The railroad played a central role in the development of Puryear. This early photo, supplied by Mackie and Wanda Gallimore, shows the west side of the depot, with (left to right): Josh Gallimore, Mason Dobbins and an unknown man.
On Saturday, Puryear will be celebrating the 100th year since its incorporation with free birthday cake for all, plus the annual parade, arts and crafts, carnival rides, street dance and other entertainment.
Puryear actually has its beginnings in 1891, when the Paducah, Tennessee and Alabama Railroad was built on a tract of land belonging to James T. and Lucetta Fitts Littleton.
The land was purchased at 10 cents an acre and it brought quite a return for the Littletons when the railroad decided to change its plans, coming from Hazel, Ky., and southward through the Littleton property.
As happened a lot in those days, a town was built up around the railroad. It first was called Littleton in honor of its donor, but it was discovered that there was already a town of Littleton, N.C.
The Littletons then suggested the name of Puryear, in honor of a friend of theirs who also was president of a branch of the NC&St.L Railroad.
According to a history of Puryear written by W.O.Inman, the railroad had not intended to build a depot, but through the influence of the Littletons and Col. Sam Caldwell, a prosperous farmer and landowner, the depot was secured.
The town was incorporated in 1909, starting operation the second Tuesday of May of that year, with J.G. Littleton as its first mayor.
Saturday's celebration will begin with a parade at 10 a.m., afterwhich free birthday cake will be served from the community center.
Free carnival rides will be on hand from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Arts and crafts, a Lions Club Mobile Eye Clinic and games will be available.
Gospel singing by "Blessed" will begin at 1 p.m., with more country and gospel by Tassie Renee at 2:30 p.m. A presentation, "Puryear Then and Now" will be at the community center, with a street dance at 6 p.m. and cake auction at 7:15 p.m.
Free hot dogs and drinks will be served at 5 p.m.
Puryear Day Schedule
30th Annual Puryear Day celebration, sponsored by the Puryear Lions Club, will be held Saturday, May 16.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. Register from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Cherry st.
Free birthday cake will be served after the parade at the Community Center.
Free Carnival Rides are from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Guess the weight of a huge log supplied by Middleton Lumber and win a chainsaw.
Gospel Singing at 1 p.m. by "Blessed", followed by Tassie Renee gospel and country at 2:30 p.m.
Lions Mobile Eye Clinic, free eye exams.
Puryear Then and Now at the Community Center.
Street dance at 6 p.m., with cake auction at 7:15.
Arts and crafts and games also will be on hand.