JUST FOR FUN

As most of you have experienced, board meetings in any organization are usually dull affairs. Ironically, one of the topics at the November meeting was “how can we make the Greenback Historical Society more fun.” Surprisingly, what resulted was a spontaneous eruption of real-time creative thinking rarely witnessed in a meeting environment. Within approximately fifteen minutes, the problem was posed, ideas put forth and coalesced into a plan of action, responsibilities assigned, and a timeline created. By the end of the month, the proposal was in operation.

So, how can the Historical Society be more fun? One way is by going out and actually experiencing the historical sites and activities in our area. Colleen Ragain, Cindy Benefield and Brenda Blair have compiled a calendar of activities with interesting and fun events in which we encourage you, your neighbors and your friends to take part. By doing so, perhaps we can attract more members and even discover additional opportunities to explore.

The first event was Saturday, December 2, at the Fort Loudoun State Park with an evening Candlelight Tour of the fort. The following Monday, December 4, was a trip to Knoxville's historic Tennessee Theater to hear the mighty Wurlitzer and area musical groups. Saturday, December 16, brought a visit and cookie exchange at our own Greenback Heritage Museum.

January has more activities at Ft. Loudoun and a visit to the Vonore Museum. February brings a trip to the Englewood Textile Museum and additional Ft. Loudoun opportunities. March will see excursions to Blount County museums. Several of these events are listed in UPCOMING EVENTS on Page 6 of this issue.

A full schedule and location details can be found on the Society website www.gbhistorical.com/just-for-fun-activities. The calendar will be extended as more events are identified. For more information, call Colleen Ragain at 865-740-5429. If anyone is in need of transportation, please call Cindy, Brenda, or Colleen and see what can be arranged.

Experiences and photos from several people attending the December events are shared throughout this issue of the newsletter. We encourage others who take part in future

NEXT MEETING: Saturday, Jan 20, Noon at the Greenback Community Center.

Inside This Issue Page 2 Publications, Museum Musings,

October Meeting, Members Meeting, Genealogy News

Page 3 In Memoriam, Ft. Loudoun Tour Page 4 Cookie Exchange, Mighty Wurlitzer Page 5 Nola Elam Award, Carolyn’s Corner Page 6 Upcoming Events

Greenback Historical Society, Inc. 6725 Morganton Road

P.O. Box 165 Greenback, Tennessee 37742

CHRONICLER Preserving Our Past

Issue 42, JANUARY 1, 2018 www.gbhistorical.webs.com

activities to provide their encounters and pictures as well. And most of all…have fun.

Paul Bailey

FORT LOUDOUN CANDLELIGHT TOUR

The warm weather and super moon made the Fort Loudoun Candlelight Tour exceptional. Entering through the luminary lined walkway provided by Boy Scout Troop 88, members gathered with the crowd in the welcome center before being led to the fort by an English soldier. Once inside, each of the buildings showcased aspects of fort life from medicine to blacksmithing. The brick oven was baking 8 pies at once while carols from the day were sung by re-enactors (below). There were drummers, Indians, and soldiers all telling stories in the various buildings of the encampment. The event culminated with the firing of one of the black powder cannons. For those who have missed this experience, put it on the calendar for next year: it’s highly educational and entertaining!

IN MEMORIAM

Boone, Paul G., 75, October 8, 2016.

PUBLICATIONS

Revisions have been made to the Historical Society’s webpage www.gbhistorical.com. The major change was the addition of a page to compile the “Just For Fun” activities described earlier. The listing will be updated periodically as new events are added.

In November, Oscar Lidstrom informed me that the Militia Springs Historical Marker had been installed along Highway 411. Sure enough, it was there when we made an ensuing trip to Vonore. For all the marker spotters out there, it is located a few hundred yards east of the Highway 72/East Tellico Parkway intersection with 411 on the south side of the highway. So far, the Norwood Inn marker has not magically appeared.

Paul Bailey

MUSEUM MUSINGS For a variety of reasons, weather included, the museum will be closed through January. If things go according to plan, it should reopen on Thursday, February 1.

OCTOBER MEETING SUMMARY

A Quarterly Meeting of the Greenback Historical Society was held Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the Greenback Community Center. The meeting was called to order by President Shirley Hall. In the absence of Secretary Linda Berry, the minutes of the July meeting were presented by Brenda Blair and were approved as read. Brenda Blair then presented the Treasurer’s report for approval.

