A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the founders of china grove while observing the town's one hundred twenty‑fifth ANNIVERSARY.
Whereas, the Town of China Grove, located in the beautiful Southern Piedmont Region of North Carolina in Rowan County, was settled as early as 1710; and
Whereas, the Town served as an early stagecoach stop and was first known as Savits Mill; and
Whereas, the first post office was established in the area in 1823, with Noah Partee serving as the first postmaster; and
Whereas, in 1846, the Town's name was changed to Lutherville, but in 1849, the Town was renamed China Grove for a very popular grove of chinaberry trees that were located next to a former depot; and
Whereas, the Town was incorporated on March 11, 1889, and its first officers included General Andrew Jackson Sechler as mayor; I.F. Patterson, J.M. Eddleman, M.P. Cline, J.C. Corriher, and G.A. Ramseur as commissioners, and H.J. Carpenter as constable; and
Whereas, on October 23, 1896, China Grove became the first town in North Carolina and the second in the United States to offer free rural delivery mail; and
Whereas, China Grove has a rich textile history; the former China Grove Roller Mill, which operated from 1885 to 1995, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and currently serves as an agricultural museum open to the public; and
Whereas, China Grove is a business friendly community that still retains the warmth and charm of a small town; and
Whereas, China Grove's 125th anniversary is worthy of celebration by all North Carolinians; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the founders of the Town of China Grove and joins with its citizens in celebrating the Town's 125th anniversary.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor of the Town of China Grove.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.