Discover Hamblen County 2017 by Discover Hawkins County

DISCOVER

Hamblen County TENNESSEE

VOLUME 1 — 2017

ORIGINAL FOOTWEAR

One the world leaders in the manufacture of boots for the U.S. Armed Forces

Ramsey’s Farm Market Where gardening is a tradition

All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrating 50 Years

Listening Hearts

A Gathering of Bereaved Moms

The Daily Bread

Thrift Store & Community Kitchen

The Crockett Tavern Museum Preserving the Crockett Legacy

General Longstreet Museum A Civil War Treasure Trove

2 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

VISIT

ORRISTOWN TENNESSEE

Tennessee's

F L O G DISC

L A T I P CA

• Variety of Lodging and Dining Options in the downtown historic district • Unique Antique & Specialty Shops • Golf, Disc Golf, Hiking, Boating, Fishing along Cherokee Lake • Panther Creek State Park • Live Theatre with Encore Theatrical and Theatre Guild • Many family-friendly special events including the popular Mountain Makins Festival and Latin Food Festival.

#tndiscgolfcapital #visitmorristowntn

Toll-Free

877-586-6382

VisitMorristownTN.com

Home of the Tennessee State Disc Golf Championships

Hamblen County TENNESSEE

Discover Hamblen County is published by Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 100 | Rogersville, TN 37857 www.therogersvillereview.com 423-272-7422

MANAGEMENT Tommy Campbell Editor & Publisher

EDITORIAL Jim Beller

Discover Hamblen County Contributor

Randy Ball

Discover Hamblen County Contributor

ADVERTISING Abby Swearingen

Marketing Consultant

Brenda Weems

Marketing Consultant

Christy Alvis

Marketing Consultant

Freda Turbyfill

Creative Services/Production Advertising rates and information available upon request. Story suggestions, inquiries should be made to tommy.campbell@therogersvillereview.com

Discover Hamblen County 2017 is a single-copy supplement to The Rogersville Review. Additional copies may be purchased at the Review office for $2 each, plus postage if mailing is needed. Call our office at 423-272-7422 or email us at subscriptions@ therogersvillereview.com for orders and delivery. Copyright: 2017, Discover Hamblen County 2017, Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the newspaper’s management. Reproduction of advertising and design work is strictly prohibited due to the use of licensed art services and agency agreements.

INSIDE 8 Original Footwear

One of the world leaders in the manufacture of boots for the U.S. Armed Forces

20 Ramsey’s Farm Market Where gardening is a tradition

28 All Saints’ Episcopal School Celebrating 50 Years

34 Listening Hearts

A Gathering of Bereaved Moms

42 The Daily Bread

Thrift Store & Community Kitchen

48 The Crockett Tavern Museum Preserving the Crockett Legacy

53 Footprints of Davy Crockett Thrift Store & Community Kitchen

56 General Longstreet Museum A Civil War Treasure Trove

4 Hamblen County Map 7 Upcoming Family Events

in Downtown Morristown

ON THE COVER: Background photo shows racks of boots awaiting final inspection at Original Footwear in Morristown, TN. Inset at top right, Betty Purkey laces and labels boots. Bottom right inset: Ramsey’s Farm Market — celebrates 85 years in business. — Photos by Tommy Campbell INSIDE FRONT COVER: A Hamblen County farm. — Photo by Randy Ball

4 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

SERVICE

• COMMUNITY • INDUSTRY

Hamblen County

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Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 5

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Photos by Randy Ball

6 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017

GET BACK

to living

Physical therapy services designed to help you get back to the things you love.

501 W. Economy Road LifeCareCenterOfMorristown.com

423.581.5100

1026 McFarland Street TheHeritageCenterTN.com 99922

423.581.5435

Upcoming Family Events in

DOWNTOWN

MORRISTOWN October 31

Halloween Trick or Treat

5-6:30pm • Downtown, Main Street Dress in your best costume!

November 11 Veterans’ Parade

2pm • Main Street

November 25 Tour of Wreaths & Small Business Saturday

Shop Local. Support downtown shops. Find your favorite wreath. Get Lucky Downtown $$ to spend!

December 2

Jingle Run

December 5

Morristown Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall

December 7

Morristown Christmas Parade

Early morning on Main Street

7pm • Main Street

December 15 Christmas Downtown

5-8pm • Carolers, music, marshmallow roast and more!

For more information call 423.312.1476 or go online to

www.crossroadspartnership.com

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 7

8 Discover Hamblen County • 2017 Original Footwear office and plant in Morristown, Tennessee – Photo by Tommy Campbell

ORIGINAL FOOTWEAR When it comes to combat boots worn by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, times -- and the product itself -- have certainly changed. And for the better. For example, in the early days of America’s military, there weren’t separate boots for the ‘right’ and ‘left’ feet. History tells us that that didn’t happen until after the War of 1812. If your foot was considered a “normal” size, you’d be OK, but consider that until post-Civil War days, there were generally only four sizes of boots. If a specific size other than those four was needed, well, it was up to the soldier to try to find someone to make a pair that would fit his feet ... and to pay for them out of his own pocket. Some eight decades later, when World War II exploded,

One of the world leaders in the manufacture of boots for the U.S. Armed Forces is located right here in Morristown, Tennessee.

military leaders saw the need to have boots designed for a variety of sizes, situations and environmental conditions. After all, American soldiers could be climbing rocky terrain in Italy, sloshing through the swampy jungles of a South Pacific island, or enduring bitterly cold winters in the Ardennes Forest of Luxembourg. Boots specifically engineered for jungle warfare were first introduced in the 1940’s and were perfected further during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Stainless steel plates were added to protect the soldiers’ feet from sharp objects, such as bayonets or other booby-traps, and boot-makers also learned to use tougher, water-resistant fabrics, Continued on page 11

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 9

Boots proudly made by the hands of East Tennesseans and elsewhere around the world in Original Footwear facilities are on display and for sale to the public in the manufacturer’s retail store in Morristown.

– Photos by Tommy Campbell

10 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

The leather is placed on a large table for marking and precision cutting by an overhead laser called Teseo.

No “man-made” substitutes here ... genuine Texas cowhides, above, are used in the manufacture of the boots. The leather is tanned in Maine and sent to the Hamblen County facility where it is staged (as shown here) for “culling”.

Above, large rolls of cordura nylon used in the boots are shown stacked and ready for use. At left, from raw materials, such as this, to the finished products that are worn by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and police and rescue departments around the country, the label speaks for itself!

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 11

– Photos by Tommy Campbell

The leather components are assembled in bundles after they are computer culled on the Teseo machine.

From page 8

leathers and man-made materials to protect the soldiers’ feet. The “sand colored” desert boots most commonly seen today were introduced during the 1990’s as America entered the first Persian Gulf War. Times have changed in many ways when it comes to footwear, and not only are manufacturers today keenly conscious of the need to protect the feet of men and women in harm’s way, they are also working tirelessly to ensure that the footwear they produce is as comfortable, durable and economical as possible. Today, soldiers, sailors, airmen -- and first responders such as policemen and rescue personnel -- have much more of a choice of the type of boot that best fits their feet and provides maximum protection for the environment -- wartime or peacetime -- that they work in. And -- a far cry from pre-Civil War days! -- military personnel ... the underlying key nowadays have a choice of boots in sizes that to quality and to range up to 16-1/2 and the success of the in widths up to ‘EEEE’! company, officials Today, one of the world leaders in the say, is the integrity manufacture of boots for and work ethic of its the U.S. Armed Forces is located right here in employees. Morristown, Tennessee. Walking into the main production facility of Original Footwear’s Global Headquarters in Hamblen County, one is immediately struck by three things: the absolute cleanliness and neatness of the entire facility -- from top to bottom -- the presence of American flags and

“Made in the USA” slogans on work stations, and the smiles on the faces of the people who work there. The Morristown plant occupies more than 100,000 square feet of space and produces boots of the highest quality for the feet of America’s soldiers and First Responders and for those of a new, growing market -- the general public. The plant houses some of the most advanced boot-making equipment available today, but the underlying key to quality and to the success of the company, officials say, is the integrity and work ethic of its employees.

