Gone Somewhere Down the River: Penland & Sons had 100 Years of History Washed Away by Helene. Ep. 31
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.พ. 2025
- Penland and Sons Department Store, has operated on Main Street in Marshall, NC, for over 100 years. Begun as Tweeds it became Penland’s in the 1950s, stocking a wide variety of items including clothing, boots, gifts, snacks, books and household products and has served the town and surrounding community for generations.
On September 27th, 2024 Hurricane Helene hit the small town of Marshall and floodwaters from the French Broad River rose out of its banks and created a river that ran down Main Street devastating every business in town. Penland’s had 5’8” of water on the main floor, ruining their inventory and destroying their business. Everything had to be removed including the original wood flooring.
Today Penland’s is owned by sisters Georgette Penland Shelton and Susan Penland Rector and in this episode, we talk with Georgette about the flood, how she felt when she saw the damage firsthand, the family’s efforts to clean up, and the future of the store as well as the town of Marshall.
We show many comparisons with what the town and store looked like before and after the flood using videos and photographs we made over many months leading up to the hurricane and from visits to Marshall after the flooding as the cleanup efforts began. These scenes, along with the interview with Georgette, will give you a vivid picture of how Hurricane Helene washed away 100 years of history in just a few hours.
Links:
Barnwell Photography/books: www.barnwellphoto.com
Country Store Episode featuring Penland & Sons: • THE COUNTRY STORE - Pe...
Penland and Sons Department Store: / penland-sons-departmen...
How to help Marshall: www.helpmarsha...
Old Marshall Jail Hotel/Josh Copus: oldmarshalljai...
LCD aerial photography: / lcddronephotos
End Music: Rising Appalachia (singing at the Old Marshall Jail Hotel). www.risingappa...
I bought a broom there from her about 10 years ago. She made sure to tell me how to keep that broom in top condition for years to come…hang it up to keep it off the floor so it doesn’t get bent out of shape. If it ever loses its shape get it wet and rework it back to its original condition. Good advice.
Thank you 👍
That is a great tip! Glad you found it useful! Thats the difference between a small well run shop and a box store, great customer service!
Willie, is the broom still holding up and working for you? Thanks for spending time with us here. We look forward to seeing Pendlands and Marshall open for business.
Still in good shape, hanging on my porch.
Ive been in Penlands many times and talked to Georgette at length. She’s the BEST there is! I’ve bought NC made flannel nightgowns, Carhartt coat, socks, books and jewelry. I’m so sorry this has happened to this lovely family and the rest of the town. You can count on me to come back and shop when you reopen. ❤
Cynthia, We look forward to seeing you there when Pendlands is open again! Georgette is the best. Thank you for watching.
I remember Barbara tending shop, and her daughters since, providing a timeless, country charming place of respite from a crazy world, where you could get what ya needed, quality clothes and local home spun goodness. And paid with cash - like in the good ole days. Books by local authors, and The Best Christmas Magic in those grand window displays. I've always felt appreciated there. And so priviledged to share for a moment in an unspoken small town nobility. I referred proudly to my cuttery purchased there as my "Barbara Penland knives."
My heart goes out to the Penland family. The enormity of their loss, I can not imagine.
What great memories. I love the Barbara Pendland Knives......lol. Thanks for watching the video.
It sounds like you had the full experince knowing the family and being a loyal customer. So great to have those experinces to look back on. We appreciate you joining us.
Continuously praying for the people, the families affected by Helene. I hope now additional help will be forthcoming.
Penny, thanks for your prayers. Keep stopping by and saying hello.
When Penland had a shop in Dollywood 2015 I bought 2 mugs and a yarn bowl. We use the mugs all the time. They are beautiful.
What a great memory. Glad you were able to support them and get some great items and memories.
We stand with you ! Please don't give up ! He's Coming !
We appreciate your concern and we've been amazed how much help has been given, through volunteer hours and other assistance. Appalachia Strong!
Victoria, thanks for watching our videos. Your support is felt and appreciated. We will not give up!
It’s shock when our brains don’t register like that. I have been there with the shock. So sorry for your loss🙏🙏🙏
It is a symptom for sure. These folks are wearing it on their faces. Time will bring joy again. Thanks for watching.
When the mighty Cumberland river hit 77 feet of flood stage in 2010, I could only sit and watch, anable to get out of that valley that had Rt 40, 24, 65 all impassable and a thousand, thousand others, from the Smokies to The Mississippi river. God speed your recoveries, Great American mountain lovers. I fled when I could 3 weeks later. I am technically blind moderator spell check. don't menace with my spell check like thatt. My eyes strugggle to see that Micro Mouse and HD screen HP.... The stories bring me tears
Rodney, wow what a story from 2010. Keep coming back. You are always welcome here.
Sending my love from one western NC woman another. We WILL rebuild and we are strong, but we are grateful for each and every prayer, donation, and time volunteered as we rebuild. It’s beyond despair, but beyond gratitude ❤❤
It means a lot that you spent time with the channel and the video.We will rebuild and we are strong. Thanks so much!
The building you are in looks salvageable, and its beauty and history needs saving.
