Faust And “The Magic Of Elkmont”
Mrs. Faust brings to life the magic of Elkmont! Having never met Lynn Faust, of Knoxville Tennessee, her recent Mountain Pressstory, by Mr Hodges, truly reached the depths of my heart with the Elkmont magic. A true and current event adorned with photos (July 11,2010) will draw anyone loving nature, adventure, and memories of their childhood in such magical woodsy settings.
Elmont is the “south’s ghost town”. Though the area once consisted of over 75 structures and until fairly recently a large hotel, like many ghost towns out west she was left to pass away and return to nothingness. Unlike many out west, people did not willingly desert her, the government removed the people by refusing to renew their leases. Despite the plea of her inhabitants and the many rallied alongside them to save the memories and beauty… the government turned a deaf ear.
Step forward to 2010, the government realises what a valuable asset of historic value Elkmont possesses and releases funds to rescue about 19 of the standing structures while letting 40-50 perish. The push is now on to shore up structures that may be able to be saved and actually restoring some of the less impacted structures.
I agree with Mrs. Faust, it is a shame that so many of the structures still standing will be destroyed and their story wiped from history. For many it is not that they are that far gone, it is the expense that makes them unsalvageable. The government caused their demise and once again turns a deaf ear to the individuals and groups willing to volunteer time, materials, and financial gifts to save as much of Elkmont as possible. It seems the government could find a way to rally around the Elkmont Historic District and others wanting to save as much as possible.
In reading The Mountain Press’ Elkmont story, one can feel themselves transported back in time. The sounds of the Cherokee as they hunted for food and shared their hunting stories around the fire. Pioneer settlers as they transversed below her trees to nearby forts. Train whistles and the clacking on tracks as they carried in structures, the very structures now needing saved, and carried massive amounts of lumber used to build a young growing frontier. The sounds of laughter coming from the nearby watering hole or children playing hide-n-seek from various rooms and porches of this magical town. A town built from back breaking sweat and hard manual labor having moved on to become the memories of so many past and present.
Look at the cost many cities have paid to save or re-create historic districts and walking museums like Williamsburg and Plymouth Rock. Why can’t others help restore as much of Elkmont as humanly possible? Even Dollywood Theme Park recognises the value their structures contribute to their park’s popularity. Elkmont is the peoples treasure as is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself. There has to be a way for Park and Government officials to allow the people an opportunity to come to the rescue.
There was no mention as to if and what the Park Service plans on doing to gather the history of Elkmont and to display that history. It does seem a more affordable opportunity to touch on the earlier days of the Smoky Mountains history with less cost than moving churches, homes, and barns that makes Cades Cove. This is a juel ready for the park to place on display, like Williamsburg this can become a living museum of sorts reaching all the way back to the Cherokee and not just Millionaire’s Row. An opportunity to allow volunteers to tell the stories, music to fill the valley and hills, and children to once again form memories if even but for a brief time…ahhh look at those fireflies.
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Operation Baghdaddy Bears Serves Military Families
Operation Baghdaddy Bears, sounds like a fictional movie script but what it is really is a tug at the human heart.
Operation Baghdaddy Bears is inspirational call to action by three Sevier County high school students Lindsey Layman, Calleigh Allen, and Cameron Allen. The three students observed Sgt. Stacy Cutshaw, of the National Guard 134 Security Forces Squadron, as he was deploying. He gave his son a teddy bear, inside the bear was a pre-recorded message left by Sgt. Stacy in the hopes of comforting his son while away.
Much like the commercials on tv that portray one good act observed by others carry on, well this one sure did. The students sent recorders to the remaining soldiers with children in the 134th Security Squadron, now overseas. When the recordings came back the students placed them in bears, donated by Pigeon Forge’s Three Bears General Store, placed the bears in mock-up uniforms, and mailed them to the soldiers’ children. In addition, the three high school students put on bake sales to raise funds for shipping and handling.
