McMinn Life - Fall 2015

FALL 2015

Fall Festivals!

In Our Beautiful County

Keeping It Green A New Look At Neyland Stadium

PumpkinTown October 10th

Choate Printing’s 50th Anniversary

MUSCADINE FESTIVAL &

20 HOT AIR BALLOONS! SEPTEMBER 25 - 27

Available at: AgCentral Coop, Gallery Salon and Spa, and Greeks Bearing Gifts World’s Softest® Socks is registered trademark of Crescent Sock Co.

FALL 2015 McMINN LIFE

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Goldenrod Won’t Make You Sneeze

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Harry T. Burn And The Vote For Women’s Suffrage

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Contents

features Keeping It Green At Neyland Stadium

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

Tsali Notch Vineyard

The Largest Muscadine Vineyard in the State

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departments 4 Letter From The Editor 30 Local Business

Bain & Holden Celebrating 60 Years!

32 Best Fall Recipes 42 Secrets Of Shiloh

WINS 3 NATIONAL AWARDS

Celebrates 50 Years!

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McMinn Life PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham

Letter from the Editor F

all is more than Football Time in Tennessee: It is also Festival Time!

McMinn and Monroe Counties have some great festivals coming up, some of which are featured in this issue of McMinn Life. The Pumpkintown Festival in Athens features an Adopt-a-thon of shelter animals, where we got 2 of our dogs. PetSense deserves a huge thank you for partnering with the McMinn Regional Humane Society to get shelter cats and kittens adopted. To date, over 250 cats and kittens have found loving homes.

Also featured in this issue are two local businesses that are celebrating anniversaries.

Bain & Holden Tire Company in Englewood is celebrating 60 years of service, and is now operated by the third generation of the Holden family. That doesn’t happen very often! Choate Printing in Etowah is also celebrating a half century of serving the printing and graphic design needs of people in East Tennessee.

McMinn County historic stand-outs are highlighted in the Fall Issue, such as Harry T. Burn from Niota, who made the final decision to give women the right to vote.

We also celebrate the life of Joseph McMinn, former Governor of Tennessee who inspired the name for our County. He was honored in June at the Shiloh Cemetery in Calhoun.

We also want to recognize some of the beautiful places in our community, and several ways to get outside and experience the changing of the seasons! We have a story on the often misidentified Goldenrod flower, which makes for a beautiful floral display without all the pollen. And we took a visit to Tsali Notch Vineyard, the largest Muscadine Vineyard in the state, to learn about their involvement in the Muscadine Festival.

Thank you for your support and enjoyment of McMinn Life Magazine. As community editor, I love to hear from readers with ideas for stories, events that are happening, and people that are important to our community. I can be reached at (423) 435-1650 or chari2@yahoo.com.

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Local Editor Chris Hari Graphic Designers Dustin Hayes Abby Swabe Contributing Writers Mark Cochran Caroline Duvall Gayle Fisher Chris Hari Halea Lingerfelt Phil Roulier Laura Spann Contributing Photographers Ben Gibson Bruce Hari Tammy Lee Laura Spann Copy Editor Jennifer Porterfield Web Melissa Hitt Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Chris Hari Tel: 423.435.1650 chari@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries Tel: 865.523.5999 Fax: 865.523.0999 www.mcminnlifemagazine.com The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201 Knoxville, Tennessee 37934 www.binghamgroup.com www.mcminnlifemagazine.com

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Brings Home 3 Telly Awards!

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he Bingham Group is proud to announce their success at the 36th Annual Telly Awards. This year, The Bingham Group brought home three awards, two of which were Silver awards. The methamphetamine explosion commercial and cinematography developed for the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s Anti-Methamphetamine campaign earned The Bingham Group a Silver and Bronze Telly Award. The “Meth Mom” Public Service Announcement also developed for the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security’s Anti-Methamphetamine campaign earned The Bingham Group another Silver Telly Award.

A Telly Award is a very prestigious honor that has stood for creative excellence for over a quarter of a century. This year, more than 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries were submitted to the judging committee for review. Less than 10% of entries were chosen for a Silver Telly Award, which is the highest award possible, and less than 25% of entries won a Bronze Telly Award, the second highest award possible.

“The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, Executive Director of the Telly Awards.

“The Bingham Group’s accomplishments

illustrate their creativity, skill, and dedication to their craft serves as a testament to great film and video production.”

The Bingham Group is sincerely thankful to be recognized for their creative excellence and for the opportunity to work with such outstanding clients.

The Bingham Group is a full-service integrated communications firm located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company’s expertise includes: graphic design, public relations, broadcast production, website design, media strategy, social media expertise, and more.

Watch both commercials online at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBinghamGroup

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

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Goldenrod Won’t Make

YOU

SNEEZE

Written By Gayle Fisher

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ears ago I got to visit Vancouver, British Columbia. I was so excited about getting to see the Butchart Gardens in Victoria. It was delightful; Butchart Gardens covers fifty-five acres in beautiful floral displays. With a gardening staff of 30, there wasn’t a weed in sight and all the flowers were properly staked and deadheaded (The dead or spent flower were removed). This shows what you can do with a worked-out quarry if your husband pioneered Portland cement and leaves you a pile of money. I was enjoying the light misty morning when I saw a beautiful inflorescent plant about seven feet tall staked and blooming in bright yellow. I leaned over to read the name tag, knowing that I would have to have it for my garden back in Tennessee. As I stood there everything about the plant seemed familiar. The nametag read “Solidago”. When I got home and looked it up I discovered we all know it. The plant was our common roadside goldenrod. Fall is coming and soon we will see Goldenrod blooming along the roadsides and fields and now it is allowed to bloom in one of my flowerbeds.

What took me so long to appreciate the beauty of Goldenrod? In our area it is considered a noxious weed. But we all have to agree that it is a breath of beauty at the end of summer when our flowers are waning.

They are easy to grow. I didn’t even have to sow seeds or move a plant. The birds planted it for me.

Goldenrod (solidago) blooms in late summer and early autumn. The flowers are a golden yellow and the sprays of golden wands look like a fountain. The tiny yellow (or very rarely white) flower heads are composed of disk florets surrounded by a single row of rays.

They like full sun and well-drained soil. This tall erect plant has alternate leaves that are much longer than wide and may be toothed.

Goldenrod is a great cut flower and is a vigorous course plant that crowds out weaker plants. It will need to be divided every two to three years. It is hardy here in Tennessee and has the advantage of also being deer resistant.

You can combine them with Asters for a beautiful fall border.

In Europe, Goldenrod is prized in the garden and as a cut flower. I had a friend from England visiting and asked her how she contained goldenrod in her garden.

She replied slowly, looking at me as if I were a fool, and said in a very proper English accent, “Well, I just pull it up if it’s not where I want it.”

