It’s truly humbling to see how these glimpses of Mooresville’s past are resonating with people around the world. These historical videos are part of a remarkable collection filmed by North Carolinian photographer Herbert Lee Waters. In a project he dubbed “Movies of Local People,” Waters traveled the state capturing everyday life, and these Mooresville segments have recently amassed nearly 3 million views in just one month on the Mooresville Now Facebook page, captivating audiences far beyond our local community.

These fascinating snapshots of Mooresville’s history have sparked a wave of gratitude and nostalgia, even among people who had never heard of our beloved North Carolina town before. One viewer described the videos as being “like a time capsule,” and we couldn’t agree more.

These rare and authentic films transport viewers back to simpler days, offering snapshots of life long ago that continue to resonate today.

It’s heartwarming to read the flood of messages we’ve received from people deeply touched by these videos. Many reminisce about their own childhoods, while others express a newfound curiosity about Mooresville and its history. The beauty of these films lies in their ability to connect people across generations, bridging the past and present in a way that feels both personal and universal.

Of course, with such widespread attention, a few viewers have wondered whether these historical films might be the work of AI. We’re here to assure everyone that these videos are the real deal—authentic pieces of history lovingly preserved and shared to honor our heritage. The stories, faces, and moments captured in these films are genuine, offering a rare window into the past.

The reach of these videos extends far beyond the borders of the United States. While we’ve seen engagement from nearly every state in the US, we’re also thrilled to see viewers tuning in from countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Mexico, India, Thailand, and the Philippines, demonstrating the truly international appeal of Mooresville’s history.

Adding to the global conversation, Laura Malatna, who lives in Brno, Czech Republic, shared a particularly insightful observation: “I’m surprised by the huge amount of cars – I haven’t known that in pre-1940 cities were this way full of cars.” This comment highlights how the videos offer surprising insights into everyday life in the past, challenging preconceived notions about earlier eras.

We’ve even received heartfelt messages from viewers around the world. Dan Murphy from Ireland wrote, “Brilliant. Greetings from Ireland and I hope that your town is thriving and still got beautiful happy people.” It’s humbling to see how far the spirit of Mooresville has traveled and how these videos can evoke such kind sentiments from so far away.

Sanjep Batanes added, “A time machine, NICE,” succinctly capturing the magic and transportive power of these historical snapshots.

Jason Chauvin reflected, “Makes me think of my grandma and grandpa and the stories they would share,” emphasizing how these videos resonate with personal memories and family connections.

Another viewer, Alexander Hellick, shared this poetic reflection: “That was dream time from start to finish. Sometimes you wonder, will we do it all over again? Just like making a cake, start from scratch.” His words beautifully capture the sense of longing and appreciation for simpler times that these videos evoke.

Bob Ward shared, “Brought a tear to my eye! Lovely!” reminding us of the emotional impact these glimpses into history can have on viewers.

But these videos don’t just tell the story of our history; they remind us that the moments we capture today will become the history of tomorrow. The videos we create of our vibrant Mooresville community now will one day serve as a legacy for future generations to look back on, just as we’re looking back today.

It’s incredible to see how a small-town project has turned into a worldwide phenomenon, connecting people to the spirit of Mooresville in ways we never could have imagined. This connection is evident not only in the nearly 3 million views our 1930s videos have garnered in just one month but also in our vibrant online community. With nearly 15,000 followers and almost 100,000 interactions (likes, shares, and comments), the Mooresville Now Facebook page has become a hub for sharing memories, sparking conversations, and fostering a sense of belonging. We’re so grateful to everyone who has watched, shared, and celebrated these videos with us. Together, we’re keeping the memories alive and building a bridge from our rich history to a bright future.

So, whether you’re from right here in Mooresville or watching from halfway across the world, thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to cherishing our past and creating a history worth sharing for generations to come!