4
Oaklands is as renowned for its architecture as it is for its historic significance in Murfreesboro.
Contents Grantland Rice
10
Garth Brooks was one of many performers to take the Murphy Center stage. GANNETT TENNESSEE FILE
2 • THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL
12
8
The state champion 1970 Central High School football is shown. Look inside for more historic sports heroes.
Postcard collections depict Murfreesboro of old for future generations. JIM LAUGHLIN COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES
15
Murfreesboro’s beginnings were not without their trials and tribulations at the hands of its founding fathers.
Celebrating 200 Years of Growth From Cannonsburgh to The Avenue, from agriculture to manufacturing, Murfreesboro has seen a few changes in its 200-year history. A rich history, our music, our people and so much more combine to make this a great place to work, live and play – today and for years to come.
Stop by and celebrate our city’s bicentennial year with lunch or dinner at another historic favorite.
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ARTS & ARCHITECTURE
From stage to film, arts thrived here Princess Theatre remembered By Samantha E. Donaldson sedonaldson@dnj.com
W
hether it’s on stage or on the big screen, Murfreesboro has had a long history with the performing arts. Local thespians have taken to the stage throughout the city’s 200-year history to entertain the masses. And one organization in particular has kept the tradition alive for 50 years. Murfreesboro Little Theatre, which currently operates out of the Log Cabin at 702 Ewing Blvd., recently observed its golden anniversary of providing community Nancy Clymer, standing, and Nelda Pope theater for the public. performed in “Widow's Best Friend” at It got its start when the Murfreesboro Little Theater in July 2008. The founding members got theater marked its 50th anniversary this year. DNJ together at a friend’s FILE PHOTO home to read plays aloud. Having quite a bit of fun, they decided to form a theatrical group. The first few productions were performed at Reeves-Rogers Elementary School. The group rallied the community to pay for memberships to the organization to raise money for costumes and staging. At one point the theater group performed in the back of Woodfin and Moore funeral home. In 1967, MLT moved into the Boy Scout Lodge, or Log Cabin, where it is today, although it didn’t stay for too long before finding a temporary home at the York VA Medical Center for about two years. The first show that the newly formed MLT did was “Anniversary Waltz.” The production was recently perThe Princess Theatre is shown as it was in this 1950s-era photograph. The cinema was long a stable of the entertainment
community in Murfreesboro and the place for Saturday matinees. DNJ FILE PHOTO 4 • THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL
The home of Larry and Lisa Sims, 537 E. Main St., is an example of the historic architecture in the ‘Boro. DNJ FILE PHOTO
formed again as part of the city’s bicentennial celebration. Four outdoor shows were done at the original cost of a ticket — $1.
Princess Theatre While the stage has long been a traditional form of entertainment for residents, Murfreesboro has also had a love affair with the cinema. One of the crown jewels of early cinema in Murfreesboro was the old Princess Theater, originally located on the east side of the Public Square and later rebuilt at 112 W. College St., next to the current Center for the Arts building. The theater originally opened in1919 and through the years became the go-to place for entertainment. The iconic cinema sur-
vived a couple of incarnations, including a fire in the early 1950s. Theater-goers enjoyed many a Saturday matinee there, taking in the latest Roy Rogers and Gene Autry movies, among others. It had 539 seats on the floor and a smoking area in the balcony, a general admission balcony, and black only balcony. When it opened it did not have a concession stand and a very small lobby. Admission in 1958 was 10 cents for children and 35 cents for adults, and also 5 cents for colored children and 15 cents for a colored adult. Saturday RC matinees cost six RC bottlecaps.
Center for the Arts The Center for the Arts is the home of theater and
the arts in Murfreesboro, where groups present large-scale musicals and shows on a weekly basis. First opened in1995, the theater was originally funded by the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. In 2008, The Center became a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and now depends on the generosity of the public for funding. The Center for the Arts is housed in an Italianate structure built in 1909 by the U.S. Department of Treasury on the site of an old livery station. Before it was transformed into a theater, the building was the site of the public library. Before that it was the location of the post office. Rumors are the old post master still haunts the building, and watches the coming and going of staff and players.
Architecture The county seat of Rutherford County is rich in architectural history, with many structures originally built in the1800s still surviving to this day. The Rutherford County Courthouse, for instance, dates back to 1859. The Greek Revival-style structure is one of six courthouses in the state built prior to the Civil War that is still standing. Oaklands Historic House Museum, which was built in the Italianate style, is another well-recognized landmark and was the main house of an antebellum plantation. The original house was built in 1815 and has undergone some renovations since. Walking tours of the architectural stylings are a popular tourist activity.
