See Middle Tennessee

Happy Groundhog Day

2012-02-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

At least I think it's a ground hog. When I took this picture, the land was owned by the peterbilt semi-truck property at I-24 ahd Haywood Lane. He or She lived here for a couple of years, and I used to drive past this daily (as if the same day of my life repeated over and over or something). This is at the corner of Haywood Ln and Antioch Pk.

Soap Opera Laundry neon sign - East Nashville

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000-06:00

Mary, why weren't you home when I came for our Rendezvous?
Sorry, Steve, but I had to do the Laundry!
It's Mike isn't it! You'd rather be with Mike that with me when I come over!
No, Steve! I have some socks that needed washing! You've got to believe me!

Is it obvious that I'm not good at writing Soap Opera dialogue?

Dickerson Pike (US 31W/41/431) - East Nashville

Post Card Tuesday: Hewett Home

2012-01-31T07:30:00.000-06:00

The most noticable feature of this Greek Revival mansion is the monumental pedimented portico. The central original part of the building was built in the 1830s as a female academy. Later, it was turned into a private residence and the portico was added. When Austin Hewitt died in 1921, he willed his estate to become a ladies retirement home, and was then enlarged.

Listed on the National Register of historic places.

When comparing a modern photo to the most card, the most noticeable change is the color of the exterior. The front lawn with trees and a sidewalk has been replaced with a parking lot. Awnings have been added to each lower floor window. Otherwise, a lot has stayed the same. The Post card calls this the Hewett Home for Old Ladies. Hewitt is misspelled on the card.

In the news: Marion Memorial Bridge

2012-01-30T07:30:00.000-06:00

This bridge was built in 1929 to cross the Tennessee River for a new alignment of the Dixie Highway. Originally, there were toll booths on either side but they were removed in 1947. In the mid 1960's with the building of Nickajack Dam just downstream, which formed Nickajack Lake, the water level rose. The Bridge was rehabilitated and also hydraulically lifted 21 feet so that barge traffic could still pass below. While not the Dixie Highway anymore, it did carry the Cummings Highway, which is US41, US64 and US72.

After Interstate 24 was built near the same place, traffic on this bridge shrank. A friend of mine who lived in the area told me how she always hated driving across this bridge because it is narrow and you fell like you could fall off the side. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Recently, the bridge was determined by the state to be structurally deficient. Three weeks ago, on Jan. 9, 2012, the bridge was officially closed. In a couple of years, there will be a new, wider bridge at this location. For the full story, read this article:
www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/dec/28/tdot-to-close-mar...

NC&StL Diesel engine - Cowan, TN

2012-01-29T07:37:00.000-06:00

Located at the Cowan Railroad Museum. It is a 1950 Diesel electric locomotive, built by General Electric as a 44 ton. Donated to the museum as a long-term loan in 2007 after years of use in Huntsville, Al.
Historically, in 1962, this was the first locomotive ever to be equipped with radio control so that an engineer was nor needed in the cab.

Tallan Building - Chattanooga

2012-01-28T07:35:00.000-06:00

As you can see from the logo at top, the biggest client of the building is Regions Bank. It was built in 1982 in downtown Chattanooga and is 12 stories tall, most of which have the prominent glass facade.

Tank at Alvin C. York State Historic Site

2012-01-27T07:31:00.000-06:00

Sgt. York was a WWI Hero. The historic Site is in Pall Mall, TN next door to his old home along US127. Some flickr friends filled in this info about the tank: this is a M247 Sergeant York self-propelled anti-aircraft gun built on an M48A5 tank chassis.

Fuston's Antiques Barn

2012-01-26T07:27:00.000-06:00

This is one of those barns I had to drive past a couple of times before I had a chance to remember to look out for it.

Fuston's used to be an Antique Shop 10 miles away in Smithville, and then later branched out to a 2nd store in Woodbury. Their other store had an advertising barn, also.

This barn is on highway US 70 barely to the west of the small town of Liberty and the TN96 intersection

Fishing at the Walter Hill Dam

2012-01-25T07:22:00.000-06:00

I wonder how many times I'd driven past this and not realized it was here, right off of US231 north of Murfreesboro. The area is listed as Walter Hill Day Use Park. This is a dam on the Stones River and was built to be part of hydroelectric plant.

Post Card Tuesday: Sam Davis Home

2012-01-24T07:16:00.000-06:00

This is the home of Sam Davis, the storied Boy Hero of the Confederacy. Above is the way the home looked around the 1930s or 40s and below is the way it looks today. The home is preserved as a museum and you can take a tour today. The home is in Smyrna, TN.

Jackson County Courthouse - Gainesboro, TN

2012-01-23T07:09:00.000-06:00

The Pole at the top is a flagpole with no flag.

Gainesboro’s Business District is built on an incline, making it rare compared to most Tennessee towns.

The Jackson County Court House is the center of the Historic District. Built in 1927 with an illuminated Seth Thomas clock in the tower, it is a remarkable structure. The clock must be wound every thirteen days to keep accurate time. A faithful volunteer climbs the tower and winds the clock devoutly. (At least that's what the county website says - it's off by 6 hours on this day.)

13th Anniversary of the 1999 Clarksville Tornado

2012-01-22T07:55:00.000-06:00

This is the 4th Courthouse to be built in Clarksville. It was constructed in 1879 for $100,000, and was placed in a location that was away from the town square. It was designed with Italianate and Victorian elements in a classical style and is topped with a tall clock tower.

This courthouse was built after a devestating fire turned the previous courthouse and much of the city was turned to rubble. On April 13, 1878, the fire started, which was aided by wind as well as the town's only fire engine broke down early. This fire wasn't fully out until another fire engine was sent by train from Nashville.

On March 12, 1900 another fire almost destroyed this courthouse. It was believed to have started in the southeast section of a flue in the office of the Circuit Court Clerk. By now, the town had learned its lesson and had better fire-fighting practices in place, which saved the building. Steel girders and beams in the ceiling were anchored in cement keeping the lower floor intact, although the roof and tower collapsed. After inspection, the remnants were deemed structurally sound and the building was rebuilt with a new clock and the soaring bronze eagle was reinstated in his aerie on the top.

On March 20, 1976, heavy winds caused the eagle on top to be blown off and it was feared to be lost but eventually found and reattached.

Disaster struck again on Jan. 22, 1999, when an F4 tornado struck downtown, crippling the courthouse and causing $74 million damage to the city. Sections of the roof and spires were ripped away, the clock tower was leveled and the east wall was collapsed. The eagle was never found. After considering building a new courthouse, city leaders decided to rebuild this one again. The exterior was rebuilt to look just like it had been and the interior was redesigned. A replicated tower and eagle was again placed on top. All repairs were completed in the fall of 2002.

How long will it last this time? Clarksville has a very storied past of disasters with fires, tornados and floods.

This view was taken in July 2008 from the top of a parking garage.

John Bridgman's House - Pikeville, TN

2012-01-21T07:06:00.000-06:00

I have no idea about the signficance of this place, other than the fact it's old and it's on the National Register of Historic Places. Googling this, John Bridgman may have named Pikeville. This brick house is probably more than 150 yrs. old.

