Comparing the Doc Watson “Man of the People” Statue from 2016 to 2024. The first photo was taken when I was in Boone, North Carolina for a family reunion. [Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson is my fourth cousin].
The Statue was dedicated on June 24, 2011. It commemorates the Grammy Award-winning artist and Watauga County (Deep Gap) native Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson. The depiction of “Doc” Watson sitting on a bench playing a model of his favorite guitar, customized Gallagher was created Alexander M. Hallmark, a local Blowing Rock, NC, Sculptor. The inscription on the statue reads Doc Watson / “Just one of the People.”
The bronze statue of Doc Watson is located at the Northeast corner of North Depot and West King streets in downtown Boone, North Carolina.
I am so very thankful, incredibly grateful, and unbelievably blessed. Hurricane Helene has passed by causing tremendous havoc and damage to surrounding areas within two hours or less from our current location. It saddens me to see the many online postings of the damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
Even though Hurricane Helene was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone while it continued moving northward after landing in Florida, the National Hurricane Center called it’s effects as “catastrophic, historic flooding.” The “catastrophic historic flooding coverage occurred over parts of the southern Appalachians. The flooding within my surrounding communities is devastating affecting many friends and families across the areas.
It saddens me to hear about the deaths and injuries caused by Hurricane Helene. Last count I read was approximately 44 deaths have been reported across the Southeast as a result of this storm. In my opinion, even one death is too many. I do know that God is in control and everything is going to be fine.
We were just a small group of the greater than 3.8 million Americans which had the unfortunate experience of dealing without power for several hours all across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Illinois.
Our local dams are overflowing, many streets have been flooded, others have collapsed leaving thousands stranded and unable to return to their homes or jobs until alternative routes can be provided or roads can become assessable once again.
I am very thankful our immediate area had minimal flooding and damage. I am incredibly grateful we were not without power for more than ten hours yesterday. I am unbelievably and abundantly blessed to have a Heavenly Father who watches over us and understands our needs, our anxieties, and our sorrows before we even acknowledge them ourselves.
I am sharing photos from public websites showing the flooding and damage to surrounding areas within a short distance from us.
Before/After standing on I-40, looking down at US 74 with the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge in the distance. Asheville, NC. -Matthew
Asheville, North Carolina
Chimney Rock, North Carolina
Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina
“I have a lot to be thankful for. I am healthy, happy, and I am loved.”
~ Reba McEntire
God Bless. Stay Safe. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Floral Arrangements Arthel “Doc” Watson Statue Boone, North Carolina
Arthel “Doc” Watson (1923-2012), an 8-time Grammy winner, was born down the road in Deep Gap and always remained “Just One of The People,” as this sculpture states. [As a side note: “Doc” is my maternal 4th cousin.]
Doc became part of the Folk Revival and is known worldwide for his flat-picking style of guitar playing. The Town of Boone celebrates Doc Watson Day every year with a concert at the Jones House. This bronze statue of Doc Watson was dedicated on June 24, 2011, and sculpted by Alexander M. Hallmark.
Sitting by my cousin, Arthel “Doc” Watson’s Bronze Statue Boone, North Carolina
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 