John Wesley Drye was born on this day in 1865, in Iredell County, to Daniel Monroe and Lidia Eagle Drye.
John spent his early life in Iredell County, and moved to Winston-Salem in 1886. His first position was in a market as the “handy boy.” He worked his way up in the market to become an apprentice meat cutter. He liked the work, and eventually worked for many different markets. He also owned his own butcher shop at one time, and taught several boys the art of butchering.
When the City Market opened, many meat cutters left their small shops that were spread all over the city, and moved into the City Market, where the profession became more centralized.
In a 1938 interview with Mr. Drye, he recalled that there have been few changes in the meat cutting business. One change was that they once bought large chunks of meat and cut them up. But in 1938, he bought the meat in smaller pieces.
Drye recalled that he was always well supplied with meat, without any serious shortages. Of course, one change that he noted was in the meat prices, which have risen greatly over the years. When he began in the business, a good steak could be bought for 10-cents a pound. In 1938, his customers paid 30 and 40 cents a pound for the same grade of meat.
Drye retired about 1940 from his business, after over 50 years as a meat cutter.
He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Wachovia Lodge 145. He was a member of the Junior Order, the Volunteer Fire Department, and Home Moravian Church.
He was married to Emma Jane Shore. He passed away in 1950.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
