Carlyn and Adell Southard A.G. and S.F. Redistribution Center, Asheville Scrapbook, AV.7014

[Identification of item], AV.7014, Carlyn and Adell Southard A.G. and S.F. Redistribution Center, Asheville Scrapbook, State Archives of North Carolina, Western Regional Archives, Asheville, NC, USA.

One scrapbook containing postcards, menus, receipts, promotional brochures, photographs, and correspondence.

In 1944, Asheville became a host city to a number of servicmen and -women returning from active duty. In order to provide much-needed rest and relaxation prior to reassignment, the U.S. Army took control of four of Asheville's hotels-the Grove Park Inn, the George Vanderbilt, the Asheville-Biltmore, and the Battery Park-and the basement of the Civic Center. Thus, Asheville became home to the Army Ground and Service Forces Redistribution Center, known by the shorter title of A.G. and S.F. Redistribution Center. The operation could handle 3,000 veterans each month who, after a three-week furlough at home, would spend a week or so relaxing in the Land of the Sky. Veterans stayed free of charge while their spouses were levied a nominal fee.

Daily bulletins attest to the activities offered: Horseback riding and tennis at the Grove Park Inn, golf at the Asheville Country Club, and at the YMCA one could bowl, swim, box, lift weights, or play basketball or handball. Tours offered included Chimney Rock, the Coca-Cola bottling plant on Biltmore Avenue, and Biltmore Estate. The Pearlman Building downtown housed the Recreation Hall for card playing or shooting pool.

The first few days of their stay, the veterans received physical examinations, were educated about the G.I. Bill, and underwent Army classification examinations.

Carlyn Southard (1919-2008) and his wife Adell Cannon Southard (1919-2008) occupied room 735 at the Battery Park Inn from October 30 to November 12, 1944 after Carlyn's wartime service and prior to his transfer to Fort Myer, Virginia.

World War, 1939 - 1945

Asheville (N.C.)

Scrapbooks.