Hamblen County DISCOVER TENNESSEE
Hamblen County DISCOVER
Discover Hamblen County is published by Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 100 | Rogersville, TN 37857 www.therogersvillereview.com 423-272-7422
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Namesakes LIVE ON HAMBLEN AND MORRIS
The county and county seat are named after two prominent early citizens of the area
BY RANDY BALL
Review Correspondent
Many counties and towns in the state of Tennessee are named for men who helped shape their surroundings into the entities we know today. This holds true for Morristown and Hamblen County. The names Gideon Morris and Hezekiah Hamblen continue to live on in the history of East Tennessee.
Hamblen County is a relatively new county. It was formed from parts of Grainger, Hawkins and Jefferson counties in 1870. Hamblen County was named for Hezekiah Hamblen, a prominent settler in East Tennessee. Hamblen died in 1855, so he was honored well after his passing.
Hezekiah Hamblen
Hezekiah Hamblen was born in 1775 in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He was one of ten children of John and Elizabeth Hamblen.
Hezekiah’s grandfather, David Hamblen, came to the colonies in 1728. He acquired 400 acres in Virginia and then added 700 more to become one of Virginia’s largest early landowners. At David’s passing, John inherited substantial wealth. Hezekiah and his brother, John Jr., decided to go west to seek their fortune. Around 1786 they arrived in Rogersville and became early settlers of Tennessee. The brothers, along with an uncle, eventually located in Carter’s Valley. They bought land on the north side of the Holston River in the Clouds Creek/Caney Creek area.
Hezekiah had learned surveying from his father,
and drew notice as the surveyor of the Rogersville area. He became one of the most prominent men in the Rogersville community, and was appointed county surveyor. He married Nancy Holt and they had four sons and six daughters.
He surveyed Hawkins County, which then included some of what would become Hamblen County. Hezekiah lived a good life, serving on the Hawkins County Court for more than 25 years. He served in the militia as a young man, and was a school teacher, lawyer, and magistrate. He built a home overlooking Caney Creek and lived there until his death in 1855. He is buried near Rogersville.
Fifteen years after his passing, the state legislature decided to form a new county from parts of Jefferson, Grainger and Hawkins counties. It was decided to
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Hamblen County, founded in 1870, is named after Hezekiah Hamblen, who died in 1855.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Both Morristown and Knoxville are named for veterans of the Revolutionary War. Morristown’s namesake, Gideon Morris, fought at the Battle of Kings Mountain, while Henry Knox served in the war and was later the US Secretary of War after independence was secured.
name the new county after one of the area’s most prominent citizens, Hezekiah Hamblen.
Gideon Morris
Gideon Morris was born in 1756 in Randolph County, North Carolina. Morris moved to the Watauga settlement with other family members. He signed the Watauga Petition to annex Watauga to North Carolina in 1775. He fought Indians and later fought at the 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain, a victory which turned the Revolutionary War in favor of the Thirteen Colonies.
In 1778, Morris appeared in court and swore an oath of allegiance. He was granted land by the state of North Carolina in Washington, Greene, and Hawkins counties. He and his brothers Daniel and Absolom settled in East Tennessee, in what would become known as Morristown. The town was called Morristown from the beginning. Much of Gideon’s extended family also settled in the area.
Morris’ wife’s name was Jeanette Blythe, and they had three sons and three daughters. Morris passed away
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Morristown founder Gideon Morris is buried in the namesake family cemetery on East Louise Ave.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
The marker on the gravesite of town founder Gideon Morris.
in 1798. He is buried in the Morris Cemetery on East Louise Avenue, near where he made his home.
The settlement of Morristown was included in the new state of Tennessee in 1796 and was incorporated in 1855. Morristown was named the county seat of
Hamblen County in 1870.
The names of Hezekiah Hamblen and Gideon Morris live on in East Tennessee. Their contributions to our history will be honored forever in Morristown and Hamblen County.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Hezekiah Hamblen lived near Rogersville, long before his namesake county was formed, and his home was then part of Hawkins County. He is buried near his home.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
The names of Hezekiah Hamblen and Gideon Morris are seen throughout the area.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Morris Boulevard is one of Morristown’s busiest streets. Both are named for the town’s namesake, Gideon Morris.