This is why they keep tigers seperated from people

2012-01-20T07:03:00.000-06:00

I wouldn't want to meet up with the teeth of a Siberian Tiger. At the Louisville Zoo, they had the tiger perform a few tricks in exchange for a piece of raw meet attached to the end of what I hope is a really long stick. I think the trick the tiger is performing right now is called "look scary."

The Old Jail - Franklin, TN (2011 Version)

2012-01-19T07:51:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I posted what the Old Jail in Franklin used to look like. This is it's appearance now.

This is the second time I have been to the old jail and since my visit last time a little over a year ago it has been painted all white except for the stone basement level and all the windows have been boarded up with the bars removed.

The Old Jail - Franklin, TN (2010 Version)

2012-01-18T07:46:00.000-06:00

There are three jails in Williamson County, but of course the newest one is the only one still used as a jail. This is next door to the Old, Old Jail and is known as the Old Jail.

This concrete jail was built in 1941 for $25,000 and was the fifth jail ever in the county. It was in use as a jail until the New Jail was built in 1971. Last I heard, this jail holds county offices.

However, it doesn't look like this anymore, I'll show what it looks like now for tomorrow's post.

Post Card Tuesday - Marshall County Courthouse

2012-01-17T03:59:00.000-06:00

The present Colonial Revival style courthouse was completed in 1929. This was the third to occupy this location in Lewisburg, TN. The first was built in 1838 an then burned in 1873. The second was completed in 1874 and burned in 1927. This courthouse was designed by the Nashville firm of Hart, Freeland and Roberts, and the same firm renovated and modernized the building in 1974.

Marshall County is named after Supreme Court Cheif Justice John Marshall.

Faded Coca-Cola Mural - Dayton, TN

2012-01-16T07:58:00.000-06:00

This mural faces a general store along a corner of the Dayton Town Square. In the top corner of the ad is the word DRINK and in the bottom right corner is a coke bottle on a yellow circle.

Above the Coke Mural is an ad for Mansfields Coffee Shoppe. A block away is a place called Mansfield's Diner, which I will assume is the same place.

Train Bridge, Bicentennial Park, Nashville

2012-01-15T07:42:00.000-06:00

A CSX train engine crosses over the bridge which is part of the entrance to Bicentennial Mall State Park in Nashville, TN. In the background, people sit in the ampitheater to enjoy a sunny day. This picture is taken from Capitol Hill on the north side of the state capitol.

Dandgure's Cafeteria mural

2012-01-14T07:37:00.000-06:00

Mural alongside Dandgure's Meat-and-three cafeteria along Lafayette (US41/70S) close to dowtown Nashville. It's across the street from the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. It's sometime's shortened to Dan's Cafe:

Happy Friday the 13th! Mothman

2012-01-13T07:30:00.000-06:00

You don't really thing about running into an axe-wielding maniac in January, but it's still Friday the 13th, and there's probably some tv network running a marathon.

This isn't exactly Jason, but if you ran into it in the woods, it would still scare you. This is made from a carved tree, except for the wings which have been fastened onto the rest. Of all places to show up, this is at a nice mom-and-pop motel in a rural area just west of Chattanooga.

2012-01-12T07:18:00.000-06:00

Today's destinations is a little ways outside of Middle Tennessee, but I thought some people might find it interesting...

The Coffee Pot is a roadhouse restaurant built in what used to be the outskirts of Roanoke, VA in 1936.

The entire building has a log cabin motif, with a large stucco Coffee Pot on the end. It serves as a great example of Novelty Architecture and for that reason has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. The Coffee Pot is 15 ft. tall and when it was built, they had steam rise out of the spout, generated by a furnace below.

It was built along Brambleton Ave., which is now US 221. Various musical acts have performed inside over the years, giving it the slogan the "Biggest small stage in the south"

Wedding Chapel in the woods

2012-01-11T07:11:00.000-06:00

Here is a tiny wedding chapel I found several years ago. The area is accessed by crossing a small footbridge on the left, but the area was locked behind a fence on this day. My map calls the water here Lake Louise and it's downstream from Lake Marrowbone in the Northwest corner of Davidson County. Off the right edge of the picture is a dam.

Post Card Tuesday: Nashville Municipal Airport

2012-01-10T10:28:00.000-06:00

In this linen postcard, we see an Eastern Airlines plane pulling up to the terminal at Berry Field. The airline went out of business in 1991 but I'm sure that fleet of planes like the one seen here was gone before that. The building seen here which includes the air traffic control tower on top is still there, I believe. In fact, if you take Briley Parkway's old airport exit, you can drive around the area and get up close. Of course there's a much bigger terminal and a much taller control tower in use these days.

Angora - The fluffiest of rabbits

2012-01-10T07:07:00.000-06:00

Although this looks like a bunny head photoshopped onto a foot-and-a-half long cottonball, it's indeed all rabbit. If you have an angora sweater, or anything else made from the soft, fluffy angora wool, it's made from the fur of a rabbit. There a small handful of these types of rabbits every year at the Tennessee State Fair in the Rabbit Barn. This one was seen in 2006.

See 7 States from Rock City

2012-01-09T07:59:00.000-06:00

See 7 States from Rock City
Near Chattanooga Tenn

This is Lewis Bruton's Rock City Barn on Highway US 64, the old highway that connects Memphis to Chattanooga. It is in Lawrence County, Tennessee about 5 miles East of the Natchez Trace Parkway, or 9 miles west of Lawrenceburg.

This barn can be easy to miss if you're not looking closely for it. Much of highway US64 between Memphis and where it meets I-24 in Franklin County has been or is in the process of being converted to a 2-lane divided highway. In most instances, the older winding road is not marked as a highway. This barn is along the old stretch, but is really close to an intersection with a modern highway. If you're travelling eastbound on the newer 64, I suspect you won't see it as the barn won't quite be facing you.

Knoxville Sunsphere View: Old City Hall

2012-01-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

This is actually a complex of several buildings that started in 1848 as the Tennessee School for the Deaf. Then it became the City Hall in 1924 until the City-County building was built in 1980. In 2009 it became the Lincoln Memorial University School of Law

The Sunsphere was built for the 1982 Knoxville World's Fair. Not too long ago, it reopened as an observation deck. The views are a little blurred in places and off-color due to the windows that we look through, but still it makes for a great vantage point of the city. Ony my website is a gallery of other landmarks you can see from the Susnphere. If that interests you, check it out here:

seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=knoxville/views-from...

Cordell Hull Bridge - Carthage, TN

2012-01-06T18:31:00.000-06:00

It is the old bridge connecting Carthage to South Carthage. On the south side of the river, is just a bluff and an area wide enough for U.S. 70S to pass through. It was built in 1936 and was the second bridge to span the Cumberland River at this spot. Hull was Secretary of State for FDR for 11 years. This is the view from the newer TN25 bridge. The last time I was able to drive over the Hull Bridge was in 2007, and it appears to be semi-permanently closed to traffic for now.

If you're a fan of Country Music or you just pay attention to top 40 radio, you may have noticed this bridge in a recent video. Released about four months ago was Rodney Atkins music video for "Take a Back Road" which in part features the singer sitting atop the bridge as the camera pans by. (Later in the same video, he's at the water tower in White Bluff.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R9GrGheMRw

Cowan, TN Steam Locomotive #1

2012-01-05T07:30:00.000-06:00

My wife, who likes steam locomotives, commented it looks like it's smiling!