Even with Goldenrod’s bad reputation about being an aggressive weed and causing allergies, I cannot resist its beauty. For years have used cuttings in fall flower arrangements. People with hay fever would eye the arrangement cautiously and try to stay on the other side of the room. One guest even asked me if I would please take it outside. Goldenrod has been associated with hay fever, because it blooms at the same time as ragweed. The pollen from Goldenrod is too heavy to become air borne and falls to the ground. Therefore, it is not responsible for your running nose and itching eyes.

If you can’t bring yourself to actually plant some of our native Goldenrod in your garden you can chose from several hybrids.

Cloth of Gold, Crown of Rays, Golden Dwarf, and Golden Thumb are some of the selections you will find at your nursery. They all look great and, I promise, you won’t be sneezing unless there is ragweed in the area.

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Keeping It Green with the Big Orange Written By Phil Roulier | Photography By Ben Gibson

H

olding a steaming hotdog dripping with mustard and relish in one hand and a giant Coke in the other, you traverse a dim corridor. Suddenly, you come upon a bright opening. A sense of adrenaline grips you, and you slowly make your way through the threshold.

You emerge to a sea of bright orange, hear the roar of over 100,000 cheering fans and breathe in an air of pure excitement. Slowly, your eyes descend to the surface, finally settling on the 50 yard line, where a giant orange “T” proclaims so boldly that this is Vol country.

Neyland Stadium: it has been the pride of Knoxville since it was first constructed in 1921. Since then, it has hosted some of the Volunteers’ greatest victories, with six national title banners hanging gloriously over

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

the far side of the stadium. All in all, it cannot be argued that Neyland Stadium itself is the centerpiece of Knoxville. Yet what makes it so grand? What makes the experience of Neyland so unique and wonderful? The field, of course. With that perfectly mowed grass, the incredibly precise upkeep and that all-too-familiar checkerboard finish in each end zone. This is where Darren Seybold and his talented staff come in. As the Director of Sports Surfaces, Darren has been overseeing the maintenance of the field for five years.

He has had twenty years of professional field management experience, ten of which was spent in Major League Baseball. We had a rare chance to talk with Darren and get a personal glimpse into his job and the challenges he and his staff face on a daily basis.

Q: In 1994, University officials decided to do away with turf and put in the natural grass surface we see today.

Why was this decision made?

A: Well, as turf developed, Sports Surface Directors like myself began to see some major flaws. One of the main downsides of having turf is the heat.

Turf fields hold an enormous amount of heat, so the players feel a higher temperature than the fans, and they’re the ones working. Also, turf grass tends to not give as easily as natural grass.

This leads to more injuries and twisted ankles. I’d take a divot from a player stepping too hard over a sprained ankle any day, and at the end of the day, it’s about making sure the players stay safe.

Q: What kind of grass is going to be used on the field for the upcoming 2015-16 season?

A: The grass we are using for this season is Bermuda 419. It is as top-of-the-line as it gets.

Q: We have seen games where the rain is coming down, yet the field doesn’t seem to be affected as much as it should. To what do you attribute this success?

A: Many people don’t know this, but the base of the field is actually made of sand.

While this gives us some challenges in other areas, coupled with the field’s design, it does a spectacular job of draining the field.

Q: What are some of the major challenges you and your staff face maintaining this field?

A: After a game is over, we don’t waste a second. If you have ever been to a UT home game, you’ll see us fixing up the field before some of the players make it to the locker room. The field has to be mowed about five times per week during the season and repainted after every game. We also have state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, which monitors moisture, fertility and other factors that we have to constantly be aware of and regulate.

(Amazingly, we came to find out that Darren and his staff of only 33 are responsible for not only Neyland, but all thirteen of the major sports facilities at the University of Tennessee, including Baseball, Softball, Track and others.)

Darren Seybold, Director of Sports Surfaces, discusses the issues of turf vs. natural grass and gives a tour of the famous Neyland Stadium, home of the Tennessee Volunteers.

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Darren Seybold, Director of Sports Surfaces, talks about how wonderful the Tennessee Volunteer fans are and what it takes to keep the Neyland Stadium field in the best condition.

Q: What do you think of the fans here in Knoxville?

A: Well, let me tell you. When you are talking about big-name schools in the SEC (and trust me, I know. I grew up in Alabama and got my degree at Mississippi State), everyone always claims they have the best fans. I can say without a doubt that the fans here in Knoxville, Tennessee, are by far the best fans in college football. Period.

Q: Is it a daunting task managing one of the greatest fields in college football, considering the pride that UT fans have for their football program?

A: We understand and share the passion that this city has for its Volunteers, and we work hard to make sure that the facilities are ready and safe for our players. We know that Neyland is what matters to people. It’s always been the standard where football stadiums are concerned, and we are going to make sure it stays that way.

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

2015 Tennessee Volunteers Football Schedule Date

Opponent

Time

Saturday Sep. 5

Bowling Green Falcons LP Field, Nashville, TN

4 pm ET

Saturday Sep. 12

Oklahoma Sooners Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

6 pm ET

Saturday Sep. 19

Western Carolina Catamounts Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

7 pm ET

Saturday Sep. 26

at Florida Gators

Saturday Oct. 3

Arkansas Razorbacks Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

TBA

Saturday Oct. 10

Georgia Bulldogs Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

TBA

Saturday Oct. 17

Open Date

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

TBA

Saturday Oct. 24

at Alabama Crimson Tide

Saturday Oct. 31

at Kentucky Wildcats

Saturday Nov. 7

South Carolina Gamecocks Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

TBA

Saturday Nov. 14

North Texas Mean Green (HC) Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

TBA

Saturday Nov. 21

at Missouri Tigers Faurot Field, Columbia, MO

TBA

Saturday Nov. 28

Vanderbilt Commodores Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

TBA

Saturday Dec. 5

SEC Championship Game Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

Bryan-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, KY

TBA TBA

4 pm ET

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FALL 2015 McMINN LIFE

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Family Fun at the Annual Muscadine Festival in Historic Downtown Sweetwater Written By Halea Lingerfelt

A

merica’s First Grape, the Muscadine. The wild fruit leaves one with a taste that is nearly impossible to replicate or find elsewhere.

The tart but sweet flavor the plump grape produces is one that leaves everyone wanting just one more bite. Although many have fond memories of the fruit, I doubt that many have memories quite like the Muscadine Festival stompers. When this sticky fruit is all over your body in the name of fun, it is quite impossible to forget.

From September 25-27, 2015, The National Muscadine Festival will again take place in Historic Downtown Sweetwater, Tennessee, located just 40 minutes south of West Knoxville. The event, sponsored by the Sweetwater Merchants and Property Owners Association, is one that draws in massive crowds every year. Thanks to the five-year support of banner sponsor Aeroflex and other sponsors who value the community, the National Muscadine Festival has no admission charge. That’s right–concerts, entertainment, etc. are free!