The Rose Center
MORRISTOWN’S HOME OF THE ARTS
BY RANDY BALL
Review Correspondent
The Rose Center in Morristown is a cultural arts center, bringing art to the lives of the people of Hamblen County and the surrounding area. Next year will be the Rose Center’s 50th anniversary. The director of the Rose Center is Beccy Hamm. She has been with the Rose Center for seventeen years and has served as director for eight years.
History
The Rose Center is a large building that some children call a castle. It sits
near the Hamblen County courthouse. The building was completed in 1892 as Morristown School, Morristown’s first coeducational public high school. It originally housed ten grades. After East End School was built in the late 1890s, the school was referred to as West End School. In 1910, the West End School was renamed Rose School, honoring James G. Rose, a Confederate army colonel who fought in the Battle of Morristown during the Civil War. He later became a businessman and member of the state legislature and then was a local judge.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL Open since 1892 and used for many different purposes in its long history, Morristown’s Rose Center now serves as the county’s premier cultural arts center.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Rose Center Director Beccy Hamm.
In 1916, the Rose School became an elementary school when a new high school was built. In the 1950s, the Rose School was expanded, with four classrooms, a cafeteria and a gymnasium being added. In 1975, the school was closed.
An Art Center
In 1975, there were plans to demolish the building. However, the Morristown/ Hamblen County Bicentennial Commission took over the building for use as a cultural arts center, leasing the structure from the City of Morristown for $1 per year. That financial arrangement is still in effect today. Funds were raised by local citizens to replace the roof, and the building was opened as a museum and cultural center.
The original section of the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places on October 18, 1976.
In 1977. the first Mountain Makins’ Festival was held. In 1981, the Edith Davis Gallery was opened. In 1983, the Morristown/Hamblen County Arts Council and Bicentennial Commission merged with the Rose Center Council for the Arts. In 1990, the Jean Keener Community Room was established. Seven years after that, Perk Prater Hall was established.
The Rose Center Today
Today the Rose Center is the center of the local arts community. Beccy said “the Rose Center is still helping make memories.”
There have now been three generations that have been influenced by events at the Rose Center. The historic building is known for the classes that are available. Current classes include sculpt and tone, line dancing, fencing, yoga for well-being, private music lessons (voice, flute and piano), and drawing. It is also
the home of the Morristown School of Dance Arts.
The Local Artists Gallery and Shoppe offers the work of over 25 local artists. Beccy said “some items available are wood turning, pottery, painting and crocheting.”
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
A portrait of James G. Rose, who the building is named for.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
The Rose Center is adorned with beautiful stained glass paying tribute to the arts.
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The stained glass rose in the entryway of the Rose Center.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
The Gallery Shoppe at the Rose Center has a variety of local products
The Edith Davis Gallery has beautiful natural and artificial lighting. Movable walls are available to add display space when needed. Beccy added, “the room can be used to display 100 pieces of art.”
Beccy explained “one of the main sources of income at the Rose Center is renting rooms. The Community Room can be used for classes, meetings, and it has four classrooms.”
The upstairs area has many points of interest. There is a children’s museum which has dress-up clothes, a play kitchen and a play school.
The History Museum has fascinating displays about Hamblen County’s past. Beccy explained “we have a display about Melville M. Murrell, who flew years before the Wright Brothers; a Carter Wagon, which was built in Morristown; and a display about Morristown College and a display about Senator Herbert S. Walters.” There is also a display about Medal of Honor winners Edward Talley and Calvin Ward.
The basement area has a room with a stage for plays or concerts and a hallway containing the Morristown High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Beccy added “We have many events every year. The Mountain Makins’ Festival is our big event each year. We have a Blues Festival at the end of May. We have a craft show and fashion shows. We have summer art camps.”
The Rose Center has touched the lives of many
people in many different ways. Beccy said “It’s a great resource for artists.
“I
can’t imagine Morristown without the Rose Center.”
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
The Morristown High School sports hall of fame in the downstairs area.
A UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Main Street Morristown
BY RANDY BALL
Review Correspondent
Main Street in Morristown provides a special shopping opportunity in a unique section of Morristown. The most striking feature of the area is the unique “skywalk.”
The second story sidewalk dates back to 1962, when Turkey Creek flooded the downtown area. Officials then decided to construct the skywalk to better utilize the second stories of the Main Street buildings. Many of the buildings are from different time periods and styles of architecture. The buildings and the skywalk give the area its own special charm. Flowers and murals add to the street’s beauty.
