The Maxwell Apartments on 5th Avenue have had a colorful history. The retail spaces changed over the years. Early on, A & P Grocery Store operated by Ralph Martin was located in one section. Lawrence Orr Radio & TV Sales and Services was located in another section. Each of these businesses had strong followings.
Ralph Martin was offered an opportunity to move up to a larger store location with A&P. He turned the opportunity down because of his desire to remain in Hendersonville. He and his wife started a Women's Apparel Shop on the Corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue. Ralph was very active in civic affairs and served as President of the Merchants Association.
B.Sims and Bill Powers opened a grocery store in the space vacated by A&P. They called it B&B JAX -PAX and offered free delivery and credit to its customers, particularly those living in Maxwell Apartments and Ambassador Apartments just across the street. These two popular natives served their community well.
B. Sims first opened a Night Club in the Edneyville section called THE TOP HAT. It became a very popular spot for people of all ages. Bill Powers became Chief of Police in Hendersonville. His father, Otis Powers had been Police Chief for many years.
ago. A&P Grocery was on the left in the retail
space and Lawrence Orr, Inc was on the right.
My brother, Art, loves to tell the story of his paper route in the area in the late 1940's when he delivered
some 225 Times-News to customers every afternoon except Sunday. He brags about watching the TV
Pattern in Lawrence Orr's window after finishing his work. TV was not much back then -- just a few programs and the TV Pattern for a couple of hours.
