Have you ever driven by a house and thought, this place has got to have a story? I passed this old brick house the other day. It wasn’t my first time, but it was the first time that I really pondered its story. I decided to check in a book that I have about homes in Bedford County and was excited to find out some info about it!
“Sunnyside”, as its known, was built soon after the Civil War by John J. Gill and his wife Sue Riggs Gill. It’s located on the outskirts of Shelbyville on a large farm.
There are stories of lavish parties given by the Gills in this home. Mr. Gill had one of the finest libraries in the country and later donated much of it to Vanderbilt University.
One specific story that really caught my attention was a connection this home had to Bell Buckle. Sawney Webb was a guest here and thought very highly of Mr. Gill’s library. He was known to stay up all night reading books when he stayed there.
A spring flowed through the cellar underneath the house and hundreds of pounds of ice would be brought in from town. It would be packed in sawdust to keep milk, fruits, and vegetables cold.
*Info from “Doors to the Past” by the Bedford County Historical Society.
