Town History

Situated by the South Fork River, McAdenville boasts a rich history. In the early 1880s, Colonel R.Y. McAden utilized the river's power to establish textile mills and founded the town. Nearly half a century later, in 1939, William J. Pharr and his family took over the assets of McAden Mills. Pharr not only provided essential jobs during the Great Depression but also revitalized the community by paving streets, adding front porches to mill houses, and building churches, a school, and a community recreation center. Under his leadership, both the mill and the town thrived, and Mr. and Mrs. Pharr played a key role in starting and nurturing McAdenville's Christmas traditions, spreading festive cheer to neighboring areas.

The family legacy was passed on through Mr. and Mrs. Pharr’s daughter Catherine Ann and her husband J.M. “Bip” Carstarphen. In the early 2000s, Mr. Carstarphen began the process of transitioning one of the last remaining “mill villages” in America, whereby the Company provided the Town’s oversight and owned the Town’s utilities, turning over those responsibilities and the infrastructure to the Town and its Mayor, Council, and Staff. In 2005, the Town began to visibly transform, as construction began on new housing that replaced former mill housing.

As the Company evolved over the years under Mr. Carstarphen’s and his son Bill’s leadership, the Town did likewise. The Company continues to support and fund all the treasured McAdenville traditions while building a family atmosphere and a vibrant community spirit.