History

The Town of Candor was chartered in 1891. Prior to this the “town” was known as “Cabin Creek” and later as “Lamond’s Old Field”. The south corner of this field was a burial ground, where First Bank now stands. The first settler was Kinch Chisholm.

The Post Office was established August 19, 1873. The name was then “Cabin Creek”. It was located over near R. Neil Lamonds. Twelve years later it was moved to the present location of Candor. In April, 1976, a new Post Office was constructed at the Candor Shopping Center on the north side of town. The first Postmaster was Daniel McAuley and the present Postmistress is Rolanda Phillips.

There is no written document known that tells where the name “Candor” was decided for the town. Old folks tell that Mr. Elsie Shamburger, Mr. A. B. McCaskill and Mr. Samuel Parsons agreed on the name “Candor”. No one knows why it was so named.

The present population of Candor is 825. Candor is known as the “Peach Town” and the first annual Peach Festival was held on July 19, 1997. It is sponsored by the Town of Candor and North Carolina Peach Grower’s Association and will be held on the third Saturday in July every year.

Industry

The Town of Candor is home to several textile manufacturers. The largest manufacturers are Klaussner Furniture Industries (which is also the largest employer in the county), Russ-Knits, Inc., Longworth Industries, Inc., and J.L. Hosiery.

Education

The educational needs of the citizens of Candor are met by a modern, county-wide school system which offers our children excellent educational opportunities. Elementary students attend Candor Elementary School. Children grades 6-8 attend East Middle School and 9-12 attend East Montgomery High School. Both the middle and high schools are located outside the city limits on Alt. 220. The Montgomery County Schools are considered to be progressive, with strong technical/vocational programs offered alongside a strenuous academic program.

Montgomery Community College (MCC), a post-secondary institution serving this area of the state, is located in Troy. MCC is located on Page Street, just off NC 134 and NC 24/27. The college has gained national acclaim for its specialty programs in areas such as gunsmithing, taxidermy, and pottery. In recent years, MCC has been approved to offer an LPN program, and a one-year college transfer program. The continuing education department of the college meets a variety of community needs by offering in-plant training for business and industry as well as fire, law enforcement, and rescue training. The department further offers personal enrichment programs of interest to the county’s citizens.

Parks and Recreation

Fitzgerald Park is located on the corner of Railroad Street and Tomlinson Street. The park includes: tennis courts, basketball goals, a gazebo, and a tot lot. Fitzgerald Park is also where the Peach Festival is held.

Annual N.C. Peach Festival

The annual N.C. Peach Festival is held the third Saturday in July. The parade begins at 10 AM on Main Street in Candor. Entries include the Peach Queen, local, state, and federal politicians, Smokey the Bear, tractors, antique vehicles, a horseless carriage, fire trucks from all over the county, horses, and many others. Vendors set up at Fitzgerald Park located 2 blocks behind First Bank. There is food, crafts, games, and rides for the children. You will also find fresh peaches, peach ice cream, peach desserts, peach pins and peach festival tee shirts. Local bands, the Sand Band, a beach music band and Blue Horizon, a bluegrass/gospel band provide entertainment. We have a big crowd and a big time.

Other Attractions

Candor Farmers Market

The Town of Candor has a Farmers Market located at 165 Farmers Market Rd. This provides a venue for local farmers to sell their home grown produce. The Farmers Market opens Easter weekend and closes in December. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., open Easter weekend through November.

Currie Library

The Town of Candor’s library is located at 138 S. School St. next to the Fire Department. Librarian is Diana Steed and hours of operation are Monday through Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library provides educational material, literature for avid readers and internet service. For more information call 910-974-4033.

Restaurants

Blake’s Restaurant at 127 N. Hillview St. off of Hwy. 211
Café to Go at 103 N. Main St.
Chicken & Biscuits at Quik Chek #19 on Hwy. 211
Crossroads Mexican Restaurant at 123 W. Main St.
Hot Stuff Pizza at Quik Chek #11 on Hwy. 220 Alternate
Steve’s Pizza & Hot Subs on Hwy. 220 Alternate
Tina’s Country Kitchen on Hwy. 211
Wendy’s on Hwy. 211