In the Shadow of the Clock

Steve's collection of Statesville related memorabilia and stories has culminated into this fascinating book about our downtown square. I am a current occupant of one of the buildings "on the Square." Steve takes readers on a wonderful historical journey that gives new meaning to the term, "if these walls could talk." In the Shadow of the Clock is definitely a book you will want in your library for each of your children and grandchildren to read.

-Gloria Hager, Owner, GG's Art Frames Gifts

The square. A metaphor. An axis of intersection of North and South, East and West. Over the ages folks have crossed this intersection and contributed meaningfully and richly to the social, economic, and political fabric of life in Statesville. And my grandfather the Reverend J. H. Pressly, who came to progressive 1892 Statesville because Statesville had streetlights, crossed that axis thousands of times as he served his church for 54 years. Never learning to drive an automobile, he walked and rode his horse through that intersection as he served his congregation. We trust J. H. Pressly, by crossing that axis, made lives in Statesville richer, more meaningful, and a source of great faith to so many.

-David Pressly, Statesville Mayor, 1983-1985

This book is an important narrative on places and times in our history that some will remember, but many won't. It's the story of the trials and tribulations of a growing community around a common geographic core, its beloved town square. Sit back and enjoy the 200 years of interesting stories that make up the beautiful city of Statesville, North Carolina.

-Ralph Bentley, Statesville Mayor, 1985-1993

I have always been appreciative of community landmarks and am grateful that our town clock is still there. It reminds me of the past, announces the present, and holds promise for the future. It calls me home.

-John Marshall, Statesville Mayor, 1993-2005

Steve Hill combines his knowledge of our city with his beautiful writing style to show the reader why we love Statesville. Once you read In the Shadow of the Clock, you will share our great pride.

-Costi Kutteh, Statesville Mayor, 2005-present

Steve Hill has truly transcended time. Take a copy of this book on a walk in downtown Statesville and you can see what happened before you got there. This book is filled with well documented images and stories that allow us to experience multiple periods in history, from one source. You will meet all sorts of people engaging in all sorts of activities, quite a busy place for just a four block area. Steve invites you to look over their shoulder and marvel.

-Richard Eller, Historian-in-Residence, Catawba Valley Community College