The Town of Candor was chartered in 1891. Prior to this the “town” was known as “Cabin Creek” and later as “Lamond’s Old Field”. The south corner of this field was a burial ground, where First Bank now stands. The first settler was Kinch Chisholm.
The Post Office was established August 19, 1873. The name was then “Cabin Creek”. It was located over near R. Neil Lamonds. Twelve years later it was moved to the present location of Candor. In April, 1976, a new Post Office was constructed at the Candor Shopping Center on the north side of town. The first Postmaster was Daniel McAuley and the present Postmistress is Charlotte Garner.
There is no written document known that tells where the name “Candor” was decided for the town. Old folks tell that Mr. Elsie Shamburger, Mr. A. B. McCaskill and Mr. Samuel Parsons agreed on the name “Candor”. No one knows why it was so named.
The present population of Candor is 853. Candor is known as the “Peach Town” and the first annual Peach Festival was held on July 19, 1997. It is sponsored by the Town of Candor and North Carolina Peach Grower’s Association and will be held on the third Saturday in July every year.
INDUSTRY
The Town of Candor is home to several textile manufacturers. The largest manufacturers are Klaussner Furniture Industries (which is also the largest private employer in the county), Russ-Knits, Inc., Longworth Industries, Inc., and J.L. Hosiery. One of the newest additions to our industry is Mountaire Farms. Mountaire is an integral part of a multi-billion dollar food industry feeding much of America's protein eaters, providing chicken to markets in the US and abroad.
EDUCATION
Our most important asset is our children. The educational needs of the citizens of Candor are met by a modern, county-wide school system which offers our children excellent educational opportunities. Elementary students attend Candor Elementary School. Children grades 6-8 attend East Middle School and 9-12 attend East Montgomery High School. Both the middle and high schools are located outside the city limits on Alt. 220. The Montgomery County Schools are considered to be progressive, with strong technical/vocational programs offered alongside a strenuous academic program.
Montgomery Community College (MCC), a post-secondary institution serving this area of the state, is located in Troy. MCC is located on Page Street, just off NC 134 and NC 24/27. The college has gained national acclaim for its specialty programs in areas such as gunsmithing, taxidermy, and pottery. In recent years, MCC has been approved to offer an LPN program, and a one-year college transfer program. The continuing education department of the college meets a variety of community needs by offering in-plant training for business and industry as well as fire, law enforcement, and rescue training. The department further offers personal enrichment programs of interest to the county’s citizens.