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

Activities for this year’s event include crowdpleasing live music, a BBQ contest, Miss Muscadine Pageant and a parade. Younger attendees will enjoy a kids zone featuring a unique trackless train open for rides. An art show and activities at Tsali Notch Vineyard, the state’s largest muscadine vineyard that offers incredible panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National park, will also take place at this year’s event. A shuttle is scheduled on Saturday to run from downtown to the vineyard and the Lost Sea, America’s largest underground lake, for a small fee.

This year, the concert series features artists and musicians from various genres.

Performers will be showcased on the Main Stage Bandstand at the Duck Park located in Downtown. All concerts are free, so don’t miss this exciting time. Check out the schedule on the following page for additional details.

A crowd favorite every year is the wide smorgasbord of vendors, artists and crafters that attend the event. Come prepared to eat, buy and have a great time finding some fabulous deals. Vendor registration forms can be found online if you have a great product to show off. If you want to shop, buy some local desserts, muscadines or unique artwork, the National Muscadine Festival is the place for you. Quality BBQ vendors attend the festival every year. Check out the website to see more details and pick up a form if you want to enter your best BBQ for a chance to win $5,000 in prize money sponsored by Volunteer Federal Savings & Loans and Langdale Forest Products. Seventyfive lucky guests to the festival can get the coveted “People’s Choice” tickets that allow tasting of the BBQ.

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DOWNTOWN SWEETWATER SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12th

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27th Noon–5pm • Vendors & Artists

• Miss Muscadine Queen Pageant 6:30pm, Sweetwater Elementary School Auditorium on Broad Street Admission $10, Students $5, 3 & under free

• Live Music at the Main Stage Bandstand at Duck Park:

• Little Miss Muscadine pageant 12:30pm–2pm • Parade, 10am

Danette McCrary pianist, 12pm–1pm Eli Currier, 1pm–2pm WestWend, 2pm–5pm

• Food & Art & Craft Vendors • BBQ Competition at Hunt Commons (Competitors cannot sell their BBQ) BBQ People’s Choice serves 11am–2pm (limited to 75 tickets at $10 each, purchase tickets at the Volunteer Federal Weiner Wagon) • Kids Zone, All Day $5 all-day armband/$8 weekend • Children’s Art Show at Morris Galleries on Main Street

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25th • Live Music with SouthBound 8pm–10pm • Vendors and BBQ cookers begin!

• Wagon rides–$5 each/$15 family • Live Music at Main Stage Bandstand at Duck Park: Stan Gibert, 11am–12pm Mountain Music String Band, 12:30pm–2pm Eli Currier, 1pm–2pm NewTown, 2pm–4pm • Join us at the gazebo after 4pm!

WMTY 98.3 FM Live Sweetwater Jr. High Chorus, 3pm BBQ & 5k Awards & Scarecrow Auction, 4:30pm

SHUTTLE - $5 per person/$20 family • Runs to Tsali Notch Vineyard, The Lost Sea and Downtown Sweetwater.

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TSALI NOTCH VINEYARD FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25th

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26th

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27th

• U-Pick, 10am–6pm Vendors, Crafters

• Muscadine Balloon Sunrise Flight

• Muscadine Balloon Sunrise Flight

• Muscadine Wind 5k, 9am (Pre-register at active.com or the morning of the race at 8am)

• U-Pick, 10am–6pm

• Activities at the Vineyard including: Muscadine picking and product samples, crafters, kids zone • U-Pick, 10am–6pm

• Muscadine Balloon Fiesta Activities starting at 2pm Face Painting • Mt Le Conte Jug Band - Jim Radle, 3:30pm–4:45pm • Vocal Point - Julia Misslin and Bob Hurka, 5pm–6:15pm • Hinckley Brothers Band, 6:30pm– 8:15pm • Muscadine Balloon Glow, DUSK

• Muscadine Balloon Fiesta Activities starting at 2pm Face Painting • Groove Junction - Wayne Millican, 2:30pm–4:15pm • River Town - Bo Carey, 4:30pm– 6:15pm • Hinckley Brothers Band, 6:30pm– 8:15pm • Muscadine Balloon Glow, DUSK

Bring A Lawn Chair or Blanket, Have Dinner and Enjoy the Balloon Glow!

Costs for two-day tickets are $15 per adult and $8 for kids,12 and under.

Cost for one-day tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for kids,12 and under.

Photos By Lisa Amos **All events subject to change

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20 Balloons!

I

n conjunction with the National Muscadine Festival, the Muscadine Balloon Fiesta benefitting CASA Monroe will take place Friday and Saturday at Tsali Notch Vineyard in Madisonville.

More than 20 hot air balloons gather on the 200-acre grounds to wow guests and provide a fun family atmosphere all while supporting a worthy charity. The Hot Air Balloon Festival that took place at Hiwassee College has moved to the beautiful grounds of Tsali Notch Vineyard. Food, tethered hot air balloon rides, craft vendors, kids zone, as well as a mesmerizing balloon glow at dusk each night, weather permitting, is scheduled.

Live music begins Friday at 3:30pm with the Hinckley Brothers performing before the balloon glow from 6:30-8:30pm. On Saturday live music begins at 2:30pm followed by Bo Carey and the Early Morning String Dusters at 4:30pm. The Hinckley Brothers will again take the stage on Saturday night from 6:30-8:30pm to perform for the crowd. Oneday admission to the Fiesta benefitting CASA Monroe is $5 for children 12 and under and $10 for adults. A two-day pass to the Fiesta is $8 for children 12 and under and $15 for adults. Small additional fees apply for food, certain games and tethered balloon rides.

For more information, visit www.muscadineballoonfiesta.com.

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Barbecue • Kids Zone •

Lisa Amos Photography

Visit www.muscadineballoonfiesta.com to see more details and to learn more about this year’s exciting festival.

Balloon Glow • Tethered Rides • Bands FALL 2015 McMINN LIFE

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www.athensfederal.com Thom Johnson

2015 McMinn Co. EDA* President

a #AFRockStars f t

*Economic Development Authority (Board of Directors)

EDI

design group

Sandy Lambert

2015 Etowah Chamber President

McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

2015 Athens Chamber President

Working Together

for McMinn County Athens Etowah Athens Main Office Decatur Pike Branch 745.0981 263.1111 745.1111

A LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION COMPANY www.edidesigngroup.com

423-745-4491

CHANGING THE WAY YOU SEE THE OUTDOORS 20

Shane Sewell

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Tsali Notch Vineyards The largest muscadine vineyard in the state might also be the most beautiful!

