"Evelyn Deal Rhodes, 96, of Conover, and member of Beth Eden Lutheran Church of Newton, died Aug 14, 2006, after a long and healthy life.  Daughter of Harriet L. Deal and Albert L. Deal, she studied English and history at Lenoir-Rhyne College, graduating in 1931.  Ms. Rhodes was employed by the Catawba County Library System for nearly 50 years, retiring in 2000 at the age of 90.  Evelyn enjoyed a restful retirement, assisted by her children."  *Hickory Daily Record, August 16, 2006. ************** Mrs. Rhodes--for any other person that title would seem to conjure connotations of stuffiness, strictness, and knowing that formidable person was a librarian, the sound "Shhhhh!" would also come to mind. Not so for Mrs. Rhodes; the title creates a feeling of old southern courtesy and dignity. One thinks of a time long forgotten when ladies were referred to as Miss or Mrs. When Mrs. Rhodes retired from the Catawba County Public Library System, and the Genealogy Department, at age 90, she left behind one of the better collections in the state of North Carolina. She worked very hard to help each and every person who entered the "Evelyn Deal Rhodes Room". The room was named in her honor in 1994, the year she was named "Catawba County Employee of the Year." Her tenacious research skills have helped many people in, around and transplanted from the Catawba County area find their ancestors. The current staff of the Genealogy and Local History Department strives to continue the tradition of service in a way that Mrs. Evelyn Deal Rhodes would be proud of.

The Rhodes Room web site was created with support from federal Library Service and Technology Act (LSTA) funds made possible through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources through the North Carolina ECHO, 'Exploring Cultural Heritage Online' Digitization Grant Program.