“We pour over every detail of a boot’s pattern to make the fit and quality just right, then pass it to our next-generation laser cutting machines to make every boot as great as the next.” In addition to the Tennessee plant, Original Footwear also has factories in the Philippines and Canada and a European distribution warehouse in The Netherlands. While the company’s ‘bread and butter’ are the boots it makes for the U.S. Armed Forces, it also makes a variety of other boots and running shoes for private labels and custom-licensed footwear. Combat boots manufactured under the company’s Altama® label have a midsole softness that is comparable to a pair of sneakers, but are engineered and manufactured to provide an extremely durable outsole layer that can hold up to the toughest of battlefield conditions and hazards faced right here at home by police officers, rescue squad members and other First Responders who wear the boots.

“We exist to help the world’s guardians perform their best, and make it back home to their families safely.”

Continued on page 12

12 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

MISSION: Make the best possible product for the men and women who protect us.

– Photos by Tommy Campbell Haywood Thaxton handles a step in the sole preparation process.

Patricia Hicks zig-zag stitches Gore Tex Booties in the sewing department.

Denny Mendez applies thermo cement to bond the insole of a boot.

Boots are carefully hand-inspected and cleaned by personnel like Yvonne Vining.

Here, Sharon Manning performs a single-needle operation in the sewing department.

From page 11

his loved ones on the day he returns home, we stand with him. It’s our joy that when a cop returns home from a long shift, his feet aren’t killing him. That he’s not fatigued. That he can smile when he walks in the door. That the dad still has energy left to play ball with “It’s our solemn duty to see that the modern war fighter never falters on a march his son or read a story to his daughter. This or suffers an injury due to substandard boots. is why we do what we do. We want to guard their time with their families, because they He must rely on our products for his whole tour, and when he stands at attention behind spend their time guarding ours.” Officials said that no matter whether a man or woman is working a 12-hour shift, deployed in a war zone for 12 months, or just heading out for a hike on a rugged mountain trail for the sheer fun of it, they want every pair of boots to be as comfortable and durable as possible.

Continued on page 15

Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017 13

Workers in the Lasting Department are shown as partially-finished boots travel along a conveyor to the next step in the process. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Photo by Tommy Campbell

14 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017

One of literally hundreds of aluminum molds that are used to cast the soles of boots in various sizes for men and women.

Although the vast majority of steps in the boot-making process are done by hand, some parts of the operation do require the use of advanced robotics, such as this Desma roughing device Here, the Desma robot injects the polyurethane midsole in a direct-attach process

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Photos by Tommy Campbell

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 15

Eduardo Ortiz performs a toe-lasting step of the manufacturing process.

Here, Elizabeth “Ann” Cook gives black leather footwear a final inspection and cleaning before it is sent to be packaged. From page 12

From Altama® to Original S.W.A.T.® footwear, the approximately 250 employees at the Morristown facility produce more than 2,000 thousand pairs of boots each day with pride and precision. Every step of the production process, every component of each pair of boots, is touched by human hands, including those that are loaded onto robotic equipment for specific tasks. Altama® has been a leading supplier of boots for the U.S. Armed Forces since 1969, and has in recent years become a part of the Original Footwear® family. The boots come in several different styles, each one designed for specific environmental needs, such as waterproofing, safety toes, cold and hot weather insulation, and anti-penetration barriers that protect the feet of soldiers and First Responders from puncture wounds. Kevin Cole, Owner and CEO of Original Footwear, said in a recent interview that nothing is more important to him, personally, than knowing that the company -- through its boots -- is helping every soldier, every First Responder, to perform their best and get home safely to their families. In the Finishing Lead department, Betty Purkey laces and labels “I can’t think of anything in the world that is more important Continued on page 17

the boots.

16 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017

Shane Wolfe (foreground) is pictured here during a de-lasting operation.

Anna Ferrel performs a box toe application in the stitching department. The American flag can be seen all over the Hamblen County plant, both on the attire of many employees and displayed from their work stations.

VP of Manufacturing Roger Dutilly points out size and other information that is stamped into the boots during the sewing operation.

Racks of almost-finished boots sit awaiting their turn for final cleaning and inspection.

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 17

From page 15

today,” Cole says. In addition to sales to the U.S. Military, the company currently distributes its boots through more than 800 retail dealers around the world, including its own outlet in Morristown, adjacent to the Original Footwear plant. And if you’re a sharp-eyed movie fan, you may have also seen the company’s trademark boots on the feet of movie stars like Tom Cruise, who is a big fan of the Original Footwear brand, and who wore its boots in the 2017 film, “The Mummy”. Original Footwear boots have, in fact, been worn in more than a dozen major motion pictures. The company prides itself in that all materials used in the manufacture of its boots for the U.S. Armed Forces are “Made in America”. “We have inspections every week to make sure that strict standards are being met,” VP of Manufacturing Roger Dutilly told the Review during a tour of the facility. “And believe me, the Defense Department isn’t nearly as tough on us as we are on ourselves when it comes to producing a product that is second to none.” Quality is also a watchword in the materials “We buy leather (cowhides) from suppliers from Mississippi to Minnesota,” Dutilly said. Sizes range all the way to 16-1/2 EEEE, with each requiring 65 individual steps in the manufacturing process. “We are extremely excited and proud to be able to bring modern shoemaking technology back to the United States,” Cole said in a recent interview. “We have some of the most modern technology that’s available to shoemakers today, from electronic cutters to the high-end DESMA injection machines. Our ability is really second to none.”

Cole has been involved in the business for more than 25 years and has seen many changes. “Our mission is to make the best possible product for the men and women who serve and protect us,” he said. He was also highly complimentary of the men and women who work in the local plant. “We have simply some of the best people in the industry,” he said. “Their focus on the importance of quality and what that means, again, to the men and women that we are building these products for, is second to none. There is a tremendous amount of pride in knowing that every single boot that we are making is going on the feet of someone who, in some cases, their life depends on it.” One employee told the Review while we were on a tour of the plant that she gets teary-eyed when she thinks of her own son, a U.S. Marine, who is based overseas. “I want my boy’s feet to be comfortable and I want all of his buddies’ feet to be comfortable, too,” she said. “They’re out there putting their lives on the line to defend us, and who knows? He may right now be wearing a pair of boots that I helped to make! You just don’t know how proud that that makes this Mama!” “Shoemaking in the United States disappeared a long time ago,” Cole said. “We’re thrilled about the opportunity to be bringing these jobs home again.” The Morristown plant and retail outlet are located at 5968 Commerce Boulevard. The company can be reached by phone at 423-254-8022, by email at info@originalfootwear.com, or on the web at www. originalfootwear.com. By Tommy Campbell

Editor & Publisher

www.originalfootwear.com

Original Footwear Retail Store located at 5968 Commerce Boulevard in Morristown. – Photos by Tommy Campbell

18 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

Hardwood Specialties, Inc.

Mon.-Thurs.: 6am-5pm Fri. 6am-8pm Sat.: 6am-2pm Closed Sunday

Your project is our project! Cabinets & Countertops Lighting & Plumbing Flooring & Paint Showers & Enclosures

The

Custom Rugs, Door Locks Benjamin Moore Paint, Moldings, Luxury Vinyl, Waterproof Tile and Plank 2425 Morningside Drive • Morristown, TN 37814 Monday - Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-12pm

423-581-5451

www.hardwoodspecialtiesinc.net

GROCERY • DELI • FEED • ATM GRO

CORNER

“If you leave here hungry, it’s your own fault.”

Cafe

1003 South Cumberland Street Morristown, TN 37813 Donna Cutshaw, Owner

423-586-2453

RENT from...

BREAKFAST – 6am

Grab-n-Go Biscuit Biscuits & Gravy • Omelets BLT • Chicken • Steak

LUNCH U C SPECIALS S DAILY!