Today, the area is enjoying a renaissance. The area is busy with many kinds of businesses, offices and services occupying the buildings. There are antiques, restaurants, crafts, jewelry and formal wear among the shops. The area has plenty of parking and is thriving. The area and the shopping experience are unique to Morristown and Hamblen County.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Downtown Morristown is noted for the second-story skywalk that overlooks Main Street. The skywalk was put in place starting in 1962 and is a unique feature of the downtown area.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
A number of decorated military veterans from Hamblen County are recognized in downtown Morristown.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
This establishment in downtown Morristown makes a point to let you know the building is well over a century old.
HISTORY COMES BACK TO LIFE AT Meadowbrook Farm
19th century farmhouse turned into event destination by local couple
BY RITA DYKES
Review Correspondent
For many years, local farmers Terry and Kathi Sellars drove past and admired the historical Meadowbrook Farm and the 1892 farmhouse that was a focal point of the property.
Terry also leased the farmland to run his cattle, where he got the opportunity to explore the farm and its learn about its rich history. Both Terry and Kathi would daydream about when the farm was full of life and the dinner table was filled with fresh, homegrown produce. With each passing year, the couple’s admiration for the property grew stronger.
Kathi said, “When we drove by, I would always say, I really hate that that house is falling apart. I would really like to fix that up. Then the next thing in our conversation would be my husband saying, ‘It really needs a front door,’ because it just had two side doors and a window in the middle. Then my reply would be,…’and a big birdbath in the yard.’”
She added, “Now it has those things.”
For many years, the property was a full-working farm that employed numerous people. The owners would hire farmhands to help out with the countless chores that come with running a farm. Kathi mentioned that a man she used to attend church with shared that, as a boy, he could recall that if someone wanted work, they could go to the train depot. They would wait there until someone from a farm came to pick them up. After the farm chores were completed, the workers were taken back to the train depot. Although it is no longer the same type of working farm, the property continues to be full of life, beauty, family, and joy.
In May 2015, Terry and Kathi purchased the property they had dreamed about for years. In addition to the house, a cabin that dates back to the 1700s and several barns give the property even more charm. Soon
after the property became theirs, the couple, with the help of some local craftsmen, including Burt Cook, Ben Harris, and Steve Tompkins, began renovations. They restored the beauty of the home and the property.
The project began as a house restoration with thoughts of renting it out as a family home. However, as renovations on the farmhouse neared completion and its vast beauty was revealed, Kathi suggested using it as a small gathering venue. That was just the beginning.
Terry said, “I’m not using that mule barn; I’m a cattle farmer.” That was all it took for the Sellars to jump in headfirst, as they turned that old barn into the perfect addition to the event venue. Kathi said, “When we purchased the property, it was never intended to be an event venue; it was purely by accident.”
In autumn 2019, Meadowbrook Farm Venue was ready to host events. While weddings are the largest events, the venue also hosts baby showers, bridal
PHOTO BY WENDY IVENS
Terri and Kathi Sellars, who brought the Meadowbrook Farm back to life in the culmination of a dream they had shared.
PHOTO BY KATHI SELLARS A picturesque sunset at historic Meadowbrook Farm.
PHOTO BY MERCEDES SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY The table is set for a sumptuous feast inside the Meadowbrook Farm.
PHOTO BY MERCEDES SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
Meadowbrook Farm getting ready to host a holiday event last year.
PHOTO BY MERCEDES SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
A bride counting down the minutes to her wedding at the farm.
PHOTO BY KATHI SELLARS
Meadowbrook Farm’s main house at the time when the Sellars’ first acquired the property.
PHOTO BY SAPRINA Meadowbrook’s main house after renovations were completed.
showers, birthday parties, teas, business meetings, banquets, meet-and-greets for political candidates, gender reveals, and more. The decorations and furnishings available are plentiful and loved by most event organizers.
Kathi said, “Each year, we try to add more sparkle to the venue. One year it was the new Groom’s Quarters; last year, a 1,600-square-foot, climate-controlled addition (the ballroom) and hopefully something nice next year. We have so much to offer that no two of our events look alike. Each is geared to the personality of the bride or organizer.”
If you are looking for a venue for your special event, be sure to consider Meadowbrook Farm in White Pine, Tennessee. If you are leaning toward an outdoor event, consider the evening and enjoy a beautiful sunset as your backdrop.
