Auburntown, Tennessee, Historical Society

New Family History Tells Story of America

2012-01-10T16:21:00.002-06:00

Released Dec. 1, 2011 the History of Beverly Willard Family of Virginia and Tennessee chronicles 250 years of American history as told through the descendants of one man, Beverly Willard, who was born in the mid-1700s and lived in Virginia until his move to Middle Tennessee in the early 19th Century.

“Willard settled in the rural area of what is now Cannon County, Tenn., before 1803,” explained Willard descendant Danny Nichols, author and history enthusiast who compiled, edited and created the narrative for the 1,435-page book. “It is more than the story of an individual, it is the story of a new country through revolution, westward expansion, civil war, industrial development, depression, disasters and the advent of technology. It is an American story of frontiersmen, farmers, patriots, moonshiners and preachers.”

Five years in the making, the publication is the collaborative effort of 50 contributors, crossing 13 generations and containing the names of more than 8,000 of Willard’s descendants. However, Nichols assures that the book is far more than traditional genealogical offerings, calling it “a true-to-life adventure,” supported by more than 200 pages of vintage photographs and hundreds of documents, letters, bible records, personal stories and newspaper accounts.

American history comes alive through stories of one young man who gave his life in 1814 at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend; brothers on opposing sides during the Civil War; a mother who defied a Union officer’s attempt to steal the family meal; a duel in Auburntown, Tenn., and the 40-year feud that resulted; 15 children and their parents who braved the wild West on a wagon-train to settle Texas; a young Texas Ranger murdered in the line of duty; a 95-year-old woman who became a legend in her hometown; and countless other stories of regular people living ordinary – sometimes extraordinary – lives.

Nichols observed that technology was crucial to the process and successful completion of one of the most comprehensive family histories written relative to Cannon County.

“The Willard family was blessed when two descendants created a strong foundational history in the early 1960s,” Nichols said, explaining how the mammoth undertaking began. “With today’s technology, however, it became more apparent that the story was much larger than what was known of it in 1963. Computers and the Internet were not available to those earlier researchers, so finding data required thousands of hours of digging through courthouses and libraries and thousands of miles of travel.”

Nichols submits that contrary to what many think such new technologies have brought families closer.

“It was through the use of the Internet that cousins began to find one another and seek answers about their ancestry,” he said, crediting a “pool of inquisitive cousins” with the idea of coordinating individual efforts toward a common goal of updating the original work.

A private, invitational-access Internet website was created for correspondence among interested group members, with as many as 50 people in 16 states and one foreign country involved.

“To become a member of the Willard project one had to agree to contribute his or her own research materials and other pertinent resources,” Nichols said. “It is the sum of that research that truly tells the story. This work represents what can be accomplished through group effort. The result is well-indexed and referenced, making it a work of quality and significance. In 1803 when the Beverly Willard family settled on Hurricane Creek, no one would have ever dreamed such a story would unfold. It is a story worth telling and a most exciting story to read.”

The History of the Beverly Willard Family of Virginia and Tennessee is being presented on DVD in two volumes in the .pdf format readable by all computers and mobile devices. It may be purchased for $35 which includes shipping and handling. Orders are filled upon receipt at: Danny Nichols, 1565 Main Street, Lynnville, TN 38472.

“The purchaser may view the DVD on a computer, choose to print the publication on a home printer or take the camera-ready files to a professional printer for creation of a book,” Nichols said, adding that 14 different covers were designed to offer choices in personalizing final printed edition.

McKnight House Scene of July 21 Meeting

2011-07-17T13:13:00.003-05:00

The Auburntown Historical Society’s July 21 meeting will be held at Auburntown’s most historically significant home beginning at 7 p.m.

Most anyone who has grown up in Auburntown is familiar with the big, white two-story house that sits directly on Main Street on the banks of Marshall Creek, but few know the immense history of the house.

The McKnight House was built in 1857 by John F. Weedon who owned most of the property that Auburntown sits on today. Mr. Weedon moved to Auburntown from Woodbury where the very prominent Weedon family had settled. They were instrumental in the establishment of the Woodbury Baptist Church. He sold off small tracts of land to others who established businesses and thus was instrumental in the creation of the town as it became. One of the properties became that of the first Auburn School and was located across the street from the present day Church of Christ building. Mr. Weedon and his family lived in the house from 1857-1870. After the War Between the States, many of Auburn’s families relocated to Texas. Among them was the Weedon family.

Dr. Bennett Rucker McKnight and family purchased the property during the 1890s. The McKnight daughters lived in the house until the last one passed away during the 1980s. It was then sold at auction by Guy James, a descendant of the McKnight family. The house has undergone considerable renovations over the years, including the removal of the home’s two-story wrap around porches, extensive structural, plumbing, and electrical upgrades, and continual cosmetic work.

It was the charm and character of a historic house that brought the current owners, Josh and Amanda Davis, to buy the property in September 2010 after driving by and seeing it for sale. Amanda had lived in the house previously and rented it from the previous owners, Travis and Beth Hancock. While living there, she did extensive design work on the house, including repainting all interior rooms with Benjamin Moore Historical Colors, removing dry wall from the ceiling to restore the original wooden paneling, restoring the home’s original fireplace mantels, and modernizing both upstairs bathrooms. Being that Amanda is an interior designer, she knew how to appreciate the craftsmanship and strong character of a historical home and kept true to that character in her designs.

Josh and Amanda said they been amazed at the history contained within the walls and property of the McKnight House. When Amanda is not busy restoring the house, she teaches ZUMBA classes and runs her own interior design firm, Just Design This. Josh is always busy teaching 8^th grade science in nearby Wilson County, and together Josh and Amanda own a catering company, Just Imagine That Catering & Events.

Future plans include opening the McKnight House for private rentals to those individuals who wish to hold weddings, parties or family reunions in the house or on the property, including catering by Just Imagine That.

Additional future plans for the McKnight House include an extensive exterior paint job, restoration of the wooden front porch and eventual restoration of the house’s two-story wrap around porches. Josh and Amanda also plan to begin the process of having the home placed on the National Register of Historic Places to preserve a piece of Auburntown history forever. The couple said that they are privileged to own such a prestigious piece of history and are excited as they work to restore their house to its original splendor.

June 16 Meeting Features Sgt. York Story

2011-06-14T19:08:00.002-05:00

Efforts to save, restore school built by Sgt. York extend across the globe

Assistance from throughout the world is being sought to ensure that the school built by WWI hero Sgt. Alvin C. York is saved from demolition, and the Auburntown Historical Society is doing its part to spread the word.

Claudia Johnson-Nichols, executive director of the non-profit Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation, will speak to members and guests of the Auburntown Historical Society Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m., in the fellowship hall of the Auburntown Church of Christ.

