CHP News Letter 6.04.Qxd

Page 4 Tennessee Century Farms Summer 2004 WELCOME AGRI-TOURISM Continued from p. 1 Continued from p. 3 contact Chuck Danehower, TENNESSEE Ripley, at (731) 635-9551 or state, national, and international audience through presentations, articles, e-mail to [email protected]. For booklets, brochures, educational materials for teachers, a traveling exhibit, Middle Tennessee, contact Jerri CENTURY FARMS and the Internet. Developing nominations to the National Register of Historic Lynn Sims, Clarksville, at The Land • The People • The Legacy Places and alerting planners and the Tennessee Department of (931) 648-5725 or e-mail to Transportation to the presence and significance of Century Farms in every [email protected]. For East Ten- A joint program of the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture county is also a service of the Center. nessee, contact Alan Galloway at (931) 526-4561, e-mail to Summer 2004 Vol. I Issue I Commissioner Ken Givens of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and [email protected], or Alice Rhea, Dr. Carroll Van West, director of the Center, support the tradition of cooper- Maryville, at (865)982-5250, ation between the Department of Agriculture and the MTSU Center for e-mail to [email protected]. Historic Preservation. This partnership ensures the continuation of the pro- Welcome to the first edition of gram that identifies, documents, recognizes, interprets, and encourages the conservation and continued production of every Tennessee farm that has the Tennessee Century Farms newsletter! been owned by the same family for at least 100 years. Twice each year you, as part of the select group of In 1985, Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture William Walker III contacted the Center for Historic CENTURY FARM SIGNS THE TENNESSEE CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM, a joint effort of over 900 families who own a certified Tennessee Continued from p. 1 Century Farm, will receive this publication. It is Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University to the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State request assistance in preparing a book on the Century University and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, docu- intended to address issues and events that concern These signs are a timely symbol of Farms. Dr. Carroll Van West authored the 1986 publi- ments, recognizes, interprets, and supports the conservation of Century Farmers and to keep the Century Farm files the individual contributions of the current. cation, Tennessee Agriculture: A Century Farms Century Farm families, the state’s farms that have been in continuous production and owned by the Perspective, which featured the stories of 783 farms agrarian history and heritage, and same family for at least 100 years. The Tennessee Century Farms Program was begun by along with photographs and inserts on many agricul- the continuing importance of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture in 1975. As tural topics. With the joint production of this publica- agriculture to Tennessee. Please direct comments regarding this newsletter and the nation celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, certifi- tion, a long-standing partnership between the inquiries about the Tennessee Century Farms Program to: cates and plaques were awarded to 630 Century department and the Center began. Since 1985, the CENTURY FARM SIGN Farms by the department. For the next several years, Center for Historic Preservation has administered the CANETA HANKINS Century Farms Program as one of its ongoing PRESENTATION DATES Director, Tennessee Century Farms Program as the department accepted additional applications, it became apparent that this collection illustrating over statewide projects. Center for Historic Preservation Appalachian Fair 200 years of agrarian history was extremely impor- Gray Middle Tennessee State University, Box 80 tant. The files recorded family and community history, The Center publicizes the program and maintains the Thursday, August 26, 2004, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 listed crops and livestock grown by succeeding genera- valuable research collection of photographs and infor- 3:30–5:00 p.m. [email protected] tions, and included photographs of the people, build- mation in nearly 1,000 files submitted by Century (615) 898-2947 ings, and the land. Farm families. In the past 20 years, the Center has Tennessee State Fair brought the stories of Tennessee’s Century Farms to a Nashville Sunday, September 12, 2004, Please direct inquiries about Century Farm signs to: 2:30–4:00 p.m. LYNNE WILLIAMS Continued on p. 4 Tennessee Department of Agriculture Tennessee Valley Fair Century Farm Signs Available Again Ellington Agricultural