Thursday, December 13, 2012

FERGUSON HALL/MARTIN CHEAIRS HOUSE

Ferguson Hall was built by the Cheairs family. It is said to be the sister house of Rippavilla. It was completed in 1853. During the Civil War, it served as headquarters for Confederate Gen Earl Van Dorm during his retreat form the Battle of Murfreesboro. Although few details exist, it seems the Van Dorm had an affair with the wife of local doctor George Peters. When Dr. Peters became aware of the rumors, he waited at the house of Van Dorn. The result of their encounter was the death of Van Dorn and the escape of Dr. Peters. Later, his action was said to be a justifiable act and he was never prosecuted.

The Ferguson Hall is also known as the "Martin Cheairs House" (or Chairs House as it is sometimes spelled) after its builder, Martin Cheairs. It is located in Spring Hill, TN on the campus of the Tennessee Children's Home on the east side of HWY 31.





Wednesday, December 12, 2012

HAYNES HAVEN FARM - Spring Hill

Haynes Haven Farm, aka GM Welcome Center, is located south of Spring Hill on the west side of HWY 31. It was built in 1930 on the site of an older house which burned. Strictly speaking it is not the Welcome Center but it is on the same site and it is more visible from the road than the actual center.




GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH - SPRING HILL

Grace Episcopal Church in Spring Hill is located at the intersection of Main (HWY 31) and Beechcroft Rd (HWY 247). Grace Episcopal was established in 1878. The building is a lovely structure that gives a sense of peace and tranquility in a very busy intersection. The architectural style is Carpenter Gothic/Rural Gothic used in many churches of that era. The church boasts a very beautiful stained glass window dedicated the H. B. Estes.




Monday, December 10, 2012

2012 MAURY COUNTY FAIR

With the disappearance of so many family farms, county fairs have suffered. The Maury County Fair is no exception. I went on Wednesday and there is naturally few people. I went back on Saturday and the place was full. Nevertheless, there was not livestock or garden or any of those "blue ribbon" type events or they were finished just one day after the opening. There were 4-H type displays but only pictures of the animals. I don't mean to be down on the Fair. The people who were there and I were having a lot of fun.













FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF COLUMBIA, TN

The First United Methodist Church of Columbia is located at 222 West 7th Street just two blocks from the Courthouse. Their history goes back to the beginning of Maury County. The first minister came in 1818 and served Franklin and Columbia. The Church was then located on Main Street near Ninth. In 1836 they moved to the current location. This "new" building burned in 1874. It was replaced with the current one in 1876.





First United Methodist Church of Columbia, TN website