This home at 331 E. Main St. shows some of the stylings that are commonplace in downtown Murfreesboro. DNJ THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL • 5
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Mr. Kenton Kramer ADMINISTRATOR
6 • THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL
God is at work at Franklin Road Christian School! FRCS was founded for one purpose: to assist the Christian home in training children in a Christian environment. We strive to influence every child in three areas. First of all, we desire to influence students spiritually. We believe that spiritual decisions are the most important decisions any student can make. Our teachers work to integrate God’s Word into every subject, and our calendar events are geared toward spiritual growth. Secondly, we seek to influence students in the area of academics. FRCS has state-recognized accreditation through the Tennessee Association of Christian Schools. Following graduation, ninety-five percent of our graduates enroll in college for the upcoming fall semester. Every student who graduates from FRCS receives the minimum of a college prep diploma, and students who have attended FRCS from K5-12th grade have an average ACT score of twenty-four. Our faculty and staff take educating your child very seriously, and we realize that education is the key to a bright future.
Lastly, we want to influence every child physically. We offer award-winning athletic and fine arts programs, which compete in the Tennessee Athletic Association of Christian Schools and Tennessee Association of Christian Schools (TACS), respectively. Your student will be trained to compete at a high level within a safe Christian environment. With God’s help, we plan to continue graduating young people who are well-prepared for their future spiritually, academically, and physically. I hope that you will prayerfully consider enrolling your child in Franklin Road Christian School.
A Ministry of Franklin Road Baptist Church
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HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT
Grantland Rice of Murfreesboro sets the scenes for NBC's Grantland Rice Sports Stories and picks the stories to be dramatized in this July 1944 photo. FILE
A historic marker denotes the location of the home at the corner of Spring and College Street in Murfreesboro as the birth home of Grantland Rice, a famous sports writer and poet. He is most famous for saying, “It’s not whether you win or lose that’s important, it’s how you play the game.” HELEN COMER/DNJ
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OUR SPORTS From prep teams to MTSU, from youth recreation to Major League Baseball, Murfreesboro has been home to some incredible sports heroes and moments in its history. Following is a visual look at some of the players, coaches and moments that create instant pride and excitement for our town.
MTSU’s men’s golf won seven Ohio Valley Conference titles in the 1960s and a 1965 national championship. MTSU PHOTO MTSU football seniors celebrate after winning the New Orleans Bowl against Southern Mississippi in 2009. DNJ FILE PHOTO The 1915 MTSU football team (then Middle Tennessee Normal School) was one of nine squads in the program’s first 10 years to post a .500 record or better. MTSU PHOTO
Bryce Brentz nearly pulled off a college triple header in 2009. He led the nation in batting average and home runs. DNJ FILE PHOTO
Blackman running back I'Tavius Mathers became the first Rutherford County football player to rush for 2,000 yards in a 10-game regular season in 2011. JOHN A. GILLIS/DNJ
Longtime MTSU coach Boots Donnelly excites his team. FILE 8 • THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL
Dewon Brazelton pitched MTSU to NCAA regionals in 2000 and 2001, and the finals of the 2000 Clemson Regional. DNJ FILE
Chelsia Lymon, left, and Alysha Clark celebrate MTSU's 70-68 overtime win over University of Arkansas Little Rock in the Sun Belt Conference championship game in Hot Springs, Ark., on March 8, 2010. JOHN A. GILLIS/DNJ
Former Oakland standout Brennan King was on the 1999 Oakland team that won the state title.
Riverdale’s girls basketball team has won three state titles (2007, 2010, 2012). Shacobia Barbee is the lone Rutherford County athlete to win back-to-back Miss Basketball awards, winning the award in 2011 and 2012. GANNETT TENNESSEE
Murfreesboro’s David Price was a standout pitcher at Blackman High before going to Vanderbilt. He was the No. 1 pick of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays and had 20 wins in 2012. GANNETT TENNESSEE
The Blue Raiders and coach Stan Simpson upset Kentucky 50-44 in the 1982 NCAA tournament.
