10 years ago
* The 103rd anniversary of the Junaluska Wreath Laying Ceremony was held at the Junaluska Museum. Known as a warrior and Cherokee leader, Junaluska walked back to his beloved mountains after being removed from the Trail of Tears. In the early 1900s, the Daughters of the American Revolution erected a monument in Robbinsville to honor his dedication to the Cherokee people. The wreath laying in 2013 was performed by Junaluska Leadership Council chairman Tagan Crowe and Zane Wachacha, a direct descendant of Wachacha, Junaluska’s brother.
* The Robbinsville Black Knights enjoyed the first shutout of the season in their first-round playoff game against the Cherokee Braves, triumphing 52-0. With most of the Knights off of the injured list, the Braves struggled to move the ball. “Our kids played hard and had a good game,” said Robbinsville head coach Dee Walsh. “We got some kids back who had been injured and we’re steadily getting better. That’s good, as it’s a new season.”
25 years ago
* The Graham County Sheriff’s Office had a suspect detained in the death of Benita Jumper Gregory, 31. Jimmy Harris – 40, of Robbinsville – willingly turned himself in to Gastonia authorities on Nov. 6, 1998. According to Graham County Dep. Spencer Weeks, the case was still under investigation by the sheriff’s office, but they did not want to comment on details until the case was complete. Buncombe County Medical Examiner Dr. Bob Goldberg said, “Gregory’s death was a result of a severe contusion to the brain, inflicted by an object other than the human hand.”
* The Graham County Board of Education named David A. Davies as the new Superintendent, effective Nov. 16, 1998. Davies previously served as associate superintendent of Clay County Schools and had worked for public schools of Western North Carolina for the past 27 years. “I look forward to being part of a progressive school system that has created such significant student achievements in recent years,” Davies said.
* The playoffs were on-tap for the heroes of Robbinsville, as the Black Knights were set to travel to battle Starmount in the first round. Despite some nagging injuries, head coach Bruce Snyder claimed that his team is ready. “For us to win, we have to get a great game out of our offensive line,” Snyder said. “We have to tackle better and must come up with some big plays on special teams.”
50 years ago
* The Robbinsville Church of God conducted a note-burning ceremony, which signified that the church was completely free of indebtedness. Pictured were A.E. Scroggs, Tony England and pastor, the Rev. John Bowen.
* The Knights traveled to Cherokee and beat the Braves, 8-0. Tommy Hooper got the game’s only touchdown in the third quarter, when he raced 31 yards. Dee Walsh then passed to Colvin for the two-point conversion. Robbinsville finished the season 8-2 and was the winner of the Smoky Mountain Conference. The Black Knights were set to begin their sixth appearance in the state playoffs by hosting the Stoneville Eagles.
* An ad for a new 1974 Honda motorcycle at Nelson Honda touted a price range of $250-$1,650. “All make great Christmas gifts – gift-wrapping free – a $25 deposit will hold any bike until Christmas,” the ad read.
-Compiled by Diane West