Our Town
The Story of Love Valley
In April 1954, 29-year-old Andy Barker set out to build the western town he had imagined since childhood, with his wife Ellenora, daughter Tonda, and son Jet. The first building raised was Love Valley Presbyterian Church, followed by the arena and the post office.
1954
Andy Barker founds Love Valley and construction begins.
1963
The town is incorporated and moves to its present location. J.A. Barker, Andy's father, serves as first mayor.
1965
Andy Barker is elected mayor, the first of many terms.
1970
A rock festival headlined by the Allman Brothers Band draws more than 100,000 people to the valley.
1976 and 1984
Andy Barker runs for governor of North Carolina.
1988
Leather smith Joe Ponder sets a Guinness World Record for the world's strongest teeth, appearing in Ripley's Believe It or Not and on David Letterman.
1994
Andy Barker is inducted into the Mayors Hall of Fame.
Late 1990s
The Love Valley Horseman's Association forms, followed by the Mule Association of Love Valley; both still host events today.
2011
Andy Barker passes away at 87, in the town he built.