The first novelist from North Carolina to become an influential voice in American literature, Thomas Wolfe was an imaginative and persuasive fictional writer. Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, Thomas Wolfe is best known for his vivid portrayal of life in the mountains during the twentieth century. Published in 1999, Thomas Wolfe: A Writer’s Life explores Wolfe’s life and career spanning from 1900 until his early death in 1938. The author, Ted Mitchell, was a historic site interpreter at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site in Asheville. An earlier edition of this work was published by the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site without the interpretation of Mitchell.

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Elizabeth Dotterer talks about growing up in Hot Springs, North Carolina, where many tourists would come and stay over the summer. She explains: "It was the type of tourism we no longer have. You spent the entire summer." After the outbreak of WWII the nature of tourism changed. Dotterer reflects fondly on working at the hotels and spending time with the summer tourists. She explains that the opening of the I-40 highways had a big impact on tourism as well.

This diary includes entries from September 1-November 14, 1917. Greene wrote each day about his work, the weather, and events within the community, especially church events. People mentioned in this diary include Mr. Walker Tatum, B.B. Daugherty John Morgan, Rev. Mr. Adams, and Rev. Mr. Clark. Places mentioned through this diary include Asheville, Blowing Rock, Boone, Watauga County, Camp Jackson in Columbia SC, and many more.

Finkelstein explains his family's past, starting in 1799 in Lithuania and ending with his life in Asheville.

Finkelstein explains his family's past beginning in Lithuania and ending in Asheville.

Finkelstein explains his family's past, beginning in 1799 in Lithuania and ending with his life in Asheville.

A photograph of Harry and Fannye Finkelstein's wedding.

A newspaper clipping explaining the struggles of Asheville's first pawnshop after getting loans became significantly easier.

Sheet music from 1925 written by Frank B. Cook.

A group photo of the Asheville Jewish community.

A group photo of a Costume Party held by the Asheville Jewish community.

A program cover of Those Asheville Blues.

A clipping from the Asheville Citizen Times showing Julie Nixon standing in front of the Finkelstein loan office.

A newspaper clipping about Leo Finkelstein's life after he retired and a brief overview of his career as a pawnbroker.

An antiquated photo of a group of children in front of a car.

An NC State Convention badge for Leo as "Exalted Ruler."

This article explains the life of a pawnbroker from bizarre items (like a stuffed bear), rich clients who pay interest just to keep their winter coats safe over the summer, con artists, and a minister who scraped by pawning his Bible every Monday and retrieving it every Saturday evening.

Leo Finkelstein's account of Asheville in the early twentieth century, how the Jewish community functioned, and pawnbroking during the Depression.

Records from Lions Club meetings from 1998 with tidbits about Leo's health and involvement in the community. It also includes information about Leo's swing band, the Sanctimonious Seven.

Leo Finkelstein's family has it roots in Lithuania, but his father had to flee after hitting a Russian soldier on the head. After living in various countries, he settled in Asheville according to the advice of a doctor and opened up a pawnshop on Main Street.