“We are inviting any member of the public who is interested in the story of Sgt. York to join our membership for this special presentation,” said Mary Hughes of the Auburntown Historical Society. “Through screening of a 10-minute video narrated by the late Walter Cronkite, Mrs. Nichols will discuss how Sgt. York’s educational legacy is being preserved. “

Using historic images and vintage film footage, the video focuses on Sgt. York’s life before and after World War I, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to education, which included raising money for a school building used from 1925-1979 to educate the youth of his home area of the Cumberland Plateau.

The building was abandoned when a new school building was built. Although it is listed for its national significance in the National Register of Historic Places, and despite interest over the years in revitalizing it, it fell into disrepair under ownership of the State of Tennessee Department of Education.

The York Agricultural Institute building, which was slated for demolition in 2008 by the state, was the subject of numerous news stories throughout the country and several emotion-filled public hearings on Capitol Hill in Nashville.

After months of struggle, the State of Tennessee agreed to turn over the building to the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation, a 501c3 organization formed 15 years ago by descendants of Sgt. York, including his three surviving children, and many devotees of the reluctant young World War I soldier from Pall Mall, Tenn., whose resolve in battle brought him world-wide recognition.

Instead of personally capitalizing on his military accomplishments, York, one of the most highly decorated American soldiers to serve in the First World War, looked to the future.

“When I went out into that big outside world I realized how uneducated I was and what a terrible handicap it was,” York wrote. “I was called to lead my people toward a sensible modern education.”

Though York’s efforts, which included fundraising on a national scale and twice mortgaging his own home, the school of which he had dreamed opened in 1925.

“His vision was not limited to the education of children from the remote Cumberland plateau region,” Johnson-Nichols pointed out. “He wanted to include interested adults as well. He set a tremendous example, for he reminded them when he spoke, of his own former limitations, but that by reading, thinking and asking questions, he broadened his own understanding of the world.”

Sgt. York presided over every graduation ceremony until his stroke in 1953, but continued to make regular visits to the school up into the late 1950s, until he grew too frail. When the building was replaced with a more modern facility, neglect took a serious toll on the venerable structure.

With the commitment of the Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation and the cooperation of the State’s education department, the building has been stabalized and will be restored for use once again as an educational facility, both preserving York’s legacy and fulfilling his dream. More than $1million has been spent to save the building, but $4-5 million is the goal for returning the structure to an educational facility, as Sgt. York wanted.

Contact Johnson-Nichols at 931-347-2664 to offer support. Visit www.sgtyork.org to learn more about the Foundation and view photos of the progress being made at York Institute.

For additional information about the Auburntown Historical Society, visit www.auburntowntennessee.blogspot.com.

Though Sgt. Alvin C. York’s efforts, which included fundraising on a national scale and twice mortgaging his own home, the school of which he had dreamed, York Agricultural Institute, opened in Jamestown in 1925. York, in the ditch wearing a white shirt in the center of this vintage photograph, was involved in every aspect of the building's construction, including digging its foundation. More than eight decades later the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation is fighting to save the building from demolition and restore it for adaptive reuse as an educational facility.

Photo courtesy of Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation

Robert Bush Presentation A Smashing Success!

2011-05-21T20:07:00.002-05:00

The monthly meeting of the Auburntown Historical Society was held Thursday night, May 19 in Auburntown. Presenting a program entitled “Early Tennessee History and History of Brawley’s Fork,” Robert Bush delivered an outstanding presentation to those in attendance. Several from the Woodbury and Bradyville communities attended this meeting to hear Mr. Bush speak of his research experiences and conclusions as related to the settlement of Bradyville and the Brawley’s Fork area. Much of the same circumstances that led to the development of these settlements also affected the settlement of greater Cannon County. Even after the one hour presentation was concluded, attendees of this meeting continued discussion in an open forum with Mr. Bush that continued for another hour with the meeting actually concluding at 9 p.m. One member was heard to express that he learned more about Tennessee history in this one hour presentation than he had learned in a lifetime. Such was the sentiment by others fortunate enough to have attended this particular program presented by one of Cannon County’s own historians.

Mr. Bush has become a respected authority on the history of Cannon County and with special interest on the Brawley’s Fork and Bradyville area which he considers his ancestral home. His research has often been presented in the Cannon Courier and has provided those interested in the county history with much insight with regard to its early settlement.

Meetings of the Auburntown Historical Society are open to the public for attendance. “We strive to bring the highest quality programs available to our community for our membership,” said Danny Nichols, current treasurer and co-founder of the society, adding. “We aren’t just talking about history, but we’re actually making it.”

Nichols noted that after 6 years of existence, the Auburntown Historical Society has become a venue sought out by historians in the area who desire to present programs of interest to the public.

“We welcome visitors, we invite membership,” he said. “People may also follow our progress on our website at: http://www.auburntowntennessee.blogspot.com.”

May 19 program features popular local columnist

2011-05-16T21:07:00.001-05:00

An Early History of Tennessee and Cannon County's Brawley's Creek is the subject of a free program to be presented by local historian and writer Robert Bush, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, at the regular monthly meeting of the Auburntown Historical Society.

“My interests in the earliest history of Cannon County began as a small boy walking the hills and valleys of the upper Brawley Creek, while listening to the many tall tales as told by the oldtimers in the area,” said Bush, who is a well-known contributor to the Cannon Courier.

Bush said that after graduating from Woodbury High School his interests increased as he explored the old Sagely cabin in the old Dug Hollow on numerous occasions.

“I was mystified by the notion that it could have been built as early as 1784,” Bush said. “The rich archaeological history of the upper Brawley Creek suggested Native Americans had been in the area for untold centuries before the Europeans arrived.”
As a student at MTSU in the early 1970s Bush began studying the microfilm housed the college library.

“There was no internet in those days,” Bush recalled, adding, “Between classes I studied the Census records and the earliest settlers that may have lived along the upper Brawley Creek.”

This led Bush, in later years, to numerous trips to the Tennessee State Library and Archives in Nashville, where he explored the extensive land grant system of early Tennessee. Of particular interest was how the grant system impacted the early settlement of the upper Brawley Creek, especially the area described as Hopewell, just south of the town of Bradyville.

"In those days research into the land grant system was a slow process, since every file had to be requested and then pulled by a staff member, and in turn, looked up on a hand cranked microfilm machine,” Bush observed. “Today, the process is much quicker, and information can be extracted more readily.”

Mary Hughes, president of the Auburntown Historical Society, said that everyone is invited to the lecture, which begins at 7 p.m. at Auburntown Church of Christ Fellowship Hall and is free and open to all. For more information about the Auburntown Historical Society, visit www.auburntowntennessee.blogspot.com.

2011-03-18T08:59:00.002-05:00

Dr. Calvin Dickinson's presentation to the AHS brought some events of the Civil War in Tennessee to life for a group of more than 30 on March 17.

2011-03-02T16:53:00.005-06:00

A new book, Soldiers, Spies and Spartans, that highlights the role of several children, youth and women in the Civil War is the topic for the March 17 meeting of the Auburntown Historical Society.