Cheeseburgers A All-Beef Burgers Hot Dogs Corn Dogs Pulled Pork

Grab a

HARDWARE FENCING MATERIALS 1323 Hwy. 113 • St. Clair/Bulls Gap, TN

...while you’re here!

423-235-2370

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 19 423.851.4761

— Celebrating 85 Years — Where Gardening Is A Tradition

Claiborne County Campus

ws.edu/campuses/

LAWN, GARDEN & PET SUPPLIES

“I couldn’t turn down two years of free college, but Walters State is

309 North Cumberland St. Morristown, TN 37814

about so much more. The classes are small. The professors know you and

423-586-3361 Fax 423-586-4396

want you to succeed.”

Jake Stokely Agency Owner

423.839.2078 • Fax 423.839.2080 Proudly Offering Auto • Motorcycle • Home • Life • Commercial gage smith

Walters State Graduate A.S. in Pre-Medicine Full Scholarship to LMU

Financial Services • Workers Comp

astokely@farmersagent.com www.FarmersAgent.com 1203 W 3rd N St. Morristown, Tennessee 37814

Registered Principal Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC 30801 Agoura Rd., Bldg. 1 Agoura Hills. CA 91301-2054 818.584.0200 Member FINRA & SIPC

Smoky Mountain Mercantile & UHaul

1724 State Street • White Pine, TN • 865-761-0415

A Little Bit of Everything and Something for Everyone! Furniture • Vintage Glassware Lab Opal Rings • Candy ... and always adding more!

We take great pride in offering quality items at affordable prices!

Monday-Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am- 3pm Sunday: 12pm - 3pm Conveniently Located Just Off I-81, Exit 8, then 25E South toward White Pine — directly across from entrance to the EXPO CENTER and next door to the CHROME SHACK

Arthur and Kyle Shelton, Owners

Local or One-Way Rentals

Ramseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm Market Where Gardening Is A Tradition

... just the overall ‘look’ of the store speaks of simpler days and simpler times ... when small “hometown” hardware, feed and seed stores could be depended on for all of the “basics”...

— Celebrating 85 Years —

22 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;¢ 2017

W. N. Ramsey, First Generation

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 23

ow!

That’s the reaction from most first-time visitors to Ramsey’s Farm Market in Morristown. The store carries most everything a modern farm or home-gardener could want (or need), but the decor, appearance and, well, just the overall ‘look’ of the store speaks of simpler days and simpler times ... when small “hometown” hardware, feed and seed stores could be depended on for all of the “basics”, plus a little friendly conversation with the owner, who, in all likelihood, was a neighbor or someone they went to church with. No, Ramsey’s Farm Market isn’t a museum, but it could be, judging by the antique farm implements, Coke® bottles, and other memorabilia dating as far back or even before the store was founded by W.N. Ramsey in 1932. The amazing antiques on the walls aren’t for sale, though, as most of family heirlooms were owned or used by the patriarch Ramsey and others before and after him. Yep, walking into the store can be a little intimidating, in that there is such a variety of nostalgia -- in Continued on page 25

24 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

Ramsey’s Farm Market, Inc. was named the Morristown Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Retail Business of Year. Ruth Ramsey proudly holds the award.

Joe Ramsey, Third Generation

Frank Ramsey, Second Generation

Pictured above is the seed counter where seeds can be purchased in the quantity needed.

From page 23

addition to the shelved items for sale -- you aren’t sure what to go and look at first! Frank worked with his dad until W.N.’s death in 1971, at which time he bought out his siblings’ portion of the business and began managing the place. Ruth Ramsey quit her job in the school system at that time and joined her husband, Frank, in the family business. Son Joe later, in 1986, gave up a lucrative career at Oak Ridge National Laboratories to join the business. Joe’s wife, Jo Ann, also works there part-time. The Ramseys say that people often pass by the store mistakenly thinking that they only sell “farm” supplies. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ramsey’s Farm Market also stocks a full line of modern pet supplies, which is unofficially presided over by four-legged critters, Miss Kitty and Little Bit, who pretty much have the run of the place. High-quality Case® knives, and modern lawn and garden equipment and tools are also in stock, along with pots, bagged soil, and other needs for bedding and houseplant needs. Joe says he has seen a lot of changes in the past 25 years, the biggest change of all in the shift from larger farms to smaller “home” or “backyard”

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 25 gardens, with much more attention given now to “do-it-yourself” landscaping around one’s home. Sticking to the traditions of the old-time “feed and seed” stores, they still blend certain livestock feeds and wild bird mixes, and -- in addition to the convenience of smaller envelopes of prepackaged flower and garden seed, offers bulk garden seed for those with larger plots to plant. “You can buy by the pinch or buy by the pound,” their slogan reads. Other items on their shelves that are often difficult to find nowadays are the time-tested Watkins® brand flavorings and extracts that good cooks have used for years to produce mouthwatering dishes and desserts. Joe and Jo Ann’s children, Rachel and Ryan, may or may not be interested in following in the footsteps of the business their great-grandfather established 85 years ago, but if they ever do, the couple says, they hope their store will be around for years to come to service the needs of farmers, gardeners, and homeowners in Hamblen and several surrounding counties. Ramsey’s Farm Market is located at 309 North Cumberland Street, in Morristown, and can be reached by phone at 423-586-3361.

26 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

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All Saints’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Celebrating 50 Years Built on a 50-year foundation of academic excellence, cultural diversity and a Christ-centered atmosphere, All Saints’ Episcopal School continues to equip its students with a strong balance of enriching the mind and nurturing the heart. Their mission, “All Saints’ Episcopal School inspires students to thrive and to discover their full potential by promoting excellence in academics, arts and athletics, embracing diversity, developing confidence, respect and kindness, and fostering Christian spirituality and service” has been the guiding force since its seeds were planted in 1967. “When a parent drops her child off at the front steps, there are certain things she can be assured of,” said Mark Workman, the Head of School. “Her children are going to experience strong academics. They’re going to have a smaller class size than in a public school. There will be Christ-centered teachers in all positions. The children are going to have character development. “This is what makes our school special. We offer Exemplary Learning while being culturally diverse and intellectually challenging.”

The intentionally small class sizes have a lot to do with being able to fulfill their mission. It allows students more interaction opportunities with teachers in order to build stronger bonds and to receive more focused assistance academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually when needed. “It allows us to focus on the specific needs of each student,” he said. For this reason, the school deliberately closed three classes this year in order to maximize the learning opportunities for students. All Saints’ offers an accelerated, traditional curriculum. This rigorous curriculum challenges students to reach beyond their comfort zone in order to learn at the highest standards. From their earliest time at school, students experience a variety of hands-on learning opportunities. The “God’s Bounty” garden and outdoor classroom offers valuable learning experiences in science as well as a multitude of other subjects. Such hands-on experiences are only a part of the educational impact an ASES education provides for its students. Two students were recently accepted into a prestigious STEM Academy in Knoxville.

