WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN MATTHEWS

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. We wanted to highlight a few of the women who have been an important part of the history of Matthews.

The sources for this information include the Matthews Historical Foundation, Matthews Heritage Museum and publications Matthews Memories and Discover Matthews.

Dr. Selma Burke, a well-known artist and sculptor, often visited Matthews while growing up in Mooresville, North Carolina. Selma Burke Lane was named in her honor in 1992. Dr. Burke donated a bronze sculpture that is now on display in Matthews Town Hall.

Margaret and Mary Louise Phillips (pictured above with Paula Lester) were longtime Matthews residents. The sisters both had master degrees and careers. Mary Louise was instrumental in establishing the Carolina Room at the Charlotte Public Library. Margaret was a teacher and a Mecklenburg County school administrator. Mary Louise and Margaret played an important role in establishing the Matthews Historical Foundation.

Juanita Jordan worked for the Town of Matthews from 1962 until 1992 and has the distinction of serving as the first Town Manager of Matthews in 1987.

Iris DeVore was one of the founders of the Matthews HELP Center, Happy Times Club and the Levine Senior Center. In Iris’ honor, the road to the center was named DeVore Lane.

Viola Boyd and her husband Sam were leaders in the Crestdale community of Matthews, formerly known as Tank Town. In the 1960s, Sam and Viola paid to bring the first water line to Crestdale.

Matthews Declares 2023 Year of the Trail

During the February 27 meeting of the Board of Commissioners, Mayor Higdon signed a proclamation declaring 2023 as the Year of the Trail in Matthews in conjunction with the North Carolina Year of the Trail. North Carolina Year of the Trail is the largest statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation in state history and will firmly establish North Carolina as “The Great Trails State.”

The Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department held “First Day Outdoors” on January 1 to kickoff the Year of the Trail. The community came together to walk, run and bike on guided hikes along trails throughout Matthews including the Four Mile Creek Greenway, Matthews Heritage Trail, and trails throughout Purser-Hulsey Park.

The Town has other events planned to celebrate the Year of the Trail. On Saturday, April 15 join us at Squirrel Lake Park for Earth Day with Kids in Nature Day. There will be guided walks around the pond at Squirrel Lake Park. Free bike helmets will be given away to encourage safe riding on trails and greenways.

Mountain biking clinics and guided trail rides will be held at Purser Hulsey Park in partnership with the Tarheel Trailblazers on Saturday, May 20. This will take place from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm with guided rides open to all skill levels! More details coming soon.

The North Carolina Year of the Trail campaign will celebrate North Carolina’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways. These trails showcase the state’s diverse landscapes –from grand mountain vistas to quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the Piedmont. For more information, visit https://greattrailsnc.com and follow @greattrailsnc on social media.

springtime fun in matthews!

ShamROCK Concert

We’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with live music from Rev On. The ShamROCK Concert will be held on Matthews Station Street beginning at 7:00 pm on Friday, March 17.

Main Line Market

Main Line Market returns this year Saturdays on March 25, June 24, September 30, and December 16 from 11 am - 5 pm. This pop-up market is held along West Charles Street featuring 50+ vendors selling handmade goods, a food truck, music, and craft beer from Carolina Beer Temple. Vendors curated by Handcrafted Market CLT.

Great Easter EGGspedition

The Great Easter EGGspedition is held every spring in Matthews. Easter eggs are hidden in outdoor locations throughout town. Click here to read more about the event and how to participate: https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=21004

Beats ‘n Bites

Beats ‘n Bites brings a variety of food trucks to downtown Matthews on the last Friday of each month, April through September. Enjoy dinner from an eclectic group of area trucks, relax in the park, listen to good music, and enjoy the downtown vibe! Click here to view this year’s lineup of musical guests: https:// www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?catid=567&id=21003

Earth Day with Kids in Nature Day

Earth Day with Kids in Nature Day will be held again this year on Saturday, April 15 at Squirrel Lake Park. Shuttle bus service will be provided from the Matthews Community Center. This event is held in partnership with Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK). Activities include eco-friendly exhibits and vendors, hikes, scavenger hunts, nature crafts and STEM activities. Visit https://www.matthewsnc. gov/pview.aspx?id=21005 for more information.