In this episode, Susan Holbrook of the Historical Association of Catawba County sits down with Leslie Keller, Director of the Hickory Landmarks Society, for a conversation about what it really takes to preserve the places that tell our community’s story.

Leslie shares the history of Hickory Landmarks, the organization’s historic properties, and the often unseen work behind preservation, from funding and routine maintenance to finding skilled craftspeople and uncovering surprises hidden inside buildings that are more than a century old. They also discuss the importance of collaboration, engaging the next generation of preservationists, adapting historic buildings for modern use, and the challenges continued development may bring to Catawba County.

It’s a look beyond the freshly painted porches and restored homes at the research, persistence, community support, and passion required to keep local history standing for generations to come.

Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage.

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Ric Vandett shares his journey from Brooklyn, New York, into the United States Air Force and eventually into Army service during the Vietnam War. Rick reflects on enlisting at 17, adapting to military life, being sent from weather training into Army duty, and serving in Vietnam with both the 1st Cavalry Division and the 1st Infantry Division. Through vivid memories, humor, and hard-earned perspective, he speaks about friendship, fear, survival, cultural encounters, and the lasting lessons he carried home from war.

Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage.

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

#VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Ralph Stallings shares his story of being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1971 and serving in Vietnam at just 19 years old. Ralph reflects on basic training at Fort Jackson, radio school, and the shock of arriving in a war zone that looked far different from what he had imagined. He recalls serving alongside South Vietnamese forces, the confusion and danger of combat restrictions, the daily realities of survival, and the difficult transition back home. Told with honesty, humor, and vivid detail, Ralph’s story offers a personal look at service, uncertainty, and the lasting perspective that came from Vietnam

Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage.

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

#VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #ArmyVeteran #USArmy #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Max Hedrick Jr. shares his story of being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 and serving as a military policeman in Vietnam. A Catawba County native, Max reflects on leaving home for the first time, basic training at Fort Gordon, and the realities of serving in and around Saigon and Nha Be. He recalls patrol duty, close calls on the water, time on river and gate security, and the friendships that helped carry him through his tour. Max’s story offers a vivid and personal look at service, resilience, and what it meant to return home after Vietnam.

Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage.

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

#VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #ArmyVeteran #USArmy #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Director of Education Alyssa Ball sits down with her grandfather, Vietnam veteran Jim Ball, to preserve his story as part of the Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project.

Jim reflects on growing up in Claremont, joining the United States Marine Corps, training at Parris Island, and serving in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner. He shares powerful memories of brotherhood, sacrifice, returning home, and adjusting to life after war. Through moments of humor, hardship, faith, and reflection, Jim offers an important reminder that freedom is not free and that the stories of those who served must never be forgotten.

Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage.

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

#VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #MarineCorpsVeteran #USMarines #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County podcast, Alyssa Ball and Susan Holbrook discuss the upcoming Liberty Ball, a special celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday and the shared Revolutionary history of Catawba and Lincoln Counties. They explore the importance of preservation, community investment, public history, and how events like the Liberty Ball help bring history to life through music, food, dancing, artifacts, awards, and hands-on storytelling.

The conversation also highlights the Historical Association’s ongoing America 250 programming, the value of local partnerships, the importance of engaging younger generations, and the role preservation plays in shaping community identity for the future.

The Liberty Ball takes place Saturday, June 27, with proceeds supporting both the Historical Association of Catawba County and the Lincoln County Historical Association. Purchase tickets here!

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

#CatawbaHistory #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty #America250 #LibertyBall #CatawbaCountyNC #LincolnCountyNC #LocalHistory #PublicHistory #HistoricPreservation #CommunityHistory #RevolutionaryWarHistory #NorthCarolinaHistory #CatawbaCountyEvents #PreservingHistory #TheMeshTV

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Jerry Smallbear shares his deeply personal story of being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. A native of Newton, North Carolina, Jerry reflects on basic training at Fort Bragg, leadership training at Fort Benning, and his service in Vietnam with the 52nd Infantry Regiment. He speaks candidly about fear, combat, loss, and the lifelong impact of war, including the challenges of returning home and living with chronic PTSD. Jerry’s account is a powerful and honest reminder that the effects of war do not end when a veteran comes home.

Our mission is the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina.

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Jacob Schronce reflects on his service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Born in Hickory, Jacob shares memories of enlisting in 1968, the shock of basic training at Fort Bragg, and the realities of serving in Vietnam with a transportation unit hauling cargo through dangerous mountain passes and ambush zones. He speaks candidly about fear, survival, friendship, and the lasting effects of war, while also offering insight into the challenges many veterans carry long after they return home. Jacob’s story is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served.

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words series, we hear from Bob Rowe as he reflects on his life before, during, and after military service. Bob shares memories of growing up in Catawba County, enlisting in the Marine Corps, training at Parris Island, and serving in Vietnam in aviation electronics. He also speaks about friendship, family, the challenges of war, and the lasting impact those experiences had on his life. Bob’s story offers a personal and meaningful look at service, sacrifice, and coming home. 

Our mission is the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina.

As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.