Center, P.O. Box 40627 Knoxville Friday, September 17, 2004 Nashville, TN 37204 Yes, those yellow metal signs proclaiming “This is a July 30. If you cannot 3:30–5:00 p.m. [email protected] Century Farm,” seen on barns and fences across attend the fair, other (615) 837-5081 Tennessee, are once again available. Many farms have arrangements will be Mid-South Fair been certified in this program since these signs were made for you to Memphis This newsletter may also be viewed online at issued to the “charter” Century Farm owners in 1976. receive your sign. Friday, October 1, 2004, http://histpres-.mtsu.edu/histpres Click on “CHP Initiatives” Now every Century Farm family is being offered a new We look forward to 3:30–5:00 p.m. and the “Tennessee Century Farms Program.” sign, compliments of the Tennessee Department of visiting with many Agriculture. of you at the regional fairs and Please make plans to attend As part of its 150th anniversary celebration, the to seeing these the fair closest to you and send Tennessee Department of Agriculture will be present- distinctive in your reservation form (enclosed This Tennessee Century Farms newsletter is produced as a public service by ing signs to Century Farm owners at special programs signs proudly with this newsletter) before the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. planned for the four regional state fairs this fall. A displayed across July 30, 2004. form enclosed with this newsletter allows you to make the state. MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents university, is an equal opportunity, non-racially identifiable, educational institution that does not discriminate against individuals with your reservation at the event closest to you (see details disabilities. AA274-0604 on p. 4). Please mark your calendar and reply before Continued on p. 4 Page 2 Tennessee Century Farms Summer 2004 Summer 2004 Tennessee Century Farms Page 3

The GODWIN HOME, The Tennessee Ag Tag! according to tax records, Century Farms Certified was built in 1883. William The National Register George and Sarah and Century Farms since January of 2004 Meacham Godwin bought the farm and home in 1891. Herchel and Mary Anne The National Register of Historic Places recognizes and GODWIN FARM (photo shown at right) Godwin Perdue renovated documents historic buildings and other cultural County: Perry the home and moved in resources worthy of preservation. Along with providing June 28, 1999. Melanie Owners: Herchel and Mary Anne Godwin Perdue Perdue Pace, Carter and recognition and a detailed statement of a property’s Date Founded: 1891 Mary Rachel are the sixth history and significance, National Register listing iden- generation of Godwin tifies properties for planning purposes and in so doing decendents to reside in the WALKER FARM house. assures that these properties will be taken into County: Williamson account in the planning of federally funded or licensed projects. Owner: Carl H. Walker Date Founded: 1900 State Agri-Tourism Initiative Entry on the National Register does not place any obli- gations or legal restrictions on the use or disposition The Tennessee Ag Tag is a specialty license plate. HAMPTON FARMS Seeks to Build Farm Income of the property by the owner. National Register desig- Proceeds from sales of the Ag Tag go to the Agricultural County: Obion nation is not the same as historic district zoning or Development Fund, which supports statewide, innova- Owners: William and Anna Thomas Hampton Interested Century Farm owners may find ideas and local landmark designation, which often requires tive marketing activities; agricultural youth organiza- Date Founded: 1884 expertise to help them build farm income through the maintenance and repair standards. National Register tions such as 4-H and the FFA; and agricultural and Tennessee Agri-Tourism Initiative. With the financial designation requires owner consent and does not assistance of USDA’s Rural Development; the forestry awareness education and marketing programs. DANIEL’S DAIRY FARM encourage public access to the property. Additionally, Tennessee Departments of Agriculture, Tourist The Century Farms program also receives Ag Tag dol- County: Dickson owners of National Register properties may apply for a lars. Development, and Economic and Community Develop- 20% income tax credit for expenses associated with Owner: Johnny Wyatt Daniel ment; the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Date Founded: 1861 certified rehabilitation of income-producing buildings. More than $1.5 million has been granted to date to Agriculture; and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Feder- Farm buildings including farmhouses and/or out- help Tennessee’s Century Farms and farmers and food ation, a campaign was launched in the spring of 2003 buildings