Some discussion regarding the status of the Depot and the proposed historical marker followed. Carolyn Peck indicated that she would try to locate the Letter of Consent allowing the marker to be erected that Ron Edmundson had signed prior to his death.

The program was presented by Mr. Jarrod Brackett, CEO and General Manager of Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative. Mr. Brackett presented a collection of slides detailing the work being done by FLEC in assessing the feasibility of providing broadband internet to the rural area by utilizing FLEC infrastructure.

FLEC is currently evaluating information from a member survey to better understand the needs of the community. At the same time, they are reviewing technology options and available services to determine which best fit the requirements. If they decide to go ahead and provide internet service, then FLEC’s Board and membership must approve changes to the Cooperative’s bylaws. It will likely be two years before connections will begin taking place. Paul Bailey

CHRONICLER, Issue 42 Page 2

JANUARY 20, ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

The Annual Members Meeting of the Greenback Historical Society will take place Saturday, January 20, in the upstairs of the Greenback Community Center. The format will be our traditional potluck lunch beginning at noon. Bring a dish, drink or dessert. Setup will begin at 11:30.

The business meeting will take place after lunch and will include the election of officers and directors for the coming year, reports on ongoing activities and any other business which might be brought forth. A quorum is required for business votes so it is important that you attend. The meeting is open to the public so bring your friends and neighbors so they can learn about our organization. There will be displays describing some of our activities. It is also a good time to pay your dues for the coming year. As a reminder, dues are $10 for individuals and $15 for families.

The speaker for this meeting will be David Black describing the work that went into the production of the historical play Tanasi-1796. This is the story of David’s ancestor Captain Joseph Black and the Cherokee Chief Attakullakulla covering the period from about 1756 until the entry of Tennessee into the Union in 1796. The production was first presented at the Maryville College Clayton Center in February, 2016, and again in the spring of 2017.

Paul Bailey

GENEALOGY CHAPTER FORMING

We have been asked to announce the formation of the East Tennessee Chapter of The Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS). For information, contact Ron Brabson at 865-932-1155 or Shedenna A. Dockery at 423-248-8916.

IN MEMORIAM Headrick, Jama Lynn, Sept. 30, 2017. Bass, Sue, 55, Oct. 6, 2017. McConnell, Dorothy Carolyn, 73, Oct. 10, 2017. Henry, Melanie, 57, Oct. 14, 2017. Brooks, Kenneth, 64, Oct. 16, 2017. King, Imogene Byrd, 94, Oct. 31, 2017. Michels, Stephen Allen, 45, Oct. 31, 2017. Brannon, Charlotte, 74, Nov. 3, 2017. Lovingood, Jonathan Todd, 38, Nov. 12, 2017. Gibbs, Joan Loretta Wilson, 71, Nov. 13, 2017. Best, Mary Zemanovich, 98, Nov. 18, 2017. Stooksbury, Vola Caylor, 100, Nov. 23, 2017. Goforth, James Arlin, 75, Nov. 24, 2017. Craig, James Carl, 73, Nov. 24, 2017. Kirkland, Lola Virdell, 87, Nov. 26, 2017. Graves, Keith Allen, 74, Nov. 27, 2017. Schonagen, Henny, 80, Dec. 8, 2017. Myers, Johnnie Elizabeth Hammontree, 98, Dec. 9, 2017. O’Neill, Pete, 70, Dec. 9, 2017. Shults, Fred D, PhD, 79, Dec. 16, 2017. Lowry, Barbara Dodd, 78, Dec. 18, 2017. Rollins, Eula Bell, 84, Dec. 18, 2017.

CHRONICLER, Issue 42 Page 3

FORT LOUDOUN AT CHRISTMAS

On Saturday December 2, 2017 the moon was full and the weather unseasonable warm as four members of the Greenback Historical Society walked the historical ground of Fort Loudoun enjoying the Fort Loudoun 18th Century Christmas festivities. Bob and Colleen Ragain, Cindy Benefield, and Brenda Blair enjoyed the reenactment of the 18th century fort life as it would be at that time. Pies baked in outdoor ovens, blacksmith working by the blazing fire and the traditional firing of the cannon. You could hear singing from the troop barracks; children dressed in traditional clothing; visit the officers’ quarters and listening to stories of life in the fort. This event was the first of the outside activities we have planned for our historical society this year. We hope to see you at the next event!!

Brenda Tarwater Blair

Reenactors at Fort Loudoun during the Candlelight Tour.

