While praising Cary’s growth and vibrancy, it’s easy to overlook the rich history that laid the bedrock for the town. Dr. Katherine Loflin aims to shine a light on the unknown stories from Cary’s past with her new book, Hidden History of Cary.
We caught up with her after the book debuted last week for a peek behind the pages.
Introduce yourself!
Closer to home, I pour that same passion into Cary through my company, The City Doctor Productions. We create tours, live shows, and events that bring our history to life in ways that connect people to each other and to this place we all call home. My background in television and theater — once an award-winning executive producer for ABC, as well as a playwright, director, and actress — gives me the tools to make history not just something you learn, but something you experience.
These days, I’m proud to serve as Cary’s History Ambassador, vice chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, and co-founder of the Cary Visitor Center. I’m also a North Carolina native, a Cary resident, and earned both a master’s and Ph.D. from UNC–Chapel Hill.
What inspired you to write a book about the history of Cary?
Cary’s history is far richer and more significant than many realize, and it certainly didn’t begin with the arrival of IBM. Long before that, Cary was already shaping events that mattered not only locally, but across North Carolina and even the nation. Our story deserves to be told, and since no one had written a comprehensive history book on Cary in decades, I felt it was time.
What kinds of stories or discoveries will readers find in the book?
I am always surprised by how much significant history surrounds us in Cary. As I say in the book’s opening lines: “Everywhere I look, I see the layered history — sometimes hidden in plain sight, sometimes tucked away, sometimes lost to time — but always deserving to be told. As you turn these pages, I can not wait for you to also learn the rich, often overlooked history that is steeped in Cary.” Cary is the home of many firsts: first public high school in North Carolina, first paved road in North Carolina, first founder who may be the only to incorporate two North Carolina, first to claim being the Gourd Capital of the World, favorite sons who include a US Ambassador and US Consul General for Shanghai, first desegrated school in Wake County, geographic elements not found anywhere else outside of the mountains — plus fascinating and complicated figures whose legacy is still lingers with us today — even a hidden treasure or maybe two. Some controversy and new findings. Something for everyone.
Can you give us an unexpected fact about Cary?
Cary was originally founded by Allison Francis Page as a dry town — he intended it to remain dry for 1,000 years and even named it after Samuel Fenton Cary, a staunch Temperance leader from Ohio (a Yankee!) he greatly admired. We stayed dry until 1964, when beer and wine licenses were allowed in Cary, but only after we were threatened to be sued by the state if we didn’t start allowing it. Today, downtown Cary is a craft drink destination, complete with open-container allowances in the Social District. I even offer a T-shirt featuring Page’s image with the caption, ‘You’re drinking what in Cary?!’ The irony always gets a laugh.
Why is it important for people to learn about local history?
I have worked with communities around the world to strengthen the bond between people and their places. My national research shows that when people feel emotionally connected — or “in love” — with their city or town, it becomes a driving force behind local economic growth, improved individual outcomes, and overall community vitality. While cities often invest in projects both large and small to build that attachment, I’ve found that nothing is more effective — or more affordable — than sharing well-presented local history that balances accuracy with entertainment.
As Cary continues to experience rapid population growth, it’s vital for newcomers to feel connected to our community’s identity and story. At the same time, it’s just as important for long-time Caryites to know that our origin story is still being shared and celebrated. In fast-growing places where newcomers and long-timers live side by side, this connection is absolutely essential.
What do you hope people take away from Hidden History of Cary?
As with my Cary history productions through The City Doctor Productions, I hope readers walk away with the stories that resonate so strongly they can’t help but share them — the kind you mention in the grocery store line or to the person sitting next to you on a plane when asked, ‘Where do you live?’ Local history endures when it’s shared in ways that become core memories, and that’s exactly what I hope to create for my readers.
Historical photos of Cary were on display at the author reception August 26.
Tell us about The City Doctor Productions. What types of events do you host?
I founded The City Doctor Productions as an extension of my community attachment consultancy, The City Doctor, to bring Cary’s history to life in creative and engaging ways. In less than four years, it has grown into an award-winning production company that has guided thousands of people through Cary’s history while generating tens of thousands of dollars for downtown businesses.
This makes our work more than just educational entertainment — it’s also a meaningful driver of the local economy. By attending our events, you’re not only experiencing Cary’s story but also directly supporting local businesses — the true spirit of “shop local.”
The hallmark of The City Doctor Productions is our creativity. Our offerings include:
· Cary history walking tours and occasional trolley tours
· Historical reenactments in the very places history happened
· Paranormal investigations and haunted history events
· Research expeditions where participants help uncover Cary’s hidden past using archives
· Historical-fiction interactive murder mysteries
· Specialized tours on unique themes or eras of Cary history
· Interactive, historically based gaming experiences
· Exclusive access to places and locations you can’t get anywhere else
Through my role as Cary History Ambassador, I also offer Cary history tours, events, and a history class, all of which are available through RecTrak as they are posted — just search my name under the Instructor filter.
With something for everyone, my events invite you to experience the Cary you never knew!
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
Hidden History of Cary is available directly from me at local book events around town, online, and in stores such as Barnes & Noble, Target, and even select grocery and drug stores that carry local merchandise. You can also order from my publisher and use promo code CARY for a discount.
This October, we’re bringing you two thrilling productions you won’t want to miss:
When the Whistle Blows – A one-of-a-kind blend of historical reenactment and live paranormal investigation. Our team conducts a real-time mini-investigation — inviting the audience to participate—at key locations along Cary’s historic railroad where significant events once unfolded. Meanwhile, our cast reenacts these moments, exploring possible connections between history and the paranormal. Much of this history forms the foundation of Cary’s most enduring ghost stories, making it ta perfect spooky season experience.
Uncover Barnabas – Step outside of downtown to an actual Cary Civil War–era farm in an immersive adventure that combines local history, historical fiction, and interactive gaming. Think Blair Witch Project meets local history and mystery-solving outdoors at night — an unforgettable experience for those who love an extra spooky thrill in their Halloween season. Members of my Facebook group, The City Doctor Productions, always get first access to tickets. It’s also the best way to stay up to date on all of my events and productions.
