Harrison TN – Residential Historic District

Our exploration of Roane County Tennessee’s historic sites led us to Harriman and its Cornstalk Heights Historic District.  This is a huge historic site, encompassing several streets and 134 ‘contributing’ or historic structures!  Needless to say, we only photographed a handful for this posting...

This expansive residential district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in December of 1990.

I can’t identify this handsome home in my notes or on the listing at the National Register of Historic Places. (NRHP) The sign in front of the home doesn’t show a house number but it does state Davis-LeDuc 1908.

Historically, this Queen Anne style home is named Bushrod Hall.  It was built in 1892 by a lumber mill owner.  Then in 1895, the American Temperance University bought it for its school of Domestic Sciences for Young Ladies.

The American Temperance University opened in 1893 in Harriman.  In its second year of operation the institution enrolled 345 students from 20 states. However, it closed in 1908.  Bushrod Hall was named for Bushrod Washington James, A.M., M.D. (1836–1903) He was an American surgeon, homeopathist, writer and philanthropist who lived in Philadelphia PA.  He donated this house to the University.

Too bad that they had to cut down this big tree in front of this historic home at 514 Cumberland Street.  It did make the home easier to photograph.  The Cassell-D'Alessandro House (aka. Monte Vista) is a 2 and 1 half story Colonial Revival home that was built ca. 1890. 

From Dawn Marie’s notes, I surmise that this is the Edwards-Foster House at 509 Cumberland Street.  This Queen Anne style home was built ca. 1890 and the property also lists a one-story shiplap frame building that served as servant’s quarters.   

This is the W.H. Russell House at 525 Cumberland Street.  Laurie didn’t want me to take this photo… not all old homes are attractive after years of ‘improvements’ or remodeling.  This Eastlake style house was built in 1890.  It was the first house built on Cumberland Street and its original owner was the President of the East Tennessee Land Company.

This terrific looking Colonial Revival style home is located at 621 Cumberland Street.  The Haven House, aka. W.H. Julian House in the NRHP listing was built ca. 1890 or 1892, depending on whether the sign in front is correct or the listing is correct.  Many signs in the area differ from the original listings.  The property also features a carriage house that was built in 1895.

This large and lovely home is on a big lot at 629 Cumberland Street.  The Williamson-Jones House (aka. Lane House) is a Folk Victorian home that was built in 1893.    

Go Vols!  Obviously, the Hopkins-Sutton-Coleman House at 725 Cumberland Street is currently occupied by some University of Tennessee Volunteers fans.  This Folk Victorian home was built ca. 1890 as a Presbyterian Manse.  Among other more encompassing definitions, a 'manse' is defined as a 'house occupied by a minister of a Presbyterian church'.

Although this home has a sign out front that reads Nottingham-Webb House with a date of 1890, I couldn’t find it listed as part of the historic district… As matter of fact, there weren’t any homes in the listing that have an address that begins with 412.

With the glare from the sun, this isn’t the best photo but the history of this home dictates that I include it in this posting… The Winslow House at 802 Clinton Street is a Queen Anne style home that was built in 1895 by Henry Winslow, the Harriman Land Company Manager.  Henry’s son, John lived in the house until the 1970’s…but he lived in just one room!  He left the rest of the house as it was on the day his mother died and numerous ghost stories are attached to this property.  BOO!

The size of this district and the quality of most of the homes was a bit overwhelming.  To learn more about the Cornstalk Heights Historic District you can go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornstalk_Heights.  The other source is the NRHP where every property should be listed and described.  Go to http://npgallery.nps.gov/nrhp/GetAsset?assetID=0021400f-c0e3-4af2-a812-e50bfe0d4d9b.

Just click on any of the photos to enlarge them…

Thanks for stopping by for a tour!

Take Care, Big Daddy Dave