“We think it’s significant that our students who enrolled during their middle school years were able to make that jump from here to the STEM Academy,” said Workman. The faculty boasts of the schools’ Spanish program and its instructor. “Our Spanish program is one of our strong suits,” Workman said. “We have a native speaker from Peru who leads the Spanish program. She loves children and she loves to share her knowledge of Spanish.” The program starts in Pre-K, with three-year-old students who get the class once a week while the older students attend Spanish class every day. “When they leave the school, they know more Spanish than you would ever dream they would be able to grasp,” Workman said. “That’s an exciting part of our curriculum that is fun to experience each day.” The goal of All Saints’ is to develop fully rounded students who excel, not only academically, but artistically, physically, emotionally and spiritually. To that end, the school places great value on the fine arts. Each child in the school attends a music class and an art class twice a week. “We offer these classes because we think it’s important for students to fully appreciate the arts, even if they sometimes think it’s beyond them. Another interesting part of the music and art classes is that we have infused these classes with math. In truth, music and art require an understanding of math.” That dedication to the arts can be seen in many forms, most recognizably the Singing Saints, their award winning school choir who is often heard performing in the Lakeway area. As part of the mind, body and soul, initiative, the school not only focuses on extracurricular activities in the arts, but also in athletics. They offer boys and girls basketball, volleyball, and interest-based sports throughout the year. They provide these extracurricular activities to encourage students to participate and to provide exposure to outside hobbies and interests. There is also a dedication to physical education with a PE teacher teaching all classes Pre-K through 8th grade three days a week. Spiritual exercise is also a part of the ASES experience. “We have a chapel program that is focused with the students in mind. The Rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Father Mark Holland, coordinates the chapels, but he allows the students the opportunity to have leadership positions Continued on page 30

30 Discover Hamblen County • 2017 From page 29

full Kindergarten. during each chapel through the reading of the scriptures and in “Our director of admissions, Annemarie Spain, says to parents offering the prayers of the people. Our chapel services are open to ‘TK is a great example of the gift of time,’” Workman said. ‘This family members and friends of All Saints’ Episcopal School. Their will be the difference between your child being in the top of his presence in our chapel services simply extends our school family,” class and being in the middle of his class. It just gives them an extra states Workman. Daily devotions and classroom prayers are push. It’s a really great program.’ proudly the norm of their school’s environment. While the school is tuition based, school leaders work hard In keeping with the focus of nurturing their students’ hearts, to make sure that students who come from families who might the faculty and staff of All Saints’ model examples of respect and struggle to meet the financial obligation required have options. kindness. “We do not let finances stand in the way,” Workman said. Students are shown through spoken word and through actions All Saints’ understands the financial stress many families how to treat others. contend with, and doesn’t “Everyone on this want to see any student faculty knows how who embraces its mission important it is that they to miss out on an All Saints’ model behavior that is education. Christian,” Workman The school works with said. “Does that mean Tuition Aid Data Services, everybody’s perfect? a third-party evaluator that Absolutely not. Human enables families to privately beings are human beings. and securely submit their But we’re always striving.” financial information for That respect fits in need-based financial aid. nicely with one of All Saints’ Officials said the core tenets, embracing school is constantly trying cultural diversity. All to find ways to make an Saints’ works to develop All Saints’ education more students who can succeed “We know that our job is to shape our students’ accessible, such as offering in a culturally diverse 25% discounts for full-time minds and their hearts and spirits as well. world. All religions, all teachers at public school, Everything is done for the best of the student, the Carson-Newman, and faiths, children of all background are welcomed Walters State Community student’s family and the All Saints’ family.” with open arms. College. Other tuition“We are an — Mark Workman, Head of All Saints Episcopal Schook — saving methods include organization that loyalty, annual payment, embraces diversity,” and multi-child discounts. Workman said. “Jesus The challenge of taught us we are to love all children, whether they are different providing some form of tuition assistance to 50% of its student races, different cultures, or have different beliefs. That’s the body is met the same way the school began: through prayer and mission He has given us. So we do that. We take children in our people. school whose family background is not necessarily Christian. But The school hosts four fundraisers each year, with all proceeds those children go to chapel twice a week along with their peers.” benefitting scholarship and financial assistance programs for In all of this, the school is fostering Christianity, spirituality students. Generous donations from the community through and service. sponsorships and participation support their annual Auction, Every month the school has a different service learning project Rummage Sale, Fitness Fun(D)walk, and Golf Tournament, now in that focuses on a specific group of people within the community. its 23rd year. The purpose for each project is to help students realize that their All Saints’ also raises funds through the school’s 67 Club. actions have an impact on the world around them. This membership program invites families, friends, community “We’re going to expand this year and include some activities members, and businesses to join at a level ranging from $67 a year such as a field trip to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville in order to to $6,000 spotlights. Named for their founding year in 1967, the enhance their learning experience,” Workman said. funds support the bond and the operating budget. Though All Saints’ has been in the education business for five At the end of the day, the Mission Statement continues to decades, Workman said the school strives to adapt to changing make decisions relatively simple. times and needs. “We know that our job is to shape our students’ minds and “When we see that there is a need for an activity or a class, their hearts and spirits as well. Everything is done for the best we act on it,” he said, pointing to the Transitional Kindergarten of the student, the student’s family and the All Saints’ family,” class, the first of its kind in the Lakeway area. They identified Workman said. an educational donut hole for children with late birthdays. The This has been the school’s legacy for 50 years, and they are program offers a curriculum that is more than Pre-K and less than excited to imagine what the next half-century will bring.

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 31

Parents who are interested in exploring All Saints’ as an option for their students may call the school’s Admissions Office at 423-586-3280 to schedule a tour.

www.asestn.org

32 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

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istening Hearts is a nonprofit,

mutual support organization that was formed to welcome and provide a safe shelter for grieving mothers who have lost children. “Because we cannot change that which is out of our control, we work to help each other process the devastating and life-altering event of child loss by gathering together,” said Debra Reagan, CoFounder and Director. The all-volunteer group welcomes mothers from all walks of life, “as we find ways to carry the pain of loss and the joy of love in the same heart”, Reagan said. “We wish there was not a need for such a group, but we are grateful that it exists because no mother should have to travel her grief journey alone.” The organization began in May 2008 with a Mothers’ Brunch that was attended by eight grieving mothers. The brunch, Reagan said, provided a supportive “listening” environment for the moms to share their grief journeys. “That listening environment continues today, with monthly gatherings and memorial events,” she added. To achieve its mission, Listening Hearts has adopted six pillars of support:

• Compassionate understanding; • Hope for the future; • Empathy through similar experiences; • Non-judgmental respect; • Lifelong support and encouragement; and, • Open communication through shared feelings.

The group is currently meeting in four different locations as follows: First Saturdays, 3 - 5 p.m: Christus Victor Lutheran Church 4110 Central Avenue Pike Knoxville Second Saturdays, 10 a.m. - noon Our Savior Lutheran Church 2717 Buffalo Trail Morristown Third Saturdays, 10 a.m. - noon Redeemer Lutheran Church 1658 Roane State Highway Harriman Fourth Mondays, 6 - 8 p.m. St Paul Lutheran Church 1610 Pullen Rd Sevierville

Persons who would like to know more about the group may contact Reagan by phone at 865-679-1351, by email at listeningheartsmoms@gmail.com, or visit the group’s Facebook page or website,

www.listeningheartsmoms.org

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 35

www.listeningheartsmoms.org Monthly gatherings and memorial events provide a supportive “listening” environment for moms to share their grief journeys.

36 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017

Redeem hope from disappointment, love from tears, build relationships through our trials and be there for us God when we feel so abandoned. Today we set free new life to carry our prayers to You. Prayer from Sept 21, 2014 Butterfly release for Listening Hearts Brad Hood www.listeningheartsmoms.org

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Discover Hamblen County • 2017 37

Noah and Nate Jessica Winstead’s Story

Noah Dean, at right in the blue jersey with #15, is pictured here with his friend Nate Parker Lynam.

