“Farming be damned,” declared young Gary Thomas Whitlock, a future industrialist from Hendersonville, as he witnessed his father’s demise from overwork on a poorly yielding cotton plantation in South Carolina. In the early 20th century, the determined fourteen-year-old abandoned his education and sought employment at a hosiery mill, away from his family.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Whitlock acknowledged the meager wages of six dollars a week and the grueling twelve-hour workdays, but he remarked that it was still preferable to toiling in the fields. At such a tender age, he found himself responsible for supporting his mother and seven siblings.
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Whitlock found love at the mill when he met Helen Hale, an orphaned girl. Despite her brother’s offer to officiate their wedding for a fee, Helen insisted on a church ceremony, even if it meant traveling eight miles.
Over the following years, Whitlock embarked on a journey of exploration, transitioning from one job to another in the hosiery mill industry, in his quest to acquire comprehensive knowledge of the trade. When World War I erupted, he secured a superintendent’s position at a hosiery mill in Hendersonville. However, he soon grew disillusioned when he was instructed to terminate workers overheard discussing unionization. Unwilling to partake in such actions, he decided to resign when the mill faced financial difficulties, resulting in further dismissals and pay cuts.
Whitlock’s fortune began to change when he adeptly navigated the business cycles. He seized the opportunity to purchase vacant buildings from bankrupt factories at low prices, obtaining machinery and materials on short credit. As luck would have it, just as he commenced operations, another boom period ensued, propelling him into financial success.
With his newfound wealth, Whitlock acquired a magnificent residence on Main Street in Hendersonville. However, the year 1920 brought an abrupt economic downturn, causing profits to evaporate and creditors to intervene. Regrettably, he lost everything, including his cherished home.
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In 1939, an interviewer, Frank Massimino, stumbled upon Whitlock, who had become a traveling salesman, borrowing equipment from a gloomy real estate office. The encounter prompted the journalist to delve into Whitlock’s journey, resulting in an update provided by Whitlock’s grandson, Chip Drake.
In the 1940s, Whitlock experienced a revival of fortunes and purchased a historic Queen Anne house in Horse Shoe. His descendants have since dispersed and thrived, while his former Main Street residence has been demolished and replaced with an auto parts store.
Whitlock’s story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of an individual who rose above adversity and achieved success against all odds.