Meadowbrook Farm Venue is located at 1003 Highway 113 in White Pine. They can be reached at 865-335-9931 or sellarsbarn@outlook.com. Visit meadowbrookfarmvenue.com to find out more.
PHOTO BY MERCEDES SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
An antique dresser on display at the farm.
JUNIPER WOODS Creations
CREATING MEMORIES IN REAL TIME
BY RITA DYKES
Review Correspondent
Cailee Elaine’s love for photography began in an elective course she took while attending college.
The first class was spent learning about film photographers that were inspirations to her professor. Excited for the next class, Cailee purchased her first film camera in preparation to put her own mark on the world.
“I spent all semester carefully photographing four rolls of film, capturing the side of society that was unseen to most, but extraordinary to me,” she said.
When the time came to develop the film that captured her artwork, she was full of anticipation to see her creations come to life. Unfortunately, only one of the photos developed, but it was a masterpiece to her.
The one lonely photo was of her uncle’s hands as he rolled a cigarette on his rolling machine. Cailee said, “It went against the grain of my learning pattern, but it wasn’t a failure. It was tricky, unobtainable, messy... and it was art. This is when I knew I was meant to be a photographer.”
Her inspiration is a photojournalist by the name of Dorothea Lange, who lived from 1895 to 1965. Lange’s work included the famous image, Migrant Mother. Her
work captivated Cailee as she shed light on the parts of society that people never seemed to take the time to really look in a way to understand.
“Her photos make me question whether or not there is something substantial in struggle, or beauty in the mundane. Specifically, her detailed shots of the hands of the working class remind me of my family, and give voice to stories that can be found throughout history and into the present,” Cailee said. “Many of my photos show detail of the everyday life of those living in Appalachia, including my family. I am currently working on an art collection that shows a certain side of Appalachian people and culture that I find incredibly
interesting. I am proud to document their stories. My medium is true, traditional, black and white film, inspired by Dorothea Lange.”
While photography is her primary vocation, she also owns a small old-fashioned Appalachian broom-making business. She isn’t the only entrepreneur in her family; her mother owns Simply Southern Chic Weddings, where Cailee works as a wedding planner. She also enjoys learning other Appalachian trades. She is an avid gardener who cans much of her harvest. If that weren’t enough to keep her busy, she also studies herbal medicine and mycology.
Cailee strives to capture beautiful moments through true smiles, real movement, and organic reactions with authentic people. Her goal is to provide a peek into her client’s inner self. She said, “My passion lies with getting people moving, interacting, talking, and playing with each other. I want to capture their story in a way that they mat not even see in themselves.”
Cailee continued, “One of my recent shoots was based around my client’s children playing in the mud. While onlookers might have been horrified, the laughter and messiness came through the photos and showed a genuinely fun and unforgettable time.”
For the last four years, Cailee has been a professional photographer who has captured many important moments in lives. She has had the privilege of photographing families, couples, solo shots, weddings, and engagements all across the region and beyond. From Hamblen County to New York, her clients are truly from all over. She even had brides travel to her from Alabama, Arizona, and Georgia. In the future, Cailee hopes to be able to travel for clients more.
Cassi Riddle, one of Cailee’s clients said, “Cailee of Juniper Woods Creations captured our moments with such grace and emotion, turning fleeting memories into timeless art. Every image reflected the love, joy, and connection we felt that day, beautifully framed through her creative eye. Her professionalism, and calm presence made the entire experience effortless and meaningful, allowing us to be fully present while she worked her magic behind the lens.”
Cailee is always working on other ideas and services to offer. Currently, she is working on being able to add manual film photography as an option to her clients. She has all the equipment set up for her own darkroom
and printing; she continues to work on perfecting the process before offering it professionally.
She also gives back in other ways to her community in Hamblen County by offering couple of sessions per year with families who are unable to afford professional photos. She usually reaches out to them and offers an idea that she wants to capture. She said, “I get to make art and they get professional photos.”
She does not raise the price of Christmas mini sessions, and never plans to. She believes that everyone deserves to be able to afford Christmas photos.
If you are searching for someone that will capture your special day or capture moments with family, consider contacting Cailee at Juniper Woods Creations. If it is a wedding photographer you are looking for, be sure to book eight months to a year in advance. For all other sessions, book at least one month in advance to be sure to secure your spot. Visit her social media pages for more information and to book your event or sessions: Instagram - @Juniper_woods-creations or on Facebook – Juniper Woods Creations.