Nate Noah

On July 4, 2012 I received the most devastating news a parent can hear. I can still hear the other person on the phone asking if anyone had been in touch with me. Knowing that Noah had been on the lake with his dad and his dad’s friends, and knowing Noah like I do, I assumed he had gotten hurt. Never did I imagine that I was about to be thrust into my own living nightmare. A parent’s worst fear. The caller went on to tell me what had happened but I only caught a few words here and there but managed to piece together to get to the local hospital just a few miles from where I was. Within minutes of getting that phone call I arrived at the ER, calling my pastor on the way, only to be met by doctors and nurses who had the look of dread on their faces. One couldn’t even look me in the eye and the others just sobbed while the doctor tried to calm me and explain to me that my son was gone. Continued on page 38

Nate

38 Discover Hamblen County • 2017 From page 37

• Have your boat tested to see if it is leaking electricity or Noah’s friend, Nate, who had been swimming at the lake with buy a clamp meter and test it yourself. Noah was alive but in critical condition and being transported to • Do not use common household extension cords for another hospital. Nate later died, too. providing shore power to your boat. What happened over the next few weeks, months and years • And, please, do not use household wiring to wire your was nothing short of life changing. I kept hearing about this new boat and have someone who knows what they are doing to wire ‘normal’ I would have to find but I didn’t want it. I wanted my old it. Someone who is not trained and trying to keep busy won’t ‘normal’. I wanted a ‘normal’ that included Noah and his 18-month cut it. It may be a cheaper way, but as we found out, it is not the older sister, Haleigh Raye. safest way. Not only did I have to learn how to live my life without him but While I miss Noah every single day, every single hour and, I had to go through the agonizing process of learning exactly what sometimes, every single minute, I am thankful that his name will happened to Noah. As hard as it was, I felt as Noah’s mom, it was live on through proactive legislation and our law will be able to save my responsibility to find out what events led to his death and what countless lives. he went through in his last moments of life. Noah and Nate died of what is known as Electric Shock Drowning. ESD, or electrocution while in water, is the result of the passage of a typically low level ‘AC’ current through the body with sufficient force to cause skeletal muscular paralysis, rendering the victim unable to help himself / herself, while immersed in fresh water, eventually resulting in drowning. Higher levels of AC current in the water will also result in electrocution. Electric Shock Drowning has become the catch-all phrase that encompasses all inwater shock casualties and fatalities. In the case of Noah and Nate, the boat they were swimming around had been improperly wired in a variety of ways and was leaking electricity. This caused the water to be energized and anyone in it to become electrocuted. How did this happen? How could this happen? Jessica Winstead (McClure) is in the orange dress standing to the left of Gov. Lake life is such a part of our culture, how can we Bill Haslam as he signed the Noah Dean and Nate Act on June 3, 2014. Others educate those around us to make sure this doesn’t in the photo were not identified. happen again? My first step was to joining the Electric Shock Drowning Board. This group consists of parents who had lost children in a similar way, experts who had studied ESD and people NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam on June 3, 2014 who didn’t want to see this happen again. held a ceremonial signing of the Noah Dean and Nate Act, named By becoming a member, I was given a vast amount of in honor of Noah Winstead and Nate Lynam, two Morristown fifthinformation about other similar cases and Noah’s as well. graders who were electrocuted on July 4, 2012 while swimming at a Noah’s and Nate’s deaths had made national headlines; Tennessee marina. therefore, this group was pretty familiar with the incidents that Sponsored by Rep. Tilman Goins (R-Morristown) and Sen. happened that fateful 4th of July day. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown), the legislation is aimed at What I learned was that Noah’s death, and many others, was preventing electric shock drowning at Tennessee boat docks and preventable by establishing codes for public marinas to follow. marinas. When I began my research, marinas fell under no one’s “This legislation creates infrastructure to better protect jurisdiction and this needed to change. public safety in and around marinas,” Commissioner and State I contacted my local and state lawmakers and begin writing a Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak said. “We are looking forward bill known as the Noah Dean and Nate Act. A summary of the law to working with professionals from across the state to keep our is that public marinas must be inspected by the State Fire Marshal marinas safe for all.” and must have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters to shut off Specifically, the legislation outlines requirements for the electricity immediately when too much is flowing into the water. There are also some things that we, as the public, can do to installation of ground fault circuit interrupters in and around boat docks and marinas, authorizes the State Fire Marshal’s Office to prevent ESD. • Never swim within 100 yards of any freshwater marina or conduct safety inspections of boat docks and marinas to ensure boatyard. Devices that are supposed to “alarm” swimmers are compliance with applicable codes, and requires marinas to post not endorsed by the Electric Shock Drowning Board. They have safety signage notifying individuals of the potential for electric shock if swimming within 100 yards of the boat dock. been found to be faulty and alert too late.

The Noah Dean and Nate Act

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 39

Samuel Mackenzie Brady Marilyn Brady’s Story

My husband and I were high school sweethearts and having a family was always our dream. After we were married, we had a difficult time becoming pregnant and after five long years, we had all but given up hope that we would be blessed with a child. We had come to accept that fact. But then, after going to the doctor, I found out that we were going to indeed be blessed with a much wanted God’s gift and blessing of having a child! On Thanksgiving day in 1996, our little ‘turkey’ was born. He was everything that we had hoped for and dreamed of. No child would ever be loved and appreciated more than Samuel Mackenzie Brady. He was the only paternal grandchild on my husband’s side of the family and my Continued on page 41

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From page 39

in-laws were just overwhelmed with joy. My parents welcomed another grandchild into their hearts. Mackenzie grew up very loved and always knowing that fact. He was the apple of our eyes and we would do anything for him. He enjoyed being around others and others seemed to flock to him. He seemed to love everybody and was just an easy-natured child. He loved to explore and when were able to take him to Sea World and the Kennedy Space Center, no child could have been happier. When he entered school, it became apparent that he was going to be a child that everyone would gravitate to for help. That continued into his middle school and high school years as he would be there for anyone. We oftentimes looked at him in amazement. Did we have difficult times with him? Yes. But overall, he was a good child. Early on, he became known as the Gentle Giant, and soon towered over any of his friends. He grew to be seven feet tall and at 450 pounds he really was a Gentle Giant. He would often ask us how did he get so tall. I was 5’10” and his dad was 6’2”, so he far exceeded our heights and we did not have an answer for him other than God just made him special. He seemed to accept that answer. On the day that he passed, he had not been feeling well all day. He had gone to the doctor the day before and was diagnosed with walking pneumonia. So, on Saturday, the day after, he stayed home from work and did not move a lot all day. He played video games all day. His dad had left for work and I was home doing laundry when I heard him yell. I thought that he was just yelling at his game which he sometimes did. Then came a more desperate sound, he yelled, “Mom, please help me!” If you ever knew Mackenzie, you knew that he wanted to be so independent that he never once wanted anyone to help him with anything. So, hearing that from my son, I knew he needed it. I was at the bottom of the stairs and went up as fast as I could, but he was already turning blue. Unbeknownst to us, Mackenzie had a blood clot and that is what lead to his death. He passed away on December 17, 2016, just eight days before Christmas last year. And being his mom and knowing that I would do anything for him, I could not help him the one time that he needed my help the most. I know that there should be some solace in the fact that the ER doctor even told us that had he been right on top of him, he could not have helped him. But I was his mom and I could not help save my son. We were devastated. Our lives have been shattered. He was our world. We would have traded places with him in a heartbeat. We had so many hopes and dreams for him. He had goals that he had

talked about with us. Nothing could ever fill the hole that has been placed in our hearts. We keep expecting him to still walk in our door at home any time. He left such an impact on our lives. How would we ever be able to go on? But we had to go on. We just take every day and realize how fortunate we were to have him for 20 years. There is not a day that goes by that he is not thought of and deeply missed. And now no day will ever be the same for us and with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, we long to just say, “We love you” one more time to him. We will never get to hold him again or hear his laughter. Never get to see him married and with kids of his own. There are a lot of nevers that we did not ask for nor want. We are broken. Listening Hearts has helped me know that there are others out there who know how lost we are without our son. It helps to talk about Mackenzie and to hear stories about their children. Everyone gets so busy with their own lives, that others forget that we will never be the same and our lives have been forever altered. I feel like the ladies at Listening Hearts will listen to me and understand my pain. Someone who has not had to deal with a devastating loss such as this will never be able to understand. And who wants to listen to me go on and on about my son, when their worlds are still thriving? I try not to say too much around others because I have found sometimes that no one truly listens if they have not had this to deal with in their lives. So, coming to Listening Hearts and having people truly understand and be willing to listen to even the simple things, has been such a blessing to me. I never thought that I would be here nor did I ever want to be here but it helps to know that there are others who will be sympathetic and know exactly where I am coming from. I do not feel that I know what to say to others who are “standing in my shoes” right now. This is still too new for me and the pain is excruciating. Mackenzie used to say that sometimes he was bored. What I would give to just have that boredom back. To just have some normalcy in our lives when I know that it will NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. We just have to keep going day by day, minute by minute, second by second. So, thank you, for allowing me to share my child with you for the magazine you are working on. It is hard, but my hope is that maybe I can touch someone’s heart. And if I am crying sometimes, instead of someone asking if I am okay, if someone will simply just place their arms around me and hug me, that’s the best thing you can do because nothing is ever going to make it better.