"Our February program about the World War II maneuvers in Tennessee drew more than 60 members and visitors," said Mary Hughes, president of the Auburntown Historical Society. "We are inviting everyone to join us as the author discusses ...this often overlooked aspect of the Civil War in Tennessee."

Published in January by The Overmountain Press in Johnson City, the book was co-authored by Dr. Calvin Dickinson, a retired professor from the Tennessee Tech University history department and the author of more than 20 books, and Cookeville writer Jennie Ivey.

“The last Southern state to secede from the Union, Tennessee contributed 120,000 soldiers to the Confederate cause and 31,000 to the Union, more Union soldiers than all other confederate states combined,” Dickinson explained, adding that the book does not seek to tell the story of the entire war, just the stories of a few “surprisingly young participants.”

The authors traveled across Tennessee to learn more about their stories and visit the places associated with them, completing more than a year of research.

“Some wore blue uniforms, while others wore gray,” Dickinson observed. “Several were civilians, and others were slaves-turned-soldiers. Many were heroes, but all were victims.”

Among the stories included are those of Union Private Elisha Stockwell at the Battle of Shiloh, Confederate Spy Ginny Moon, Chickamauga drummer boy Johnny Clem, the McGavock and Carter children, who experienced the bloody Battle of Franklin, boy hero of the Confederacy Sam Davis, hanged as a spy in Pulaski, and young slave Hanson Caruthers, who witnessed the Battle of Nashville.

“Not all Civil War cavalry soldiers rode horses with two feet in the stirrups,” Ivey pointed out. “In Rhea County more than two dozen young women between age 15 and 21 galloped through the countryside delivering medical supplies to confederate troops, earning them the nickname ‘Rhea County Spartans.’”

The 87-page book is illustrated with original and archival photos and contains suggestions for further reading as well as explanatory sidebars for enhanced understanding of the time period and customs, giving context to the tales told.

“We wanted to make the book very readable for anyone from middle school students to senior citizens,” Dickinson said. “We also wanted it to be affordable so that these stories can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The book is $10 and will be available for purchase for a book signing after the AHS meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 17 at the Fellowship Hall of Auburntown Church of Christ.

For more information about AHS visit www.auburntowntennessee.blogspot.com. For more on Dickinson's books, visit www.tennesseeuppercumberlandhistorybooks.blogspot.com.

2011-01-24T12:55:00.004-06:00

For a slideshow of the night's activities, click link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvDGVxQpiNg

In the Presence of Soldiers, a new book by Tennessean Woody McMillin was discussed by the author at the Auburntown Historical Society on Feb. 17, followed by a book signing. More than 60 people from Cannon and surrounding counties attended.

Auburntown and Cannon County’s role in Tennessee’s World War II Maneuvers was the subject of a free program presented by author Woody McMillin, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the monthly meeting of the Auburntown Historical Society.
From 1941 to 1944 the U.S. Army conducted seven large-scale maneuvers across most of Middle Tennessee, involving more than 800,000 soldiers in series of simulated combat operations. McMillin’s new book, In the Presence of Soldiers, is an unprecedented account of the massive 2nd Army of Tennessee Maneuvers in which 25 airborne, infantry and armored divisions practiced and refined their deadly skills in the backyards of civilians.
“Many local residents remember this time period, and they are especially encouraged to attend the lecture,” said Mary Hughes, president of the Auburntown Historical Society. “Woody McMillin spent two years researching and interviewing, collecting hundreds of stories from these who lived through this challenging time in our history.”
McMillin noted that two soldiers were killed in July of 1943 in a tank accident near Auburntown, during the fouth of seven maneuvers. One was Jerres D. Morrison of Clarksville and the other was Eugene F. Novotny of Cleveland, Ohio, and they were most probably from the 10th Armored Division, according to McMillin.
The book offers explanations of every operation with information about where and when the action occurred, divisions and units involved, mission objectives, tactical issues air support and results. It also describes what happened to divisions after they left Tennessee. Much of this information was gleaned from now-declassified National Archives documents.
“The personal recollections of soldiers, war workers and civilians interwoven throughout the narrative helps to recreate the emotions of the time,” Hughes said, adding that McMillin’s broad telling of the story of the Tennessee Maneuvers helps to preserve and record the actions of everyday men women and children as well.
The 498-page book contains 28 pages of photos, most from the National Archives and unpublished until now.
“While I don’t pretend to be a scholar, I’m hopeful that this book preserves an important element of the WWII years and a good read for those who appreciate history,” said McMillin, who autographed books after the meeting.
For more information about the book, email woodyair@comcast.net.

October 2010 Another Smashing Success

2010-10-27T22:01:00.004-05:00

The Auburntown Historical Society marked the end of its fifth year Thursday October 21, 2010 with a pot luck supper held before the meeting. Twenty seven members and guests enjoyed the speaker for the evening, Sherrie Paty Barber from St. Cloud, Florida. Mrs. Barber gave an interesting talk starting with her family ties to Auburntown, how she gathered information for her book ‘The Odom Oracle’, the trials and tribulations of publishing and tidbits of her upcoming book ‘Murder on Fodderstack Knob’ which is currently in the hands of her publisher. An election was then held for officers and one new board member for 2011. Officers for next year are Mary Hughes, President; Bobby Dutton, Vice President; Donna Nichols, Secretary and Danny Nichols, Treasurer. Jean Melton was elected Board Member for a term of three years to replace Winfred Gaither. Other board members are Sue Davenport and Charlie Mitchel Dunn. The next meeting will be Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 7:00 at the Auburntown Church of Christ annex. Visitors are always welcome! Story by Mary Hughes. Photo by Donna Nichols.

September Show & Tell Month

2010-09-27T21:03:00.006-05:00

19 members and guests were on hand Thursday Sept. 16 for the monthly AHS meeting in Auburntown. The program for the evening entitled "Show & Tell" was hosted by the members who brought numerous old and interesting items to show and tell about. Accompanying this story are photos of some of those items.

Cannon County Officials Speak to AHS

2010-08-22T10:38:00.002-05:00

Two newly reelected Cannon County officials were guest speakers at the Auburntown Historical Society on Aug. 19.
Debbie Morris, formerly of Auburntown, and County Register since 1986, joined Bobby Smith, County Court Clerk since 1978, to discuss the types and availability of historical books and records kept by their respective offices.
"Each of them have been very helpful with our current research efforts,” said Bobby Dutton, vice-president of the Auburntown Historical Society. “We were honored for them to come and present such a program for us.”
Morris noted that although a devastating fire destroyed the Cannon County Courthouse in November of 1934, all the deed books for the county back to 1836 survived and remain available for public use. Smith pointed out that only one book (Marriages of 1929-1934) from the County Court Clerk’s office was lost during the fire as it had apparently been left laying out on a counter. Otherwise, his department also maintains county record books extending back to the founding of the county in 1836.
"With a total of 56 years of service and experience between these two county officials, we know their knowledge of public records will continue to be indispensable as we move forward with the history of Auburntown book project currently underway," said AHS member Danny Nichols.
The Auburntown Historical Society meets monthly from January through October at the Fellowship Hall of the Auburntown Church of Christ. The public is invited and encouraged to attend these meetings.

