In the early 1800s, before the formation of Lenoir and Caldwell County, the large open-air Hog Waller market in what is now downtown Lenoir drew people from across the region to trade fruits, vegetables, livestock, guns and knives, homemade crafts, moonshine, and other merchandise year round. Located between present-day Church Street and Boundary Street, it took its name from the muddy part of the marketplace where hogs were allowed to freely waller. Until the 1950s, Hog Waller also served as a center of social life and entertainment, where soapbox orators such as Charlie "Sledgehammer" Keyes preached on corners and musicians performed for crowds. It became known for exceptional musical talent, and Carl Story, Clyde "Pop" Ferguson, and Arthel "Doc" Watson began their careers as street performers in and around Hog Waller. During a live radio broadcast at the O.P. Lutz Furniture Store nearby, Doc Watson received his nickname after an announcer mispronounced his name and someone in the audience shouted, "Just call him Doc."