The fight to save the Cherryville Historical Museum

Kara Fohner, The Gaston Gazette
·4 min read

The city of Cherryville received an offer to buy a building that houses the Cherryville Historical Museum, restarting a bidding war that originally was sparked by an offer from the same investor in January.

Cherryville Main Street LLC offered $400,000 to buy the building, which is located at 109 E. Main St., and has previously housed the local jail, a courtroom, city hall, the magistrate's office, the police department, and the fire station.

Patrick O'Leary, the investor behind Cherryville Main Street LLC, told Cherryville City Council this week that the primary purpose of Cherryville Main Street LLC is to restore historic properties in the downtown district. He currently owns 27 building parcels in and around downtown, "with a rapidly growing number of tenants."

Patrick O'Leary addresses the Cherryville City Council, asking them to accept his offer to buy the building that houses the Cherryville Historical Museum
Patrick O'Leary addresses the Cherryville City Council, asking them to accept his offer to buy the building that houses the Cherryville Historical Museum

"People inquire as to why so many building owners choose to sell to us, and the answer is simple: They share a deep love for Cherryville, yearn to witness downtown's revival, and trust in our commitment to renovate their heritage," he said. "Each building we undertake requires a process that can span a year or more… Our focus is not on speed, but ensuring compliance, safety and quality."

He said that renovating historic buildings is a challenge.

"The unique heritage and character of Cherryville deserves attention, detail and respect," he said.

"Some wonder about our motivation. Simply put, working on something worthwhile with people that you admire is not only fulfilling, but an absolute joy," he added.

O'Leary first offered the town $150,000 for the building in January of this year, said City Clerk Paige Green. That offer required the city to enter a bidding process.

Rusty Wise, the owner of a YouTube channel, Wise News Network, also put in a bid for the property, and so did Mike Jones, the owner of NAPA Auto Parts in Cherryville.

Amy Beam, a member of the Cherryville Historical Association, said that the museum's board learned that the building might be sold through an email that was leaked to them.

"We're very sad," she said.

Board members have pushed back against the sale. They say that the building itself, which is over 100 years old, is a piece of history, and aspects of the museum are built into the building, making it difficult to move the exhibits.

Their concern, said museum director Pat Sherrill, is the idea of "having to pack up and move, and then having the money to re-open again somewhere else."

The Howell Stroup Exhibit Hall inside the Cherryville Historical Museum on East Main Street in Cherryville Monday afternoon, June 12, 2023.
The Howell Stroup Exhibit Hall inside the Cherryville Historical Museum on East Main Street in Cherryville Monday afternoon, June 12, 2023.

The museum exhibits capture a variety of aspects of the Cherryville's past including banks, churches and the Civilian Conservation Corps established in 1933. There is an exhibit showing a historical doctor's office and a classroom, a pharmaceutical exhibit, and an area where people can research genealogy. There is a mock courtroom, exhibits featuring Cherryville residents who fought in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II, an exhibit showing a country kitchen, a storytelling area, an exhibit featuring Cherryville wildlife, and a historical timeline.

"We're trying to save it," said Cherryville Historical Association President Al Putnam. "And the fight's not over yet."

The Cherryville Historical Association rents the building from the city for $1 a year, and the museum is open one day a week. They want the museum to become a landmark, and they're hoping to get it put on the National Registry of Historic Places.

"It was the center of everything," Sherrill said.

"We're friends. We're united, and we want what's best for the museum and the collection," Beam added.

O'Leary has declined to comment to media on his intentions for the property.

Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam said in an interview that there was a conflict between the city and the Historical Association. He said that the city wanted to put city representatives on the museum board, and the board refused.

Al Putnam stands next to “Granny” inside the Cherryville Historical Museum on East Main Street in Cherryville Monday afternoon, June 12, 2023.
Al Putnam stands next to “Granny” inside the Cherryville Historical Museum on East Main Street in Cherryville Monday afternoon, June 12, 2023.

"If you don't want anything to do with us, then we're done with you. We'll sell the building," he said.

Additionally, he said that the city spent tens of thousands of dollars last year on maintenance in the building.

Putnam said that the people on the board are historians, "and we don't think that the city needs to be involved in history."

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: The fight to save the Cherryville Historical Museum