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| Silvermont Mansion |
 Silvermont Mansion, built by Joseph and Elizabeth Silversteen early last century, is situated four blocks east of the courthouse on East Main Street. The house is a reminder of Joseph Silversteen and his family's influence on Transylvania County's history.
In 1902, Joseph and Elizabeth Silversteen moved from Pennsylvania to Transylvania County. They built the beautiful 33-room colonial revival house, known as Silvermont, on spacious grounds.Silversteen was a tanner by trade, and he established The Toxaway Tanning Company (in what is now Rosman) shortly after arriving in the county. In 1910, he opened the Gloucester Lumber Company. In time, he owned several companies in western North Carolina. Moreover, he generously supported community projects. Most of the Silversteen family died between 1956 and 1968, with the last surviving daughter, Dorothy Bjerg, passing away in 1972. She willed the entire Silversteen estate to Transylvania County, including a trust fund to maintain Silvermont. Initially, Silvermont was neglected. Mounting pressure from concerned citizens, in 1981, however, led to a decision by the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners. Their actions enabled citizens to form the Friends of Silvermont. The group helped salvage the mansion. Today, the county maintains the property and does the housekeeping. For their part, the Friends of Silvermont carries out some special projects. On July 9, 1981, the mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the fall of 1982, the first floor was opened for public use. The second and third floors were subsequently renovated. The second floor now houses the "Silversteen Room," a room set aside and furnished with specific items in accordance with the Silversteen will. Occasionally, this second floor is open for viewing. The Transylvania Archives have been moved to the new Transylvania County library, which can be contacted at 828-884-3151. Presently, the Silvermont Mansion is used by many government, business, and community organizations. It also serves as one of the county's senior citizens' meal and recreation sites. The ample grounds feature basketball courts, a playground with picnic tables, tennis courts, and a walking path. Silvermont also hosts weddings, receptions, family and class reunions, and other special events.  On Thursday nights, area musicians gather for a time of music from 7:30-10 p.m. In addition to enjoying music, there is food available for purchase. This entertainment venue has been around for about 20 years. Although the mansion is closed when not in use, the park and recreational facilities remain open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about the mansion, call Harley Raines, president of Friends of Silvermont, at (828) 883-9223. For more information about the park, call the Transylvania County Department of Parks and Recreation at (828) 884-3156. |
