Buy an inscribed brick for Pigeon Center commemorative walkway

Brionna Dallara, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

Mar. 10—The Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center is selling inscribed bricks for a commemorative brick walkway, serving both as a fundraiser and way to honor the community center's supporters.

"We are attempting to create a legacy for the Pigeon community, past, present and future," said Gregory Wheeler, co-chair of the Pigeon Center board. "We would encourage anyone who supports the Pigeon community, the Pigeon Community Center, or the former schools to be a part of this and buy a brick for their family or their business."

The community center formerly served as an all-Black school prior to integration. The proceeds from the bricks will be dedicated to building the walkway and any leftover funds will go to support the Pigeon Center's operating funds and programs.

The walkway will lead from Pigeon Street down the stairs and up to the front door.

"Imagine as you walk down, having businesses who supported the school, or businesses that support the Pigeon Community Center, as well as people from the community with all their names supporting the foundation of the now Pigeon Community Center," Wheeler described.

Bricks range in size depending on what folks want to inscribe on it — be it just a name, multiple names, and even a logo or clipart — with the largest option being a 12"x12" square. The cost ranges from $100-$521, depending on the size of and how much is being inscribed.

The center began selling the bricks last April and will continue to sell them until the number of bricks needed to complete the walkway has been met. Wheeler estimates they will begin to install their walkway in 2025, but there is no set time or limit to contributions.

Wheeler noted that the walkway will be a great addition once the center becomes a stop on the Waynesville Public Art trail, with the addition of a giant mural to be installed this summer.

"Once we get both of those things done it really will create a perfect space for people to come and enjoy themselves outside in the yard of the Pigeon Community Center," Wheeler said.

To order a brick go to polarengraving.com/pcmdc or call 828-452-7232.