In 1935, father Grover, an active environmentalist, leased 20 acres in Blowing Rock and promoted the Blowing Rock as a scenic attraction. In the late ’50s, Harry bought the original ET & WNC train engine, the locomotive that once carried passengers on a daily 66-mile route from Johnson City, Tenn. to Boone. It continues to delight visitors as the centerpiece of the popular theme park, Tweetsie Railroad, which is still operated by the family today.
In 1962, sons Grover Jr., Harry and Spencer bought a 325-acre farm outside of Boone for the development of a golf course with a single lodge. The plan expanded and today is the Hound Ears community.
The boys didn’t stop. Between 1965 and 1967, Grover and Harry Robbins purchased land at the top of Beech Mountain, enhanced its beauty with a golf course and then went on to develop Beech Mountain Ski resort, the highest ski area in eastern North America, elevation 5,522 feet. Spencer’s next vision would be the development of Elk River, one of the premier resorts in Banner Elk.
Primary to their work was the Robbins’ credo of responsible development.
In Spencer Robbins words, “We have strived to enhance rather than destroy.” —LK |
|
|
|