Bravo Zulu to these fine teens, Lindsey Layman, Calleigh Allen, and Cameron Allen! As a retired Navy Veteran, I salute you and those who supported such a moving and thoughtful gesture of the heart. You have exemplified ”moral” for those abroad now serving, you have touched our soldiers children and families here at home, and your actions have vibrated through the hearts of those whom have sacrificed and served our nation.
Where soldiers must raise guns to duty’s call, let it fill our hearts that our youth have placed but a simple teddy bear, filled with the comforting voices of a parent’s love, in the arms of their children back home.
Smoky Mountains Tremont Bird Banding
Great Smoky Mountains Tremont Announces 2010 Bird Banding Program
Scientists estimate nearly 230 different species of birds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thirty-four species are considered endangered, threatened or of conservation concern have been observed in the park. With its unusual birds and incredible diversity of habitats, it is no surprise that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered one of the most important places for birds in the eastern United States.
Keeping up with all these species within the 520,000 acres of the national park is a daunting task, and for the past ten years, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (Tremont) has been assisting the park in monitoring these birds through bird banding.
“Tremont has been banding birds since 2000, so we have a great deal of data concerning the bird populations in this valley. We already had a pretty good idea of what birds we can expect to find here in the summer, but it’s hard to say much about them or their populations by simply hearing or seeing them. Capturing, banding, and releasing the birds gives us a wealth of information - how long birds live, what proportion survive from year to year, their productivity, patterns of movement across the landscape, condition, and more,” said Josh Davis, Tremont’s citizen science coordinator.
“We’ve banded birds that were only a few weeks old and preparing to head to South America for the winter,” Davis continued. “The next year we’ve captured them in the exact same net, after flying thousands of miles back and forth. Information like this helps gives us a more complete picture of what these birds’ lives are like. We also partner with Park ecologists and other researchers to assist with data collection for other projects - searching for parasites, assessing mercury levels, or testing for avian flu, for example.”
At the beginning of each banding session, volunteers help erect nets starting at 6:00 am. During the ensuing six hours, the nets are checked every 40 minutes, birds are carefully removed and a metal bracelet (which is marked with nine-digit number) is attached to their legs. Detailed notes are taken including age, gender, and breeding condition. After the birds are inspected they are released.
The bands have a unique number on them, which is registered with the Bird Banding Laboratory in Maryland. If that bird is ever captured again, or if it is found dead, it is hoped that the finder will report the bird’s status and band number to the laboratory, so that they, in turn, can notify the originator of the band.
“Everyone is encouraged to report banded birds to the Bird Banding Laboratory, by phone or on the Internet. It’s important data that will be lost otherwise,” said Davis.
Bird banding is one of a number of citizen science projects carried on at Tremont each year. Tremont uses citizen science-the involvement of non-scientists in scientific research-as another tool to connect people with nature. Through this program, students as well as other volunteers have the chance to contribute to the scientific research conducted within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
2010 Bird Banding Dates
Thursday, June 3rd
Wednesday, June 16th
Thursday, June 17th
Wednesday, June 23rd
Tuesday, June 29th
Thursday, July 8th
Friday, July 30th
Wednesday, August 4th
Bird banding sessions typically last 5-6 hours beginning with set-up at 6:00 am. Participants do not have to attend the entire session. Dress should be weather-appropriate. Participants should bring plenty of water and rain gear in case of sudden showers. There can be bugs, poison ivy or occasional stream to cross, so participants should be prepared for all those situations.
Those interested in attending any of the sessions should contact Josh Davis at or 865-448-6709. If a banded bird is found, the information can be reported at 1-800-327-BAND, or at www.reportband.gov
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of providing in-depth experiences through residential educational programs designed to nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrate diversity, and foster stewardship. Tremont welcomes all ages to step away from their daily routine to learn, reflect and grow while living in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 37882 · (865) 448-6709 · www.gsmit.org
Dolly Parton Helps Nashville
In the state of Tennessee we are blessed to have several famous people, in the Smoky Mountains we are blessed to a super star, Dolly Parton!