Riverdale graduate Cat Hosfield was named the NHSCA National Player of the Year in 2008. GANNETT
MTSU PHOTO
TENNESSEE
Former Riverdale football coach Gary Rankin won four state titles at the Murfreesboro school. DN FILE THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL • 9
OUR MUSIC
Murfreesboro a center for popular music, stars By Samantha E. Donaldson
M
URFREESBORO — Middle Ten-
Dolly Parton performs "Applejack" for the crowd at Murphy Center . She was co-billed with Kenny Rogers, along with newcomer T. Graham Brown in this 1986 concert. GANNETT TENNESSEE FILE PHOTO
Kenny Rogers performs in a 1982 concert at Murphy Center on Middle Tennessee State University’s campus in Murfreesboro. GANNETT TENNESSEE FILE
neseee has been a hub for music of all styles for generations, and Murfreesboro is no different. From Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra concerts to the college bands that play in local bars and venues, the city has a unique soundtrack of jazz, old-time fiddle and banjo, rock ‘n’ roll, blues and so much more. Many of the musical trends from Murfreesboro’s early roots to fan favorites of today ran concurrent to popular music of the time across the nation, according to Lucinda Cockrell, assistant director of the Center for Popular Music. With Nashville becoming Music City, the country music capitol of the world, Murfreesboro also saw a strong country and bluegrass influence. Yet Memphis, “birthplace of the Blues,” also had its following in the ’Boro.
Colton Dixon sings "Piano Man" during a homecoming appearance at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro. JOHN A. GILLIS/DNJ
Daniel Ryan makes notes on his music sheet as he practices with other members of the Mid-State Jazz Band and Orchestra Ensembles at Blackman High School. DNJ FILE
Center for Popular Music at MTSU
Elvis Presley sings to one of five audiences he played in front of at Murphy Center. More than 57,000 people in all flocked to the shows. GANNETT TENNESSEE FILE
10 • THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL
Murfreesboro is home to the Center for Popular Music, which is located in the Mass Communications building on MTSU’s campus. The center was established in 1985 as a statesponsored Center for Excellence, and its mission is to promote research in American vernacular music and to foster an understanding and appreciation of America's diverse musical culture.
The center maintains a large research library and archive, presents public programs that interpret various aspects of American vernacular music, engages in original research projects and disseminates the results of research via publications in various media. Rather than duplicating collections found in
specialized archives, the center strives to support local research needs in all genres while providing research-level collections in special areas, specifically in rock music and its roots, various forms of religious music, and the music of Tennessee and the Southeast. The center has sound recording collections in
rock 'n' roll, blues, rhythm and blues, mainstream rock from the 1960s to the present, and alternative rock. The center also has extensive holdings of rock music periodicals as well as biographical, historical and critical books. Research is supported through a rich trove of scores, including south-
ern gospel songbooks, 19th-century oblong tunebooks, New England hymnody, shape note music, Sunday school songs, African American spirituals and African American gospel and denominational hymnals.
Murphy Center MTSU’s Murphy Center has long been a mecca for music entertainment in Murfreesboro, bringing some of the biggest names to its college and community audience. Opened in December 1972 primarily as a sports facility for MTSU’s basketball teams, the “Murph” also served as Middle Tennessee’s premier concert venue for more than two decades. The 11,520-seat stadium has played host to stars as diverse as Elvis Presley (he played five shows between 1974 and 1975), the Boston Pops, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Billy Joel, U2, The Beach Boys, Charlie Daniels, Chicago, The Who, Tina Turner, Styx and more over the years. The Judds performed their farewell concert there in a national TV broadcast in 1991. Even comedian Bob Hope graced the Murphy Center stage. Concerts don’t happen as often there now, after the opening of Starwood Amphitheater in Antioch in the mid-’80s and later Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville, but its heyday as a mecca for national acts is fondly remembered by many alumni and residents alike.
‘Boro musicians enjoy the spotlight Notable musicians who have called Murfreesboro home include the Dixie Dew Drop, or Uncle Dave Macon, country music artist Chris Young, and American Idol finalist Colton Dixon.
