Wilson Chacon

I met Wilson Chacon of Pura Vida Lawn & Garden in 2016. I had initially met (then later contacted) his brother to help with a project at one of the properties I manage. We made an appointment, but it was Wilson who showed up, explaining that his brother thought Wilson would be better skilled for the job. I always give new contractors small jobs to get an idea of the quality of their work and to determine if they are going to be reliable, which is paramount in this business. While on the job, Wilson noticed that some of the crepe myrtle trees were in need of trimming and offered to do this at a reasonable price. Trimming trees is an art, and if not done correctly can damage the tree permanently, so I was reluctant, but agreed to add that task to the list. He did a perfect job and went the extra mile in explaining the importance of property trimming something no other landscaper I’ve worked with seemed aware of. Pura Vida has been our first call for landscaping ever since. I can’t wait for an opportuity to hire him for hardscapes!

So, tell me about your family and where you grew up. I was born and raised in Costa Rica where there are plants galore and everyone grows their own food this has to be in the top memories of my childhood! The landscape where I grew up is lush and colorful, and the people create spaces to sit or walk that blend perfectly with the natural beauty. I carry these images with me in my business today.

What brought you to America?

I visited America several times growing up, and have always wanted to live here. At the age of seventeen, I got a one-way ticket on a plane to America with one bag and a dream. The day I got off the airplane, I looked around, smiled, and made a myself a promise that with this new opportunity, I would better myself and become a person my grandmother would be proud of.

I know about your lawn and garden maintenance, but tell me about the hardscape business; how did you get involved with this; how far will you travel for a job?

ANOTHER Cathryn Hartwell "PASSION PROJECT"

(He laughs a little) It was actually destiny, but it was also my inspiration to learn more about what I love that got me involved in hardscapes. I was given an opportunity to get hands-on experience with an old friend and loved it! So of course I took this as a sign that it was meant for me to do. I soon added this service to my business. The challenge of using different shapes and different types of materials to create beautiful places for my customers, where they can relax with family and friends, has become something that brings me great joy. I've also recent added mini excavator work and skid steer work to Pura Vida's services.

As for where I’ll travel for a job, right now my primary customer base is in Burlington and surrounding areas. But... (he says with a smile) potential customers with needs further out can call me and I'll help out if I can.

Is there anyone who influenced you to start your own business to be an entrepreneur? Who influenced your work ethic?

As far as my work ethic goes, I would say my grandmother and my father have influenced me the most. My grandmother raised me starting at the age of nine and taught me her values of being a kind, better, and hard-working person. As a child, my father would take me on his motorcycle to collect, clean, and replant fruit trees. It was hard work but he loved doing it, and so did I! I’ve also always had my own natural, personal motivation to do what I love on my own.

What would you say to your younger self when you were at your lowest or your worst, and what message would you give to today’s youth?

Don’t worry, just make sure you keep on pushing yourself and everything else will follow. You must trust in yourself, your destiny, and your God. Always stay positive, regardless of what surprises life might bring.

Contact Pura Vida Lawn & Garden LLC

(336) 312-8561

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WALTER E. SHARPE

Burlington has had numerous progressive and forward-thinking citizens in its long history, but few can match the achievements of Walter Eugene Sharpe. Perhaps more than any individual he helped to turn Burlington from a town into a city.

Walter was born in what was then known as Company Shops on November 5, 1877, the eldest of eight children born to John William Sharpe and the former Sarah Ann “Sallie” Albright. His parents were both merchants and operated a general store at the corner of Main and East Front streets (where the Beer Works is today).

Not much is known about Walter’s early years except that he attended school at Rev. Jerry Holt’s Union School until about the fourth grade and then worked in his parents’ store until it closed in about 1898.

Walter then became a traveling salesman and during one of his trips met Sallie Louise Fearrington, of Bynum in Chatham County, whom he married on December 26, 1899. Walter then gave up his travels and the new couple settled in at his parents’ house at the corner of Means Street (now Maple Avenue) and Broad Street, just across Broad Street from the present post office.

For a while, starting in April 1901, Walter and his younger brother James Eli “Jamie” Sharpe were involved with Finley Williamson’s Home Ice Company, but Walter didn’t see much future in it and started looking for something else. In 1897, Walter’s cousin, James P. “Jim” Albright was running a successful insurance business in Burlington and Walter went to work for him about 1903. When Jim decided to sell the business in 1905, Walter bought it and formed his own company, Alamance Insurance & Real Estate Co., on February 1, 1906.

