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Get to know more about RTR and its contributions to Rutherfordton.
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Rutherfordton has been a Main Street Community for 35 years. What started out in 1990 as a group of volunteers working on a committee called Rutherford Town evolved into an organization in 1995 called Rutherford Town Revitalization. Look at some of RTR's recent impacts and view our history for a full list of projects and contributions over the last 35 years.

 

Help us celebrate 30 years as an organization and donate towards future projects that will make Rutherfordton better and stronger!

Rutherford Town Rising (RTR) is a 501c3 organization dedicated to leading and preserving the unique character of the historic downtown while developing and enriching assets that promote economic vitality, a sense of community, and quality of life.

 

RTR depends on donations, fundraising efforts, and available grants to fund community projects. This year RTR is celebrating 35 years as a Main Street Community and 30 years as an organization. Below are some of the people who have helped lead our organization over the years and a list of projects and contributions made by RTR to the community. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Our ask is for you to help us continue to be impactful and bring more businesses and opportunities to our community. Please help us celebrate the past and support the future through our 30 for 30 campaign. We are asking for a $30 donation from businesses, residents, and anyone else who wants to support our amazing town. That breaks down to only $2.50 a month to help fund the future of Rutherfordton and make our community better and stronger. 

Donate to RTR

Donation Form
RTR - Celebrating 30 years - $30 for 30 campaign

Help us support future initiatives and celebrate past contributions of RTR with our $30 for 30 campaign. We are asking for either a one-time donation of $30 or if you are so inclined, an annual contribution commitment of $30 to help support our downtown business and historic preservation projects. It's our goal to continue to transform Ruutherfordton and add additional businesses and amenities for both visitors and residents.

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RTR History & Projects

RTR History & Projects

Many of RTR's impacts and contributions to the community can be found in the history of our organization. Below is a timeline that showcases RTR's projects and pays homage to our past Main Street Directors and Board Members who made it all possible. 

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This list has been compiled through a series of interviews with past RTR Directors. Thirty years is a lot to recall so if you know of another project, board member, or contributor that we may have missed, please email us at rtr@rutherfordton.net.

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It may be surprising to find out how many of the items listed below originated with RTR. We hope taking you on this journey will help educate you on the value of RTR and how they contribute to the community we all know and love. We can't do these kinds of projects without your help. Please consider donating to RTR or volunteering on one of our committees. We depend on your donations, assistance, grants and sponsorships to fund our organization. 

1980s

In 1987 a group of Rutherfordton Residents gathered and came up with the concept of a downtown group that could champion for community engagement, historic preservation and economic vitality. This group of residents had a vision for Rutherfordton, and it was their foresight and passion for our town that has gotten us where we are today. 

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This vision turned into an actual program in 1988 called Rutherford Town. Founding members (based on documentation from a 1988 board meeting), included:​​

  • John McWhorter

  • Fred Williams

  • Chuck Nance

  • Dr. Joel Winker

  • Barbara Hodge

  • Yvonne Mayse

  • Bobby Potts

  • Betty Keeter

  • Bob Stanford

  • Martha Hensley

  • Doug Ellis

  • Tom Downs

  • Jim Ruppe

  • Jervis Arledge

  • Forest Edwards Sr.

1990s

In 1990, Charlotte Epley, Executive Director of Rutherford Town, applied for accreditation through the NC Main Street Program. The Main Street Program was a relatively new program, just a little over five years old, sponsored through NC Commerce. Rutherfordton was accepted into the program in 1990 and is celebrating 35 years as a Main Street program in 2025. 

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This was a huge accomplishment and a step forward in the right direction in bringing forward the board's vision for Rutherfordton. Some major wins between 1988-1990 include:

  • Reduced vacancy rates in downtown Rutherfordton from 19% to 9%

  • Created a logo and a brand for the organization based on Generl Griffith Rutherford and the Purple Martin bird from the family crest

  • Accredited as a NC Main Street Program

  • Help lead efforts to make downtown sidewalks more handicap accessible

  • Supported and championed the creation of Main Street Park as well as adding the trees to downtown

  • Secured $1,101,250 in private investment and $126,000 in public investment

  • Helped to establish the Historic Preservation Commission

Sherry Adams took over as Executive Director and remained with the program until 1994. We are very proud to be Sherry's inaugural role with a Main Street Program as it inspired her to follow this path in her career. A career where her impact can be felt throughout our communities in NC as she worked with the NC Main Street Program. 

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Sherry and her board did some amazing work during her time in Rutherfordton. Projects you may not even realize RTR was involved in, which included:

  • Establishment of downtown as a registered historic district

  • Saved the Carrier Houses from demolition by working with NC State Preservation to attach protective covenants to the home and to place it on the National Register of Historic Places

  • Began the facade program with over $10,000 in funds they raised through a silent auction fundraiser

  • Received a grant to establish the Welcome To entry signs at the edges of town

  • Realized the benefit of having a nonprofit organization to continue its mission and started the paperwork for setting up Rutherford Town Revitalization as a 501 c(3) non-profit

  • Very early conversations around the possibility of establishing a kid's museum downtown

2000s

In the early 2000's, RTR continued their focus on historic preservation and economic vitality but also made a small shift putting more focus on events and community engagement. 

  • The campaign to build KidSenses Children's Museum began to gain steam and RTR was a major driving force in helping to support these efforts

  • Mayfest and Hilltop were established as the two key annual events that quickly became a tradition and something the community looked forward to

  • Helped to support other organizations and events including the Women's League Obstacle Course and the Rutherfordton Soapbox Derby

  • Continued to grow and expand the Facade Grant Program

  • Created the annual Casino Night Fundraising event

  • Establishment of RTR official office at Woodrow Jones Building

  • In 2013 they received a NC Step Grant along with the Town of Rutherfordton that went towards:

    • A new town branding campaign and logo "A Minted Original"​

    • New signage and flags for downtown

    • Kiosk guide at Court St and Main Street Park

    • Created the Downtown Historic Walking Tour

    • Open flags for downtown businesses

    • Won a NC Main Street Award for "Best Image Building Campaign" in 2015

    • Won NC Small Town of the Year from the NC Rural Center in 2016

  • Worked with Tourism Asset Foundation to establish Bechtller House and Mint Site as well as install the Gold Mile in downtown Rutherfordton

  • Launched the first official RTR website and social media pages

2025

Rutherford Town Revitalization, now known as Rutherford Town Rising or RTR for short has come a long way in its 30-plus-year history. It has been a driving force for improvement and preservation in the community and a champion for projects that have added to our way of life. This year, in 2025, it is looking to be one of their best years yet!

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Help RTR continue to make an impact on our community. Volunteer your time or Donate to help support important projects that both preserve and enhance our daily lives. Folow along as we track some exciting projects and announcements as we celebrate 35 years as a Main Street Community and 30 years as an organization.

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Launching this year:

  • Tier support program for downtown businesses

  • Small Business Digital Empowerment Grant

  • Rutherfordton chosen as host for an international mosaic mural

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