A reenactor sits on a bench enjoying Christmas cheer in the Troop Barracks at Fort Loudoun State Park.

CHRONICLER, Issue 42 Page 4

THE MIGHTY WURLITZER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

With the schedule for our outings coming out late, only a couple of us made the Mighty Musical Monday performance at the Tennessee Theater December 4. The trip was certainly worth it! Not only did Dr. Bill Snyder and Freddie Brabson show off the historic Wurlitzer organ, but the swing band and Webb School Madrigal Singers and the Holston Middle School Kids performed Christmas favorites getting the packed house in a festive spirit. If anyone wondered at the historic significance, the theater itself is amazing, but the madrigal costumes were beautifully historically correct with opulent fabrics and distinctive headpieces. The director of the Holston Middle School Show Choir, Natalee Beeler Elkins, was featured in “I Want to be a Rockette”, while the talented group did Rockette routines including the toy soldier domino fall, which is extremely technically difficult. The entire performance was a delight and we should plan to include this on our standing calendar followed by lunch at Market Square. Make the promise to yourself now to experience this fabulous display of talent next year!

COOKIE EXCHANGE

The museum was festive December 16, with members bringing homemade cookies to share and exchange. Colleen Ragain brought molasses cookies from a 1953 recipe which were shaped around a wooden spoon to look like fortune cookies. Brenda Blair traveled to find black walnuts for one of her offerings and also brought caramel chocolate pretzels and pecan sandies. Coconut cookies were Barbara Davis’s offering while Kitty Ragain brought perennial favorites chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. Cindy Benefield brought her grandmother’s molasses crinkles, chocolate Andes mint cookies and frosted almond cookies. Sue Connell had a wide variety of cream cheese spritz cookies and thumbprints. Coffee and mulled cider were enjoyed between samplings along with Christmas dulcimer music. Kudos to the members who baked and shared!

The table set for the December 16 Cookie Exchange at the Greenback Heritage Museum.

Webb School Madrigal Singers and the Holston Middle School Show Choir perform at the Tennessee Theater Mighty Musical Monday on December 4.

The Mighty Wurlitzer takes the stage at the December 4, Tennessee Theater performance.

CHRONICLER, Issue 42 Page 5

CAROLYN’S CORNER

Brrr! “Baby, it’s cold outside.” I haven’t been this cold since the blizzard of 1993, but at least I have electricity and water. That time we were iced in for five days and my next door neighbors, who were usually able to dig out, couldn’t. When the National Guard came after us, the neighbors had finally managed to get up to the top of the driveway.

What an eventful year 2017 has been. For Greenback, one of the most gratifying was probably that the Greenback Football Team won the State Championship!!! How proud we all are. This is the third time they have tried. We have always been told that three times are a charm! For those of us who have relatives in Maryville and Alcoa, they won too!!! East Tennessee football should have some going on to college. The Vols could certainly use some stars!!

For downtown Greenback, good news abounds! The Ragains gave the old hardware and buildings on Morganton Rd. to the city to be used by the museum!!!! Now we need grants, donated labor and materials, and perhaps work on placing it on the National Historic Register. The Museum Committee has stored away many items for which there is no room. Perhaps a trip to the Englewood Museum may produce some ideas.

The Depot, on Morganton Road, currently on the National Register, now has a Farmers and Craft Market year round, Tuesdays from 10 AM to 2:00 PM. New vendors are being added weekly. New contests are being added weekly with a current theme. Shoppers can vote for their favorite with a donation of $1.00. Proceeds to be used for the project. Though not in downtown proper, but on Hwy. 411 is the Basketcase Market and Deli, which sells Amish foods, locally grown produce, and specialty items.

Just across the street, from the Depot is the Greenback Diner, which first opened for business in 1923 as a drug and diner. Dr. Bob Cook dispensed prescriptions in the rear and his wife Jessie developed the special chili for the hot dogs for which the Diner was famous. While no longer a pharmacy, the diner has operated almost continually since that time, and now has new ownership and management. When Angela Rigsby sold it, customer Tammy Tallent and husband Major Tallent bought it. Tammy began a new venture because Tammy could not bear to see the Diner closed where her son devoured so many hamburgers when he was in school at Greenback High. The Diner is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and as always, it still serves as a gathering place for Greenback residents and their friends.

