Where are they now? Barbara Hayes Cochran

This year marks the fortieth year since I left Tryon to start my career in Savannah, Georgia. Though I dearly love Savannah with its sandy beaches, beautiful barrier islands, coastal waterways, and urban lifestyle, part of my heart and soul still remains in the rural recesses of the little valley in the foothills of western North Carolina called Tryon.

So, I was not surprised to find others who left the area but enjoy mentally wandering back to the times they lived there. I am gratified that this column seems to have given many of these former residents an avenue on which to travel back in time.

One such ex-Tryonite is Barbara Hayes Cochran. Barbara left Tryon in 1965 and today, lives in Black Creek, Wisconsin located about 40 miles from Green Bay.

She is married to Thomas Cochran. They have one son, Christopher Martin Cochran. Barbara was a Trainer/Department Manager for a major retail store, but has since retired. She spends much of her time now being the Historian for the DAR chapter in Green Bay. Barbara has also gained statewide recognition as the State American History Chair for the State of Wisconsin.
Barbara’s memories of Tryon and Polk County include: Hot dogs at Tollie Ross’ restaurant; The Willows restaurant; and Owens Drugstore.

Most of all she misses living in a town where she knew practically everyone, especially the people with whom she went to church and school.

She did not say so, but one would think that living in the frigid north, Barbara probably misses the tepid weather in the thermal belt also. I thank her for contributing to this article and want to hear from those of you who remember Barbara Hayes. You know where she is now.
s.hefner@comcast.net