|
|
Feature article
|
 |
|
 |
History a big draw in Blountville
By Jim McGuinness
 |
| Chuck and Sherry Owens |
Chuck and Sherry Owens had spent years collecting historic antiques. All they needed was an historic old house to put them in.
They found such a place four years ago when a 200-year-old brick home went on the market in Blountville.
This was a chance for the Owenses not only to buy the house of their dreams, but to tap into the legacy of one of East Tennessee’s most historic towns.
Completed in 1802, the 2,800-square-foot home was built by Dr. Elkanah Dulaney, who purchased the land from John Tipton in 1796.
It is the oldest brick house in Blountville.
“We’d been looking for an historic house for a while,” Sherry said. “When this house became available, we couldn’t believe it.”
Just as unbelievable was the poor condition the house was in. Calling it a “fixer upper” would be an understatement — the house hadn’t been occupied in 23 years, and was badly in need of repairs.
The biggest concerns were on the interior: The floor and floor joists in the main sitting room were missing, as were two doors, a window and cellar vents. And a thick cake of dirt was everywhere.
“The house was in deplorable condition,” Chuck said. “Trash was everywhere and it was inhabited by bats.”
Better was the exterior. The Federal-style home was structurally sound, perhaps saved by a metal roof installed by a previous owner.
Restoration, however, would be a long process. Although they purchased the house in July 2000, Chuck and Sherry didn't move in until this past December. And while the house continues to be a work in progress, they couldn’t be happier.
Although modernized in spots, they did their best to find vintage materials and decorations. As a result the house has retained an historic feel with its high ceilings, elegant molding, six fireplaces, and virgin white pine floor.
Among the materials from the house’s original construction is a combination of potash and soot that lends a marble effect to the sitting-room walls — the same material can be seen at President Andrew Johnson’s childhood home in Greeneville.
“An historical house has a charm that a contemporary house doesn’t have,” Chuck said. “It has beauty in the workmanship and the quality of materials that went into it. I just love living in an old house.”
Adds Sherry: “We have a contemporary kitchen with modern amenities, but as you walk through it, it has the flavor of an historical house.”
The house has an interesting history of its own.
During the Civil War, the Battle of Blountville was fought just outside its front door, with women and children taking refuge inside. In fact, the entire neighborhood is steeped in history — Blountville is listed in the National Historic Register.
Chuck and Sherry have become involved in the Blountville Historical Society.
“We’ve really connected to the historic restoration of the town in the downtown area,” Chuck said. “Blountville is an old community, and people are starting to realize what a gem they have.”
Chuck and Sherry moved to the Tri-Cities area from Goldsboro, N.C., in 1991, settling in Kingsport where Chuck had landed a position at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport, where he serves as executive director.
They also began dabbling in antiques, opening Hummingbird Antiques at a now-defunct antique mall. As they dug deeper into the antique world, they became interested in the idea of restoring an historic home.
Owning one seemed inevitable, so they started planning for the day when they would buy one.
“We had been collecting various items for this house for four or five years before we bought it,” Chuck said. “If we saw a chandelier we liked, we’d buy it and keep it in storage.”
All that planning has paid off as Chuck and Sherry have not only embraced their new home, but also their new community.
“Blountville is everything that’s great about small-town America,” Chuck says.
“On the major holidays, you’ll have parades, picnics and special events. And there are other times they just close down the road and have everything from antique shows to flea markets to jazz festivals to concerts. It’s really a small-town atmosphere.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