Auburntown History in Progress - Do You Know These People?

2010-08-19T11:27:00.003-05:00

Auburntown Community History Project Underway

2010-08-08T19:14:00.002-05:00

2010 saw the kick-off of the Auburntown Community History Book which is now underway and in the research phase. Should you have data, stories, photographs, copies of deeds, wills, advertising flyers, or anything dealing with the history of our community that you would like to contribute, please do so now. Scanned copies can be e-mailed to Auburntownhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or you may mail copies to Auburntown Historical Society, PO Box 114, Auburntown, TN. 37016.

Please insure copies of any materials scanned or copied are done so at a minimum of 600 dpi. Scanners have such adjustments built into their copy and scan programs. The default setting is usually set at 200 dpi which does not provide a copy of the quality needed for reproducing in a publication of this type.

We welcome all who have ties with the Auburntown community to participate in this project. Our history now exceeds 200 years and will be difficult to cover in a general history. We are looking for information that is relative to the growth and development of the community and includes churches, schools, businesses, government, early settlers, social events, military activities, enlistments, veterans, and other interesting aspects of our history.

2010-06-13T13:45:00.003-05:00

Auburntown Historical Society Participates in Auburntown High School Reunion

Members of the Auburntown Historical Society donated homemade desserts to sell at the Auburntown High School Reunion on June 12, 2010 as a fundraiser for upcoming projects of the Society.

Among the projects currently underway by the Auburntown Historical Society are a comprehensive history of Auburntown and surrounding communities and a history of the school, according to Mary Hughes, society president.

Hughes said the society is also taking responsibility to scan, copy and preserve any photographs, documents and other memorabilia associated with the Auburntown area.

Already hundreds of documents and photos have been scanned. Hughes pointed out that recent floods destroyed an irreplaceable collection of books containing news reports and photos owned by a former resident of Auburntown. However, because the owner allowed the historical society to scan the books, digital images exist of the priceless collection.

Hughes reminded everyone that membership is open to all and that volunteers are being sought for help on the project.

“If anyone has anything they would like scanned for safekeeping, please contact us,” Hughes said, adding that donations of scanned, copied or original images and documents are appreciated and will be handled with discretion.

2010-06-13T13:28:00.000-05:00

2010-06-13T13:27:00.000-05:00

2010-06-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

2010-06-13T13:18:00.001-05:00

2010-06-13T13:18:00.000-05:00

2010-06-13T13:17:00.001-05:00

Auburntown High Reunion, June 12, 2010

2010-06-13T13:13:00.001-05:00

AHS Announces 2010 Project

2010-04-12T23:09:00.000-05:00

Mary Hughes, President of the Auburntown Historical Society, started the January 2010 meeting with the announcement of the project for the year. “For the last four years, the Society has been gathering material to create an archive that will preserve the history of the Auburntown area. Now it is time to use that archive as the starting place for the long awaited book on our history. During the coming year, our members will focus on researching different features in the two hundred year saga of the area.”

New AHS Officers Elected for 2010

2010-04-12T23:02:00.002-05:00

L to R: Ray Melton, Jean Melton, Bobby Dutton, Mary Hughes, Charley Mitchell Dunn, Winfred Gaither, Sue Davenport.

2010 Officers Elected

At the October 2009 meeting of the Auburntown Historical Society, officers & 1 board member were elected for the coming year. Officers are Mary Hughes, President; Bobby Dutton, Vice-President; Jean (Barrett) Melton, Secretary and Ray Melton, Treasurer. AHS Board members are Charlie Mitchel Dunn, Winfred Gaither and Sue Davenport.

Charley Mitchell Dunn Presents Program on Dunn & Donnell Mill

2010-04-12T16:46:00.009-05:00

Auburntown resident Charlie Mitchel Dunn, guest speaker at the Auburntown Historical Society’s (AHS) March 2010 meeting, provided his recollections of a grain and sawmill at Auburntown co-owned and operated by his father Cecil Patton (C.P.) Dunn. Information for this article was taken from the presentation, interviews and selected documents.

When C.P. Dunn, wife Essie and their three small children moved to Auburntown in 1923, it was a growing and prosperous community. On land owned by Hugh Donnell, where the Auburntown Community Center now sits, lay remnants of old flour and feed mill last operated by Bob Taylor. Additionally, according to notes obtained by Mitchel, there was a steam-powered, grist and saw mill in Auburntown during 1878. It was owned and operated by former Smith County citizen Lieutenant B. A. High. Mitchel felt machinery ruminants around the grounds of the Dunn & Donnell business could have been from this 1878 mill operation.

C.P. Dunn entered into a partnership with Hugh Donnell in 1923 to form a mill business known as Dunn & Donnell. A new two-story building with a partial third story was constructed and all usable machinery re-installed. Additional equipment to operate the mill was engineered by C.P. from parts of discarded machinery. Power to operate both a grain and saw mill was provided by a traction steam engine. However, a large steam boiler which provided steam for two steam engines was later installed. A steam whistle was blown daily at 12 noon and again at sundown during mill operations.

In those decades, mills were needed by families to grind dietary staples of corn meal and wheat flour. Dunn & Donnell received a portion of the deposited wheat as pay for milling. From this wheat, the Company produced “Sifted Snow Flour,” in 24 and 48 pound bags. Similarly, shelled corn was transported by customers to the mill to be ground into corn meal. A portion of the corn or “toll” was charged for grinding the corn. Another service provided by the Company, was the grounding of complete stalks of harvested corn into feed for livestock.

Dunn & Donnell Company also sawed lumber for home and barn construction in Auburntown and the surrounding communities. Oak, beech, poplar, walnut, and cedar trees were plentiful. Logs hauled to the mill were sawed and a fee charged for each board foot. When saw mill employees cut timber, landowners got a share of the cut lumber. A team of men using axes and crosscut saws accomplished felling trees and trimming the logs.

The log yard sloped down from the road. Gravity helped workers get the logs onto the mill processing equipment. A scale pen was located on the south side of the mill and a small granary for wheat storage was on the north side. This building is a small red structure that still stands across the road from the residence of Travis and Beth Hancock. The milling operation ceased and the partnership of Dunn & Donnell was dissolved in the early 1940’s. However, sometime after WW 2, Raymond Robinson used the granary to manufacture doll furniture and children's' play equipment. They were marketed to Harvey’s in Nashville and other outlets in the northeast.

The mill was again dilapidated when the Auburntown Lions’ Club purchased the land from Mary Donnell in 1975. Mary Donnell had inherited it from her brother Hugh Donnell and sister Lillie Donnell Harris. The Lions’ Club cleared the land and erected the foundation for a community center. The City of Auburntown purchased the property in 1980 and built the Auburntown Community Center.

