Visited the premises of J.H. Turner and James Butler, and found that on the branches at the foot of the mountain and in low places there were signs of slight frost during the late cold waves. But a little up the mountain side, Irish potato tops and beans and other tender vegetables were unharmed. I also found no damage whatedver to apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries and quinces, which were growing in profusion. The very small peach trees were loaded as well as the old ones.
This section of the Thermal belt is in the cove above what is known as the Horse Shoe Bend of the Southern Rail Road fill, about one mile west of Tryon, N.C. I then crossed the valley to a section of the same belt, under the brow of Big Warrior mountain, owned an doperated by Captain W.T. Lindsey, Tryon, N.C. Here I found practically the same conditions as in Horse Shoe Bend Cove. Apples, peaches, grapes entierly without injury either by wind, freeze or frost. I then descended to the lower levels where I found more or less damage to all the above named fruits--at Dr. von Kahalden's orchard and vineyard. There was in the low lands along the small branches, slight sign of frost, on grape vines and apples almost a failure. There was slight sign of wind in the vineyard, but the effect was entirely negligable. I then visited Rev. J.F. Black's orchard and vineyard and found no damage by freeze, frost or wind. It is quested by many whether there be a thermal belt in Polk county, and to all "doubting thomases" I challenge them to set the day and meet me in Tryon and let me make proof by taking you through the belts, both above and below, where you may see for yourself. This is one of many years that will show so conclusively not only that there is such a thing; but exactly where it is. Anyone desiring to locate an orchard of vineyard in this belt would do well to make investigation this year.
In years when fruit is plentiful every where it is difficult to find where this belt begins and where it quits off; but this year the line of distinction is very clearly shown. Of course there are peaches, apples and grapes in sheltered sections outside of the thermal belt; but in the belt these fruits are common and plentiful. An orchard and vineyard owners in this belt, who have cared properly for their trees and vines will reap a rich reward this year. I am aware that other sections of the mountains claim thermal belts; and in as slight degree they exist. In Henderson, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison and perhaps all the mountain counties in a very limited way have little pockets of favored places; but there is but one great thermal belt in our great mountain section and the heart of this is along the foot of the Polk county mountains extending into South Carolina and northeastwardly; but no to marked anywhere as in Polk county. When one visits our mountains and see their construction and relation to each other; it becomes plain where in the fundamental reason lies for this thermal belt. It is here alright, and if fruit and truck growers up in the cold climates knew what I know about it, and if wealthy health seekers knew the heatlh giving qualities of this climate; they would break their necks breaking trains to get here.
From the Polk County News, Tryon, N.C., April 29, 1921
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