Stanley Rupert Warner was born on this day in 1882, in Canada, to Royall and Mary Jane Lamb Warner.
Stanley came to Winston-Salem in 1920, and was in poor health when he arrived. He lived in Connecticut and was the manager of a flooring company. His doctors suggested that he move to a warmer climate for his health. He traveled to North Carolina and visited several cities before he came to Winston-Salem.
It was Labor Day, and he recalled that he stood across the street from the Courthouse and heard an orator and observed the people of the town. He said that he felt an energy from the people in the city, tempered with friendliness and a desire to work. He decided to make his home in Winston-Salem and brought his wife and daughters to town.
The move to Winston-Salem was fortuitous in several ways. Firstly, he visited a local doctor, who determined that his health problems stemmed from his gall bladder. When the gall bladder was removed, his health improved. Secondly, with his health much improved, he established his own business, Warner Flooring Company.
When Stanley was in the hospital recovering from his surgery, he grew a beard because he couldn’t shave. The beard was trimmed to a goatee, which he sported from that day forward. Stanley was a member of the Lions Club, and the other members dubbed Stanley “King,” because of the goatee that reminded them of King George. “King” became Stanley’s nickname.
The business grew and flourished over the years. Today, Stanley’s grandson, Bob Grubbs, operates the business that his grandfather started in 1921. Bob Grubbs Carpet Designers is located on West Fourth Street.
Stanley was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Lions Club.
He was married to Catherine Barrett, and he passed away in 1970.
The photo above shows Mr. Warner at left, with Mr. Jesse E. Mercer at right. They were members of the Centennial Beard Committee (Bushgrowers) for the 1949 Forsyth County Centennial Celebration.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