There are no known photos of the mill operated and owned by C.P. Dunn & Hugh Donnell. However, Wendell Cooper, Auburn High School graduate of 1947, created a pencil drawing of the mill in 1960. A postscript by the author of his artwork states: “This old mill at Auburntown, TN was the hub of activity in my youth, with wagons of grain and corn to be ground into feed. The mill, located on the creek bank, also had a sawmill on the opposite side. It is sad to visit and see the weeds grown in the places where men used to work and children played. The scale pen at foreground furnished a playground on many a rainy day.”

Story written by Donna Gaither Nichols

Fellowship and Food will be enjoyed a the next meeting of the Auburntown Historical Society

2009-10-26T14:20:00.002-05:00

The next meeting of the AHS will be Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Auburntown Church of Christ.

The AHS Board of Directors will meet at 6 p.m.

Thursday's meeting will offer the opportunity for fellowship among new and potential members as the AHS launches a new era in the history of the organization. Following a 6 p.m. Board of Directors meeting, the Auburntown Church of Christ Fellowship Hall will open for a potluck dinner and annual business meeting.

"We encourage all members to attend, since we will be electing a new slate of officers to lead the AHS as we proceed with our future archival and publishing plans.," said outgoing president Danny Nichols. "Current members are urged to bring guests who may be good future members for our group. All guests are welcome. Our desire is that all dishes brought that evening will be from recipes in Treasured Recipes and Recollections. With 300 of these books sold (none left), there are plenty of folks who could add to the dinner!"

A letter to our members and supporters:

October 2009

Having served as your president for the past four years, I feel compelled to include my reflections of this period and my vision and hopes for the future of this organization in this issue of the AHS newsletter. We have succeeded in bringing together a group of persons interested in the history of our community and in the preservation of that history. We have learned to work together to bring about three very successful publications as well as working toward creating a presence at each of our past four Red Apple Day celebrations in Auburntown.

Our greatest challenge still lies before us in the writing of our community history. This task will require a great amount of time and energy on the part of our society and will require an even greater effort to complete the project. It is my hope that our publications committee can begin this task during the coming year so that some conclusion can be reached within an acceptable time. Participation of our membership in this project is the most crucial element.

During our four years of existence we have enjoyed many great programs and presentations. We have had numerous guests speak to our group that would bring about envy from any other historical society. The caliber of our programs has been excellent, and we are grateful to all those who have taken the time to share their knowledge with us. Our members have also stepped up to provide programs of interest, and to them we are also most grateful. Indeed, the caliber of our own membership is such to take great pride in. It has been your interest and participation in this society that has brought about any successes it may have achieved.

In looking toward the future we see that our greatest challenges lie ahead. There is much yet to be accomplished, and the greatest achievements of this group are yet to be realized. The foundation of this society is now well established with our corporate status having been obtained from the State of Tennessee and our 501(c)3 Non-profit status pending approval by the U.S. government. We have a world-wide presence on the Internet and a great relationship with all the area newspapers and radio stations. We are positioned to move forward and achieve the goals as outlined and enumerated in our charter.

There are those I wish to personally thank who have been instrumental in assisting this group with the progress it has made. Thanks to Mary Hughes without whose effort and support this organization would not have been possible. Thanks to Richard Jones for his work in maintaining our meeting records, in getting our newsletters circulated and for all his contributions toward making our Red Apple Day booth successful. Thanks to David Dunn for offering the AHS a meeting place that has served us well these past four years. Thanks to my wife, Claudia, for her work in creating our Internet website and for her contributions to our most recent publications. And thanks to our membership who have attended our meetings and supported us through all our projects and endeavors. Without you there could be no Auburntown Historical Society.

With Kindest Regards,
Danny Nichols
President, Auburntown Historical Society

2009-09-28T21:47:00.002-05:00

Thanks to those who have bought the Treasured Recipes and Recollections cookbook. We have sold almost 300 copies of this book. We have reprinted twice. This is the last chance to buy one of the 15 left. First come, first serve. Send $12 per book and $4 for postage per book, and we will send the book to you. We had an order from Iraq and sent it to a soldier's wife!

Learn to be an archivist at the next meeting of the AHS

2009-09-09T12:14:00.003-05:00

The Auburntown Historical Society is hosting a training workshop for aspiring archivists at its next monthly meeting set for Thursday, Sept. 17, 2010, at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Auburntown Church of Christ.

Linda Granstaff of the Wilson County Archives in Lebanon will discuss archiving historical records and materials. She has served as Co-Director of the Archives along with Thomas Partlow since 1998.

“Both she and Mr. Partlow have worked toward making the Wilson County Archives one of the best in Tennessee,” noted Danny Nichols, president of the Auburntown Historical Society. “It is a model that has won much acclaim and one worth visiting for anyone from the Auburntown area with roots in Wilson County.”

Nichols said that the AHS has been collecting materials since its formation four years ago, and the time has come for the volunteers who will be working on the comprehensive history of Auburntown to learn how to utilize the growing collection.

Operated by the county government, the Wilson County Archives was established in 1995 and is located at 111 South College Street in Lebanon.

“This is an impressive research center,” Nichols said. “We hope our volunteers will benefit from the experience gained there.”

Nichols said that any individual who is interested in learning more about historic research, archival endeavors and use of records and documents should attend the meeting, whether they are members of the Auburntown Historical Society or not.

“Of course, as our annual membership drive is beginning this month, we invite interested potential members to attend,” he said. “Members do not have to be only from Auburntown. We have members from Woodbury, surrounding communities and around the country.”

Nichols said that benefits of the $15 annual membership include monthly educational programs January-October, a monthly newsletter and opportunities to participate in projects that preserve the history of the area. Three such projects have been completed with publication of 2007 and 2008 editions of Treasured Memories and Recollections and a 2009 edition called Treasured Recipes and Recollections, which has sold approximately 300 copies.

Nichols reminded those who purchased a recipe book and have not picked it up to arrive at the Sept. 17 meeting at 6:30 p.m. to do so.

Looking ahead, the final meeting of the year is set for Oct. 29 at which time new officers will be elected and installed. Entertainment for the evening will be a potluck dinner comprised of dishes prepared from recipes in the Society’s recipe book.

“Mark your calendar,” Nichols said. “This should be a time of fun and excitement as we welcome the new leadership to the Society and celebrate with our new members.”

For more information about membership in the Society or any of its programs or publications, look to the left side of our blog homepage.

Pick up your cookbook!

2009-08-20T08:07:00.002-05:00

For those who paid for but never picked up their cookbook, there will be no additional chance to pick up this book after the Oct. 29 meeting of the AHS, which is the last meeting of 2009. Be at the Auburntown Church of Christ Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m. for a potluck (bring a dish), get your book and enjoy our last meeting of the new year as we elect and install new officers.

