Grandfather Mountain (Images of America)
By Michael C. Hardy
Reviewed by J. Keith Jones

I just finished perusing Michael Hardy’s illustrated history of Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. First he leads off with a history of the mountain. Starting with the geological history and progressing through the settlement and ownership of the mountain and culminating with Grandfather Mountain State Park.

Then he takes you through really fun parts, the pictures. This book is divided up in several sections from the old time to the modern. It also features some of the photographic history of some of the activities that gave Grandfather its special flavor, such as Singing on the Mountain and the Scottish Highland Games.

You see pictures of Johnny Cash performing along with other notable celebrities. Bagpipes and Scottish Highland activities tie the mountain in with the heritage of the people of North Carolina. There are pictures of Alexander MacRae playing his bagpipes in front of his hotel and boarding house. MacRae was an early resident of Grandfather when he came to work as a shepherd for Capt. Walter Lenoir. In the modern day, he has pictures of great events like the Scottish heavy athletics and the Parade of Tartans.

This book is a worthy addition to any collection of North Carolina history. If you are a North Carolinian or have any interest in the state and its great sites, you need this book on your mantelpiece.