Located just 3 blocks from Hobbs Hill in downtown Davidson, here is a Davidson landmark – a #TBT side-by-side of the “Davidson Depot” circa 1912 vs. 2019.
Some interesting historical notes:
• the large building to Right in the images is the Linden Cotton Mill, built in 1890. As the cotton mill industry changed dramatically in the early-20th century, the Linden Cotton Mill closed and was re-purposed as the Carolina Asbestos Company thru mid-century, and then in more recent decades, a secondary structure was built on the site and the property was eventually sold/re-purposed as Metrolina Warehouse. Today it houses several local businesses, most notably the Rumor Mill Market – one of the most unique and diverse indoor antique/household collectible markets in our area!
• Davidson Depot was also the site of the Town’s Western Union Telegraph & Cable Office
• The 1912 image captures “morning rush hour” in the old days – you can tell both of these images were shot in AM due to the direction/length of the shadows since the orientation is looking South. People dressed much more formally in that era – look at the suits and hats!
• Street passing from L-R across the tracks between the buildings is Depot Street
• Another related building is clearly visible in 1912 just past the Depot Building on Left – today it is gone and marked by an asphalt pad for parking
• Rail spur for the Linden Cotton Mill still exists – you can see several freight cars sitting on it in 1912
• There was secondary structure between the Linden and its rail spur seen in 1912 for loading/unloading of goods that no longer exists today, except for its foundation/pad which is still visible
• Water tower visible behind the mill in 1912 is no longer there – but the Linden’s unique chimney remains a distinctive sight in downtown Davidson
• Both the Davidson Depot and the Linden Cotton Mill have recently been proposed by the Town and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission for designation as a local historic landmarks; they are notable structures amongst a number of remaining historical landmarks in the Town’s Westside dating back to the first century of the Town’s existence and particularly illustrative of the key historical impact the railway and mills played in the history of Davidson, and our nation