Civil War in Tennessee and Kentucky subject of Auburntown Historical Society’s Aug. 20 meeting

2009-08-13T17:48:00.002-05:00

The featured speaker for the Aug. 20 meeting of the Auburntown Historical Society will be Dr. W. Calvin Dickinson. He will discuss the recently published book Sister States, Enemy States: The Civil War in Kentucky and Tennessee, which he co-edited with two other historians.

“Dr. Dickinson’s presentation to the AHS about historic roadways earlier this year was such a success, the group invited him back to discuss his new book on the Civil War,” said Danny Nichols, president of the Auburntown Historical Society. “We know there is much interest in the Civil War, and we encourage AHS members and visitors alike to attend.”

Socially and politically, the slave states of Tennessee and Kentucky had much in common during the antebellum period. Additionally, during the Deep South's rush to secession in late 1860, strong unionist majorities held sway in both states. Yet, with the firing on Fort Sumter, their fates diverged. Why Tennessee moved toward secession and Kentucky remained in the federal union is just one of the complexities explored in Sister States, Enemy States: The Civil War in Kentucky and Tennessee.

“The book is a collection of essays about when the Civil War erupted and Tennessee chose to secede while Kentucky remained part of the Union,” Dickinson explained. “Loyalties in each state were closely divided between the Union and the Confederacy, making wartime governance, and personal relationships, complex.”

Appointed by the Governor to the Tennessee Historical Commission, Dickinson is professor emeritus at Tennessee Technological University, where he taught history for 30 years until his retirement in 2000. A prolific writer, he has authored dozens of papers and articles on various topics for a large number of journals and publications and is the author or editor of 21 books.

In editing Sister States, Enemy States, Dickinson was joined by colleagues Kent T. Dollar and Larry H. Whiteaker. The book is available on Amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble. Dickinson will have copies to sign at the AHS meeting, which will be held at the Fellowship Hall of Auburntown Church of Christ at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Nichols said that membership in the AHS is open to anyone and is $15 per year. The Society recently published its third book and has hosted a number of lecturers over the past year on a variety of topics at its monthly meetings. For more information visit www.auburntowntennessee.blogspot.com.

http://cwba.blogspot.com/2009/08/dollar-whiteaker-and-dickinson-eds.html

http://www.amazon.com/Sister-States-Enemy-Kentucky-Tennessee/dp/0813125413

http://www.kentuckypress.com/viewbook.cfm?Category_ID=1&Group=19&ID=1548

2009-08-07T11:43:00.006-05:00

Treasured Recipes and Recollections huge hit, more being ordered

The Auburntown Historical Society’s Treasured Recipes and Recollections cookbook was a tremendous success, according to society president Danny Nichols. “We had sold all 150 by 7:30 p.m. Friday night,” Nichols explained, adding that there were numerous requests for additional books from disappointed visitors to the society’s booth.

“We decided to take prepaid reservations for the book’s second and final printing.” Nichols said that another 75 books are being ordered, and about 60 are already presold.

However, if more than 75 orders are received by the deadline date, all prepaid orders will be filled, thanks for accommodations being made by the printer for a one-time-only special reprinting. “We had people buying as many as 10-15 books for gifts,” he said. “After people saw it, many of them wanted extra copies. We were amazed at the response, but then we all know how great our Auburntown and Cannon County cooks are.”

Along with dozens of interesting and delicious recipes, the photos, stories and memories shared by the contributors endeared the book to many who saw it, Nichols observed. “We must have the order no later than Monday, August 10, to ensure that the books will be ready for pickup at our regular Society meeting,” Nichols said.

2009-08-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

2009-07-27T15:14:00.013-05:00

We have sold almost 300 copies of this book. We have reprinted twice. This is the last chance to buy one of the 15 left.
Send $12 for book and $4 for postage per book, and we will send the book to you. We had an order from Iraq and sent it to a soldier's wife!

Treasured Recipes and Recollections is more than a cookbook

Treasured Recipes and Recollections, the Auburntown Historical Society’s new publication, sold out during the first few hours of Red Apple Day weekend in Auburntown.

“There are approximately 200 recipes and stories, numerous photos and plenty of good memories submitted by people associated with our community,” said Danny Nichols, president of the Auburntown Historical Society and editor of the cookbook. “We wanted this to be more than a cookbook. We wanted it to reflect how food, especially the preparation and enjoyment of it, is so intertwined with our history.”

The call for recipes resulted in a 112-page, spiral bound book created exclusively by AHS members. Nichols and AHS treasurer Mary Hughes collected and prepared the recipes, photographs and stories. Society member Claudia Nichols created and executed the original design for the publication, laying out each individual page to present the recipes most attractively.

“This is a keepsake,” said Danny Nichols. “It is beautifully presented and filled with recipes and photographs that made my mouth water as I edited it.”

The book is divided into five categories: main dishes, side dishes, breads, sweets and misc. There are recipes for many Southern favorites and numerous family specialties. Some Auburn School cafeteria recipes were contributed, and the Auburntown Baptist Church Vacation Bible School ice cream recipes used annually are shared. Instructions for preparing old-time foods such as souse, hominy, mutton, barnyard chicken, minced meat pie (with real meat), groundhog dumplings, poke salat, squirrel and barbequed rabbit are among the more interesting presented.

Hughes worked diligently to type recipes from original recipe books and recipe cards by many of Auburn’s past notable cooks.

“We certainly want to thank those who shared these types of recipe collections,” Nichols said. “They enhanced the value of the book greatly.”

Hughes pointed out that there are also tips on gardening and canning, home remedies, soap making, as well as recipes commonly used from throughout any small community along with several more modern favorites.

“With a full-color cover and the easy-to-read 8½x11” format, the recipe collection will make excellent gifts for future brides or out-of-towners with Auburn connections,” Nichols suggested.

The book sells for $12 if picked up and $15 if the Society ships it.

Nichols said that only 150 of the books were printed, and all sold out by 7:30 p.m. on July 31. He emphasized that if anyone wants to purchase one, they should prepay for the books by mailing a check to the Society at Box 114, Auburntown, Tenn. 37016, no later that Aug. 8, 2009.

“We will not be ordering any more books,” he said, adding, “This third in our annual “Recollections” series will possibly be our final edition before we begin work on a comprehensive history of Auburntown. Proceeds from these smaller books are seed money for the larger project.”

Log Home History Subject of Auburntown Historical Society Meeting June 18

2009-06-08T10:46:00.005-05:00

The Auburntown Historical Society hosted a specialist in Tennessee log homes, iron furnaces and barns at the June 18 meeting. More than 30 Society members and guests attended the free educational multimedia presentation.

Michael Thomas Gavin is the Preservation Specialist for the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area administered by the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University.

“We feel very fortunate to have Mr. Gavin speak to our society and share his slides and expertise on historic log homes,” said Danny Nichols, president of the Auburntown Historical Society. “Mr. Gavin is a respected researcher, speaker and author, whose research and writing is helping educate and entertain those who love the history of Tennessee.”

