Historic Elkmont Part 2

Among all the homes in Elkmont, the most impressive one and the most preserved is the Spence House or as the locals call it "The Pink House." Alice Townsend built this house in 1928 and named it River Lodge. I'm sure it was a beautiful home at one time.

You can't miss this structure because of it's size and color, and it's idyllic setting at the beginning of the Little River Trail. We noticed it several times when we were hiking in the area but never walked back to take a close look at it until last year.

 The central part is built of logs with a massive stone fireplace and a wing extending on both sides of the house.

The river rocks used to build the foundation, entry and fireplace, came from the river behind the house.

This is the only house that's being saved on Millionaire's Row. Since these photos were taken last year, this has been completely restored, and can now be rented for day use. Weddings, Reunions, Meetings etc....And yes, it's still pink!
 Next year I will get some after photos of these places.

Part of the circular driveway. I wonder what made the trees bend like that. They were the only ones like that. Very strange. 

  I don't recall if this was part of the Spence driveway or another one on Millionaire's Row. Oh, how I love these stone walls.

Every June for about 2 weeks a very rare phenomenom occurs in Elkmont.
 Synchronized Fireflies!!  There are 14 species of fireflies in the Smokies but only one has the ability to flash in sync with each other.
 It is said this only happens at two places in the world. In the Smoky Mountains especially Elkmont, and the other being in Southeast Asia.  People turn out by the thousands to view this unusual event. Scientists are completely baffled by what causes these fireflies to flash in unison but it is believed to be a mating ritual.
I just found this rather fascinating and thought I'd share.

A Song for Sunday

Historic Elkmont Part 1

One hundred years ago the logging community of Elkmont in the Smoky Mountains became a vacation resort for the elite from Knoxville. Lured by hunting and fishing opportunities, the Appalachian Clubhouse was established and the Wonderland Hotel was constructed in this beautiful valley.
Plots were sold and the wealthy built cottages and cabins along the scenic Little River and Jakes Creek aka Millionaire's Row,Society Hill and Daisy Town.
The Little River Railroad offered non-stop train service from Knoxville to Elkmont on a daily basis.
In 1934 when the Great Smoky Mountain National Park was formed, the owners of these cottages were given a cash settlement or a life lease after which the cottages would be removed and the area restored to it's natural habitat. All but two leases expired in 1992 and many of the structures have deteriorated over the years, many beyond repair and the hotel collapsed in 2005.
In 1994 Elkmont was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, saving the cottages from destruction.
In recent years a debate has ensued over the fate of these structures. Some wanted them all removed, others wanted them restored. In 2009 the National Park Service decided to restore 19 of the 74 buildings.
We had hiked in this area previously and noticed a few of the cottages, especially those along the Little River Trail and wondered about them. I did some research and found out many of them are slated for removal so last year we decided to go back and get some pictures before they are torn down. We found many cabins along Jakes Creek we had not seen previously. I don't know which ones are being kept and which ones are being removed.  It's sad to see so many being torn down.  I feel this is part of the history of the Park just like Cades Cove is, just a later time frame.

I don't know all the names to these cabins and I'm not sure in which area they were but I think this one was on Millionaire's Row. There is something about this rustic cottage that really appeals to me.

 I only got a few pictures in this area and I'm saving the best one for last. It will get it's own post.
 Weeds have taken over around some of the cottages and I wasn't going to risk getting poison ivy so I only took pictures where we could easily get to.

I love these moss covered rock walls. Must have been built well to still be standing after all these years. 

The Little River....Wouldn't it be nice to have this behind your house? I can imagine kids spending their summers playing and fishing in these streams.

A little trailside waterfall on the Little River Trail.

If I remember correctly the rest of these cottages are on Society Hill except for the last one.

A few roses still bloom among the overgrown weeds. Someone probably had a beautiful garden here at one time.

The Jeffords Cabin

The W.Arnett Cabin. This was one of the nicer ones on Society Hill. Will it stay or go?? Hope this one stays.

The Levi Trentham log cabin. This cabin originally was located on up Jakes Creek and was moved here in 1932 to be used as a guest house. By the looks of this I would say this one is being restored.

The Cain Cabin

This was a children's playhouse built in 1921 known as "Adamless Eden." I'm sure there's a story behind that name. Perhaps "no boys allowed?"

The Sneed Cabin. This one looked like some work was being done on it so I assume it's staying.

The Higdon Cabin

I wish I had a photo of the Appalachian Club House. I'm not sure why I didn't get one. I vaguely remember seeing a lot of equipment around that area and restoration had begun on it. I think there might have been chain link fence around it and we just couldn't get close enough, but to date that building has been completed.Appalachian Clubhouse photo from the Mountain Press.

To be continued.

A Song for Sunday

Baked Cranberry Apple Oatmeal

After stuffing myself like a turkey the last few days, I was ready for a healthy, nutritious breakfast this morning.
 This recipe is so versatile.You could make it with blueberries or raisins or whatever you like. I did a fresh peach and cranberry that was really good.
This is so much better than just plain cooked oatmeal and it smells so good while it's baking.
 You won't believe how delicious this is!

Baked Cranberry Apple Oatmeal

3 cups milk, plus more for serving if desired  4-5 Tbsp brown sugar or to taste  1 1/2 Tbsp butter  1 teaspoon cinnamon  1 teaspoon vanilla  1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats  1 large apple peeled and chopped  3/4 cup dried cranberries  1/2 cups chopped pecans optional   You could substitute blueberries or raisins for the dried cranberries if you like.    Directions Preheat oven to 350. Bring the milk,brown sugar,butter,cinnamon and vanilla just to a boil. Meanwhile in a mixing bowl, mix together the oats, apple, cranberries and nuts if you are using them. I don't put nuts in mine. Pour the milk mixture over the oatmeal mixture and stir to combine. Pour into a greased 9 or 10 inch pan. Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top and bake uncovered 30-35 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the oatmeal is tender. Serve with milk and brown sugar. Note: I use less sugar in mine when I'm making it and put it on top when I eat it. printablerecipe