A Bit of History 
By 1913, Venable had become one the world's largest hardwood cross-tie markets, transporting them on the railroad tracks that run beside Carr Mill Mall today. The town's name was changed to Carrboro in 1914, after the Julian Carr family bought the cotton mill from Lloyd in 1909 and donated electricity and streets to the community. The mill became part of the Blanche Hosiery Corporation, and then the Durham Hosiery Mills. It became known as #4, and closed in 1930. The Carrboro Woolen Mills began operations in a modernized #4 in 1945. This company was the main employer in Carrboro during those years. The mill remained operational until the early 1960's. In 1975, after the mill had been empty for more than 5 years, the Carrboro Board of Aldermen decided to have the #4 mill, Tom Lloyd's beloved Alberta, demolished, to build a new shopping mall. Community sentiment appealed for the restoration of the mill. After a petition, 2 years of work, and $8.5 million, the mill re-opened it's doors in 1977, as Carr Mill Mall. Over the years, Carr Mill Mall has expanded to include a Harris Teeter grocery store, a CVS drug store, and Weaver Street Market, a community owned and operated natural foods store and Cafe, with two floors of office spaces above it. The lawn in front has become known as Carrboro's front yard, and a courtyard has been added on the Greensboro Street side. The Mall continues to thrive, and houses many unique businesses for the discerning shopper. CARR MILL MALL • 200 NORTH GREENSBORO ST. • CARRBORO, NC 27510 • 919-942-8669 |