Pickers perform at Uncle Dave Macon Days, held in July of each year at Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village in Murfreesboro. DNJ FILE PHOTO
You can’t talk music in Murfreesboro without talking about Grand Ole Opry star Uncle Dave Macon. DNJ FILE
While there are a plethora of talented people in Murfreesboro, when it comes to the music scene these three have really made an impact. For the last 35 years, July is about celebrating Uncle Dave Macon. The annual event brings people from all across the country to enjoy national competitions in old-time music and dance, all in the spirit of honoring a Murfreesboro icon. The event typically draws to a close with an old-fashioned, spiritual gospel showcase. After winning the television talent competion, “Nashville Star,” Murfreesboro native Chris Young began another leg of his musical journey to becoming a famous country music recording artist. He has since done several tours, released three
albums and performed at the CMAFest and will play to a soldout crowd at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 15. Another talented hopeful sought a television contest to showcase his talent. Middle Tennessee Christian School graduate Colton Dixon learned that if at first you don’t succeed, trying again can work in your favor. After being cut from “American Idol” season 10, he made a successful run to the finals in season 11. His faith-based messages and inspiring song choices made him a local favorite and helped launch his career. He recently completed the American Idol Live! summer tour and signed a record deal. — Samantha E. Donaldson, 615-2785155
Daughter Wynonna, left, and mother Naomi Judd show warm familial affection during the opening moments of the superstar country duo's sold-out farewell concert at MTSU's Murphy Center in Murfreesboro in December 1991. GANNETT TENNESSEE
Country singer Chris Young of Murfreesboro performs at the CMA Music Fest in Nashville. GANNETT TENNESSEE
THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL • 11
KEEPING THE PAST PRESENT
Postcard collections preserved for future generations to enjoy
Views of downtown Murfreesboro from the Rutherford County Courthouse are shown in this 1908 collection. Top: A bird’s eye view of Murfreesboro looking east on Main Street. Middle: A view of Downtown Murfreesboro looking north. Bottom: The view looking northeast is shown. COURTESY OF BILL JAKES
This postcard of Central Christian Church in Murfreesboro was mailed in 1919. The writing on the back has faded. JIM LAUGHLIN COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES
Whether it’s views of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse, the former U.S. Post office on West College Street, the old Elks Lodge or North Public Square in the 1940s, this assortment of postcards can take you down memory lane of days gone by. The postcards, which are just a sampling of collections by Bill Jakes and Jim Laughlin, can be viewed in their entirety at the Rutherford County Archives, located at 435 Rice St. in Murfreesboro. The archives is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Two copies of Jakes’ book, “Murfreesboro,” are available for checkout from the Linebaugh Public Library on Vine Street. There is also one circulat-
A 1940s era postcard depicts American soldiers crossing a bridge on Murfreesboro-Lebanon Road. JIM LAUGHLIN
The north side of Murfreesboro’s Public Square is shown in this postcard, which was mailed from Murfreesboro to Milburn, Ky., on Aug. 22, 1944. JIM LAUGHLIN COLLECTION AT
This postcard showing female students on the grounds of Soule College in Murfreesboro was mailed in 1910. JIM
COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES.
LAUGHLIN COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES
12 • THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL
Left: An undated postcard shows Rutherford Hopsital. A note on the back states: “This 50-bed hospital, costing $200,000, was a gift to Rutherford County from the Commonwealth Fund of New York City. A modern building with up-to-date equipment.” JIM LAUGHLIN COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES
ing copy at the Smyrna Library branch. Two reference copies of the book are available in the historical research room on the second floor of the Murfreesboro library and one reference copy is available in Smyrna. The three reference copies are not available for checkout, but copies can be viewed in the reference areas. Jakes' book is also available for purchase from the Arcadia Publishing postcard history series (2006), from Books a Million, Hastings, Barnes and Noble, and Oaklands Historic House Museum. Retail price of the paperback book is $21.99. Ebook copies of the book are also available.
This 1922 postcard mailed from Murfreesboro bears the image of Tennessee College.
These postcards depict the old Elks Club building from circa 1908 (top) and the old post office (center) from the 1930s or ‘40s in downtown Murfreesboro, which later served as Linebaugh Library before it became the Center for the Arts (bottom). COURTESY OF BILL JAKES
JIM LAUGHLIN COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES
This postcard mailed on Sept. 8, 1931, depicts the Middle Tennessee State Teachers College Training School. It is now called the Homer Pittard Campus School. JIM LAUGHLIN
This postcard mailed July 16, 1938, depicts the Rutherford County Health Department in Murfreesboro. It is no longer the health department but is still used for county offices.
A postcard from the 1930s shows an old mill on Stones River Battlefield. This mill is more than likely the Ransom Mill, which is located where the present-day bridge on Medical Center Parkway and the Murfreesboro greenway system are located. JIM LAUGHLIN COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD
COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES.
JIM LAUGHLIN COLLECTION AT RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES
COUNTY ARCHIVES.
THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL • 13
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT
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REMEMBERING RUTHERFORD: BEGINNINGS
'Boro born amid struggling interests
M
missioners, however, retained control of original lot sales and construction funds until further local pressure prompted their dismissal by the legislature in 1815.
URFREESBORO — Mur-
freesborough’s founding as a population center in the early1800s involved a series of struggles between competing interests. Economic advantage and control of funds were the underlying issues, ironically much like they are today.