Written By Caroline Duvall | Photography By Tammy Lee

As September approaches, there is a buzz of activity at Tsali Notch Vineyard in East Tennessee. When the muscadine grapes are ripe, it is time to begin the harvest. The vineyard, named after the Cherokee leader, is home to 35 acres of muscadine grapes, and sits on over 200 acres of beautiful farmland. Tsali Notch is the largest muscadine vineyard in Tennessee, and welcomes beginners, wine makers, families and friends to join in the “U-Pick” harvest.

The Tsali Notch property also hosts events such as weddings, receptions, reunions and other gatherings. The farmland sits in a beautiful valley overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. There is a restored Party Barn for larger functions, and The Jackson Lounge for a more intimate setting; a recently refurbished 19th century farmhouse that faces the surrounding hills and 6,700 grapevines in the valley.

A Log-built Tasting Room is the perfect

breeze sweeps the morning fog out of the valley, which gives the grapevines a maximum amount of sunlight. Muscadines are rich in flavor and antioxidants, and typically grow well in a warm, dry climate.

The vines are planted from North to South to make the most of the East Tennessee sun, and receive little to no chemicals or preservatives. This ensures that Tsali Notch can offer a fresh, natural crop with a full, rich flavored product.

place to sample the 6 varieties of muscadine wine that the vineyard produces, as well as sparkling wine, juice, and fresh jams. It is open for public and private tours Wednesday through Sunday from Noon to 5pm, and offers several Tsali Notch products for purchase. Tsali Notch juice, which is high in antioxidants, is also available at several local Pharmacies near the vineyard.

The location of Tsali Notch is ideal for muscadine grapes: the nearly constant

Cary Cox has owned Tsali Vineyard since 2009, and enjoys the pleasures that come from working with “America’s Wild Grape” in its purest form. Earlier this year, Cox entered several of their wines in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Contest, and the results speak for themselves. The Tsali Notch Hiwassee White Wine took home a gold medal, and the French Broad Rose received a silver medal. Last year, the Sparkling Muscadine won a gold medal in the University of Tennessee Wines of the South event.

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Cox is looking forward to an excellent muscadine harvest this year, and a few additions to the vineyard. Planning continues for a new building that will expand their event spaces and accommodate the growing demand from wedding and event planners.

The idyllic farmland attracts more than muscadine pickers, and the newest addition will hold over 250 guests in a climate controlled building that displays the best view of the property.

Tsali Notch opens their doors to travellers from all over the country, but Cox enjoys keeping the vineyard’s success local. When the City of Sweetwater approached him to co-host the National Muscadine Festival, it was a perfect match. The Festival occurs from September 26th-27th at the peak of the muscadine harvest. This year marks the 5th annual festival, and includes muscadine sampling and picking, with a hayride tour and tractor show.

This September, the Festival welcomes the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which raises funds to benefit CASA Monroe. The 20+ Balloons will set off at dusk each night of the festival, lighting up the vineyard in a beautifully colorful glow. In addition to the Balloon Fiesta, guests can expect to find a variety of food, fun, live music, and of course - the best muscadine wine in the state.

Visit tsalinotch.com and nationalmuscadinefestival.com or muscadineballoonfiesta.com for event information, reservations, products and directions.

140 Harrison Road Madisonville, Tennessee 37354

423.506.9895 24

McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

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Pumpkintown Fall Festival is still going strong!

October 10th Written By Chris Hari

T

he Pumpkintown Festival began 12 years ago as a way to celebrate local history, which included a tiny town that was located just about where the Mayfield Farm is now. Pumpkintown was so named because the folks there mainly grew pumpkins. Athens grew, Pumpkintown did not, and most people, with the exception of historians, don’t even know it existed.

Unlike its namesake, the Pumpkintown Festival has not withered away, but has morphed into an event that continues to grow, not only in what it offers, but in the crowd it draws. The history and heritage festival focus is still strong, especially the Native American Scott Crisp Memorial Pow-Wow and Heritage Row. The highlights that bring people to Pumpkintown remain - the food, children’s activities, McMinn Regional Humane Society Adoptathon, Mutt Strut and Doggy Costume Contest, and music in the air from four different stage locations. The new activities and vendors each year result in a very large festival!

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Photography By Bruce Hari

Thanks to Dynasty Spas in Athens, some brave and lucky soul will win a fantastic Green Egg, the grill of choice for backyard chefs. All they have to do to win is get into a spa (also donated by Dynasty) filled with pumpkin goo, chunks, string and seeds and “plunge” in to find one of five specially marked objects. The “Pumpkin Plunge” will be held at the Cleage Stage on Washington Avenue between 1pm and 3pm, with five lucky winners coming back at 4pm to make a final plunge to determine who gets the Green Egg.

Meredith Willson and Jim Cucciarre.

Mark your calendars and plan to come on down to Pumpkintown, Saturday, October 10th, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in downtown Athens. For further information visit: www.pumpkintownfestival.com.

Sam Natter, Marketing Director of Dynasty Spas, stands by Green Egg being donated by Dynasty Spas for Pumpkin Plunge. Also pictured are committee members, Bruce Hari, Greg Moses, and Tim Hughes.

PUMPKINTOWN Celebrating History, Heritage & Harvest SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10th 10:00am to 5:00pm Pumpkintown Entertainment Schedule

By Stage Knight Park Stage Cole Sitzlar The Long Haul ChiGun Dreams of Kings

Market Park Stage Little Beauties Pageant Just Us Bluegrass Stormy and Adrian Brittany McLamb

Cleage-Brown Stage

Doggy Costume Contest/Judging Pumpkin Games, including Pumpkin Plunge Beloved Song Inman St. Jazz

West Madison Avenue Stage Shane Lowe Kinslee Melhorn Andy Sneed Celtic Plain

The Pumpkintown Festival will feature live music on 4 different stages, so you are sure to discover good music and new talent all day long.

The Festival will also include a historical Native American Pow-Wow, as well as hosting McMinn’s Regional Humane Society Adoptathon.

Visit www.pumpkintownfestival.com for the complete event schedule and additional details.

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Pumpkintown

2015 Schedule Of Events 7am–11am or until the pancakes run out!

Dr. Burkett Witt Habitat for Humanity Pancake Breakfast at the Habitat Home Store on 5 S. White St. $5.00 per person.

Come have some pancakes and see the new Home Store opening soon across from Grace House and Maddi Mas Restaurant! For more information, email habitat.of.mcminn@gmail.com

10am–5pm Obstacle Course Bounce House

Plus pumpkin activities and s’mores bar Trinity United Methodist Church

11am - Living History Reenactments 11am - Pumpkin Carving Contest

10:45am - Doggie Costume Contest

Fun Ride and Walk / 5K Map

Sponsored by Dynasty Spas at the Sliger’s Jewelers/Cleage Brown Stage on Washington Ave.

5K Run/1 mile Fun Walk Pre-register at 7:00 on site at Athens Middle School, 200 Keith Lane $25.00 to register-free t-shirt & goody bag. For application, please email: McMinnacrf@gmail.com

10am - Dedication of Pumpkintown in Memory of Scott Crisp in Market Park 10am–5pm - $5 Train Rides (tentative)

Pick up point Majestic Mansion at 202 E Washington Ave

10:15am–10:30am Mutt Strutt

And PowWow

Located at Sliger’s Jewelers/Cleage Brown Stage on Washington Ave.

8:15am - McMinn Area Cancer Relief Fund

Line-up at Happy Hounds

Around Courthouse and back to Happy Hounds for dog biscuits & cool water. *must be pre-registered

9am–11am - Mr. & Miss Pumpkintown Pageant

Sponsored by Little Beauties Pageants at Market Park Pavilion Stage

10am - Mutt Strutt

11am–4pm - Pumpkin Plunge

10am–4pm - Pumpkin Plinko

On N. Jackson St. Sponsored by Athens Youth Council. Proceeds to United Way

10am–5pm - Pony Rides at Market Park

Judging begins at Happy Hounds For more information, email jessabartley@gmail.com

11am - Living History Reenactments and Pow Wow At Market Park near the Pavilion

11am - Historical Walking Tour by Dr. B.E. Lenoir Starting at The Open Door Café

11am–4pm - Art Crawl Sponsored by The Arts Center

10am–5pm - Little Creek Petting Zoo

11:45am - Doggie Costume Contest

At Knight Park

Winners announced at Happy Hounds

10am–2pm - McMinn Regional Humane Society Adopt-a-Thon

2pm - Historical Walking Tour With Sheriff Joe Guy

At Happy Hounds: 203 E. Washington Ave. For more information, email Barbara.Brakebill@tcatathens.edu

Visit www.pumpkintownfestival.com for the complete event schedule and additional details.

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60 Years

Bain & Holden Tire Company: A Small Business with a Large Impact Written By Mark Cochran

A family-owned business in a small town is often far more than a place of commerce.

It is an institution. It becomes a part of the community’s identity and a part of its culture.

In Englewood, Tennessee, Bain and Holden Tire Company is the oldest standing institution of its kind.

The company began as the dream of Charles Holden and J.B. Bain. The team wanted to establish a business in Englewood that would focus on retreading passenger tires. They purchased the Englewood Conoco station in 1955, and by 1958, the gas station had been converted to the business the pair had envisioned--Bain and Holden Tire Company.

As most entrepreneurs know, starting a business is one thing; cultivating it into an establishment that endures is another.

Although the company started with only three tire molds, one buffer and rubber that was applied by hand, it was soon known and trusted for the quality, reliable and friendly service it offered to the community. Charles Holden’s daughter, Loyce Holden Elmore, tells the story of a gentleman who asked to purchase one tire for his work truck. Charles checked the truck and realized that the man desperately needed all four tires replaced but could only afford the one. He also knew the man needed the truck to make a living, and when Charles drove the truck out of the bay, it had four new tires. Elmore recalls, “I remember the man said to Dad, ‘I can’t pay you for these tires,’ and Daddy replied in his kind, straightforward way, ‘Did I ask you to pay for the tires?’ The man responded, ‘No.’ Dad

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said, ‘You take them and continue your work, and when you can, you pay me.’”

Holden’s youngest son, Cleve, also shared memories of the incredible closeness his father had with the community. “Upon Dad’s passing I can remember so many people paying their respects and sharing things Dad had done for them,” Holden says. “Although he grew up in the school of hard knocks, Dad always had a soft spot for kids and the underdog. I think he really enjoyed being able to give back in the sweetest of ways.” According to Ed Cochran, one of the company’s earliest employees, many acts of kindness were carried out in secret by both owners.

It was this brand of trusted service that would define Bain and Holden, enable its success and solidify its place in the hearts of Englewood’s citizens.

Holden’s children all remember their father’s dedication to hard work and family, both of which were essential to his success. His daughter, Joyce Holden Snyder, fondly remembers their father coming home from long days at work and being covered in oil, grit and grime. “My sister and I would see him and immediately want to go hug him,” Snyder says. “Even though my mother would insist he wait until he was cleaned off before scooping us up in his arms, he usually couldn’t contain himself. All three of us would then be marched into the house for a bath.”

As with most family businesses, Bain and Holden would become a multi-generational

endeavor. In 1988, Holden’s elder son, Ricky, and Bain’s son-in-law, Van Knox, would purchase and take over operations of the company. Ricky would eventually take full ownership of the company in 2000 and owns the company to this day.

His son Clint manages the day-to-day operations. Even though Charles Holden and J.B. Bain have now passed and the business model for the company they founded has changed somewhat in 60 years, Ricky Holden says the company is guided today by the same principles his father and J.B. instituted six decades ago—hard work, honesty, kindness and an unshakeable faith in the Lord. Holden says that, like his father, he believes “the key to success is treating others like you want to be treated.”

When Charles Holden and J.B. Bain set out to achieve their American Dream, they likely did not realize or consider the immense effect it would have on numerous generations. Their company would go on to employ many local residents, inspire other entrepreneurs to start their own businesses and lend helping hands to countless people in need. Bain and Holden Tire Company has stood the test of time. It has secured its place in the chronicles of Englewood’s history. Most importantly, however, is that the company’s journey is not over, and future generations will continue to be taught the values of hard work, sacrifice and kindness. They will be impacted and moved by a dream that started in 1955 with two dedicated men and a gas station.

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60 Years

Ricky and Sheila Holden, 2nd generation and to the right is their son, Clint Holden, 3rd generation.

Bain & Holden Tire Co., Inc.

Established 1955 Specializing in commercial retreading and new tires.

Proudly serving your needs for three generations.

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PUMPKIN BREAD 2/3 cup shortening 1 1/2 tsp. salt 2 2/3 cups sugar 1/2 tsp. baking powder 4 eggs 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 cup (16 oz.) pumpkin 1 tsp. ground cloves 2/3 cup water 2/3 cup coarsely chopped nuts 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup raisins 2 tsp. baking soda

“I like this recipe because it’s convenient and easy and I feed a family of 7 every night, so that’s important. Also, it is nutritious and so good that even the grandchildren like it.”

- Dot LaBrum

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottoms only of 2 loaf pans, 9x5x3 inches. Mix shortening and sugar in large bowl. Add eggs, pumpkin and water. Blend in flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves. Stir in nuts and raisins. Pour into pans. Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes; cool slightly.

Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans. Cool completely before slicing.

PUMPKIN DIP 1 small can pumpkin 1 small package instant vanilla pudding 1 small container whipped topping pumpkin pie spice

Mix vanilla pudding and pumpkin together. Blend with a wire whisk. Mix in whipped topping and blend. Add pumpkin pie spice to taste. Serve with ginger snaps and/or vanilla wafers.

“I’ve been making this recipe over 40 years – since I’ve been married.

To me it’s a “Fall” thing and makes the house smell soooo good!”

- Debby Herbert

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WHITE BEAN AND SAUSAGE STEW 6 Italian sausages, 3 oz. each 1 28 oz. can chopped tomatoes 1 T. olive oil 1 T. chopped thyme, fresh, or 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 large onion, sliced salt and pepper to taste 1 clove garlic, chopped 2 15 oz. cans white beans, Great Northern, Cannelli or Navy beans, rinsed and drained.

“I have a very busy schedule, so I look for easy and fast recipes. This is one of my favorites and I use it frequently in the Fall. Visitors to the Heritage Holiday Open House have been served this dip for many years.”

- Ann Davis

Poke holes into sausages and place in a large skillet. Add 1/4 cup water; bring to a boil.

Lower heat and cook sausages, turning until lightly browned and water has evaporated (about 10 minutes). Transfer to a plate.

Warm oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

Add onion and garlic, cook, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes and thyme. Put half of bean mixture in a slow cooker. Arrange sausage on top, followed by remaining beans. Cover and cook until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

PUMPKIN PIE 1 large can pumpkin pie filling 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 can low-fat sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp. ginger 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. cloves 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 T. pumpkin pie spice 1 unbaked pie shell

Combine pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs, sugar and spices; mix thoroughly.

Pour into pie shell and bake 425 degrees for 15 minutes, lower heat to 350 degrees and bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

“I make this recipe for my husband and family every year throughout the Fall. They really enjoy it and love the spices.”

- Marcia Long

The McMinn County Senior Center has some of the very best cooks in the County. A while back members of the Center put together a “must have” cookbook of “Down Home Cooking.” If you would like information on how to get a copy of the Senior Center’s “Down Home Cooking” cookbook, contact the Center at (423) 745-6830, or email: mcminnsenior@comcast.net.

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FALL 2015 McMINN LIFE

35

Harry T. Burn

and The Vote for Women’s Suffrage Written By Gayle Fisher Photography By Bruce Hari

T

oday, women take the right to vote as normal. It’s amazing to me that less than 100 years ago, women were considered too weak, simple or uninterested, so voting was exclusively a man’s area of expertise. I have a friend who laughs and tells me “I should vote early and often.”

During World War I, while the men were away fighting, women left their homes to work in factories, stores and communities.

Women had always worked beside their mates when farming and raising children.

Now they wanted their rightful place at the ballot box. The Constitution granted African American men the right to vote by declaring that the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Although ratified on February 3,

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1870, the promise of the 15th Amendment did not include black or white women.

One of the major issues in American society in 1920 was women’s suffrage. During that summer, 35 states had approved the 19th amendment (which gave women the right to vote), but 36 states were needed for ratification. Tennessee Governor Albert Roberts agreed to call the legislature into special session on August 9th to consider this amendment.

Fortunately, McMinn County had elected Harry T. Burn as their representative. Burn was the youngest member of the General Assembly elected at the age of 22. Following the passage in the senate the bill went to the house for the real battle. When the 19th amendment was voted on, Tennessee responded in its usual fashion, right down

the middle. Twice, a vote was called and both times the results were a 48 to 48 tie.

The speaker of the house recessed until the next morning. Back in Niota, Burns’s mother, Phoebe Ensminger Burn, sent him a note on August 18th where she stated: “I have been watching to see how you stood, but have not noticed anything yet. Don’t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt, the founder of the League of Women Voters, put the “rat” in ratification. Your Mother.”

Burn followed his mother’s advice, giving 27,000,000 women the right to vote. He was a hero to the suffrage movement, but there are stories of him escaping out of upstairs window from the anti-suffrage followers.

In 1930 when Burn was a candidate for governor (later he served as state senator).

He was asked if he would vote for the 19th amendment again. He replied “My mother was a student of international affairs. She was a college woman, she would vote intelligently: and yet she had illiterate men working on this farm that could vote…I think it was morally right. I thought so then; I still think it.”

Burn, his mother and his wife are all buried in the Niota Cemetery. Burn was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution. What a wonderful tribute and celebration for Burn and thank goodness he listened to his mother.

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On March 28, 2015, in Niota, Tennessee, a marker was placed on the grave of Harry T. Burn. The event was attended by local, state, and SAR dignitaries. Featured speaker was Tennessee Senate Majority Leader, Beth Harwell. He truly played a major role in United States history.

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

Guaranteed Lowest Price in McMinn County.

Serenity Funeral Home and

Cremation Center is Etowah’s lowest cost funeral home. We accept all current pre-need and Brian Miracle Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer and Licensed Pre-Need Agent

burial policies that exclude no one, regardles of health or age.

For more information, call Brian Miracle at (423) 263-6700.

300 Tennessee Avenue (423) 263-6700 Toll Free (866) 243-6319 www.serenityfunerals.com

Serving all of McMinn County and the surrounding area.

Direct Cremation, $695- this charge includes removal of remains-$195 Crematory fee- $400 Cardboard alternative container- $100 Immediate Burial, $1,295-this charge includes immediate burial fee -$400. A cloth covered oval top fiberboard casket -$895

FALL 2015 McMINN LIFE

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Athens Federal Community Bank and Athens Federal Foundation Community Is Our Priority – It’s In Our Name

“

Written By Nicole Gibbs

There is no denying the need in our communities for essentials and programs to improve the quality of life for our neighbors.” He continued, “as our assets grow, we expect the Foundation will be able to offer even more support to deserving causes and organizations in the future.

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Foundation President and CEO, Jeff Cunningham

Athens Federal Community Bank serves the community by understanding that each community has different needs, and seeks to meet those needs in an outstanding way.

Contributions to each community include charitable donations, employee volunteerism and Athens Federal Foundation grants.

Through these endeavors combined, Athens Federal donates an average of $250,000 to its communities each year.

The Foundation’s mission is to “support and fund community development via affordable housing, job training and programs that assist the economically disadvantaged.” They also assist with “educational initiatives, health care programs and supportive human service programs as well as local cultural institutions for the purpose of broadening access to cultural and arts activities.”

The bank’s history of community involvement has inspired the Athens Federal Foundation.

Formed by Athens Bancshares Corporation, The Foundation was created to provide funding and support for charitable causes within the bank’s market area. To date, the Foundation has granted more than $292,000 to 82 local non-profit and charitable organizations, programs or projects, and expects to fund an additional $96,000 in 2015.

Since 2009, the Foundation has supported substance abuse education and prevention programs, youth and adult literacy and leadership scholarships, job training, food assistance and health care initiatives for underserved communities, materials for affordable housing projects, and more.

McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

Athens Federal is committed to the success of the communities they serve

”

through expertise, innovation and leadership, and will continue to help local people and projects succeed. The bank’s employees are dedicated to helping their neighbors reach financial goals, and work closely with local residents and school systems, providing free financial literacy and education courses, and other useful banking solutions.

For additional information about the Athens Federal Foundation, its grants or recipients, contact Athens Federal Community Bank at 423-745-1111 or visit www.athensfederal. com. The grant application period typically extends from June-August of each year with a $5,000 maximum per request. All nonprofit organizations in McMinn, Monroe, Bradley, Meigs and Polk counties that are tax-exempt under Section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code are eligible to apply.

“

We are blessed to be able to offer the services we do for the young people in our community.

It is our goal to provide in-depth knowledge, ongoing support and skills needed for our youth to achieve a life of excellence.

- Sarah Holmes

”

The Full Circle Medical Center for Women offers abstinence education to the public school system. In 2014, they received a grant that matched funds provided by the state of Tennessee.

The Full Circle Medical Center for Women operates on donations, and their funding from Athens Federal Community allows them to serve students in East Tennessee.

The money donated to the center funds ON TRAC (Teaching Teens Responsibility and Consequences), a five day comprehensive abstinence education program for youth in the McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Etowah City and Athens City School Systems. Along with the abstinence education program, On TRAC provides additional programs for our

community’s youth through the annual Teen Life Maze – Your Life is Not a Game, and IMPACT – Youth Health Board of McMinn County.

The objectives of On TRAC are to empower teens to identify and evaluate a positive support system; sharpen critical thinking skills to analyze choices and how they impact the future; instill factors that build resiliency to overcome past failures and injustices; and to help teens increase their sense of

self-worth and gain a positive vision for their future. During the 2014-2015 school year, 2,322 students received the program, and 77% of those students have said YES to abstinence. Since the implementation of On TRAC in 2009, there has been a 13% reduction in teen pregnancies (per 1,000 15-17 year old females) in this area.

Sarah Holmes, Director of Full Circle Pregnancy, is grateful for the help they receive from Athens Federal and the community.

Wesley Memorial Helping Hand Food Pantry received a grant in 2014 to help them continue their ministry of feeding people.

“

We could not operate without the help of these caring people. We appreciate the support so much.

- Brenda Tullock

”

The Wesley Memorial Helping Hand Food Pantry is a cooperative effort

by Etowah churches who use Wesley Memorial’s space for the pantry’s location.

The Pantry operates by volunteers on a mission to serve God by helping others.

Volunteers shop with funds donated by individuals, churches, and organizations such as Athens Federal.

Last year the pantry served 1048 families, and through July of this year, 551 families.

The Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am to Noon.

Participants must have an EUB stub to show they reside in Etowah. For further information, call Reverend Wayne Hickman, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, at (423) 263-2087.

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Secrets Of Shiloh Written By Laura Spann Photography By Bruce Hari & Laura Spann

T

he origins of McMinn County’s history are deeply rooted in the town of Calhoun on the bank of the Hiwassee River. John Walker, the grandson of Nancy Ward, operated a ferry in this strategic location of trade and travel. Walker’s Cherokee ancestry and established business relationship with both Indians and white settlers led to his participation in negotiations and the resulting land cession treaty known as the Hiwassee Purchase.

On November 13, 1819, the county of McMinn was created by an act of the Tennessee Legislature, and the first court of pleas and quarter sessions of the new county met at Walker’s home in Calhoun on March 6, 1820.

Soon after concluding his third term as Governor of Tennessee, Joseph McMinn was called into federal service at the request of President James Monroe and was appointed as director of the Indian agency located across the Hiwassee from

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the growing town of Calhoun. Though raised in a Quaker household, McMinn had joined the Presbyterian Church and was instrumental in the organization of a Presbyterian congregation near his new home.

The Shiloh Presbyterian meetinghouse, located at the edge of town, has been described as “the largest and best frame building for church or school purposes south of Knoxville”. The church on the “road to Blair’s Ferry” (Loudon, Tennessee) greeted travelers entering the bustling community from areas north of town, including Sevier, Blount, and Roane counties.

Soon after the building was erected, Governor McMinn died at his desk and, at his request, was laid to rest near the north door of the new church.

For 40 years, the building not only housed religious services but was a gathering place for community events and educational activities. The roadway beside the church was the primary route to the Indian Agency and sadly

witnessed the removal of the Cherokee in 1838.

The era of Presbyterian worship services in the Calhoun community ended abruptly in the winter of 1863 amid the Union occupation of the town during the Civil War. According to National Archive records, Union soldiers dismantled both the Presbyterian and Methodist Church buildings, using the lumber for construction of winter quarters and a pontoon bridge across the Hiwassee River.

In 1887, the Tucker Act allowed organizations to submit requests for reimbursement of damages or supplies taken by the Union Army. Depositions given by local townspeople describe the church building and also provide a wealth of information about church leaders, membership, and loyalties during the war.

“It was not less than 30 by 46 feet”, reported Return Jonathan Meigs Only. “It was about 19 feet in the clear between floor and ceiling, with a gallery inside across the north end.” He described the gallery as about 14 feet wide and estimated the post and rail fence around

Fred Underdown, State District 3 Director, Hiwassee Chapter of Sons of American Revolution, and Tony Underdown, Vice President of Hiwassee SAR Chapter, during ceremonies marking the grave of Governor Joseph McMinn.

the lot as “not less than 500 feet” in length.

In 1908, the Senate approved a bill filed with the Court of Claims to reimburse $825 to the Shiloh Presbyterian Church. In the interim period between destruction of the building and approval of the claim, the church congregation had moved across the river to Charleston so payment was made to the trustees of the church at that time.

Members of the Charleston-CalhounHiwassee Historical Society recently prepared a map of the cemetery gravestones and, after locating pre-1863 burials, an area large enough to accommodate the foundation of the church was identified. A metal detector aided search has confirmed the proposed location. Unearthed relics included handwrought horseshoes, numerous square nails, and tent stakes. Cannon shell fragments are evidence of Confederate attempts to dislodge the Union encampment. In addition, an internet search revealed diary entries of Union soldiers describing their stay in the area.

The team of CCHHS members then took on the task of uncovering over 20 partially hidden grave markers, leading to the discovery of an additional eight previously unrecorded burials in the process. The

team is currently working to recover broken headstone pieces, correlate footstones, and to clean and preserve damaged stones.

The grave of Governor McMinn, a Revolutionary War patriot, is memorialized with a large obelisk monument. In addition, veterans of the War of 1812, Seminole Wars, Mexican War, Civil War, and World War I all rest at Shiloh. Four children of William Baumann, architect of the Henegar House, died within a span of four months and are buried there, along with Taylor Parks, the third great-grandson of Nancy Ward, and his mother, Sarah Miriam Parks.

The National Park Service recently designated the road beside the Shiloh Cemetery as an original Trail of Tears route and signage has been installed on the Trail segment, continuing south along Main Street and extending to the river.