Mackenzie

42 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

Founders Hobe and Sue Williams

Alisa and Larry Shropshire, Thrift Store Manager and Daily Bread President

Daily Bread

The

Thrift Store & Community Kitchen

Feeding hungry people is a noble calling, and one that Jesus admonished His followers to do. Its a spiritually rewarding mission, but, economically speaking, it can also be a costly ministry, which is why The Daily Bread Thrift Store officially opened its doors in April, 2014 ... to help generate funds to pay overhead costs at the Daily Bread Community Kitchen, located just next door. The Morristown store operates solely on donations and the generosity of people in Hamblen and surrounding counties, according to manager Alisa Shropshire. Sales proceeds from those donated items go into the pot, no pun intended, to help the kitchen focus on its Biblical mission -- to “not pass by a man in need, for you may be the hand of God to him” (Prov. 3:27). On most days, a contingent of eight or so volunteers roll up their sleeves to staff the store, giving willingly of their time and

talents to clean, stock shelves, arrange clothing on racks, and sort through assorted boxes and bags of donated items that arrive like clockwork. Repeat customers say they love the store because you never know what you may find. On any given day, there’s the usual large assortment of clothing for men, women and children -- including tons of accessories, like purses, shoes, and belts -- household items, dishes and cookware, toys, pieces of furniture, and small appliances. But it is the unexpected “collectibles” that are often sprinkled among the everyday stuff that bring many visitors to the store. For example, people cleaning out their closets or storage sheds may run across a collection of old “what-nots”, vinyl record albums, tools, or other such stuff that may be “trash” to them but “treasure” to others. “You just never know what you might find,” said Alisa, who,

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 43

Volunteer staff member Betty Rumph places a dress on a rack.

Jan Stansberry, a member of the volunteer staff, arranges clothing.

along with husband, Larry, operate the business. The sole mission of the non-profit business is to generate cash to help keep the meals flowing at the Community Kitchen for those who are hungry, unemployed, down on their luck, or those who live alone who just want to sit and fellowship with a friendly fellow human being over their meal. The couple said that the founder of The Daily Bread, the late Hobe Williams -- Larry’s father -- was an example of someone who dedicated his life to making the Lakeway area a better place for those in need. Williams, who passed away in April of this year, was 67 when he and his wife, Sue, started the kitchen. It was his fervent hope that his son, Larry, would take over the operation when he retired or was no longer able to serve. In the almost 24 years since it was founded, The Daily Bread Community Kitchen has served nearly two million hot meals -- an average of 7,000 per month -- thanks largely to financial donations and heartfelt prayers from people, churches, businesses and local industries. “It takes the generous support of our community, a dedicated staff, and a committed team of volunteers to meet the growing demands of feeding the underprivileged in the Lakeway Area,” Larry said. However, in recent years, a steady increase in the number of homeless, elderly, veterans, handicapped people and jobless, displaced families the kitchen feeds has put a critical strain on the facility’s ability to meet those needs. That’s where the Thrift Store and private donations come into play. The Daily Bread serves 10 hot, delicious meals per week, the couple said. “We feed families who might not be financially able to eat wholesome, hot meals,” Larry said, adding that, often, senior citizens have to make a choice: do I eat or do I buy my medication. “We feed people who are going through temporary hardships,” he explained. Downturns in the national economy since the early 2000’s have brought more and more displaced families to the Lakeway area. “Here, they find a warm meal and a kind word,” Larry said. “Military veterans who fought for our freedom, some of whom now have no food, no nothing, they eat free at The Daily Bread.” Continued on page 45

Tyana Haney and volunteer Bertha Johnson share smiles for the camera.

Volunteers Bessie Mae and Dale Livesay.

Volunteer staff member Dohreen Winkler.

44 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

We’re here for you when a bandaid is not enough.

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Working 24/7 to provide safe, dependable electric service to your family at home and the entire community. Holston Electric Cooperative is a customer-owned distributor of TVA power, providing service to more than 30,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in upper East Tennessee. Serving you — serving our community.

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Discover Hamblen County • 2017 45

Volunteers are shown cookin’ up one fine country-style breakfast in the kitchen of The Daily Bread. From page 43

The kitchen staff doesn’t ask questions or pass judgment, he said. “We just offer a hot meal, a smile and a caring heart.” But some months, the cost of providing those much-needed meals exceeds the amount of donations that come in, which is why financial support from the community is so absolutely critical to keeping the doors open and pots bubbling on their stoves. The very first meal served at the Daily Bread was on Thanksgiving Day, 1993, he said, and that holiday meal is still one of the largest events of the year at the kitchen. Not only does the kitchen serve an average of 900 traditional Thanksgiving meals, with all the trimmings, volunteers also head out to deliver meals to the sick, elderly and shut-in in the community ... people who, otherwise, might not get a delicious Thanksgiving meal, or even see another living soul on that special day of the year. Larry said that they trust God to fill every need. “We have been blessed to be able to feed His children for over 23 years,” he said. Most importantly, no one is turned away. No one is asked to pay when they walk in the door, although free-will donations are always appreciated from those who can afford to do so. “We try to provide a safe, family friendly atmosphere, where folks can receive a smile, a kind word and a great, hot meal,” he said. And the “house rules” are simple. They ask that those who eat in the kitchen wear shirts and shoes (to comply with health regulations). And, if a person doesn’t have a shirt or shoes, well, that’s no problem either ... those items of clothing can be provided from the Thrift Shop next door! They also ask that people who eat there not be under the influence of alcohol or unlawful drugs. Even though the kitchen typically serves the underprivileged, anyone is welcome to come by and grab a plate of hot food, and “paying” customers (who make generous donations) can often be seen enjoying the great food.

A delicious meal ... served with a big side order of smiles! A great, hot, home cooked meal is always worth standing in line for.

No one is asked to pay when they walk in the door, although freewill donations are always appreciated from those who can afford to do so. Go by soon and visit with the Shropshires, browse through the Thrift Shop, and enjoy a delicious meal -- with a big smile from the volunteers! -- to round out your visit.

Their hours of operation are: Office Hours -- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thrift Store Hours -- Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lunch served Daily (except Sunday) 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Dinner served Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. For more information or to make a donation, readers may contact Larry or Alisa at 423-581-7733, or just go by The Daily Bread Kitchen and Thrift Store, located at 118 South Cumberland Street, in Morristown.

46 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

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Discover Hamblen County • 2017 47

Civil War Trail

Farmers Market

Photos by Randy Ball

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48 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

Crockett Tavern Museum

The best know painting of Davy Crockett, done in 1833 by by John Gadsby Chapman.

