—Gloria Hager, Owner, GG’s Art Frames Gifts

The square. A metaphor. An axis of intersection of North and South, East and West. Over the ages folks have crossed this intersection and contributed meaningfully and richly to the social, economic, and political fabric of life in Statesville. And my grandfather the Reverend J. H. Pressly, who came to progressive 1892 Statesville because Statesville had streetlights, crossed that axis thousands of times as he served his church for 54 years. Never learning to drive an automobile, he walked and rode his horse through that intersection as he served his congregation. We trust J. H. Pressly, by crossing that axis, made lives in Statesville richer, more meaningful, and a source of great faith to so many.

—David Pressly, Statesville Mayor, 1983-1985

This book is an important narrative on places and times in our history that some will remember, but many won’t. It’s the story of the trials and tribulations of a growing community around a common geographic core, its beloved town square. Sit back and enjoy the 200 years of interesting stories that make up the beautiful city of Statesville, North Carolina.

—Ralph Bentley, Statesville Mayor, 1985-1993

I have always been appreciative of community landmarks and am grateful that our town clock is still there. It reminds me of the past, announces the present, and holds promise for the future. It calls me home.

—John Marshall, Statesville Mayor, 1993-2005

Steve Hill combines his knowledge of our city with his beautiful writing style to show the reader why we love Statesville. Once you read In the Shadow of the Clock, you will share our great pride.

—Costi Kutteh, Statesville Mayor, 2005-present

Steve Hill has truly transcended time. Take a copy of this book on a walk in downtown Statesville and you can see what happened before you got there. This book is filled with well documented images and stories that allow us to experience multiple periods in history, from one source. You will meet all sorts of people engaging in all sorts of activities, quite a busy place for just a four block area. Steve invites you to look over their shoulder and marvel.

—Richard Eller, Historian-in-Residence, Catawba Valley Community College

A typical day on the square in Statesville. ln the foreground, bus driver Pete Beck gives directions to a visitor. His bus awaits its next load of shoppers. A businessman exchanges pleasantries with the officer on the square.
Two girls discuss whatever girls discuss in 1948, while a young man rushes to beat the light on his way home. The air carries the aromatic mixture of gasoline fumes, grilled onions, and the featured perfume at the drug store. The grand old lady watches over these proceedings from her tower high above. The war is over, and life is good
A similar scene plays out in small-town squares across the country. What makes this one different? Explore Statesville's town square. Discover the quintessential qualities and whimsical peculiarities that make her the centerpiece of"'Best Town in North Caroliona."

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