are possible candidates for this program. For JOE D. AND ESTEL SMITH REED FARM producers, all through the Agricultural Development to increase farm income and make a positive impact in further information on the income tax credit program, Fund—the fund Tennesseans help build when they buy County: Cannon rural communities through agri-tourism. contact Louis Jackson at the Tennessee Historical Ag Tags. Owner: Estel Smith Reed Commission, which administers the tax credit pro- Date Founded: 1904 Agri-tourism is defined as an activity, enterprise, or gram. Jackson’s number is (615) 532-1550. Ag Tag projects are aimed at building farm income, business that combines primary elements and charac- helping Tennessee’s agriculture industry stay strong ROBINSON BROTHERS FARM teristics of Tennessee agriculture and tourism and Before a property is considered for the National provides an experience for visitors that stimulates eco- through programs that expand or create new markets County: Wilson Register, extensive research and field evaluation for nomic activity and impacts both farm and community for Tennessee products, and educating the state’s citi- Owner: James H. Robinson the preparation of a National Register nomination form income. More than 200 current Tennessee agri- zens about the importance of Tennessee’s farms and Date Founded: 1904 is conducted by the Tennessee Historical Commission forestlands. tourism enterprises have been inventoried for information or some other qualified individual or organization such to help promote the industry and to learn more about MIDVALE FARM as the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Ten- The red barn and rising sun of the Ag Tag have become what makes operations successful. Farm visits, driv- nessee State University. The nomination of the proper- County: Giles the state’s unifying symbol of all aspects of Tennessee’s ing tours, and other on-the-farm activities may be of ty is then presented for approval to the Tennessee Owner: Carter H. Witt diverse agricultural industry. As part of the state’s interest to owners of Century Farms. National Register Review Board at one of its regularly “Pick Tennessee Products” logo, the Ag Tag barn and Date Founded: 1830 scheduled meetings. Upon review and approval by the sun now appear on many Tennessee food products, Print promotions can be found in the nationally dis- board, the nomination is forwarded to the National and many agricultural groups, from county fair boards SULLIVAN FARM tributed Tennessee Vacation Guide. Radio advertise- Park Service in the United States Department of the to statewide producer organizations, include the image County: Dickson ments are being broadcast encouraging citizens to Interior in Washington, D.C., for final consideration as part of their own logo designs. The Ag Tag creates Owners: Bobby and Hilda Sullivan visit local agri-tourism venues, and a comprehensive for the National Register. agri-tourism Web site is available. Training materials unity and more recognition for Tennessee agriculture, Date Founded: 1796 like a traveling billboard. are being prepared now and area farm management Tennessee’s Century Farms are well represented specialists with the University of Tennessee BLUFF VIEW FARM on the National Register of Historic Places and several When Tennessee farmers stay in business and Agricultural Extension Service are available to help County: Dickson are in the process of being nominated. For example, Tennessee farms remain intact, Tennessee’s famous potential and current agri-ourism operators to explore Owner: Donald Mark Garton the Miller Farm in Dickson County and the McDonald countryside stays country—and that’s priceless. agri-tourism possibilities or improvements for their Craig Farm in Perry County are current nomination Date Founded: 1871 Tennessee’s beautiful farmlands, forestlands, and rural operations. projects for graduate research assistants and staff communities are the foundation of our state’s culture, at the Center for Historic Preservation. For further values, and economy, which benefits all its citizens. An HAYES AND HAYES FARM Century Farm owners and others interested in learn- information on the National Register process or to Ag Tag is an investment in Tennessee’s agricultural County: Clay ing more about the Tennessee Agri-Tourism Initiative have your farm assessed for eligibility, please contact past and future. All Tennesseans can help keep the Owners: John Mark Hayes and Mark Newton Hayes may visit www.picktnproducts.org or contact an area the Center for Historic Preservation at (615) 898-2947 “country” in Tennessee’s countryside by contacting Date Founded: 1902 farm management specialist. In West Tennessee, or the Tennessee Historical Commission at their county clerks to purchase an Ag Tag. (615) 532-1550.