Lytle vs. Hilliard
Jefferson vs. Upstream Landowners When Jefferson was made the county seat for the new Rutherford County in1804, a number of Jefferson area landowners enjoyed a windfall of increased value and business opportunity. By 1808, major landowners along the East and West Forks of the Stone River saw opportunity to enhance the value of their holdings and to shift the commercial center of the county to their advantage. Accordingly, these “upstreamers” began lobbying the state Legislature to establish a new “centrally located” Rutherford County “seat of justice.” Naturally, those with Jefferson interests vigorously opposed any move. After several years of aggressive lobbying and competition, the legislature voted that Rutherford would have a new county seat, but declined to specify a location. Instead, the legislature appointed seven “town commissioners” charged with selecting a site and developing the new town.
East Fork vs. West Fork
Murfreesboro emerged as the county seat only after a series of power struggles in the early 1800s. DNJ FILE
The “west-siders” prevailed by a single vote and the three town commissioners on the losing side quit.
GREG TUCKER
The site selection process pitted the former upstream allies against each other. Landowners on the east side, notably Charles Ready and Thomas Rucker, favored a site on the road between Jefferson and Readyville. Those on the west side, including William Lytle and the Hardy Murfree heirs, favored a site near the Murfree Spring.
Murfreesborough Developers vs. Jefferson Defenders Following the site selection, Jefferson interests petitioned the legislature to throw out the “politically motivated” selection and to decide the “seat of justice” issue by referendum. The legislature denied the request. Also, the Quarterly Court, controlled by Jefferson sympathizers, voted to renovate the county jail in Jef-
ferson, despite plans for a new jail in Murfreesborough. Anticipating revenue from the sale of new town lots, the Murfreesborough “founding fathers” did not seek county funding.
Jefferson vs. Murfreesborough in the Quarterly Court Refusing to acknowledge the new county seat, the Quarterly Court, controlled by a majority that favored Jefferson, continued to meet in Jefferson, creating confusion, inaction and rancor among those seeking court action on a variety of issues. Finally, in Janu-
ary 1813, a majority of the court voted to adjourn and reconvene in Murfreesborough.
Town Residents vs. Town Commissioners Favoring self-rule and chafing under the appointed rule of the original town commissioners, Murfreesboro residents called upon the legislature to limit the authority and spending discretion of the appointed commissioners. The legislature appointed several Murfreesborough residents as new commissioners in October 1813 with authority over most town governance. The original town com-
At some point in the early years of Murfreesborough, it was determined that approximately one-third of the property the town commissioners supposedly acquired from William Lytle was actually owned by Isaac Hilliard and his wife, the daughter of Hardy Murfree. This was finally resolved in October 1818 when Hilliard settled title claims with the city and intended purchasers, with one exception. Hilliard explicitly refused to include Lytle in the settlement. At the same time, Lytle and Hilliard were developing competing subdivisions to the north and south, respectively, of the original town plat. When Hilliard included a place for the state capitol in his development, Lytle promptly countered with a capitol site just north of his subdivision. City leaders stayed neutral on the competing capitol locations and the state leadership ignored both. *** Murfreesborough, founded through a series of conflicts motivated largely by self-interest, achieved city status in 1817 and, as expected, within a few years overshadowed Jefferson as both the political and economic center of the county. Greg Tucker can be reached at gregorytucker@bellsouth.net.
THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL • 15
Fall Preview Day October 20th 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Preview Day gives prospective students a chance to visit campus and meet current faculty, staff and students. For for information and to RSVP: www.mtsu.edu/rsvp
MTSU is committed to developing a community devoted to learning, growth, and service. We hold these values dear, and there’s a simple phrase that conveys them: “I am True Blue.” Blue are the True Blue” Blue” and “True “II am True Blue expressions of MTSU’s brand. It represents a studentMTSU’s operations; centric culture in all aspects of M the University’s standing as an aaccessible, affordable and quality institution; and its ggoal to provide the major comprehensive options and opportunities of a m university while retaining small-college roots and smallapproaches to student success. Every new student at MTSU takes take the True Blue Pledge at convocation. The pled pledge commits each
new Blue Raider to practice the core values of honesty and integrity; have respect for diversity; engage in the community; and commit to reason, not violence. For members of the faculty and administration, pledging to be True Blue signals a renewed commitment to the success of students. In short, True Blue stands for the very best of what Blue Raiders expect from one another. MTSU, now more than a century old, offers terrific opportunities, exceptional value and a beautiful campus. No wonder it is the No. 1 choice of undergraduates in Tennessee, as well as the No. 1 choice of our state’s transfer students and veterans.
True Blue!
Amanda Terranova (‘13) Mass Communication
MTSU is an AA/EEO employer.
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16 • THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL