The Secret Recipe

The hiring of Mary Connelly in 1940 began a new era for the house. Miss Connelly became employed as a full time manager of the facility and served in that capacity for 39 years. She earned a reputation for her grace while serving delicious meals and scrumptious yeast rolls. The secret was out and everybody began talking about Miss Connelly’s famous recipes. No wonder upon her retiring in 1979, the City of Morganton commissioned Beth Crumbley to paint a portrait of Miss Connelly. That portrait hangs today alongside one of the banquet rooms named in her honor. Her grace as the chief cook and facility manager set standards that are still followed today.