Continued on Page 6

NOLA MELTON ELAM HISTORICAL AWARD, 2018

The Historical Award will be given this year to a Greenback High School student for an essay on the life of Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn, 1883-1961. Congressman Rayburn has the record of being the longest serving United States Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was chosen as the subject for the award for his service to the country and his ties to Tennessee. Although elected to the House of Representatives from Texas, he was born in Roane County, Tennessee, and was related to Greenback citizen, Minnie T. McTeer. Mrs. McTeer, who was active in Greenback history, referred to him as “Uncle Sam”.

Entries to the essay contest must be at least 1500 to 2000 words in length and be judged by content, accuracy, style, and be recommended by a Greenback Teacher. Sources must be documented. Check with the school for submission deadline. The Award will be presented at Graduation in May 2018. Entries will be judged by Paul Bailey, Greenback Historian, by Thelma Cooper, former Greenback English Teacher, and by the President of the Greenback Historical Society. The winner must be willing for the essay to be printed in the Greenback Historical Society Newsletter, the Greenback Heritage Scrapbook and/or be read at a meeting of the Historical Society.

This will be the third time this Award has been given. First, to Nathan Young, for his essay on Samuel Houston, Second to Shelby Kirkpatrick for her essay on James Madison, “Father of the Constitution”. Subjects for the essays are chosen by Carolyn Melton Peck, and with the exception of Madison, the majority of subjects will be Tennesseans, especially those who have ties to our area of the country. Carolyn Melton Peck

Fred and Floyd Cook in front of the Drug Store in 1928. They were sons of Bob and Jessie Cook. Picture donated by Bryan Coffey from the estate of Floyd Cook.

Carolyn’s Corner (Continued from Page 5) Speaking of food, I saw in the Daily Times a recipe for Boiled Custard, something I had not had since my Mother made it many years ago Miss Olivia brought it back to life for me, appropriately on my mother’s birthday, November 29. It reminded me that I am looking for a recipe that I have misplaced. It is for Lemon Cake Pie, a pie which my grandmother taught me to bake. I believe that it is possibly Pennsylvania Dutch. As far as I know, no one ever made it except my Grandmother McSpadden and me.

I meant to end this without mentioning that Greenback was an excellent place for viewing the eclipse in August. Much has been written about that, but early on New Year’s Day, in the wee hours of the morning, I looked out and saw the “Super Moon” low in the southwest. I couldn’t believe the bright perfect circle I was seeing!!!! I knew it wasn’t the sun rising in the east, but could find no explanation! Later that day, on TV, I heard that the “Super” Moon was one that was seldom seen and that I was one of the fortunate ones who was able to see it! Carolyn Melton Peck

UPCOMING EVENTS Jan 20, 2018, Annual Members Meeting. Upstairs

Greenback Community Center. Noon Potluck. Bring a dish, drink, or dessert. No admission fee. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORTS. A QUORUM IS REQUIRED FOR ALL BUSINESS. WE NEED YOU! ANNUAL DUES (2018) $10 for INDIVIDUAL, $15 for Family. You do not have to be a member to attend, but we would love to have you.

Jan 27, 2018, Vonore Heritage Museum, 619 Church St., Vonore, 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Meet us there at 1:00 PM. They are opening just for us.

Feb 10, 2018. Englewood Textile Museum, 109 South Niota Rd., Englewood, TN. Meet us there at 10 AM. Open until 5:00. No Fee. Attached is a consignment shop if you are interested.

March 21-24, A Mountain Quilt Fest. LeConte Event Center, Pigeon Forge, TN. See webpage for more information.

March 24, Blount County Historical Museum, 1006 E. Lamar Alexander Pky, Maryville, TN. Meet us there at 10 A.M. Open until 3:00, Free.

March 24, Cades Cove Museum, 1004 E. Lamar Alexander Pky.in the Historic Thompson Brown House, next door to Historical Museum unless it is too cold. There is no heat in the log cabin. Free.

CHRONICLER, Issue 42 Page 6

Stamp Greenback Historical Society, Inc. P.O. Box 165 Greenback, Tennessee 37742

Officers and Directors Shirley Ridings Hall, President 865-856-3419 Colleen Ragain, Vice President 865-740-5429 Linda Cabe Berry, Secretary 865-856-6412 Brenda Tarwater Blair, Treas. 865-856-2394 Cindy McCollum Benefield Larry Benson Brenda Tarwater Blair Barbara Davis Laura Del Rio Roy Goddard Kitty Ragain Larry Skidmore Lavonne Spires Supporters City of Greenback Kizer-Black Attys. T.C. Dixon, Printers C. Peck, Inc.