Tennessee Rusty Relics

On a Mission ~ I had severe doubts about the end result of this Mission style chair when I first saw it. 16 coil springs in a drop seat, broken parts and wood that was in need of some TLC. The original springs were snapped from their structure and being held together with a saddle cinch strap and covered in an old Blue Ribbon burlap grain bag. To restore, I placed new webbing, cleaned the original springs and completed the 8-way hand tying to create a solid and comfortable seat. The wood was hand sanded numerous times and brought back to life. The end result was a lovely leather drop-in seat and made the perfect Christmas gift.

East Tennessee ~ we had the pleasure of a private tour on Sunday, 02/28/2021, of this 1857 Colonial home which was once a 2000 acre plantation. Built by Albert S. Lenoir, the property given to him by his father, William Lenoir, a Revolutionary War land grant. Still standing are 2 of the most elaborate slave homes. The 250-300 year old Beech tree is protected as a historical “witness “ tree and is suffering from decay at this time. Raided by Sherman, but did not burn due to Masonic relativity. Later became a Confederate supply house. @ Sweetwater, Tennessee

East Tennessee ~ we had the pleasure of a private tour on Sunday, 2/28/2021, of this 1857 Colonial home. I do wish I had better quality photos and more photos to communicate the structural aspects of of this incredible home. Built by Albert S. Lenoir on property given to him by his father via a Revolutionary War land grant, the original property consisted of a 2,000 acre cotton plantation near the Tennessee river. Still standing are the two slave quarters, which have had some updates completed throughout time. The Beech tree was amazing and is one of very few still standing in our country. It is protected, but is suffering from age and decay whereas it had to be topped off recently to protect the historical home. It was told the home was ransacked by Union soldiers in the War Between the States, however, because the owner was a Masonic member, it was spared of burning by Sherman, as he also was a Masonic member. Later during the war, Confederates used the house and acreage for a supply station and campsite. This home and property left us in awe and I wanted to share with you all a bit of the Tennessee history that still exists. Meeting the owners was like seeing a long lost friend. Good folks who wish to maintain the history of the entire property and safeguard it for years to come.

Great metal detecting hunt Saturday, 02/13/2021, at an actual 1862 battlefield (with permission). Enfield bullet from Union campsite found. Also a piece of a small barrel band on the camp side. A few battered finds from an old homesite beneath the field. Needless to say this opportunity doesn’t come around too often. I was extremely fortunate to be there. The site was hunted heavily in the 70’s and was lucky to have found this Enfield bullet.

This antique walnut Italian Renaissance hall bench, which is quite unusual, is dated between 1790-1830. The lovely piece now adorns the growing collection to our personal museum to be cherished and protected by us. Acquired February 2021 in East Nashville.

BELMONT MANSION ~ this beautiful plantation home sits on the grounds of Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee. Added are photos of a Victorian set we recently acquired. A few photos are of the set as it was placed in the Belmont Mansion, and some photos once in our possession. Most of the upholstery is stained or torn and the coil springs and webbing have seen better days and cannot even be sat upon at this time. I will be reupholstering the set in period-like fabric and replacing the webbing as well as the 8-way ties which holds the springs in place. This set means so much to us as it is a part of my Southern roots and heritage. As always with any historical piece I reupholster, original fabric pieces, gimp, tacks, etc. will be gathered and noted. This set has been previously reupholstered, I am hoping to find any original parts as I deconstruct. Any of which I will place back into the piece for someone else to uncover another 100 years from now.

Per BelmontMansion.com: “Adelicia and Joseph Acklen built Belmont Mansion in the Italian Villa style in 1853 as a country estate and summer retreat from their Louisiana plantations. There they raised their family in Adelicia's native Nashville until December 1864 when the 4th Corps of the Union Army occupied the house and grounds before the Battle of Nashville.”

Tunnel Hill Georgia ~ W&A Railroad Tunnel ~ this railroad tunnel was of vital importance prior to the War Between the States and then significant during the war. Originally known as the Chetoogetta Mountain tunnel, it was completed in 1850 by Irish immigrants and Irish slaves. This tunnel linked Chattanooga to Atlanta and was at this time the longest tunnel to exist in America at 1,477 feet. Confederate (Army of Tennessee) force’s seized this area twice (General Hood and General Johnston) with no damages to the area. Union forces (General Sherman) seized the area in 1864, causing significant damages prior to Sherman’s “March to the Sea/Atlanta” campaign. All Generals took liberty to make use of the Clisby Austin home and grounds as headquarters. This home still remains. The W&A railroad was also significant to the 1862 “Great Locomotive Chase” when Union spies stole “The General”locomotive in Kennesaw cutting telegraph lines along the north route. Pursuit via “The Texas” the third locomotive to pursue, by local railroad employees saw fit to end the Union spies plan. The spies were executed after capture. You can visit this area and tour the tunnel and grounds for a mere $8 per person for a self-guided tour. It is well worth the travel to pay this area a visit. At this time, the original train depot is under renovation and will serve this small southern town very well.

Finally made it out on an adventure to Clarkrange and Jamestown Tennessee. Loved the ambiance of the Cumberland Mtn. General Store. Was like walking back in time.

Happy Halloween Season everyone.....

My husband, the one with such imagination also built this nifty tool rack for easy reach when reupholstering.

My wonderful husband built my new work bench for my upcoming workshop. All pieces were repurposed including the 100+ year old barn wood.