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From
the Back Cover --
They
called her “Banner’s Elk” Prior to 1911, she was known as
Banner’s Elk, as restworthy as the sound of her enchanting title.
The firstpermanent settlement here, in the fertile area of theheadwaters
of the Elk River, was established in 1848 by Martin L. Banner and his
family, immigrants from Wales. The family eventually grew to 55 members.
According to local tradition, the Banner’s portion of land through which
the Elk River flowed became known as Banner’s Elk, a name that
remained until incorporation and the establishment of our local post
office. The first settlers to locate here were Baird and John Holtsclaw,
who established their home in this area in 1825 on a spread of 480
acres. During this period, families survived off of the rich land and
abundant fur trade. But, truly, Cherokee Indians were the first known
inhabitants. Though there is no evidence of permanent Cherokee
settlements, artifacts indicate that this area of the Blue Ridge
Mountains was familiar hunting grounds for this notable tribe. Before
the invention of air conditioning, and because of her pleasant summer
temperatures, Banner Elk became a familiar tourist destination in
the late 1800’s. The Banner Elk Hotel, framed mostly from wormy
chestnut, was built in 1892 to accommodate short term vacationers as
well as wealthy summer residents striving to escape the heat and bustle
of neighboring metropolises like Charlotte. It was also common for
traveling salesmen to arrange their overnights at the Banner Elk Hotel
on Saturdays, as everyone knew the locals and gifted travelers gathered
in the General Store across the road to make music. Today, Banner Elk
has less than one thousand permanent residents. Though air conditioning
and entertainment now abound in every corner of our state, in every
season people still swarm to her. They still come for the climate, but
mostly they come for that which renowned photographer, Todd Bush, has
spent over 20 years of his life capturing in images for the pages of
this book: her crystal streams, wildlife, crisp winters and mountain
sunsets… those things that inspire locals and visitors alike to say,
“Life is Just Better Here!”
Don Iverson, Publisher
About the
Photographer --
Todd Bush has
photographed in many locales around the world but has focused his lens
on the Southern Appalachians, specifically around Banner Elk.
Over the years Todd’s great love of being outdoors and photographing
nature and exploring interesting nooks of the Appalachian Mountains has
yielded a vast collection of images. The best of those photos, many for
the first time, are displayed within the pages of this book. His
photographs have been widely published including in; National Geographic
Adventure, Time, USA Today and many other international, national and
regional publications. Todd and his wife Lorie have operated a
commercial photography studio, also offering area scenic photos in
Banner Elk for over 20 years. Their website is:
www.bushphoto.com.
Left: Don Iverson, Publisher
and wife Cathy
Right: Todd Bush, Photographer with wife Lorie
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