Around Gallatin and Sumner County


Book Description

Sumner County, like many of the counties of Tennessee, finds itself ever-expanding, growing from a predominantly agricultural community once marked by expansive horse farms, a colorful patchwork of sharecroppers' fields, and extravagant antebellum homes into a county full of modern-day luxuries and conveniences. Over the past 100 years, curvy, dusty farm roads eventually evolved into paved highways and interstates, and "mom and pop" stores gave way to supermarkets and expansive malls. Around Gallatin and Sumner County Volume II continues to explore and celebrate the Sumner County of yesteryear. In this volume, readers will enjoy strolling through old neighborhoods, meeting local celebrities such as "Tippy" Crutcher, Fred Astair's stand-in, holding their breath as they marvel at Crash Brown's stunt drivers, busting up illegal moonshine stills on the outskirts of town, walking through the doors of the growing industries, and gazing at grand buildings torn down in the name of progress. Through these fascinating images and their stories, this book shares a more personal side of Gallatin and Sumner County that cannot always be found in history books--a side that celebrates the everyday lives and activities of its citizens.




Southern Ghost Stories


Book Description

Southern Ghost Stories returns to the most haunted town in Tennessee with a new collection of ghost stories and legends. In the follow up to Ghosts of Gallatin, Tennessee Hauntstorian Allen Sircy digs into more haunted cemeteries, historic homes and some surprising places where things go bump in the night. From a mischievous mannequin that supposedly moves around at night to a little old man who watches over an antique shop, Gallatin is filled with some peculiar spirits. Some of the phantoms are friendly, while others can be a little mischievous. With each ghostly tale, Southern Ghost Stories invites you to explore the town square to see what you might find- one more time.




African-American Life in Sumner County


Book Description

Early African Americans in Sumner County, both slaves and free, left a legacy not only of beautiful brick buildings and sturdy stone fences, but also a social history as rich and varied as the many tribes they represented. This exciting book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the immeasurable contributions, undeniable services, and the devotion of black Americans to the evolution of Sumner County's communities. Many of the sienna-hued photographs and Civil War-era tintypes presented here were taken when folks wore their Sunday best and didn't smile for the camera. These images, many never before published, capture everything from a "creek baptism" and bonnet worn by a local slave, to views of families and schoolchildren. The volume covers most of the early settlements in Sumner County where African Americans largely resided, from Rockland and Avondale to Scattersville, Parker's Chapel, and Gallatin.




Hub Perdue


Book Description

A strong-armed devastating spitball pitcher from rural Tennessee who once won 16 games with the Boston Braves, Hub Perdue is better remembered today as one of the clown princes of the Deadball Era. Often compared with fellow player-comedians Germany Schaefer, Nick Altrock, and Rabbit Maranville, Perdue had a quick wit and a rebellious streak that amused teammates but sometimes led to conflicts with management and umpires. ("Mix 'em up!" manager George Stallings had told him, encouraging the weak-hitting pitcher to take his at-bats more seriously; Perdue, a right-hander, dutifully took his strikeouts from alternating sides of the plate.) His penchant for the subversive--he was also a players' union representative who freely dispensed advice on contracts and negotiation--might in fact have curtailed what had been a promising big league career. But his antics in the majors and minors became the stuff of legend, known as "Hublore."







More Than Rivals


Book Description

An Inspiring True Story Set in the Midst of the Civil Rights Era By 1970, racial tension was at a breaking point in the southern town of Gallatin, Tennessee. Desegregation had emotions running high. The town was a powder keg ready to erupt. But it was also on the verge of something incredible. Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon were boys growing up on opposite sides of the tracks who shared a passion for basketball. They knew the barriers that divided them--some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart--but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill entered the rigors of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill--and transform their town. This New York Times bestseller is a fast-paced true story of courage, determination, character, and forgiveness.







Rebellion Revisited


Book Description




Bigfoot Across America


Book Description

A TRUCKER IN FLORIDA GETS PICKED UP BY BIGFOOT: I saw this thing come up to the door of the cab. This thing was tall, covered with darkish hair. It stuck its face right into the cab. When the thing leaned in, its body brushed against my feet. That's how close we were. These two huge hands grabbed my legs. I was dragged out of the truck. The thing just tucked me under one of his arms like I was a rag doll. My head was pushed down into that fur, and I almost gagged from the stench. With me under his arm, he walked around to the front of the truck. He moved in front of the lights and looked at me. It was as if he was inspecting me and deciding whether to keep me or throw me away. I knew I was in bad trouble if he dragged me off. I didn't know what he wanted with me. I just knew I wanted out of there. (from Chapter 4)