Gavin’s current research areas include the Civil War, African American history, Tennessee’s charcoal iron industry and vernacular architecture - particularly log buildings.

Recent books include Barns of Tennessee, written with colleague Caneta S. Hankins; Restoration Guide for Historic Log Houses; and Tennessee Iron Furnace Trail: A Guide to the Resources of the Western Highland Rim. His article “From Bands of Iron to Promise Land: The African-American Contribution to Middle Tennessee’s Antebellum Iron Industry,” has been published in the Tennessee Historical Quarterly.

A former adjunct professor in the History Department at MTSU, Gavin received his bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in History from MTSU. For 25 years he was president of a restoration company that specialized in rehabilitating historic buildings.

The AHS has brought several prestigious programs to Cannon County in the past year, including a lecture by Dr. Calvin Dickinson on historic roadways in Tennessee, a slide presentation on the Smithsonian’s forensic analysis of a Civil War soldier by Claudia Nichols and an overview of a book on area families by author Tommy Webb.

The Society’s charter has recently been approved by the State of Tennessee, and the three-year-old organization expects to obtain federal nonprofit status this year.

“We are seeking members of all types, including individuals, families, businesses and organizations,” Nichols said. “Please visit our website to learn more about membership opportunities and benefits.”

Nichols emphasized that the public is invited to AHS meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. the third Thursday from January through October.

Visit www.auburntowntennessee.blogspot.com.

UPDATES: AHS meetings

2009-04-27T07:42:00.006-05:00

The Auburntown Historical Society’s March meeting attracted 28 visitors and members for a program about some of the early families of the Auburntown area presented
by Mr. Tommy Webb, DeKalb County Historian.

At the Auburntown Historical Society's April meeting, Historical Society President Danny Nichols announced that the society's charter was accepted and approved by the State of Tennessee, paving the way for designation as a 501 c 3 entity.

Historic Roads Subject of April AHS Meeting

2009-04-14T09:30:00.004-05:00

The featured speaker for the April 23 was Dr. W. Calvin Dickinson. Author of "The Walton Road: A Nineteenth Century Wilderness Highway in Tennessee" and 19 more books.
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Dickinson join us for our meeting,” said Danny Nichols, president of the Auburntown Historical Society. “We invite AHS members and visitors to attend what promises to be an interesting lecture about the period of time when early settlers were expanding across Tennessee via passages like the Walton Road, the Avery Trace, the Natchez Trace and other pioneer roads.”
The Walton Road and the Avery Trail were the main highways between Knoxville and Nashville in the 19th century.
“This book is a collection of travelogues along these pioneer trails in the 1800s,” Dickinson explained. “These travelers had to contend with nasty weather, wild animals, friendly Indians and devious innkeepers.”
Appointed by the Governor to the Tennessee Historical Commission, Dickinson is professor emeritus at Tennessee Technological University, where he taught history for 30 years until his retirement in 2000.
Born in Shreveport, La., and raised in East Texas, he attended Baylor University from which he received Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina and has also studied at the College of William and Mary and East Carolina University. Dickinson was Instructor and Department Chair at Chowan College from 1961 to 1971 and was Associate Professor and Professor at Tennessee Technological University beginning in 1971.
During his career he has received numerous awards and honors. A prolific writer, he has authored dozens of papers and articles on various historical topics for a large number of historical journals and publications. He is a popular lecturer on historic topics.

Update: Dr. Dickinson's program was well-received, and those present bought many of his books. To obtain a copy of any of Dickinson's books, email him at cdickinson@tntech.edu.For more information on his published work and a partial list of his books, visit www.tennesseeuppercumberlandhistorybooks.blogspot.com.

March Program – Public Invited

2009-03-12T08:22:00.002-05:00

The program for our March 19 meeting will be presented by Mr. Thomas (Tommy) G. Webb of Smithville, Tennessee. Mr. Webb has lived in DeKalb County most of his life. He attended the public schools in Smithville before graduating from Peabody College in 1952, and again with a Master’s degree in 1955. He has also attended Vanderbilt University, Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and the University of Tennessee. From 1952 to 1996 he taught in the schools of DeKalb County, including the high schools at Liberty and Smithville. His main subjects were English, History and German.

In 1953 and 1954 he served in the United States Army in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1976 he was married to Audrey Dean Turner. They live in Smithville and are active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

In his early teens, Tommy developed a strong interest in family and local history and was appointed official DeKalb County Historian in 1965. He has published two books on DeKalb County history and assisted with a book about DeKalb County’s World War II veterans. His most recent work is newly published and entitled Early Virginia Families with Middle Tennessee Connections, reflecting more than 60 years of research for several of the families in the book.

Come out and hear Mr. Tommy Webb present a program involving many familiar family names. Tommy is related to many families of the Auburntown community and his recent book showcases their history.

Our next meeting date is Thursday, Mar. 19 at 7 p.m.
See you there.

More about Tommy Webb's new book

Early Virginia Families with Middle Tennessee Connections has just been published by Justin Potter Library of Smithville, Tennessee. The author is Thomas G. Webb, DeKalb County historian, who has spent more than 60 years researching the history of the several families in the book. The result is a 384-page hardback book with a complete first-name index. Besides related families, more than 30 main families are presented.

Among the families are Bennett, Gribble, Robinson, Boykin, Harris, Rowland, Braswell, Jennings, Smith, Cathcart, Magness, Nicholls, Snow, Childers, Spoe, Mason, Cooper, Moser, Struthers, Davis, Tub, Downing, Parker, Washer, Flood, Power, Weldon, Frazier, Rich, Wilson and Yeargin.

Most of the families have been traced to the 1600s in Virginia, then down to the present time. This is more than just a list of names and dates, and many of the people are presented in great detail, so that we can understand their way of life and their reasons for making the decisions they made. All research is thoroughly documented and footnoted, with references to the original documents. The book contains more than 40 pages of family and historical photographs. The hardback cover is done in full color, with photographs of locations in DeKalb County. A limited number of books will be published, and no second printing is planned, so it is important to obtain your book as soon as possible.

The book can be purchased in person or by mail from:

Justin Potter Library, 101 South First Street, Smithville, TN 37166 (Phone 615-497-4359).

The cost is $35.00 or $40.00 postpaid. Checks should be made payable to Justin Potter Library.

The book can also be purchased in person at F. Z. Webb Pharmacy and Gifts, 400 Public Square in Smithville.

2009 Treasured Recipes and Recollections

2008-11-13T07:44:00.003-06:00

For the 2009 Treasured Memories edition, the Auburntown Historical Society is seeking recipe-related memories intertwined with Auburntown families, places or events? The AHS will entitle the next edition, "Treasured Recipes and Recollections."

