How CHHCO came to be.....
Dear Friends of Historic Harriman and the Cornstalk Heights Historical Community Oranization,
Thirty three years ago there was excitement and renewed hope for the revitalization of City of Harriman. 1990 was the Centennial Anniversary of the Great Land Auction and founding of the City. The Harriman Downtown Historic District and Cornstalk Heights Historic District were added to the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of Interior. The City of Harriman began their Tennessee Main Street Program, from which the "Hooray for Harriman" Labor Day Festival started and still continues to this day. The Harriman Historic Zoning Commission and CHHCO also trace their roots back to that time.
We are again in a period of renewed excitement towards economic, cultural and quality of life progress within the City of Harriman. Downtown buildings have been bought and renovated, businesses started, and the Princess Theater is once again a destination for downtown entertainment. Civic pride is on the rise. Constantly changing themed decorations on Roane Street provide a festive atmosphere. People feel better about the community they live in, and are encouraged by the improvements to the place we call home.
As if by divine proclamation "for such a time as this," CHHCO has received the generous donation to the Organization of the Historic Christian Church at the corner of Morgan and Cumberland. This structure is the first permanent church built in Harriman, as well as the only remaining church structure from the early days of Harriman. This opportunity to save this important historic structure is symbolic of the core values shared in Harriman then and now - Religion, Community, and Culture. This is significant, and we are applying to add this Historic structure to the US Historic National Register in recognition of these facts.
CHHCO's Vision is to renovate this structure to be used as the principal location for the Historical Community activities, but also to be available for special functions such as weddings, class reunions, educational seminars, and drama/story telling/musical entertainment. CHHCO understands the challenges ahead to bring the structure to the condition it can be used again. It is for that reason we are asking for you to become a part of this. Several of you are have already participated or intend to participate in physical work at the facility. We thank you for all you do! We invite more to help, and we are developing a list of activities that need to be done by different skill sets and levels of effort. This is a place for everyone!
As important as the physical work is, we need renovation funds. It is important that we establish the revenue necessary to repair, upgrade, and augment the structure in order to meet our goals and objectives. CHHCO is very fortunate to have accumulated its own renovation seed money from the numerous past tours, which is now being used to initiate the renovation process. We encourage you to consider pledging your donations up to a 5 year duration so we can schedule the work consistent with the funds to complete the task at hand. You may also consider providing designated gifts, such as a completely renovated window in memory or honor of an individual(s) of your choice. Designated gifts can be arranged by contacting me directly (865-621-1274 or baknob@gmail.com) to discuss your wishes.
All donors contributing towards the cost of renovation and equipment will be recognized according to their cumulative level of giving, on a permanent plaque to be placed at the completion of the facility renovations. Those who contribute physically towards the renovation will also be recognized. Would you please consider responding with your pledge, one time gift, or designated gift now? We do need your help!
Best Regards,
Bruce A Knobloch
President, Cornstalk Heights Historical Community Organization
restoration, preservation & protection of Historic Harriman
All who are interested are welcome!
Remember, the Cornstalk Heights Historical Community Organization (CHHCO) is always actively looking for individuals who are interested in preserving older homes, and Harriman's history in particular, to join this community organization. CHHCO is a non-profit organization formed in 1990, and membership is open to all persons interested in the restoration, preservation and protection of Historic Harriman.
CHHCO MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO EVERYONE, AND MEMBERSHIP IS SIMPLY TO BE INVOLVED! THERE ARE NO ANNUAL DUES, AND YOU DO NOT NEED TO LIVE IN A HISTORIC DISTRICT TO BE A MEMBER.
Additional Events and Contact information.
Please feel free to contact Bruce Knobloch at baknob@gmail.com or 865-621-1274 for more information on any of these activities.
Student opportunities. Get those volunteer credits in!
Students are especially invited in support of their community service requirements as well as learning first-hand about Harriman's history! You can contact Bruce Knobloch at: baknob@gmail.com or 865-621-1274 More information is always available here on our events calendar below and on our Facebook page.
Harriman Museum.
CHHCO has coordinated with the City of Harriman and CHHCO Member Ken Mynatt to "man" the Harriman Museum with volunteers on a regular schedule (2nd floor next to Princess Theatre). The CHHCO Volunteers Grand Opening during Hooray for Harriman Labor Day Festival (Sept 6) and continuing weekly on Tuesday - Saturday. Volunteer times can be scheduled around your availability, and you will not be expected to be alone!
Don't live in Cornstalk Heights no problem! All volunteers are welcome.
CHHCO IS OPEN TO ALL INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN PRESERVING AND PROTECTING HISTORIC HARRIMAN, AND YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A RESIDENT IN A HISTORIC DISTRICT TO BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER. More detail in our Newsletters.