Walter moved the company from the Rauhut building at the corner of East Front and Spring streets to the second floor of Sellars’ department store, but he wasn’t there long before moving into the Fonville building at the opposite corner, which had been built on the site of his parents’ first store. About 1910, he moved the company for the third and final time to the second floor of the new Alamance Bank & Trust Company building at the corner of Main and West Davis streets (best remembered as the Raylass building).

Alamance Insurance & Real Estate company soon grew into the largest and best-known insurance and real estate firm in Burlington. Hardware store owner William Kirkpatrick “Kirk” Holt was president, Walter (who owned 337 of the company’s 600 shares) was vice-president and general manager, Walter’s sister, Jessie Sharpe Cook, was secretary, and Stella Cox Huffine of Elon was treasurer and headed up the insurance branch.

Walter Sharpe was a visionary. He was one of the first in the state to recognize the potential of the automobile and the growing middle class to reshape city landscapes. Accordingly, he planned and developed Fountain Place in 1919 as Burlington’s first significant suburban neighborhood. He planned it as an exclusive neighborhood for the rising upper middle class.

By the 1920s, Walter Sharpe was probably the most influential person in Burlington. He persuaded Spencer Love to come to Burlington and take over the bankrupt Holt textile mills and form Burlington Industries. He proposed the Alamance Hotel for Burlington as a first-class venue for visitors and for holding conventions. And he was a leader of the drive to help rebuild Elon College after it was destroyed by fire in 1923. As a result, the college’s 1925 yearbook was dedicated to him.

Walter Sharpe Company

Walter Sharpe’s world came crashing down in 1928. The collapse of Piedmont Trust Company and Central Loan & Trust Company that year caused a run on Alamance Insurance & Real Estate Company. Walter sacrificed his home and his personal assets in an attempt to save the company, but it was all in vain. Several embittered, vengeful investors had him tried for embezzlement and misappropriation of funds. Although acquitted in one trial, he was found guilty in a second trial in 1931 and sentenced to 18 months in Central Prison. Saddened and embittered, he left Burlington after his release and never returned. He died in Roanoke, Virginia on September 7, 1951.

Walter Sharpe’s Tudor-revival home at 623 West Davis Street still stands as do most of the neighborhoods he developed in West Burlington. Although he is largely forgotten today, his legacy lives on in his real estate projects.

WALTER BOYD contributor

Attorney and native of Burlington, North Carolina, Walter Boyd developed an interest in Burlington’s history at a very young age. As a child, he often interviewed people and collected old photographs and documents, which led to his fondness for writing about Burlington’s rich history.

North Carolina

SHUTTLE SCULPTURE This shuttle sculpture represents the amazing heritage of the textile Industry in Alamance County. Located in Historic Glencoe, it is the largest sculpture of its subject in North Carolina.

BATTLES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Decorative engraved memorials dedicated to the American soldiers of the Battles of Clapp’s Mill, Lindley’s Mill, and Pyle’s Defeat all fought in Alamance County during the American Revolution. Monuments located at Lake Mackintosh Park. Great picnic spots by the lake, where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the marina and lake.

BATTLE OF ALAMANCE Alamance Battleground is the site where Royal Governor William Tryon led the NC militia against the Regulators in battle on May 16, 1771. Located on the grounds is the Allen House, a log dwelling characteristic of those lived in by frontier people on the western fringes of the colony. The Allen house was constructed around 1780 and was donated by descendants of the family, restored and refurbished with its original furnishings.

BATTLE OF PYLE’S DEFEAT Near Intersection of Anthony Rd and Old Trail in Burlington. This rectangular marble monument marks the site of Pyle’s defeat. Image of Pyle, depicted on horseback, is carved into the marble. Below the carving are a bronze plaque and seal. Monument faces a stone path in a flat plain on Pyle's Defeat Battle landmark area. Monument located on grounds of Splawn Belting, behind the main building.

BATTLE OF LINDLEY’S MILL Took place in 1781. Located in Southern Alamance near Jon Braxton Saw Mill & Lindley’s Mill (battle tours available).

WAR MEMORIAL TO AMERICAN VETERANS

War memorial outside Graham Courthouse honors Alamance County soldiers lost during five separate wars.

ALAMANCE COUNTY WAR MEMORIAL This granite memorial located in Pine Hill Cemetery in Burlington is dedicated to the men and women of World War II. Erected by the Walter B. Ellis Post No. 63, The American Legion.

VETERANS GARDEN IN MEBANE Located at N 2nd St, Mebane. The Veterans Garden is used by many veteran organizations and other groups to hold ceremonies or events. The public may contact Ken Sellers about any events or interest in the grounds. (336) 253-1113