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The Thomas Hughes Library
It’s not a surprise to learn that one of the first buildings constructed in Rugby was a library. The founder, Thomas Hughes, was an English author. The library was completed in May of 1882. Books began to pour in from publishers in honor of Hughes. 7,000 volumes fill the shelves of this one-room library. Most…
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St. Paul Church 1871
St. Paul Church was built in 1871 in Bayou Goula, Louisiana. It is considered to be an example of a carpenter, folk version of Gothic Revival style. It was damaged heavily by Hurricane Gustav in September of 2009 and the community came together to restore and save this historic church. When I took this…
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Fosterville Church of Christ
The Fosterville Church of Christ is part of the little community known as Fosterville. And while it used to be a major shipping hub for Rutherford County, the address is actually a Bell Buckle one these days. The church was built in 1886 on land donated by Harb Gilmore. E. A. Elam, president of David…
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Hutchison House New Orleans
There are homes in New Orleans that make you go wow. And then there are homes that make you go WOOOOOW. From the plaque in front of this home:This Southern Colonial Revival mansion was built between 1867 and 1873 as a one-and-a half story home for Alexander Charles “A.C.” Hutchinson and his wife Josephine Thomas…
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Charleston Building Circa 1790
Buildings like this can often blend in with the cityscape as you stroll or drive through Charleston. But with it being the oldest city in the state of South Carolina, chances are many buildings you see may be older than you think.This old building caught my eye. It’s located in the French Quarter District and…
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Historic Higdon Hotel
It was 1878 and Harriet Dodson had just built a home in a small town nestled along the banks of the Hiawassee River. Life was simple back then. It was quiet and Harriet had everything she needed there on the Hiwassee.For reasons unknown, she sold the home sometime around 1883 to Calvin Higdon and his…
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Tennessee’s Oldest Opera House Part 2
Fast forward to February of 2007. The Southern Tennessee Area Arts Repertory (STAAR) was looking for a new building. It just so happened that a space had opened up in a former retail store on the east side of the square. Tammy Pierchoski, the now Exective Director of STAAR, found the space to be just…
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Tennessee’s Oldest Opera House
It was early 1868 and Pulaski, Tennessee, had just suffered a devastating fire to the east side of its public square. While businesses began talks of rebuilding, Mr. Angenol Cox declared his plans to construct a magnificent hall. His hall would sit where a large section of buildings once stood. His was the first building…
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Soda Pop Junction, Lynnville
Let me introduce you to the little town of Lynnville, Tennessee. Settled in 1809. Population 310. But more specifically to the Soda Pop Junction. This small town burger and milkshake joint calls a historic 1860 building its home. It was built right around the railroad boom. Just steps from the front door are the tracks…
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Hotel, Funeral Home, Then Residence
It’s time for another Bell Buckle history lesson! This beautiful place is now the Strobel Home, but has quite a history as being other things. Built sometime between 1881 and 1887, this place had 22 rooms and was known as the Lynch Hotel. Its location close to the railroad depot made it the perfect place…