Monday Dolly Parton announced on national tv that May 22nd and 23rd net admission proceeds from Dollywood Theme Park and Dixie Stampede would be set aside in a special fund to aide Nashville flood victims. If this were not enough, Dolly Parton will make several appearances throughout Dollywood an at Dixie Stampede.
In an interview, Dolly having grown up in the Smoky Mountains and lived the past 46 years in Nashville, stated it best when she said “I have family and friends in both places, and when one place hurts, I think it is just right for the other to help.”
Well Dolly Parton has helped her hometown Tennessee Smoky Mountains many a time and Nashville sure can use and appreciate her answering the call for HELP once again. Strip away the flash, the glitter, and underneath still remains a shining angel.
If you have pondered attending Dollywood Theme Park or Dixie Stampede this summer, please come out May 22nd or 23rd and support Dolly Parton’s attempt to help Nashville Tennessee, thank you!
illall
Tennessee Douglas Lake Doing Great
East Tennessee’s Douglas Lake doing great so far!
The previous 2 years Douglas Lake has struggled to maintain water levels satisfactory for boating, fishing and other water activities. So far this year the levels are excellent and many of the lake areas are now open for the first time in 2 years.
Last week we had the pleasure of fishing Douglas Lake with Captain Dave Berry, Smokies Angling Adventures. Despite our lacking bass fishing skills, we faired really well with Captain David’s friendly guidence and all had a teriffic time. My wife was more than happy to share with everyone she had caught the largest bass all by herself.
Several families seemed to be enjoying the various activities surrounding Douglas Lake and we noticed that campsites are filling fast with locals and guest from other states. Water temp seemed to hover around 72 degrees and was very smooth. This year is sure to be great on Douglas Lake!
Belle Island To Sale Third Time
Belle Island, Pigeon Forge Tennessee, is a multi-use attraction facility housed on the Little Pigeon River downtown Pigeon Forge. This is the 3rd attempt to keep construction going and complete the 17 acre facility. Financial troubles and the downed economy have plagued Belle Island from the start, however with new financial backing, the drive is to have Belle Island in full operation by the end of December 2010.
Started back in 2006, Belle Island is about 80% complete. Despite the two previous stalls in construction and financial woes, Belle Island is still slated to have two key anchor attractions. The first is a showboat style structure housing Debbie Reynolds’ Hollywood Motion Picture Museum. Second anchor, a Darrell Waltrip NASCAR “racing experience.” In addition to these two, there will be several restaurants, unique gift shops, and some lodging.
Pigeon Forge was rumored to have committed the city to building a bridge that would conjoin Belle Island to their 40 acre parking lot. Belle Island has no parking but Pigeon Forge signed contracts with a few car groups earlier in the year to use the parking lot. Wonder what impact this will have on construction and future parking?
Moon Shine Still In Gatlinburg
Yee Hah, thars shine in dem dar hills! Yepper there’s a working Gatlinburg moon shine still on its way in, Ole Smoky Distillery at Lineberger Plaza. The Gatlinburg City Commission will hold a meeting tonight to determine if they will grant “a certificate of good moral character” the last obstacle to getting a real working moonshine still and a Gatlinburg requirement for any establishment in Gatlinburg whose owners wish to sell alcoholic beverages.
The store will be divided into two parts, one area for visitors to enjoy watching the moonshine still in operation and purchase of souvenirs, books, and food. The second part is for adults wishing to purchase commemorative bottles of the still’smoonshine, which must be consumed off-premises. The owners hope to have both stores open by the end of May.
Tennessee Smoky Mountain Updates
Welcome to our Tennessee Smoky Mountain updates!
There has been lots of action happening in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville Smoky Mountains area, however mostly with election politics.