Rodney, it is definitely salvageable and they have already begun the journey to reopen Pendlands. Thanks for your thoughts and stopping by for a visit.
My family visited this part of NC I know 50 yrs of my life going back & forth from Ind, to Southern NC, as adult living in New Bern,I made sure my boys knew this area as well,sending our Prayers & Love
We appreciate you and welcome your support. New Bern is a beautiful area and I've been fortunate to visit there numerous times over the past few years. Thanks for watching.
Rebecca, all of our state is so beautiful. I am partial to the mountains. Seeing them after a long trip away has been known to bring tears to my eyes. Than you so much for you memories and spending time with us here. Please keep coming back. You are always welcome.
I used to go there with my Grandma growing up. The Pendlands are wonderful people. God bless you!
They are great folk and we're so glad to see they are planning to rebuild and reopen, hopefully by the summer or fall of this year. We appreciate you watching!
Johnny, thank you for sharing that memory and spending some time with us at The Face of Appalachia. You help to make all this possible.
My heart aches for the people
Ours too. Thanks for your concern and we appreciate you getting in touch.
Herb, these videos are painful and hopeful. Thanks for spending time with us here at the channel. You are appreciated.
Well done. I started to cry near the end when you showed Josh Corpus. Very moving. Tough to not be in Shock. I helped a couple of friends move out of Asheville.. paid moving cost. I fear so much of the culture is gone. Some day we should talk and catch up. Thanks for sharing. It was good to see you and hear your voice
Hey, thanks for helping with your friends from Asheville. It's folks like you that make this channel possible. Keep stopping by the channel and sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for sharing. Ken Lawson was my father-in-law. He spoke fondly of the time he spent with you.
He was a fine man and we all miss him. Ken was one of my dear friends for many yaers. We had lunch at least once a week. I certainly miss him. Thanks for getting in touch.
God is good.
Putting it on people’s hearts to show up and work
Thank you so much for your thoughts and time here at The Face of Appalachia. You are always welcome here.
So glad you can smile prayers for you 🙏
Thanks for watching and we appreciate your concern and support!
This store is historic! I pray they get the funds they deserve to rebuild. Marshall needs them.
Shirley, The store is a landmark for sure. As I listen to Georgette, I am certain they will rebuild and get the store open again. Thanks for the prayers and keep stopping by the channel. You are the reason we are here and able to bring these amazing people and their stories to everyone.
Still praying for ya'll from Jackson, MS. I was born and raised for 3 years in Elkin, NC before my parents moved us kids to KY.
Karen, thanks for checking in. It is great to hear from you and thanks for watching the video.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Thanks so much for leaving a comment and watching our video.
I lived in Wolf Laurel in late 1980s and early 1990s and went in the store a couple times but don't remember buying anything. It was a cool building. My dad's ancestors settled Madison County about 1830 and so it has always held a place in my heart. I used to do research in the courthouse for an attorney and also genealogy there for my family tree. I am in Florida now and miss the place. Can't travel any more. I hope you will rebuild. Bless you.
Debra, thanks for sharing some of your history with us. I am glad you knew bout the place and had a personal connection. I hope our channel offers you a chance to visit our area even though you are unable to travel. Keep coming back we will be here.
My thoughts and prayers for all those affected by that awful hurricane I have family in Madison County in Buncombe County to
Thanks so much for your concern and hope your family members are OK.. Its going to be a long slow process but folks are working hard to get there.
Julia, thanks for watching the video. Do you get to visit your people in our area often? I hope you will keep stopping by the channel and saying hello.
Thanks for adding the beautiful song at the conclusion!
Franklin, the song is so amazing. You are always welcome here.
I’m a Wilkes county NC resident and wounded warrior side. We have a small soap and body product company and when this family is ready, we would love to donate products for them to display, sell, and keep 100% of the proceeds of when they are ready for inventory. Western NC locally made. NC strong!
Thanks again for your comments. We will pass your offer on to Pendlands.
Nice work as always, Tim. Thanks for documenting these stories.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
Ashley, I want to tell you how grateful I am that you watch our videos. You help to make all this possible. We are so fortunate we get to document this great people and their stories.
Memories of what once was! 18:16 beautiful singing
Jeanette, the song and the performance are amazingly beautiful. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope to hear from you again soon.
I remember early on after the flood. One of the huge TH-cam channels came in and gave her a check to help with rebuilding. It was after they’d gutted and ripped up floors and trying to dry out. She was standing in the front window area while they went in and surveyed. They came out and gave her what I’m assuming was a hefty donation. especially considering it was so soon after. Seems like so long ago, yet it was only 4 months.
They will rebuild and the town will return even stronger. Folks will come and patronize.
Jd Vance was in Damascus today. The AT and VA Creeper was the backbone of that town. It’s gone. The Creeper is like 35 miles long and it’s gone. So, that was a good sign he went there. It’s only been a week… more than during this entire time by govt. so much has been done by average folks. If it hadn’t been for people showing up…. It’s been amazing to watch.
Thank you for your Channel and all you do to document.
