New Black Mountain Visitor Center sculpture ‘bears’ the name of local icon
Carl Bartlett meets Carl Bearlett
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 30, 2024
Carl Bartlett and Hope Burk meet “Carl Bearlett,” the new mascot marking the entrance to the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. The name of the sculpture, a nod to the former longtime mayor and Owen football announcer, was submitted by Burk. Photo by Fred McCormick
When the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce launched a contest seeking a name for its newly unveiled mascot, situated prominently at the intersection of East State Street and West Street, Hope Burk immediately thought of the person who best represented the welcoming spirit of the town she grew up in.
“Carl Bartlett just came to my mind,” she said. “Any time people showed up to town events, or sporting events, you name it, Carl was that one person who was always there.”
Known for his hearty laugh, warm greetings and nostalgia-filled stories, Bartlett served as the mayor of his hometown for nearly 25 years and announced Owen High School football games for almost five decades.
As the Black Mountain native and current chamber volunteer attended a July 27 ceremony in the parking lot of the Visitor Center, Bartlett met his namesake — “Carl Bearlett.”
Burk’s entry was one of 68 submitted in the contest, according to Chamber Director Melinda Hester, who announced the selection near the five-foot wooden sculpture of a black bear. The piece, carved by Lake Toxaway chainsaw artist Shawn Fisher, is anchored to a concrete platform, replacing its predecessor, “Rocky,” which was washed away in a severe weather event last May.
“We were very fortunate to make contact with Shawn, of Appalachian Chainsaw Carving, and he was kind and gracious enough to make us the most beautiful bear we’ve ever seen,” Hester said to a crowd gathered near the sculpture. “This guy will represent our town very well, and his image will be seen far and wide, as part of people’s vacation stories.”
As the chamber began reviewing entries in the contest to name the new mascot, one suggestion stood out, according to the director.
“It is creative, thoughtful and it honors one of Black Mountain’s most beloved and prestigious citizens,” Hester said, as she announced the selection. “For many years he was the Voice of the Warhorses, he was our mayor for decades and now he’s a dedicated volunteer at the chamber.”
Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Director Melinda Hester presents Carl Bartlett with a certificate commemorating a sculpture named in his honor. “Carl Bearlett” was unveiled, July 27, in an event at the Visitor Center. Photo by Fred McCormick
In his capacity as a greeter at the Visitor Center, Bartlett can frequently be found “holding court” among groups of visitors, she continued.
“They listen to the stories he tells about Black Mountain and he’s a fountain of information about this town,” Hester said. “We are very fortunate to have him here.”
Bartlett, who only 24 hours prior to the event was recognized at the Warhorse Classic golf tournament for his service as a high school football announcer, was surprised by the name.
“It’s wonderful, and I’m really honored by this,” he said. “But, I’m wondering if we can put a golf club in his paw.”
Bartlett retired from his full-time banking position in 2003, but maintains a seat on the Park National Bank today. While his career in the industry has spanned 60 years, Bartlett’s dedication to his hometown has endured even longer.
“Growing up in a small town, volunteers were always such an important part of this community, and that generous spirit helped make this such a special place,” he said. “So many people come to Black Mountain after working amazing careers, and a lot of them have a variety of experiences that can enrich and strengthen this town. I believe people’s willingness to spend their time doing things to make this community stronger is a big part of why it has always been a great place to live.”
Bartlett embodies that philosophy according to Burk.
“I wanted this sculpture to represent someone who was an important part of this community,” she said. “Growing up here, I could pick Carl’s voice out of lineup because he was the voice of Owen football for so many years, and when he was mayor, he regularly participated in or attended local events. Now, to see him come into the chamber after all the years he has already given to this town, is truly inspiring.”
Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Director Melinda Hester, center, and Appalachian Chainsaw Carving artist Shawn Fisher present Hope Burk with a small sculpture for submitting the winning entry in the contest to name the organization’s new mascot. Photo by Fred McCormick
There is no telling what kinds of changes Carl Bearlett will witness in Black Mountain’s years to come, but the 84-year-old Bartlett has seen plenty of them. A member of the first freshman class of Owen High School, which formed when the former Black Mountain and Swannanoa High Schools merged in 1955, Bartlett has followed the Warhorses and Warlassies athletic programs for 69 years.
In 1991, Bartlett partnered with the late Lib Harper to establish the the first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, which has provided hundreds of scholarships to local graduates in the subsequent decades. He was inducted into the Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Charles D. Owen High Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007, and later served as the nonprofit’s board chair through 2022.
“You really can’t list all of the ways Carl has impacted this community,” Burk said. “He really sets the bar high for anyone who believes in giving back to your community.”
Hester presented Burk a small black bear sculpture for choosing the chamber mascot’s name, which is noted on a plaque at the base. Bartlett received a certificate of appreciation from the orgainzation.
“It really is an honor to be recognized like this,” Bartlett said. “It wasn’t something I was expecting, but it’s nice to know this bear will be here welcoming visitors to Black Mountain for years to come.”