I-40 Open To The Smoky Mountains
Close to the Tennessee and North Caolina border was a very large rock slide that closed I-40 and forced thousands of Smoky Mountain visitors to make detours adding as much as and hour to their trip. Well with diligent work by all companies involved and after months of being closed, I-40 is safely once again re-opened!
Gatlinburg Tennessee Disc Golf Tournament
Mills Park Gatlinburg will hold a Disc Golf Tournament as a fundraiser for the First Baptist Church of Gatlinburg for their Youth Ministry Mission trip to Birmingham, AL. The event, rain or shine, will be held on May 2nd from 12:30 to 3:30pm. Lunch will be served 12:30 - 2:00pm. There will be 3 flights children, intermediate, and advanced. Great Prize Packages will be awarded. Entry fees are: Children 10-under $5, Intermediate - $10, and Advanced - $15. Entry fees include the lunch. For more information call Bryson Fortner at 865-680-7729, Chris Bowling 865-712-3737, or the church office 865-436-4685.
Bloomin Barbeque Bluegrass Festival Sevierville TN!
On May 14-15, Sevierville will hold the Bloomin Barbeque Bluegrass Festival next to the Sevier County Courthouse. Listening to great music and enjoying the fantastic food smells is FREE! Tasting of the delicious vittels will cost you a little. May 14th don’t miss locally recorded music artist Jimbo Whaley 6:30pm andBlue Highway at 8pm. There will be several other performers throughout both days, local crafts, barbeque supplies, and floral arrangements. So come out and have a great foot stomping time in the scenic Tennessee Smoky Mountains!
Smoky Mountain Carriage Rides !!!
Sevierville has opened the doors to Heritage Carriage Rides, a beautiful horse drawn carriage service offering spur-of-the-moment rides and longer rides for planned occasions. Their operations are currently in the Moe’s Southwest Grill parking lot, just past Walmart.
Hopefully one of the cities will wake up and embrace the opportunity presented in having such a fine attraction by providing a more permanent home in the Smokies!
The seasonally decorated carriage rides normally last 12 minutes and Heritage charges $5 per person, children 5 and under are free. For more information call (770) 402-1720.
Tennessee Smoky Mountains Hopping!!!
The Tennessee Smoky Mountains is caught up in a whirlwind of activity this April 16th weekend.
Gatlinburg is hosting the Mountain Man Memorial March April 17th.
Pigeon Forge is wall to wall with antique autos and custom hot rods for the Spring Grand Rod Run. Thousands of these cars line the Pigeon Forge Parkway from one end of town to the other and all points in-between. Bring plenty of film or digital media as the sights are just endless. Several of the custom and antique automobiles are for sale, prices and deals seem better than past years.
Sevierville is having a big Flower And Garden Show & Sale at the Sevier County Fairgrounds (Old Knoxville Highway behind Lowes) Saturday April 17th from 9am - 4pm. They will feature flowers, plants, shrubs, yard art, lawn equipment, tools, children crafts, music, an auction and snacks. Admission is $3.00 or $2.00 with nonperishable food item.
Sevierville Tennessee Hearse To New Library
Sevierville Tennessee’s new King Family Public Library will soon receive its first books to stock its newest library opening May 14th to the public. The first books will arrive by hearse April 20th at 9a.m..
Now why would anyone deliver new books to a new library in a vehicle that is a symbol of ending? Well, Sevierville’s first library opened in 1920. The library was founded by the local mortician Fred Rawlings. Fred Rawlings delivered the new library’s first books from Knoxville by use of his hearse. In 1968 Sevierville built a newer library and Fred Rawlings was asked to symbolically transport the first set of books for the newest library once again in his hearse.
Steeped in tradition, Rawlings Funeral Home will provide its oldest hearse for the delivery of the first books for the King Family Public Library. A Rawlings family member will ride along for the delivery to Sevierville’s newest library.