As the grass is kept neatly trimmed and an occasional passerby visits with a relative, or perhaps stops to enjoy a moment of solitude.

Continued restoration of “God’s Acre” in a quiet corner of Calhoun is sure to reveal additional secrets and stories of a bygone era and attest to the determination of the earliest residents of McMinn County.

Laura Bryan Spann was born and raised in Calhoun. She married Rickey Spann after graduating from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and they moved to White Bluff in middle Tennessee. Laura is very active in the Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society, and returns frequently for historical events. She assists the Hiwassee River Heritage Center with research on area history and local family genealogy. She can be reached by email at: laurabspann@gmail.com.

FALL 2015 McMINN LIFE

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The red tape outlines where the church/mission used to stand. Several of the graves in the cemetery are unmarked, making it even more difficult to find the location of mcMinn’s grave.

Joseph McMinn’s grave is, indeed, in the Shiloh Presbyterian Cemetery. The final secret …where is he buried?

Governor McMinn’s grave is unmarked.

Approximately 50 years after his death, there was a movement to bring his body to Cedar Springs Cemetery in Athens. The obstacle was that the only person who knew where he was buried in the Shiloh Cemetery was Return Jonathan Meigs Only, who wasn’t telling. His non-disclosure of this information effectively halted the exhumation effort.

On June 20, 2015, the Hiwassee Chapter of the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution held a “Patriot Grave Marking,” at Shiloh cemetery, honoring and celebrating the life and burial of Governor Joseph McMinn who died in 1824. The celebration included many period re-enactors and historical representatives from McMinn and surrounding counties. The dedication of Joseph McMinn’s grave was held in front of the obelisk Joseph McMinn monument.

No ceremonies were conducted at the north door of the long-gone church where McMinn requested to be buried.

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FALL 2015 McMINN LIFE

45

Choate Printing in Etowah

Celebrates Their 50th Anniversary Written & Photographed By Chris Hari

C

hoate Printing has served the printing and graphic design needs of East Tennessee residents for over 50 years, and have remained in business for some very important reasons.

They provide excellent service and want to keep their customers happy, even providing free pick-up and delivery services. Three of four full-time employees have a combined 95 years of service. What this means to the customer is that they know their jobs well and take pride in what they do. Also, the people at Choate Printing have learned how to change with the times and technology.

The company was started by Gene Choate in 1965. He began his printing career working for Frank McKinney at the Etowah Enterprise at age 14. Back then, printing was accomplished by “hand set” typing… literally each letter was set by hand, requiring time and patience. Gene worked at the Enterprise part-time for 11 years then moved to Chattanooga to work for a printer there.

At age 26, he grew homesick for Etowah. By then there wasn’t a printer in Etowah, so he took the plunge and started his own business.

Choate credits his wife’s support in helping him establish his first year of business.

The handset typing was eventually replaced by “linotype,” a process where one line at a time could be done. It was still time consuming and the person performing the process had to “think backwards” because the lines went left to right but upside down. This process was then replaced with a photographic process. Fortunately,

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computers have now taken over the printing process with their speed and seemingly limitless choices of fonts. Choate Printing has stayed to the forefront of the technology, while giving each project the care and attention it deserves.

Gene Choate sold the business in 2005 when he retired to Dockins Graphics in Cleveland. In 2012 Dockins Graphics was acquired by Pathway Press, owned by the Church of God in Cleveland. When they planned to shut the Etowah plant of Choate Printing down, Helen Mullins stepped in and purchased the business saving it from closure. She kept the Choate Printing name because the business was respected and well known within the community.

Helen Mullins grew up in Etowah and earned a degree in Graphic Arts/ Photography from Cleveland State Community College. She has been in the printing industry for over 30 years with an extensive and varied background. Mullins even had the opportunity to work for Group photo of Helen receiving the Rising Star Award

Choate prior to purchasing the business.

She worked for The Democrat newspaper in Madisonville and at a large printer in Cleveland. Under Helen’s direction, annual sales revenue has doubled and she has added new staff members. She has an excellent reputation in East Tennessee as a photographer and graphic designer.

In 2014, Helen was presented with the Rising Star Award from the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State Community College.

Helen Mullins with Rising Star Award.

Later that year, Choate Printing received national industry recognition when the McMinn County Imagination Station

2014 Calendar designed and printed by Choate, won a “Pewter” award in the calendar division of the prestigious Gold Ink Awards. The Gold Ink Awards have celebrated the best in printed products for 27 years.

Helen looks forward to continuing Gene Choate’s legacy of great business ethics, service, and customer satisfaction for many years to come.

For further information on the wide variety of services provided by Choate Printing visit www.ChoatePrinting.com or call (423) 263-7548.

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Providing Service and Quality Since 1988

Serving the area for 30 years!

WHOLESALE PETROLEUM MARKETERS

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Serving East Tennessee 423.337.6671

Fuller’s Frame Shop specializes in professional custom framing, large Art Gallery with national and local artists.

Now offering Wide ´ Printing Format Giclee

www.sweetwatervalleyoil.com LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

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Hiwassee River’s Only Fly Shop Authorized ORVIS Dealer Spin & Fly Tackle Cabin & Campsite Rentals Non Ethanol Gas Hunting & Fishing License

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588 Childers Creek Rd. Reliance, TN 37369

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P: (423)383-7771 F:(423)338- 5110

McMINN LIFE FALL 2015

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years of Service, Dependability, Smooth Rides and now Our Price Match Guarantee! At the time of purchase, if you find a current lower advertised price on the identical, in-stock tire from a local retail competitor’s store, we will match the competitor’s pre-tax price. So call today and experience the hometown legacy of Matlock Tire Service.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE AT H E N S • L E N O I R C I T Y • M A RY V I L L E • FA R R A G U T www.matlocktires.com

Sweetwater Hospital Association is the Region’s in Healthcare “FOUR STAR” FACILITY SHA is boosting healthcare to new heights with shining performance and stellar commitment.

We are proud to announce our four-star rating in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, a national Medicare survey that asks patients about their experiences during a recent hospital stay. The patients surveyed associate progress, quality care and positive outcomes with SHA, the region’s star in healthcare.

Sweetwater Hospital Association (SHA) is proud to announce that their home health agency received a 4 ½ out of a 5 star rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on its Home Health Quality of Patient Care Star Rating Provider report. These ratings are based on quality performance and patient results. Only 10% of home care agencies in the nation are listed in this elite category. This information is available for public review on the Home Health Compare (HHC) website @ www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare/search.html.

This report provides a comparison of provided care by local agencies throughout the state and the nation. This information allows individuals the ability to review and select a home health agency of their choice from a list of home care agencies which have the highest achievement for medical care, treatment or service.

Your Health...Our Mission.