Steam Locomotive #1 has been the highlight of the Cowan Railroad Museum for many years. It's a Columbia Type 2-4-2. It was built by Porter in 1920 as a tenderless Tank style locomotive and converted with a small homemade tender and had the saddle tank removed. The cab used to contain a small coal bunker. The Engine was functional around Charleston, SC until 1964 when it was sold to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Then, was sold to the Cowan museum in 1979.

To see my other photos from the Depot Museum, look here:
www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nashville/tags/cowanrailroadm...

The Bluebird Cafe storefront

2012-01-04T13:53:00.000-06:00

This unassuming little storefront is for the Bluebird Cafe, which is not known as much for being a cafe but is well known for being an intimate concert venue for better aspiring songwriters. It's a place that you'd almost miss if you weren't looking there. I've never been inside, as there is always quite a line to get in.
It's located in the Green Hills area of Nashville on Hillsboro Rd. (U.S. 431)
It was also heavily featured in the movie That Thing Called Love along with the Drake Motel.

Postcard Tuesday: Old Battle of Nashville Monument

2012-01-03T07:48:00.000-06:00

I don't know why but this is one of the most fascinating post cards I have. The monument isn't there anymore (It was removed about 10 years ago - but a stump of a base remains). Franklin Road that goes part this isn't even flat like this anymore. it's a good challenge just to get to this spot. Its very close to where Franklin Rd meets Woodmont Pk. (with I-65/I-440 looming overhead) The ramps at the interchange between the two really blocked the view.

Signifying an important event, the monument itself has had an interesting history.

The monument was originally commissioned by the Ladies Battelfield Associtation and created by Giuseppe Moretti. It was dedicated on Armistice Bay, 1927, on Franklin Rd. (U.S. 31) near Woodmont Blvd. The Post Card shows what it looked like at the time.

This memorial is dedicated to the struggle of both the Union and Confederate forces who clashed here on Dec. 15-16, 1864. Moretti interpreted the scene with two charging horses (for the North and the South) divided by a wall of antagonism. The horses are halted and quited into the spirit of teamwork by a youth who embodies the spirit of Unity (as the word UNITY is written on the banner which entines the horses.) Atop the summit of the shaft, and Angel of Peace protects the group. The monument is nationally significant as it was the first civil war memorial in the country created in the memory of both the North and the South.

A few decades after it was built, the creation of Interstate 65 meant Woodmont Blvd became a bridge in the area, and Franklin Road became a trench and you couldn't see the monument as it was well above the street.

In 1974, a tornado came through, destroying the statue's 30-foot carrara marble obelisk and angel, leaving just the base and bronze figures behind. Then, after the completion of Interstate 440 and its interchange with I-65 left the remains isolated where nobody could see it.

in 1992, the Tennessee Historical Commission selected an undeveloped site on Granny White Pike for the complete restoration of the monument. The new carved stone and obelisk are of white granite, quarried at Elberton, GA. The bronze figures - preserved and refurbished from Moretti's original work- face due east toward the rising sun as Moretti intended. The six foot angel at the apex was carved by local sculptor Coley Coleman

Here is a picture of the marker:
seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=historical-markers/n...

New for 2012: Post Card Tuesday!

2012-01-02T07:11:00.000-06:00

I'd like to introduce a new feature for the SeeMidTN.com Blog: Vintage Post Card Tuesdays. Before I ever had a real camera, I liked to collect post cards, vintage and modern. (Maybe that's what inspired me to become a photographer in the first place.)

Each Tuesday, I'll post a scan of a vintage post card. Many of these places are still around. Some are long gone. Even the ones that are still around may have seen some changes over the 50 to 100 years. If I've taken a photo of the location, perhaps we can see a now and then comparison, too.

To start, I'd like to begin with this post card, one of the earliest obtained for my personal collection. (One that my wife bought me, in fact.) This is a linen-era card of the James Robertson Hotel in Downtown Nashville (and also featuring Fort Nashboro) .

The James Robertson is not a hotel anymore. Today, it's an apartment. Located on 7th Ave., it is Nashville's second oldest remaining hotel building. (The Hermitage is 1st.) Built in 1929, the hotel was named after the founder of Nashville. The architect that designed this building also designed the TN State Supreme Court building (next to the Capitol) and the Frist Center (old post office). Almost not surviving the great depression, it had gone back-and-forth from a hotel to apartments since 1978, when it permanantly became low income dowtown housing. The Renainnace hotel dwarfs it in the background.

Here is a closeup of the architectural detail:

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-01T07:34:00.000-06:00

Happy new year!

I hope you enjoyed your evening of dancing the night away, listening to tunes, or watching your favorite ring-in-the-new-year TV special. I will presume you stayed up really late and you didn't wake up until noon. However, It's all good - I wrote this post two weeks ago.

I don't suppose people really have new years cakes. However, today is my birthday and I'd like a birthday cake - not that you particularly care. :) This cake was one of the amazing cakes seen at the Tennessee State Fair in 2009. The Tennessee Chapter of the JCES (and I don't know what that stands for) had many wonderful cakes from their members on display that year! The card in front says Mary Jo Manis designed this one. Great work, wherever you are. Buttercream Gum Paste never sounded so good.

With the new year, I have a new feature for the blog that will roll out tommorrow, so If you are a regular reader, stay tuned!

The year has really flown by

2011-12-31T07:30:00.000-06:00

2000 has really gone by fast, hasn't it. I mean 2011, of course. I suppose I qualify as being old enough to remember when something futuristic had the year 2000 added to it, like this centrifuge type ride on the midway at the 2011 Tennessee State Fair.

If you never saw any 2011 State Fair photos, in addition to the few fair photos I have uploaded to flickr of to the blog, I have many more which have been added to this gallery on the SeeMidTN.com website:
seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=nashville%2F2011-tn-...

Jack Daniels Barrel at Lynchburg Town Square

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

At Jack Daniels, they don't just throw away the barrels they crafted to let the whiskey mellow. You can buy a barrel from Jack Daniels. Well, let me rephrase that - if you buy enough whiskey that you have purchased all the whiskey from one barrel, they will send you the barrel for free. As that much whiskey costs thousands of dollars, it's a little too pricey for the average person. However, if you take the Jack Daniels factory tour they have a hall of fame room where they have listed on the wall everyone to have purchased an entire barrel. From there, there's an elite ring of people who have purchased 7 barrels over the years, with an Old No. 7 next to their name. (Most of these elites are of course liquor stores.)

A common usage of the old barrels around the town of lynchburg is to convert them into flower planters, or with the one seen here, a trash barrel. The Moore County Courthouse is seen in the background.

Old Scott County Jail - Huntsville, TN

2011-12-29T07:19:00.000-06:00

This historic jail built in 1907 is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on the other side of a parking lot from the county courthouse. The crenelated wall is made by five by four by three foot blocks of local red sandstone. The jailers quarters are on the first floor. Maximum security prisoners are on the third floor, which was added in 1922.