"Of course we want food recipes, but we are looking for recipes for old-time remedies and home and farm concoctions too," said AHS President Danny Nichols. "The most important consideration for those desiring to submit recipes is whether they can tell a story, even a short one that shares a memory from Auburntown."

Nichols explained that because so many memories are linked with the taste and smell of food, society members thought the 2009 issue of their Treasured Memories series that began in 2007 should be dedicated to this important aspect of family and social life. The AHS is interested in receiving recipes with family, church, eating establishment, school or club connections. This may be a dish served at Auburn High School, a special dessert families shared during the holidays, a recipe introduced by the Home Demonstration Club or a favorite at church suppers.

"Just as long as sharing the recipe is coupled with sharing the story of why it's important to you," Nichols said. In addition to food, the Society is expecting that recipes for old-time remedies will be submitted, too.

Submissions should be E-mailed if at all possible to auburntownhistoricalsociety@gmail.com. However, recipes and stories may be mailed to the Auburntown Historical Society, PO Box 114, Auburntown, TN. 37016. Deadline for submission is Feb. 28, 2009.

"The holiday season is a wonderful time to recall stories and record family recipes to share in the fundraising publication," Nichols noted.

Foundry in Cannon County?

2008-07-31T16:12:00.001-05:00

Does anyone know of a foundry in Cannon County? Perhaps in Woodbury? A friend of mine has a nutcracker that was supposedly made in Cannon County at a foundry here and is trying to learn more about the history of this foundry. I will appreciate hearing from anyone that might know more about such a business.

Best Regards,

Danny Nichols

2008-07-24T10:05:00.003-05:00

Auburntown, Tennessee: Treasured Memories and Recollections, 2008 Edition

The Auburntown Historical Society is now offering its new publication, Treasured Memories and Recollections, 2008 Edition, a follow-up to a similar, successful project completed last year.

The book, which sells for $10, can be ordered by mail by sending a check or money order for $13 to the Auburntown Historical Society, P.O. Box 114, Auburntown, TN 37016.

Danny Nichols, Auburntown Historical Society president, said that a limited number of copies were printed, meaning that no more will be available when this edition is sold out.

The 48-page book contains two dozen stories and numerous photos, all highlighting the memories of living individuals connected to Auburntown.

For a list of contents and other information about the society's activities, see below.

Auburntown 2008

2008-07-20T10:47:00.001-05:00

Photo by Danny Nichols

Facts about Auburntown

2008-06-09T14:36:00.000-05:00

Auburntown is located at 35°56′59″N, 86°5′45″W (35.949611, -86.095913).[3]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.6 square miles (1.5 km²), all of it land.
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 252 people, 102 households and 74 families residing in the town. The population density was 445.8/sq mi (170.7/km²). There were 115 housing units at an average density of 203.4/sq mi (77.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.41% White, 0.40% African American, 0.40% Asian and 0.79% from two or more races.
There were 102 households out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.7% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 26.5% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.0% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64 and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 85.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $32,857, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $31,429 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,275. About 8.1% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.0% of those under the age of eighteen and 9.8% of those sixty five or over.

What's for dinner?

2008-06-09T13:29:00.002-05:00

Share your favorite recipe, and tell everyone why it is your favorite, when you like to make it most and any great memory associated with it.

Auburn School

2008-06-09T12:49:00.004-05:00

Auburn High School is dear to the memory of many of us, no matter where we now live. If you have stories, memorabilia or historic information about AHS, please share here with others.

If you have moved away...

2008-06-09T12:47:00.002-05:00

What is the one thing you miss most about Auburn? Tell us where you lived, when you lived here and where you are now if you want.

Upcoming events

2008-06-09T10:42:00.006-05:00

List your event or read those offered by others here by clicking on "comments" below. When posting, please remember to include the event name, date, time, cost, description and any other pertinent information that will make people want to join you!

News items from Auburntown's past

2008-06-09T10:42:00.005-05:00

Anything you would like to share from the past that falls into the category of news? Click comment below and start typing!

Current News

2008-06-09T10:41:00.003-05:00

Click on "comment" to share your news.

Suggest Topics for Auburntown Blog

2008-06-09T10:37:00.002-05:00

It is our desire that you, our visitors, become participants in this blog designed for capturing the history and history in the making of Auburntown, Tennessee. Please click the "comments" button below to access the suggestion box. Selected topics will be posted and open for commenting by all. Should you desire to contribute an editorial or story, a news event or an announcement, please select the appropriate topic already listed.
Thanks.

2008-06-09T10:21:00.008-05:00

Contents of Auburntown Treasured Memories and Recollections

My Grandfathers’ Blacksmith Shop, Eleanor Nichols Bell
From Auburntown to New Mexico, Charles B. Black
Growing Up in Cooper Hollow, Joy Cooper Crocker
Home from Texas, Elizabeth Davenport
Daughtery School, Jewell Patterson Dale
Memories of Auburn School, Jewell Patterson Dale
A Few Years Ago At Sanders Fork School, Joe D. Davenport
Coach, Milan Davenport
A History of the Auburntown Church of Christ, David M. Dunn
Auburntown Remembered, Wayne Duggin
Memorable Preachers, Auburn Baptist Church, Sarah H. Gaither
Childhood Memories are Built around Sports, Winfred C. Gaither
My Sanders Fork Heritage, Scarlett Duggin Griffith
Life on the Farm, Mary Hughes
Memory Soup, Judy Nichols Johnson
Celtics at Auburntown, Greg Kennedy
Basketball in the ‘50s, Mary Jones Kelly
A Story about My Grandfather, Susie Kennedy
Riding the School Bus, Connie Shirley Leyhew
Our Town, Our Farm, Our Home, Virginia McCullough
Auburn Baptist Church, Donna Gaither Nichols
Perspectives, William Edward Nichols
Literary Societies at Auburn School and Auburn in the '30s, Ward Lane Odom
The Blessings of Attending a Small School, Annette (Turney) Reed
Memories of Auburn School, Lillie Dale Willard

Publications

2008-05-18T21:37:00.006-05:00

Treasured Memories & Recollections of Auburntown, Tennessee, is a complilation by friends and members of the Auburntown Historical Society। The 2007 edition was released for the community's Red Apple Days celebration the first weekend in August and was quickly sold out. These books contain stories, photos and other materials that capture a moment in the life of the author and in the history of the community. Not intended as a scholarly work, the diversity of contributions makes reading the material entertaining, with some eliciting a hardy laugh and others bringing a tear to the eye.

Auburntown Historical Society Meetings

2008-05-18T21:19:00.009-05:00

The Auburntown Historical Society

meets January - October

on the third Thursday night of each month

at 7 p.m.

Auburntown Church of Christ Fellowship Hall

_______

Annual dues are $15 per year for individuals.
Family and business memberships are available.

For more information email: auburntownhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

or mail: Box 114, Auburntown, Tenn. 37016

Donations to the society for its work on preserving the history of Auburntown and to assist in completion of a comprehensive history book about Auburntown are welcomed.