The

Davy Crockett is arguably the most famous Tennessean in history. He was a legendary hunter, soldier, statesman and folk hero, and the Crockett Tavern Museum in Morristown preserves part of the Crockett legacy. The tavern came into existence when John Crockett and his wife, Rebecca, moved their family to what was then Jefferson County. John Crockett had been in a partnership operating a mill in Greene County until a flood destroyed the operation. Davy was one of nine children born to John and Rebecca. According to the book, “An Autobiography of Davy Crockett”,

he was seven or eight years old when they moved to what is now Hamblen County to operate the tavern. Also in the book, Davy expressed his memories of the place: “ … my father again removed and this time settled in Jefferson County, now in the state of Tennessee; where he opened a tavern on the road from Abingdon to Knoxville. His tavern was on a small scale, as he was poor, and the principal accommodations which he kept were for the waggoners who travelled the road. Here I remained with him until I was twelve years old …” While living at the tavern, one of Davy’s chores was to provide

Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017 49

Photos by Randy Ball

meat for the table. This was when he honed his legendary hunting skills. As John Crockett struggled financially throughout his life, this was also when Davy began to be hired out for labor, often driving cattle to market, thus beginning his traveling experiences. Davy Crockett spent many of his formative years in the area while his father ran the tavern. He was married to Polly Finley while living here. Later, he would move farther west and start his career as a soldier, statesman, and folk hero. His legend would by cemented by his death at the Alamo. The history of the Crockett Tavern Museum began in 1952 with the organization of The Hamblen Co. Chapter of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA). In 1955 the Morristown City Centennial was held, and the ATPA made sure that the Continued on page 51

50 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017

Inside Crockett Tavern

This is reportedly Crockettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite image of himself.

Photos by Randy Ball

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 51

Above, is a Conestoga wagon on display at the museum. At left is the millstone from John Crockett’s mill in Greene County.

She stated that the museum is near the original site but is not in the original location, which is now occupied by a Shell service station. Another interesting fact is that the tavern museum is much larger than the original tavern. Baker said the main room of the museum is much larger than the entire tavern. The original tavern was built by the Cannaday family. John Crockett moved his family there in 1795. Today, the tavern is filled with period furnishing and copies of several paintings of Davy. There are also rifles and examples of everyday items from the early 1800s. There are two items directly linked to the Crockett family: a log incorporated into the structure that is from the Limestone, Tennessee cabin where Davy was born, and behind the cabin, underneath a shed, is the millstone from the From page 49 Crockett Mill in Greene County. Crockett legacy was one of the event’s focal points. One particularly rare item on the property is a 1790s-era A parade and pageant were held. Fess Parker, who played Davy Conestoga wagon. Crockett in movies and television, made an appearance on May 29. There is a gift shop with Crockett-related items. A replica of the Crockett family well was constructed on the original The Museum in located at 2002 Morningside Drive in location. The ATPA sought some of the profits from the celebration Morristown and is open May through October on Tuesday though to build a memorial to the Crockett family and groundbreaking on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, visit the site was held on August 17, 1956. The building was constructed www.CrockettTavernMuseum.org. in the style of a typical tavern of the period, and the museum opened on April 21, 1958. Sally Baker is the Site Director for the Crockett Tavern Museum By Randy Ball and has a wealth of knowledge on the site. Discover Hamblen County Contributor

www.CrockettTavernMuseum.org

52 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

Hancock Manor NURSING HOME SE RV I N G YOU F R OM OU R H E A RT

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www.hancockmanor.com Please call to arrange a tour. George Brewer, Administrator • Patti Kramer, Director of Marketing and Admissions

DISCOVER

Hamblen County TENNESSEE

Need extra copies of Discover Hamblen County 2017? Additional copies may be picked up at The Rogersville Review office at 316 E. Main Street, Rogersville, TN and are available at no cost. We will gladly mail at a cost of $2 per copy to cover postage and handling.

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Serving East Tennessee Since 1983

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Discover Hamblen County • 2017 53

Footprints of

Davy Crockett Davy Crockett’s legacy is evident throughout east Tennessee. Schools, roads and businesses all bear his name. In addition to the Crockett Tavern Museum, some other points of interest to those wanting to learn more about Crockett can be found nearby.

• In Rogersville, Davy’s grandparents are buried in the Rogers Cemetery in Crockett Springs Park. They were killed

by Indians in 1777 near Crockett Creek. In the 1960’s the Davy Crockett Outdoor Drama played for several summers in Rogersville.

• The Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park is near

Limestone in Greene County. A reproduction cabin of the period of Davy’s birth is featured here. The park offers camping, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Marriage bond of Crockett and Polly Finley, the original of which is on file at the Jefferson Co. Courthouse in Dandridge.

• The marriage bond of Davy and Polly Finley, dated August 12,

1806, is in the archives of the Jefferson County Courthouse in Dandridge.

A brochure promoting the Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park at Limestone, in nearby Greene County.

Brochures promoting the 1960’s-70’s -era Lion of the West drama staged in Rogersville and the Davy Crockett Outdoor Drama program that preceded it.

The grave of David Crockett and his wife in the Rogers Cemetery, just off Main Street in in Rogersville, in neighboring Hawkins County. These Crocketts, who were massacred by Indians in 1777, were the grandparents of Davy.

54 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

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Discover Hamblen County • 2017 55

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56 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

General Longstreet Museum Walking in the General Longstreet Museum, one gets a real sense of history. “It smells like an old house,” says Linda Lammers, museum caretaker and tour guide. “I had a gentleman from Colorado who said, ‘Yep, it smells like an old house. It smells like chamber pots and cooking and people.’ We’ve tried to keep the integrity of the house. It’s not as pretty as anything in Rogersville or Greeneville, but that’s not the kind of a house it was. They were farmers, merchants and railroad people. They were upper blue collar.” Located in Hamblen County at 5915 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy, Russellville, the General Longstreet Museum is drenched in history. “These are the original floors. General James Longstreet walked on these very same floors. We also have something we’re very proud of, a one-of-a-kind in the state of Tennessee: a telegraph,” Lammers says. William Nenney’s family home served as Civil War General James Longstreet’s retreat during the winter of 1863-64 because of its proximity to the railroad station and telegraph lines.

“The railroad is two blocks away in 1860,” Lammers says. “They strung telegraph wire from the depot up here. This was his war room. This was the only communications room for the Civil War in the State of Tennessee,” she says. “He had communications. He could talk to President Jefferson Davis, General Lee or his other generals. All the men on his staff would meet with him in here and make plans. “I tell the kids in tour groups, ‘They didn’t have a smart phone, they didn’t have a laptop, they didn’t have a telephone. That’s as high tech as it got.’” The Nenney home predated Longstreet’s visit by three decades. “This house was here in the 1830s,” says Lammers. “And it was their home until the 1950s. They were quite the business people. It was a two-over-two – two rooms over two rooms. Then they built the addition to the house within the next decade.” The construction of U.S. Highway 11E in 1925 forced the owners to tear the house down or move it. So they detached it and reconfigured it on the site.

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 57

Above and inset at right: General Longstreet’s office contains an authentic telegraph from the period.

“This is technically the front door,” Lammers says of the repositioning. “It faced the Russellville Pike that went into Rogersville. Another reason General Longstreet came here was Cain’s Mill was just about a half mile away. It ran 24/7 grinding corn while his men were here.” An attempt in about 1989 to convert the building to a bed and breakfast failed and it was danger of being razed to accommodate a discount store. “So they formed Lakeway Civil War Preservation Association then went down to the bank and got a note and bought it or it would have been torn down,” she said. History won, and the home was saved. The discount store, built down the road, recently closed. It’s not just the preservation of the building itself, but also the artifacts it holds which make it such a showcase of history. “We have a relic room. It’s always a work in progress,” Lammers says. “We have relics that either were dug here or could have been dug here. We have the Bible from the Bethesda Church up the road, which was used as a hospital.” Dr. Carroll Van West, director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University, who currently serves as Tennessee’s State Historian, is the co-chair of the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, and is director of the General Longstreet’s bedroom has been carefully represented Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area. Continued on page 61 with era-specific items.

58 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017

The General Longstreet Museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday in April through December. Some Sundays are available by appointment. The museum is open year-round for group tours by appointment. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. To arrange a tour, call (423) 438-0968 or email info@LongStreetMuseum.com. The Nenney house at 5915 E. Andrew Johnson Highway had to be re-situated in a different position when the road was constructed. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Photo by Jim Beller

Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 59

A CIVIL WAR TREASURE TROVE LOCATED IN RUSSELLVILLE

60 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017

Many guns and armaments, as well as other Civil War memorabilia are on display at the General Longstreet Museum.

