Are You a Literary Crime Solver?

Asheville’s hottest literary mystery has never been solved, but maybe you can help!

The Thomas Wolfe House burned down in the early morning hours of July 24, 1998. The Asheville Fire Department swept in and quickly distinguished the fire, but not before irreplaceable antiques were damaged by smoke, fire, and water.

Police investigators later determined that the fire had been set deliberately by an incendiary device thrown through the window. It was the swift work of the fire department that saved the house from burning completely to the ground. Still, the home sustained damages of nearly $2.4 million and was closed to the public for six years.

The arson took place just as the season’s biggest weekend street festival began. This year’s Bele Chere festival marks the 14th anniversary of the crime.

Jim MacKenzie believes that a city with our cultural heritage should not let a crime against our history and our property go unpunished. USA Today has named Asheville a Top 10 Literary destination. And a town with that honor should take care of its own.

“Thomas Wolfe was Asheville’s original prodigal son,” said Jim. “We should honor his memory by not forgetting what happened to his family’s home.”

The police developed many theories about the crime and the culprits, but were unable to make any convictions. Now, Jim is urging anyone who may have information that could be helpful in solving this arson to come forward.

All tips should be made to CrimeStoppers at 828-255-5050. Your call could lead to the arrest of the arsonist and get you reward money.

Author Thomas Wolfe grew up in and around the memorial house, which he called “Dixieland.” Wolfe is best known for his books “Look Homeward, Angel” and “You Can’t Go Home Again.” Before his death in 1938, Wolfe was considered one of the greatest modern writers of his era.

Jim MacKenzie is the Executive Director of the POP Project. He can be contacted via POP or at his group’s Facebook page, “Asheville’s Literary Mystery: The Thomas Wolfe Home Arson.”