Tom Orr 'Ridge Lines: Steps in Time' book

Tom Orr, a beloved local history columnist from Hendersonville, N.C., spent the last few years of his life working on a collection of his weekly Times-News columns for the book “Ridge Lines: Steps in Time.”  Sadly, Tom could not see the project through to fruition since he passed away in early 2021. The first printing (of 200 copies) of Tom's book rolled off the press on August 27, 2022, but supplies are going fast. Please consider supporting the second printing of "Ridge Lines: Steps in Time." All net proceeds go to the Community Foundation of Henderson County.

"Ridge Lines: Steps in Time" features a foreword by celebrated author and Henderson County native Robert Morgan and is illustrated with historic photos from the Baker-Barber Collection. The book includes sections on Henderson County pioneers, notable downtown businesses, prominent local families, county schools and educators through the years, local hangouts, and fun pastimes. The book also includes Tom’s memories from growing up near downtown Hendersonville and his decades teaching at Hendersonville High School.

Robert Morgan remarks in his foreword for "Ridge Lines: Steps in Time": “Tom’s knowledge and affection for the people of Henderson County and Hendersonville were unparalleled and contagious. His writing is a window on a world many of us have forgotten, giving us a new appreciation of our own community and heritage.”

Tom taught English for 32 years at Hendersonville High School and was an avid playwright and director. He is included in the Hendersonville High School Hall of Fame, served as chairman of the Historic Courthouse Centennial committee, and was the founder of the Henderson County Walk of Fame. Tom wrote the weekly “Ridge Lines” column in the Hendersonville Times-News for 12 years. "Ridge Lines: Steps in Time" is edited by Beth Beasley, formerly of the Times-News; it is a softcover coffee table book that features professional formatting by Maggie Powell Designs. 

NOTE: Since gifts go directly toward publication costs, donations are not tax-deductible.

You can contribute using CASH or CHECK at Wild Birds Unlimited, located in the Harris Teeter shopping complex in Hendersonville.