She is online at www.juniperwoods.showit.site in addition to her social media presence.
Cailee Elaine is the founder and owner of Juniper Woods Creations. She was inspired to become a photographer by a course she took in college.
HAMBLEN’S OWN
Holler Bake Girl
Cassandra Cuzzone expresses her art through baking, rather than music
BY RITA DYKES
Review Correspondent
Cassandra Cuzzone, owner of Holler Bake Girl, is no stranger to the business and entrepreneurial world.
Holler Bake Girl, an at-home bakery, is just her most recent gig. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2017 as a hair stylist, but left that venture in 2020 to dive into the art world with her husband, Nolan. The couple are still in the art business, specializing in Perler bead art and accessories. Cassandra decided she liked the art world and wanted to express herself through baking and decorating. In April 2025, she made it happen, and now she enjoys both endeavors.
Cassandra said, “I wanted to start this business because I love baking and creating memorable desserts for celebrations throughout life.”
She began baking for friends and family, who encouraged her to offer her goods to the public. Her creations include cakes, cupcakes, pies, gourmet dessert loaves, fudge, marshmallows, and much more. There isn’t much in the dessert world that she can’t do when she sets her mind to it. She specializes in buttercream designs and cakes, as well as beautifully decorated, delicious pies.
“I’m a one-woman show! But my husband is happy to jump in and make sure the dishes are all done,” she said. “There are always a ton of dishes to do when baking.”
Although she is perfectly happy working out of her home, she would like to own a brick-and-mortar storefront someday. She dreams of filling showcases with baked goods and creating a cozy atmosphere for the public to unwind with a slice of pie and a cup of coffee. A gathering place for friends and family to visit while enjoying a special treat would be ideal for Cassandra.
Cakes and pies seem to be her customers’ favorite
items to order. She said, “If I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be my cakes that actually look like pies. I love all of the baking, but cakes are my favorite because they usually mean some special event is being celebrated or commemorated. I love being a part of those memories.”
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
Cassandra Cuzzone with some of her creations as the master baker called the Holler Bake Girl.
Cassandra, unlike many other decorators, designs every piece of artwork on her cakes freehand with delicious, made-from-scratch buttercream icing. She exclaimed, “The buttercream is my paint, the cake is my canvas, and I strive to make really beautiful works of art that taste great too! I believe you eat with your eyes first, so my treats looking ‘too good to eat’ is quite the compliment to me.”
The 34-year-old baker was born and raised on her family’s farm in Hamblen County, where she continues to live with her husband and two dogs. And of course, she creates pet-friendly birthday cakes for her pups!
She loves spending time with family where her scratch-made recipes originated. She also values her get-togethers with friends. Her friends are not only happy to see Cassandra; they are also excited for her homemade treats. She said, “Anytime I need to test a new recipe, they are always delighted to come together for a taste test at trivia night! I’m so lucky to have such great friends I can rely on for honest feedback.”
Cassandra’s husband, friends, and family were very supportive and encouraging when she started Holler Bake Girl. She credits all of the love they’ve shown
her as the most valuable thing she has in her life and her business. From marketing to always being on the lookout for supplies, they are just as invested in her success as she is.
Cassandra said lovingly, “My husband is the real MVP! He never fails to ask how he can help when I start up an order, assures me that I can do what often seems impossible, and cheers on every idea I have. He stands by my side and assists me in any way I need at every in-person pop-up event and keeps my spirits high. I’m truly blessed to be married to such a supportive person. He’s also happy to taste-test everything!”
Her grandmother is also a huge help. She’s always ready to share anything she has to help supply Holler Bake Girl’s kitchen. Being neighbors, Cassandra can always get the best hugs and maybe a dozen eggs whenever she needs them!
Cassandra gives back to the community by donating her time and cakes for children’s birthdays that might not otherwise include one. She is happy to be able to spread her love through a personal gift of beauty with her handmade cakes.
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES A unicorn-themed birthday cake from the Holler Bake Girl.
She has received amazing support from the community as well. The orders, kind words, and the likes and shares on social media all play a huge part in her success. She is also thankful to other local business owners for their support—by letting her host pop-up events at their establishments, placing orders for events, and advertising for her by allowing her to leave business cards on their counters.
If you are in search of some yummy goodness, give your local at-home bakery a try! You can find it on Facebook and Instagram under the username Holler Bake Girl.