A replacement jail was built in 1963. Later after a few prisoners escaped, this building was renovated to be the jail again. No prisoners had ever escaped, which is what you would expect from this place, which has the appearance of an impenetrable fortress.

This jail did finally close down in late 2008 with the building of a modern Justice Center a couple of miles away. In the mean time, the city isn't sure what to do with their historic structure. At the time of the closing, it was the second oldest county jail in use (after the Bledsoe Co. Jail in Pikeville). For more info: www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/27/historic-scott-co-jail-...

I saw a picture of this jail from the late 70s. Since then, the front awning has been added, but back then they still had a soda machine out front.

The Jordan Motel sign - Jamestown, TN

2011-12-28T07:14:00.000-06:00

Jamestown, Tn along U.S. 127. This Motel is along the route of the World's Largest Garage Sale, and one of the most popular stops - I would guess it sells out far in advance.

Much of the sign and the exterior of the motel is made of Crab Orchard stone, which is prevalent in the area.

The Frozen Shoreline of Percy Priest Lake

2011-12-27T07:52:00.000-06:00

On a freezing evening, It looks as the water came in to shore, it would splash over the rock and then freeze before it could come down on the other side.

A couple of days after a big snow and freeze, when the sun came out I went to Percy Priest Lake by the dam. Years ago, this was my favorite place to feed the ducks and is now my favorite place to photograph them.

Neon Ice Cream - Clarksville, TN

2011-12-26T07:49:00.000-06:00

Here's hoping your Christmas had an extra cherry on top!

Part of the Cream City Ice Cream sign. The cherry on top moves. Right now, it's in the "up" position, but it also takes the outline of the red.

Nashville's Christmas Tree 2011

2011-12-25T07:40:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Located in front of the Davidson County Courthouse, Nashville's Christmas tree is lit with lights of Blue, Green and Red. The best I can tell, it looks the same as Nashville's 2010 Christmas Tree. However, this year, the Courthouse has Red and Green lights on it.

2011 Tennessee State Capitol Christmas at Night

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

The Tennessee State Capitol sits upon Capitol Hill in downtown Nashville. It was designed in a Greek Revival style by prominent architect William Strickland and completed in 1859.

For Christmas, all of the lights along the base of the capitol have added a red tinting which colors most of the building. Only the lights for the cupola have not changed to red, however the lights inside the cupola window are green if you look closely.

See Beautiful Rock City To-day

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Not far from Sevierville, TN, this See Rock City Barn is located along the Chapman Highway (U.S. 441 and U.S. 411) at the intersection with Garner Hollow LN. Those going westbound will see this.

Of note to Rock City Barn enthusiests, the way the "Today" is painted is different than it used to be. It is all block lettes now, but used to be in cursive script. The cursive part has been painted over in black but barely can be seen below the TY in CITY. Click the photo below to see a closeup.

Right behind me is a small hill that many people choose to climb when photographing this barn.

International Plaza - Nashville

2011-12-22T07:42:00.000-06:00

Here's a distinct office building in Nashville! The gold-tinted glass windows which cover the exterior of this nine story building next to the airport can be seen for miles. I'm not quite sure how old the building is or even when it got its name. It probably predates when the airport got the International moniker a couple of decades ago. Maybe it's because it's built in the "International Style" which includes buildings completely covered in glass. About a decade ago, I worked here for about half a year on the top floor. Boy did I hate the fire drill.

A Riverboat and a Courthouse

2011-12-21T07:58:00.000-06:00

Today, the blog takes us way north of Middle Tennessee, all the way to the northern end of Kentucky. Here are two vintage things that don't get seen together all that often. This view as you can see is taken from across the river in downtown Cincinnati.

In the foreground, Docked along the banks of the Ohio is the Cincinnati Belle Riverboat. In the background, a couple of blocks away, is the Campbell County Courthouse of Newport, Ky.

Christ Church Cathedral Pipe Organ - Nashville

2011-12-20T07:29:00.000-06:00

This is inside the Sanctuary of Christ Church Cathedral along Broadway in Downtown Nashville, TN. The Pipe organ is in the balcony in the back. The congregation dates back to 1829 and the building opened in 1894. They frequently host arts and music events at the building as part of their Sacred Space for the City series, which is why I was here on this particular day.

I generally don't like taking HDR pictures because of the extra effort involved. However, tonight I was standing in just the right place that I felt it needed to be done. (Some people love HDR, but I tend to be more on the documentary / stock side of photography instead of artsy. However, HDR works magnificently in Cathedrals!)

Winter Wonderland - seen at the 2009 TN State Fair

2011-12-19T07:13:00.000-06:00

In the Creative Arts building of the 2009 Tennessee State Fair was this interesting entry. I believe this wasn't a cake design but it was nearby with other decorative desserts, maybe a "cookie." Whatever it is, liberal use of white frosting makes for a nice snow scene.

Cumberland Co. Courthouse: full straight view

2011-12-18T07:19:00.000-06:00

Located in Crossville, TN, this courthouse was built in 1905 to replace the older courthouse located across the street. The older courthouse was damaged but not completely destroyed by a fire. The damage was severe enough that a new courthouse was needed, but the old courthouse was repaired and is now used as a military museum.

The building, like many in the area, is construced using the distinctive local Crab Orchard Stone.. This stone is a rare sandstone from nearby Crab Orcahrd Mountain and is noted for it's color streaks and differing shades of brown.

The courthouse cost $23,000 to build in 1905. It's two stories and has a monumental entrance consisting of dual arches, large 2nd story windows and a stepped gable.

Around the rest of the exterior on the first floor is a strongly articulated horizontal stone course, whereas the second floor has a smooth aslar finish. Atop the courthouse is an elaborate clock tower in the center of the roof. At each corner of the building are slightly lowered projecting octagonal bays.

Although there are several unusual features, this courthouse is similar to the now gone Lawrence County Courthouse which was also built in 1905. The courthouses are also listed on the National register of Historic Places.

About a year ago, in April 2008, the lawn of the courthouse was newsworthy. The county had established this area as a free speech zone, which prompted people leaving permanent displays there. The county was fine with this until they received many complaints of a statue of the Flying Spagetti Monster, and they announced that all displays had to be taken down. The full story is here.

UT Raggedy Ann - Seen at 2010 Lincoln Co. Fair

2011-12-17T07:08:00.002-06:00

There was a UT Raggedy Andy right next to Ann, but the display was behind chicken wire, so the view of both of them together would not have come out too well. Raggedy Ann and Andy are perhaps the most well known rag dolls. The one here has the usual Raggedy Ann red hair changed to orange as well as a shirt full of Vols logos.

Bedford County Courthouse at Christmas

2011-12-16T07:04:00.000-06:00

The courthouse located in Shelbyville's town square isn't too different than normal. There's a large wreath on each side and the light poles have Christmas lights on them that come on at night.

Bonnie Kaye Theater - Elizabethton, TN

2011-12-15T07:58:00.000-06:00

From the Elizabethton Walking tour brochure (Stop #29)

The Bonnie Kate Theater, another Classical Revival
Design, formally opened on May 16, 1926. All 500 of
the seats were filled and the audience enjoyed the
showing of a silent film. A local music program
"Barrels of Fun" originated here in the 1930s and in the
1940s was broadcast by two radio stations (one next
door) to a listening audience of 3.2 million people in
the southeast area. This was the first theater East of
the Mississippi to have rocking chair seating (1969).

Lawrenceburg Mexican War Monument

2011-12-14T07:02:00.000-06:00

Civil War monuments are aplenty around the united states, but if you are looking for a monument remembering the Mexican-American War of the mid 1840s, there are only 2 in America, one of which is shown here in Lawrenceburg, TN. Planning began on the War Monument in 1849 and the city legislature passed a resolution on 1/9/1850 to appropriate $1,500 to erect it. The monument was created to perpetuate the memory of the "Lawrenceburg Blues" and Captain William B. Allen who fought in the Mexican War. It has a four square base supporting a shaft running skyward and is on the north side of the Lawrenceburg town square.

NOEL in Franklin, TN

2011-12-13T07:54:00.000-06:00

I don't remember the exact details of the story but this is how I think it goes:

The Noel Hotel was one of Nashville's best. It was named after someone named Noel. This was the sign atop that downtown hotel. When it ceased to be a hotel, this sign sat around somewhere for a long time until it was bought by the owner of the White Building, two blocks from the Franklin, Tn Town square. They put it atop their building every christmastime as a seasonal decoration. The White Building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places, dating back to the 20's. This is located at a major intersection - US31 and US431

Book Suggestion: a couple of books about Church Hymns

2011-12-12T10:53:00.001-06:00

I have a couple of suggestions for books about Christian Worship hymns with a Tennessee tie-in.

First of all, We have Abide With Me. In this book, local resident and Lipscomb professor John H. Parker presents this excellent coffee table book exploring the beginnings of some of our best loved hymns. Included with this book is a cd of performances of the songs discussed in the book. The cd was compiled by and in part performed by Ray Walker, another Middle Tennessee resident, who is a singer for the Jordanaires who frequently sang backup to Elvis.

For suggestion number two, we have Smoky Mountain Hymns: Beautiful scenes and timeless hymns from the Great Smoky Mountains. This book focuses more on some of the best loved southern gospel songs with stunning scenes from the the East Tennessee Mountains.

Ferguson Hall - Spring Hill, TN

2011-12-12T07:52:00.000-06:00

This Antebellum home dates back to 1853 and was the home of Martin Cheairs. During the Civil War, it was the headquarters of Confederate General Earl Van Dorn in April and May of 1963.

On May 7, 1864, local physician and politician Dr. George B. Peters visited Van Dorn here to discuss allegations that Van Dorn had an affair with his wife. Dr. Peters shot and killed Van Dorn in the back of the head with a pistol.

After the war, this became the Branham-Hughes Military Academy and today is part of Tennessee Childrens Home. The home is located on highway US 31 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. For More info:
www.tennesseechildrenshome.org/fergusonhall.htm

Hickman Springs Waterfall - View from the road

2011-12-11T07:50:00.001-06:00

If you look closely, there's a rainbow effect hitting the waterfall here.

Here's an easily accessible waterfall that I drove near 3 or 4 times without getting right up to it. You can see it from the street, Hickman Springs Rd.

The waterfall comes from a nearly flat area at the top, and then tumbles 20 feet to the base, where the water continues to trickle down the terrain.

Driving here is easy. Parking isn't. All the area at top is private property. There's a little space to pull over if you're driving back down the street.

Shelby Reinhart Bridge - South Pittsburg, TN

2011-12-10T07:46:00.000-06:00

Built in 1981, the Shelby Reinhart Bridge is used to carry highway TN156 across the Tennessee River to connect the towns of South Pittsburg and New Hope in Marion County, Tennessee. Before the bridge, there was a ferry just a few thousand feet south of here.

The big blue bridge is a metal through arch bridge and is 1,514 ft. long.

This view was taken from the now mostly forgotten old ferry road that became obsolete after this bridge was built.

A Lynchburg Christmas - Lights on the Courthouse

2011-12-09T07:41:00.000-06:00

I love what they do at the Courthouse for Christmas, with the lights along the top, electric candlelights in the windows and the wreaths at the doors. This is a nice town square to visit at any time of the year, but the deep red colored building is great especially now.

Jonathan Webster House - Cross Bridges, TN

2011-12-08T07:38:00.000-06:00

Jonathan Webster (1767-1854) was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War from Georgia and purchased land in what is now Cross Bridges, TN in Maury County. He came here when the area was a wilderness and was credited with killing the last panter in the area. He started building this house in 1810.

He was also known as the person who brought mules to Maury County and was the first local breeder. His actions led to the county becoming the Mule Capital of the nation.

This is stop #45 on the TNTrailsandByways.com "Old TN Trail." It is also on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on Hampshire Pike (US412)

Levy Building - downtown Louisville

2011-12-07T07:11:00.000-06:00

The Levy Brothers wanted to open an upscale clothing store at the corner of Third and Market in Downtown Lousivlle in 1891. The building was designed by Charles Clarke and Arthur Loomis in a Richardsonian Romanesque style.

The five story building is constructed with red and yellow bricks with red terra-cotta details articulating the arches, windows, cornice and tower. The tower joins the two exuberant facades as the windows have varying shapes and sizes.

Levy Brothers closed their store in 1979. After a few years of renovation, Old Spaghetti Factory opened a restaurant on the main floor. Later, the other floors became condominiums. The building is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Town Hall - Cannonsburgh Village

2011-12-06T07:26:00.000-06:00

Cannonsburgh is a collection of log houses and other vintage buildings which have been relocated to a park not far from the center of Murfreesboro. I don't know if the tall leaf-less tree makes this look creepy or Christmas-y. I'll leave that up to you to decide.

Sam Jones Memorial Methodist Church

2011-12-05T07:31:00.000-06:00

This old church building is in the heart of Cartersville, GA named in honor of local preacher Sam Jones. Today their old sanctuary is on the National Register of Historic Places.

For those of you with Nashville connections, like me, Sam Jones came to Nashville to preach in 1885 and converted riverboat captain Tom Ryman. Ryman later built Union Gospel Tabernacle which later became the famous music venue Ryman Auditorium.

The Place Where Sam Davis was Captured

2011-12-04T07:22:00.000-06:00

If you are a fan of Civil War Confederate Boy Hero Sam Davis, there are two well known places to visit, his mansion is Smyrna and his museum in Pulaski. There is a third spot which has become more forgotten, perhaps because it's more in the middle of nowhere.

The area is known as Minor Hill, a rural area in Giles County. It's just off of highway TN11 just 2 or 3 miles north of the Alabama border. The actual street this is located on is Sam Davis Dr. To help you spot it, between Sam Davis Dr and TN11 is a small street with a median named Monument Dr.

On the top of the monument is a capital D in a circle, then this text:

Place where Sam Davis was captured Nov. 19, 1863. Minor Hill, Tennessee
Executed at Pulaski Tenn. Nov. 27, 1863
When Offered his freedom for information, his answer was, "No, I cannot, I would rather die a thousand deaths than betray a friend or be false to a duty."
No Greater Love hath man that this: Life for one's friend to give, that soul divine, speaks to his foe, "I Die that you may live.

Opryland Hotel Poinsettia lights

2011-12-03T07:17:00.000-06:00

When you drive by opryland, they always have a really, really tall string of lights, and at the base are these poinsettia lights.

For those of you who are familiar with camera filters...To think I was never going to use my Snow Cross filter (aka starburst 6 point), I've now found a use for it.

Alvin York's Moonshine Still?

2011-12-02T07:14:00.000-06:00

Located at the Alvin York State Historic Park in Pall Mall, TN near the large red mill, however it is missing some important parts. I guess the feds (or the "Revenooers") decided to leave this for it's historical significance.

Winstead Hill Monument: Cockrell's Missouri Brigade

2011-12-01T07:33:00.000-06:00

Winstead Hill Park is a part of the Battle of Franklin National Landmark on the south side of Franklin, TN in Williamson County along highway US31 (Columbia Pike).

I should have posted this yesterday. On Nov. 30, 1864, Confederate General Hood stood here to observe the Union troops two miles away. Starting here, many regiments consisting of 19,000 soldiers formed a line two miles wide to drive the union back. At 4pm from the hill, the signal was given launching the single largest attack in the Civil War. The Federal soldiers never forgot the the sheer spectacle of the grays sweeping across the fields near here with one Union soldier writing, "We were spellbound with admiration, although they were our hated foes."

Marshall County Courthouse - Lewisburg, TN

2011-11-30T07:29:00.000-06:00

Tennessee's 2010 Christmas Tree at the State Capitol

2011-11-29T07:27:00.000-06:00

The 2010 Tennessee Christmas Tree is located in front of what I consider the main entrance of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. This is the side that faces Charlotte Ave and Legislative Plaza. I suppose the 2011 tree will be unveiled any day now.

The Giant Knight of Cave City

2011-11-28T07:23:00.001-06:00

This roadside attraction large metal giant knight has been along the road to the entrance of Mammoth Cave for many decades. Today, the people that own it are at Debbie's Rock & Gift Shop, but the business that's located there has changed hands several times over the years. How would you like to have your picture taken with a 15 foot tall knight in not-so-shing armor? I suppose since it's not made of fiberglass, it's made to last. They also have a 15 foot tall totem pole, in case that's your preference.

Biggest toes in Nashville

2011-11-27T07:36:00.000-06:00

This is the Athena statue inside the Parthenon at Centennial Park. Alan LeQuire was the sculptor who designed Athena with the task to make her look just like the original at the original Parthenon in Greece.

Athena is 42 feet tall. To use easy math, think of a person who is 6 feet tall. Athena is 7 times as big as a person who is six feet tall, and that would make these toes 7 times as big as an average persons toes.

Pointing to Ruby Falls and ROCK CITY

2011-11-26T07:32:00.000-06:00

This isn't just any billboard for Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway. Instead, it's a guide for anyone travelling eastbound on Interstate 24 looking for the popular Lookout Mountain tourist attractions who followed the billboards to get off at exit 178.

People who want to go south on Broad St (US 11/41/64/72) are at the old Spagetti Junction and end up dumped on Williams Street, and then make a left on the one way 25th St. It's then a block away from Broad St. and this large billboard in the back of a KFC parking lot.

Toys. Lots of toys.

2011-11-25T07:51:00.000-06:00

Today is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. Every year, my brother gets up early in the morning to be the first person in line at whatever store has the best deal, and plans his day accordingly. I instead choose to sleep in, and then leave home in the mid afternoon. When I go out I usually go shopping at thrift stores. While I do most of my shopping online these days, I like to look for knick-knacks, stocking stuffers, throw-ins and the occasional ugly tie as a gag gift when I go to these places.

Several years ago, I went to one of the largest thrift stores I'd ever been to. It was in Chattanooga along the Lee Highway. There seems to be a never-ending supply of toys here. As it turns out, the laws have changed slightly so that you might not see this many used toys out in the open like you used to, and then if you do purchase something, you may want to give it a good wipedown for germs sake.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:45:00.002-06:00

If there's one fair contest that reminds me of Thanksgiving, it's the "cornucopia design" contest. A traditional cornucopia has the look of an ornamental container, usually shaped like an over-sized animal horn, overflowing of fruits and vegetables. Those ingredients can make large meals on days like today.

Hopefully, you have the day off and you don't have to fill your briefcase full of vegetables, like this cornucopia design shown here. This was entered at the Lincoln County Fair in 2010.

Mayfield Ice Cream faded wall ad - Harriman, TN

2011-11-23T07:03:00.000-06:00

Mayfield's Jerysey Maid Ice Cream. This appears to be painted on top of an older, even more faded wall ad. This is along a side street and visible along northbound traffic along US27, Main St. in Harriman, TN. I wonder if the street was raised at some point - see the arched window along the sidewalk on the left?

Orme, TN Train Depot

2011-11-22T07:27:00.000-06:00

There's no reason imaginable that anyone would want to see Orme unless you like looking for old train stations. To get to here, I started in South Pittsburg, TN and followed highway 156 as it winded up the mountain. From there, I turned onto Orme Mountain Rd. which was a gravel road that winded down the mountain. I later learned that if I drove from the other way, it's flat the entire drive and passes by Russell Cave in Alabama.

The tracks are long gone and it looks as someone has turned this station which probably looked very nice in it's day into a personal residence.

At one time, Orme was a huge coal mining town and had a population of thousands, but the 2000 census reports 124 in the city today. In 1902, the Sequatchie Valley Railroad built this depot and a 10 mile branch, known as the Orme Branch. The spur was completed in 1904 and connected Orme to Bridgeport, which was a major railroad hub. The tracks were removed in 1942.

Old Kentucky Home Motel - Bardstown, KY

2011-11-21T04:29:00.001-06:00

Bardstown is home to "My Old Kentucky Home" and this well maintained Motel is a couple of miles away on W. Stephen Foster Ave. (US 62)

Although, it is really wise for a motel to have "old" in the title?

Uncle Sam's Loan Office neon sign

2011-11-20T07:11:00.002-06:00

This great neon sign is located in Bristol along the Tennessee side of State St. through the heart of town. For such a relatively small town, Bristol has numerous old signs all throughout the middle of town.

Several people, both Democrat and Republican have suggested this sign makes for a good allegory to the country's economic condition

NC&StL Train, Centennial Park, Nashville

2011-11-19T07:02:00.000-06:00

This is the NC&StL train that has been on display for many years at Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee. This train is here to commemorate the 107 years of service by the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway. When I was a child, instead of a protective shed, was surrounded by a chain-link fence, which never seemed to be open when I was there. If it was unlocked, guests could walk up stairs and go inside.

Tough to see Rock City Barn near Adairsville, GA

2011-11-18T07:58:00.000-06:00

This Rock City barn goes way back on a highway that goes way back...

This is on an old but still drivable strech of the Dixie Highway, which later became US41. When traffic demands became higher, a newer Joe Frank Harris Pkwy was made parallel to the old Dixie Highway, but the stretch of Dixie Highway is still drivable.

As for the barn, it's tough to tell exactly how many decades ago this was painted, but it must have been a long time ago. Perhaps the only reason any of the letters on the side of the barn survived is because the barn owner added the extension to the barn, keeping the paint from the elements. If you look at the barn from the side, you can see the word Beautiful in script and then a large block ROCK CITY. Also, if you look closely at the roof of the barn, I can tell that it used to have part of the message too (The paint colors cause different shades of rust) but It is unreadable now.

This is located just north of Adairsville, GA in Bartow County about 1000 feet south of the Gordon County line.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge - Nashville, TN

2011-11-17T07:49:00.003-06:00

This is the bridge which was originally known as the Gateway Bridge, which opened in Nashville in 2004 and crosses the Cumberland River close to downtown. This is also Nashville's first arch bridge. It carries the vehicular traffic which used to cross at the Shelby St. Bridge. According to the Plan of Nashville book which came out a few years ago, Gateway Blvd. will one day presumably be the best entrance into the city.

President James K. Polk Tomb

2011-11-16T07:45:00.000-06:00

This is the tomb of James Knox Polk, the 11th president of the United States, and his wife Sarah Childress Polk. He dies in 1849, and was buried in this tomb in 1850. However, at the time, this was on his residence, Polk Place, but in 1909, was moved to the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol hill. Polk Place was then torn down and the area became a YWCA. When the tomb was first built, old photos show the black description at the top with "10th" before the word "President."

NEWS: The World's Largest Cedar Bucket returns

2011-11-15T07:47:00.002-06:00

The original World's Largest Cedar Bucket was built in 1887 as a promotion by the Tennessee Red Cedar Woodenworks Company in Murfreesboro, TN. Eventually, the bucket went many places, like the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair. The company burned down in 1952 and a local market bought it for display for over a decade, until it was purchased by a Rossville, GA amusement park for another decade. In 1976, the town of Murfreesboro thought the bucket should come home and it became the centerpiece at the local park Cannonsburgh Village. The bucket had always been prominent in Murfreesboro's history and some even remember the nickname "Bucket town." Sadly, in 2005 someone thought it would be fun to set fire to the bucket leaving the charred, fragile remains.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the new rebuilt World's Largest Cedar Bucket was brought back to the Village on Oct. 22, 2011. Ever since the original was burnt, the local Rutherford County Blacksmiths' Association were dedicated to rebuilding it. It took a little longer than expected to try to find Red Cedar that was the right hue, free of knots and could be cut into large enough planks. The new bucket was built to similar dimensions as the old bucket: 6 feet tall, 6 feet wide at the base up to 7 1/2 at the top, able to hold 1566 gallons. Now, it's kept locked behind a fence.

For the full story:
www.dnj.com/article/20111023/NEWS01/110230319/World-s-new...

Shepard's Inn - Dandridge, TN

2011-11-14T07:46:00.000-06:00

All three of Tennessee's Presidents, Jackson, Polk and Johnson, stayed at this popular resting and eating spot for stagecoach travelers. Originally, it was built as a two story log home in 1814. Shadrach Inman added the frame exterior in ca. 1823. There are stepping blocks for ladies located in the front. Today, it's on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Dandridge Historic District.

Southern Terminal - Knoxville

2011-11-13T04:48:00.000-06:00

This view was taken from the 2006 Gay St. Viaduct. There are 11 tracks here at its widest point.

Southern Railway was formed in the 1890s at the merging of two railroad companies. In 1902, Southern hired architect Frank Pierce Milburn to design new train stations at several of their major terminals. Two years later, the Southern Terminal opened in Knoxville. Many warehouses and factories surrounded this area because of its important shipping routes.

The station looks today much the same as it did in 1904, except a large clock tower was removed in 1945 wen deemed structurally unsafe. The last passenger train came through in 1970. Today, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places as the integral part of The Southern Terminal and Warehouse District, an area which is today known as Old City.

This passenger station and the freight depot next door are designed in a similar style with Classical Revival influence. Most notable is the corbel-stepped gabled roof.

Trousdale Place - Gallatin, TN

2011-11-12T07:42:00.001-06:00

The following information was taken from the Trousdale Place website when they had a website. (If they have one now, I couldn't find it.)

Trousdale Place is a handsome old two-story brick house serenely shaded by large trees and has been proudly placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is located two city blocks west of the Gallatin, Tennessee Public Square. This historic home was built circa 1813 by John H. Bowen, a local attorney and member of Congress. Bowen died in 1822, and the house was later acquired by Governor William Trousdale. The city of Gallatin was developed on part of the original North Carolina land grant #1 awarded to James Trousdale, Governor Trousdale’s father, for his service in the Revolutionary War. In 1812, lots were sold for the construction of the jail, courthouse and other Gallatin city buildings.

In 1899, Annie Berry Trousdale, daughter-in-law of William Trousdale, deeded the home to the Clark Chapter #13 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor all veterans and in particular, veterans of the Confederacy. Then the mansion became known as The Trousdale Place

U.S. Highway 11

2011-11-11T07:50:00.002-06:00

Today is 11/11/11 and I figured the best way to celebrate on the blog is by posting about U.S. Highway 11.

11 runs from New Orleans to New York State. While it doesn't run through Middle Tennessee, it comes close and I have driven along the route several times. From the south, on the west side of Chattanooga, it meets up with highways US41 from Nashville, US64 from Memphis and US74 from Huntsville to be part of the Cummins Highway.

On the north side of Chattanooga, along with US64, US11 follows the path of the old Lee Highway to Cleveland. When US64 heads toward the Ocoee, 11 continues north through Athens, Sweetwater, Loudon and Lenoir City until it reaches the historic crossroads called Dixie Lee Junction, where it intersects with US70 from Nashville. Both highways pass through Knoxville, where on the other side it splits into 11E and 11W.

11E runs through Jefferson City, Morristown, Greeneville, Jonesborough and Johnson City. 11W passes through Rutledge, Bean Station, Rogersville, Surgionsville, Church Hill, and Kingsport along the Lee Highway route, Both routes come back together at Bristol.

The US Highways that are two digits, odd numbered and end in a 1 are the primary North-South highways across America. I personally have driven from Gadsden, Al to Roanoke, VA. If you like old highways, there's plenty to see.

if you like Rock City barns, there are several on either side of Chattanooga.

If you visit Sequoyah Caverns, when you leave, this barn gives you you're Highway 11 choice: Do you want to go to the Big Apple or Big Easy?

In Cleveland, if you're heading south on the old US11 route into the heart of town, there's this Civil War statue in the middle of the road to split the north and southbound lanes:

Like neon signs? All of these are in Tennessee, except for the Robert E Lee Motel which is north of Bristol.

Finally, just outside of Bristol is this old Roadside Attraction along US11W, the world's largest guitar.

Cannon County Courthouse - Woodbury, TN

2011-11-10T07:38:00.001-06:00

Woodbury is one of those small towns that's close to where I live, so I pass through often. There's been a change since my last visit here: All the big trees have been removed and replaced with small trees. While I like a nice tree, they do get in the way if you are concentrating on the building behind it. Also new is the addition of nice benched, decorative fencing, and a main sidewalk of concrete and brick pattern.

This courthouse was completed in 1936, and in my opinion is one of the nicest great depression era courthouses. Designed in a Neo-classical style of brick on a stone foundation, the courthouse features two story stone pilasters and corner quoins on the barely taller central section. The gable roof is topped by a tall clock tower. The courthouse replaced an 1838 courthouse, which burned down in 1934 and was also located at the center of the town square.

TN State Capitol & Jackson Statue at night

2011-11-09T07:35:00.000-06:00

Along Capitol Hill in Downtown Nashville, at night the Tennessee State Capitol is illuminated with Yellowish lights, while the base of the Jackson Statue is given a greenish appearance.

The Capitol was built in a Greek Revival design by Philadelphia architect William Strickland and completed in 1859.

The Jackson Statue was designed by sculptor Clark Mills and placed in 1880 with duplicates in DC and New Orleans.

Newport's miniature village

2011-11-08T07:32:00.000-06:00

I have no info about who made this or really what it is. It's a little miniature village made of pebbles inside of Newport City Park. Someone went to a lot of effort to make it.

Donoho Hotel Neon Sign

2011-11-07T07:27:00.001-06:00

The Donoho Hotel is one of three old-fashioned resort hotels in Red Boiling Springs, TN. It is the only one with an old crusty neon sign.

Ruby Falls / Broad St. Machine Co.

2011-11-06T07:25:00.001-06:00

Experience Breathtaking Ruby Falls

Broad Street Machine Co. Inc
Manufacturers of Tufting Machines.

two murals, one building - Broad Street in the gritty south of downtown area of Chattanooga. Apparently, this building is the Broad Street Machine company and they look to still be in business. I believe this is also the first time I've come across the word Tufting.

Shelby Reinhart Bridge

2011-11-05T07:19:00.001-05:00

Built in 1981, the Shelby Reinhart Bridge is used to carry highway TN156 across the Tennessee River to connect the towns of South Pittsburg and New Hope in Marion County, Tennessee. Before the bridge, there was a ferry just a few thousand feet south of here.

The big blue bridge is a metal through arch bridge and is 1,514 ft. long.

This view was taken from a now hard-to-find "Old Jasper Road" which leads out of town.

Allandale Mansion - Kingsport, TN

2011-11-04T07:16:00.000-05:00

The Allandale Mansion was the dream home of Ruth and Harvey Brooks. The mansion's distinctive portico has caused the mansion to be nicknamed "The White House of Kingsport." The mansion was built in 1953 and from the 500 acre property the Brooks raised Black Angus cows and Tennessee Walking Horses. In their will, they deeded the mansion to the city of Kingsport so that it could be used by the community.

The mansion is designed in a Georgian architecture style. There are four chimneys, formal fireplaces in each main room, and a hipped roof. A grand wooden curved staircase is the main feature in the foyer.

The Barn is located along US 11W (the old Lee Highway) in Kingsport, where the city extends into Hawkins County.

Hickerson Hotel - Charlotte, TN

2011-11-03T07:14:00.000-05:00

built ca. 1856 and located in Charlotte's town square. Today it is part of the Charlotte Courthouse Square Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

Commerce St. Pedestrian Bridge - Clarksville

2011-11-02T07:10:00.000-05:00

A segment of the Cumberland Riverwalk takes advantage of an old abandoned train bridge over Commerce Street. Old passenger and freight depots are just up the street and now used as government offices

I haven't spent as much time in Clarksville as I'd like, but I'm wanting to go back. There seemed to be a few of these old bridges just south of the center of town that I would like to examine when I have more time.

Erin, TN Caboose and Boxcar

2011-11-01T07:03:00.001-05:00

The city of Erin was initially inhabited by Irish laborers working to contruct the railroad and the city has remembered its Irish heritage. When the railroad completely pulled out, the town decided to constuct a park in the heart of town where the tracks used to be. This park is Betsy Ligon Park.

Among the things you can see in the park are a blue L&N Boxcar and Red L&N Caboose (both seen here) and a picnic pavilion made to look like a train depot, and Doc the Leprechaun.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:59:00.001-05:00

A couple of years ago, I saw this pumpkin, dressed up, if you will, as the one eyeball character from Monsters, Inc. in a store window at Bridge Street town center in Huntsville

Lyric Theater - Loudon, TN

2011-10-30T07:56:00.000-05:00

The Lyric Theater dates back to 1912. For more info, they have a facebook page:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47472937569

Note the Gone With the Wind and John Wayne painting to the right of the theater.

There is a small picnic area between the Theater and the next business. Images of classic movies and stars are painted here. Unfortunatley, access to the area was locked the day I was there, or I would have gotten a better view.

See 7 States from Rock City

2011-10-29T07:53:00.001-05:00

SEE 7 STATES
from
ROCK CITY
atop LOOKOUT MT.

This Rock City barn is located along highway U.S. 70 (Broadway of America) a couple of miles east of McEwen, TN in Humphrey's County. This message was written for the eastbound passngers to see.

This barn was built in 1925 and belongs to the Holloran family farm. I saw a photo of this barn taken in 1995 and there was another faded ad on the front of the barn which you can't even see now and was very faded in that photo from 15 years ago. It looks like it spelled ORELISKET, so your guess is as good as mine.

Sewanee Natural Bridge

2011-10-28T07:50:00.000-05:00

From Wikipedia:

Sewanee Natural Bridge in Franklin County, Tennessee, is a 25 feet (8 m) high natural sandstone arch with a span of 50 feet (15 m). It is essentially a giant sinkhole partially eroded to form a large stone bridge. A wet weather spring located behind the bridge in a rock cave probably contributed to the erosion forming the arch. It is called the Sewanee Natural Bridge as it was once owned by the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. It is a 3 acre (12,000 m²) designated state natural area.

Today, the Area is considered part of the South Cumberland State Park. You can't get to the bottom if you are afraid of heights as you have to walk over the bridge, which is about 3 ft. wide, to get to the other side where you can scale down it. To get here, you'd follow the signs iff highway TN56.

The Colgate Clock - Clarksville, IN

2011-10-27T07:43:00.001-05:00

For the first time, I am posting something to this blog from Indiana. While I focus on things in Middle Tennessee, I will often include other places not too far away, usually withing a half day's drive. Sometime's it's hard to remember that you can get into Indiana, two states away, in less than three hours.

With a diamater or 40 feet, this is one of the largest clocks in the world, and I first saw it about 10 years ago on a vacation to Louisville, where while the clock is across the rvier from downtown, it is easily viewable. Recently, I had a chance to visit the clock up close.

The building the clock sits atop was built to be a prison in 1847. After a 1919 fire, a new prison needed to be built and Colgate-Palmolive bought the building.

The clock was originally built in 1906 by Colgate engineer Warren Day and was constructed by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. At the time, the clock served a similar function at a colgate plant in Jersey City, NJ but was relocated here in 1924. (Another similar but slightly larger clock was built in it's place in NJ.)

While it still keeps accurate time and the neon still lights up at night, the clock is endangered. Colgate closed the plant in 2008. (Until recently, there was a large neon "Colgate" also on the roof to the left of the clock.) The National Register of Historic Places offered to add the plant to the register and provide funds for restoration, but Colgate hopes to sell the property to another business.