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 61

From page 57

“We’re really proud of this,” Lammers says. “Dr. Van West is really proud of this. He has been under this house, around this house, over this house, through this house and he loves this house. “Middle Tennessee State University received grants and Dr. Van West gave us these informative wall panels. There were so many battles that so few people even know about. I’m from Michigan. I know more about the battles fought in this area than many of the locals. It’s heritage as well as history,” she says. “Tennessee is second to Virginia in battles fought because it had the bridges and the railroads.” According to the Oct. 25th Atlanta-Knoxville Register, Confederate President Jefferson Davis felt East Tennessee vital to the Confederacy and would abandon Richmond if necessary in order to repossess East Tennessee. In the Knoxville Campaign in November 1863, Longstreet challenged Union Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside for control of Knoxville, which both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis considered a major objective of the war. Longstreet’s attack in the Siege of Knoxville was delayed as he had to wait for reinforcements. Meanwhile, the Union was closing in and on Nov. 25 at the Battle of Missionary Ridge, the Yanks had taken Chattanooga. “The coming shock of contending armies on the soil of Tennessee will be decisive of the fate of the Confederation,” the New York Times proclaimed. Feeling the Yankees breathing down his neck, Longstreet attacked Fort Sanders on Nov. 29, but the result was disastrous. The Confederates sustained 813 casualties to the Union’s 13. Longstreet abandoned the Siege of Knoxville on Dec. 4, 1863, and retreated northeast towards Rogersville. Major General John G. Parke pursued the Rebels, but not too closely. Longstreet continued to Rutledge on Dec. 6 and Rogersville Dec. 9. Parke sent Brigadier General J.M Shackelford on with about 4,000 cavalry and infantry to search for Longstreet. On Dec. 13 when Longstreet learned the Union cavalry had advanced beyond its infantry, he decided to go back and capture Bean’s Station. Three Rebel columns and artillery approached Bean’s Station to catch the federals in a vice. By 2 a.m. Dec. 14, one column was skirmishing with Yankee pickets. The pickets held out as best they could and sent warning to Shackelford, who deployed his force for an assault. The battle continued throughout most of the day until southern reinforcements tipped the scales. By nightfall, the Federals were retreating through Bean’s Gap and on to Blain’s Cross Roads. Longstreet set out to attack the forces again the next morning, but as he approached them at Blain’s Cross Roads, he found them wellentrenched. Longstreet withdrew and the Federals soon left the area. The Knoxville Campaign ended following the battle of Bean’s Station. While the Rebels won ground, estimated casualties of this battle were 700 Union and 900 Confederate. Rebel success meant little to efforts except to prevent disaster. Longstreet soon went into winter quarters at Russellville. “When he got here, it was cold, the men were hungry, tired.

They had no shoes. They could track them through the snow by the blood in the snow. It was a bad winter,” Lammers says. “It was the coldest winter in history. It had gone down to 29 below zero at one time. His men and his staff were here. He had 20,000 men encamped around here. “When they first got here, they ate a feast. They had ham and turkey, sweet potatoes, hominy, corn bread, moonshine. They ate very, very well. But after a while, the food depleted with the Confederates and the Federals wouldn’t share, so it was whatever they could beg, borrow or steal. They lived for a long time on just biscuits and bacon,” she says, adding that was the war’s turning point. “Lee, ‘We’ve got to feed our people.’ That’s what he told Lincoln at the end of the war. He said, ‘You didn’t beat us. You starved us out.’ They just didn’t have anything left,” Lammers says. While it’s the Longstreet Museum, the house retains the heritage of the Nenneys, as well. “It was as much the Nenney’s home as it was General Longsteet’s. He was only here for six weeks. They were here all their lives,” Lammers says. Nenney family items are on display at the museum in addition to Civil War artifacts. “When the family found out, they asked if we would like to borrow some of the stuff that had been in the house through the years. We said of course,” Lammers says. General Longstreet Museum hosts school groups, tours and holds special events. The museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday in April through December. Some Sundays are available by appointment. The museum is open yearround for group tours by appointment. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. To arrange a tour, call (423) 438-0968 or email info@ LongStreetMuseum.com. Some events in the past have included “Christmas with the General.” “We decorate the house and we have foods that they ate that Christmas Eve,” Lammers says. “When the kids come, when we do tours and at Christmas, we dress in period clothes. We decorate the mantles at Christmas. We have cedar, magnolia, bittersweet and holly and run it up the railing. It looks pretty good,” she says. Lammers ends the tour with another interesting tidbit. “Longstreet also had another man on his staff. Moxley Stahl was his attendant and took care of all his messages. He took care of him from the beginning until shortly after Longstreet was shot and wounded. He was off for quite a while. Moxley received a promotion and left,” she says. “But he had another man on his staff. His name was Peyton Manning and he was out of Louisiana.” (Sources: Linda Lammers, General Longstreet Museum, legendsofamerica.com, Atlanta-Knoxville Register, New York Times)

www.longstreetmuseum.com

— By Jim Beller

62 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017

Fall decorations at Wholesale Liquidators in Morristown. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Photos by Abby Swearingen

Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 63

64 Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;¢ 2017

Discover Hamblen County â&#x20AC;˘ 2017 65

Photos by Charles Halliwell

66 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

ADVERTISERS

All Saints’ Episcopal School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Barter Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Cocke-Hamblen Farmers Co-op . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Daily Bread Thrift Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 East Tennessee Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Farmers Insurance, Jake Stokely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Grayson Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Hale Springs Inn & McKinney’s Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Hancock County Home Health and Hospice Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Hancock Manor Nursing Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Hancock Medical Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Hardwood Specialties, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hawkins County Gas Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Holston Electric Cooperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Home Place B&B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Justice Stoneworks, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 LaFollette’s Greenhouses & Farms, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .46 Life Care Center of Morristown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mark Albert Skelton, Amy Kathleen Skelton: Attorneys at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Mauk’s of Jonesborough. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . 2 NPAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Oakes Salvaged Freight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Physicians Hearing Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Ramsey’s Farm Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Real Estate Training and Education Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 River Place on the Clinch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Rowena’s on Main / Gigi’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Rural Health Services Consortium, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . 55 Saint Clair General Store & Farm Supply . . . . . . . . 18 Signature Lifestyles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Skelton Law Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Smoky Mountain Mercantile & UHaul . . . . . . . . . . 19 Tennessee Institute of Cosmetology . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Corner Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 United Country Real Estate: Clinch Mountain Realty & Auction . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Walters State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Wholesale Liquidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Yoder’s Country Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Discover Hamblen County • 2017 67

GRAYSON SUBARU • KNOXVILLE • TN

In-town style. Roomy journey-comfort. You’re ready to go.

Introducing the all-new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.® The larger interior and cargo area keep the journey comfortable, and give you room for all you pick up along the way. And all with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive + 33 mpg.1 Love is out there. Find it in a Crosstrek.

8729 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37923 888-660-0184

www.graysonsubaru.com Subaru, Crosstrek, Impreza, and EyeSight are registered trademarks. 1EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek CVT models. Actual mileage may vary.

Serving Hamblen County and Surrounding Areas

68 Discover Hamblen County • 2017

Lisa McBride

Principal Broker/Auctioneer

Lindsey Lawson Affiliate Broker

Phyllis Reed

Affiliate Broker

Kimberly Young Affiliate Broker

Joey Haun

Affiliate Broker /Apprentice Auctioneer

Sue King

Affiliate Broker

Wilbur Hite

Affiliate Broker

Tereasa Hubbard Affiliate Broker

Mark Emery

Affiliate Broker

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3736 Highway 25-E Bean Station, TN 37708

865-993-5263 Fax: 865-993-6447 TNFL #5167 Each office independently owned and operated

WE DO AUCTIONS! Give us a call!

www.ucclinchmountainrealty.com

UNITED COUNTRY AUCTION SERVICES Renowned as the most trusted and valued strategic real estate and asset auction organization in America.