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The History of Key City Condos
Key City Condos were originally built in 1926 by Mr. P. Ward Eshelman as Wilkes Hosiery Mill. As the
town of N. Wilkesboro flourished as a commerce center / railhead for Northwestern NC in the next 3 decades, so
did the mill on the hill. It was the first textile mill in the region, and became the largest employer in the area. Over
three hundred people were employed at Wilkes Hosiery Mill, with a large percentage being women, a rarity in that
time period. Several cottage industries, including boarding houses, sprang up around the complex to service the
workforce.
Wilkes Hosiery Mill continued to thrive during the Great Depression, and helped supply the US Military during
WWII. A sales office for the mill was maintained in the Empire State Building, giving it a world wide market place
for its products.
After nearly 30 successful years, Mr. Eshelman retired, and the mill changed hands in 1955. The Gordon Hanes
family took over operation until 1960, when L & L Hosiery purchased it. The Forester family bought the complex
in 1964 to expand Key City Furniture, and added the section on the western side of the building.
This incredibly well preserved building has been deemed as a significant example of industrial and architectural history.
Because of this, it has been awarded a listing on the National Register of Historic Buildings, and qualifies for the
Historic Preservation Tax Credits.
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