We appreciate you following along and your support for Penland and all of Marshall. So much good will is coming from the great people of Appalachia! We went on the Virginia Creeper Trail almost every year, camping at Grindstone above Damascus, before their water problems so very sorry to hear about that damage.
I use to work for the Penlands. (Joe Penland),I worked for the Ambulance service. I met his Family. :) The Funeral Home too. I 1st came to Marshall, NC in 1979. The road out of Marshall down River road towards Asheville is my favorite road to travel. I have many heart healing experiences on that road & many Vid's about my travels. :) Blessings! :) Not sure if the Marshall Penlands were related to the one I worked for. :)
That drive you mention is one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing your memories. We are so thankful for people just like you. You make it possible for us to tell these stories.
@@scottallen6062 Blessings, My favorite Hang Out, the Depot, & all the wonderful Music. I especially loved the Broom Dance! :)😊
Amazing video! The ladies singing are awesome, too.
We are glad you enjoyed the video and the singing!
So heartbreaking, makes us stronger! Blessings to all.❤
Robin, I wanted to thank you for watching the video. You are appreciated. Please keep coming back. We need folks just like you.
Lord i remember me and brother going with dad delivering some goods from Sprinkle Shelton to that store many times throughout the 90s and other stores in marshall still to this day I remember that store but I can't remember what we was delivering to them are some good Memories God bless you all and everyone in marshall
Nice work, Tim.
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it.
My son-in-law owns the building a few doors to the left of Pendlands. It used to be a Wells Fargo Bank that he redid. What a shame.
Doug, are they planing on repairing the building? Have they already started? It is good to hear from you and I wanted to say thank you for spending time with us here at the channel. I hope to hear from you again.
@ Yes, as far as I know he is going to redo it. He and a buddy came down with a truck and trailer full after the hurricane with supplies to not only start on the cleanup, but also stuff to donate. Generator’s, pressure washers, cleaning supplies, baby food, diapers, full gas cans, etc. When they got there they were told that it was unsafe due to who knows what mixed in with the drying mud. Contamination. There were some guys from the National Guard there at the time.
They ended up donating the stuff they had brought down.
😢 if you can get reclaimed boards for the floors they will be like the old ones. Praying for everyone affected and lost
I knw they are looking into that, as you are right about that. Lots of folks in the same position so makes it a bit harder to find. We certainly appreciate your input and concern and thank you for watching.
A great video but so sad! Still hard to believe all the damage.
It certainly is a tough situation. We appreciate your support. Thanks for your concern.
Water and fire, man against the element. We look to the hills from where my help comes from the Lord.😊
Lee, thanks so much for your comment and spending time with the video. You are appreciated.
Fire comes with water damage... 😢😊
Thanks for watching the video and sharing your thoughts.
Helene has the word Hell in it.
YESS IT DID!
Penland department store, George and Joe sold us all our shoes and boots belts and socks. Barbara georgette's mother, and her mother-in-law. Dress my mother's hair cut mine. This is just a shame.
Thanks for your memories. These folks are the best of the best. There is so much history from within those walls and it is great to hear about yours. Keep coming back.
September 27th, not the 24th.
Thanks Joyce, slip of the tongue.......lol. We got it right in the description and the closed captioning. Sorry
we the people know they who are evil, caused this and did this to you all, we know they control the weather and fires and want gods people gone, our prayers to yahuah and yahusha are with you all my brothers and sisters
"God" spelled backwards is "dog." Is it just a coincidence? I don't think so.
Girl, men don't control the weather as badly as you want that to be true. This is the problem with our generation today. We'd rather take comfort in conspiracies than accept the fact God is at work even through extreme disasters. Everything that can be shaken will be in this season.
Better take off the tin foil and get into the Word b/c what's coming down the road won't make sense unless one's plugged into the prophetic and the Bible.
❤ THAT is absolutely true. For many years now hurricanes have been weaponized, generated and directed to very exact precision by those that control the force of man-made laws for their own ends❤
❤LET FEAR BE FAR FROM ALL ❤
Exactly!! The woman in the video even said a flood happened in 1940. Floods happen in these places! 1916 is another catastrophe that happened. As was 2004. @@rebelfighter5249
I hope someone donates some sheets of plywood to temporarily walk on instead of having to use those scrap pieces of boards lapped over each other.
Bryan, it does look a bit dangerous. Thanks for your observation. Thanks for spending time with us here at the channel.
"A Country Boy Can Survive" with plenty of government assistance and Blue State handouts.
And all we ever here about on Channel 13 is about the River Arts District and Beloved Asheville. Nothing about our people from here. Georgette and Mike are two of our favorute people in the world.
Thats why ive depended on this platform to see EVERYTHING RAW. Ive followed since day one. Got me in quite a depression for a bit, and im not from there. Ive been thru the mountains a couple of times. They will be back. And now hopefully will have help.....FINALLY. GOD BLESS YOU APPALACHIA. #NCstrong
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. It seems like there are many stories that need telling. Georgette is the best kind of people for sure! Thanks for watching the video. You make this channel possible.
@@suebee1436 NCSTRONG!