Continued on p. 4 Page 2 Tennessee Century Farms Summer 2004 Summer 2004 Tennessee Century Farms Page 3

Continued on p. 4 Page 4 Tennessee Century Farms Summer 2004 WELCOME AGRI-TOURISM Continued from p. 1 Continued from p. 3 contact Chuck Danehower, TENNESSEE Ripley, at (731) 635-9551 or state, national, and international audience through presentations, articles, e-mail to [email protected]. For booklets, brochures, educational materials for teachers, a traveling exhibit, Middle Tennessee, contact Jerri CENTURY FARMS and the Internet. Developing nominations to the National Register of Historic Lynn Sims, Clarksville, at The Land • The People • The Legacy Places and alerting planners and the Tennessee Department of (931) 648-5725 or e-mail to Transportation to the presence and significance of Century Farms in every [email protected]. For East Ten- A joint program of the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture county is also a service of the Center. nessee, contact Alan Galloway at (931) 526-4561, e-mail to Summer 2004 Vol. I Issue I Commissioner Ken Givens of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and [email protected], or Alice Rhea, Dr. Carroll Van West, director of the Center, support the tradition of cooper- Maryville, at (865)982-5250, ation between the Department of Agriculture and the MTSU Center for e-mail to [email protected]. Historic Preservation. This partnership ensures the continuation of the pro- Welcome to the first edition of gram that identifies, documents, recognizes, interprets, and encourages the conservation and continued production of every Tennessee farm that has the Tennessee Century Farms newsletter! been owned by the same family for at least 100 years. Twice each year you, as part of the select group of In 1985, Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture William Walker III contacted the Center for Historic CENTURY FARM SIGNS THE TENNESSEE CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM, a joint effort of over 900 families who own a certified Tennessee Continued from p. 1 Century Farm, will receive this publication. It is Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University to the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State request assistance in preparing a book on the Century University and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, docu- intended to address issues and events that concern These signs are a timely symbol of Farms. Dr. Carroll Van West authored the 1986 publi- ments, recognizes, interprets, and supports the conservation of Century Farmers and to keep the Century Farm files the individual contributions of the current. cation, Tennessee Agriculture: A Century Farms Century Farm families, the state’s farms that have been in continuous production and owned by the Perspective, which featured the stories of 783 farms agrarian history and heritage, and same family for at least 100 years. The Tennessee Century Farms Program was begun by along with photographs and inserts on many agricul- the continuing importance of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture in 1975. As tural topics. With the joint production of this publica- agriculture to Tennessee. Please direct comments regarding this newsletter and the nation celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, certifi- tion, a long-standing partnership between the inquiries about the Tennessee Century Farms Program to: cates and plaques were awarded to 630 Century department and the Center began. Since 1985, the CENTURY FARM SIGN Farms by the department. For the next several years, Center for Historic Preservation has administered the CANETA HANKINS Century Farms Program as one of its ongoing PRESENTATION DATES Director, Tennessee Century Farms Program as the department accepted additional applications, it became apparent that this collection illustrating over statewide projects. Center for Historic Preservation Appalachian Fair 200 years of agrarian history was extremely impor- Gray Middle Tennessee State University, Box 80 tant. The files recorded family and community history, The Center publicizes the program and maintains the Thursday, August 26, 2004, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 listed crops and livestock grown by succeeding genera- valuable research collection of photographs and infor- 3:30–5:00 p.m. [email protected] tions, and included photographs of the people, build- mation in nearly 1,000 files submitted by Century (615) 898-2947 ings, and the land. Farm families. In the past 20 years, the Center has Tennessee State Fair brought the stories of Tennessee’s Century Farms to a Nashville Sunday, September 12, 2004, Please direct inquiries about Century Farm signs to: 2:30–4:00 p.m. LYNNE WILLIAMS Continued on p. 4 Tennessee Department of Agriculture Tennessee Valley Fair Century Farm Signs Available Again Ellington Agricultural Center, P.O. Box 40627 Knoxville Friday, September 17, 2004 Nashville, TN 37204 Yes, those yellow metal signs proclaiming “This is a July 30. If you cannot 3:30–5:00 p.m. [email protected] Century Farm,” seen on barns and fences across attend the fair, other (615) 837-5081 Tennessee, are once again available. Many farms have arrangements will be Mid-South Fair been certified in this program since these signs were made for you to Memphis This newsletter may also be viewed online at issued to the “charter” Century Farm owners in 1976. receive your sign. Friday, October 1, 2004, http://histpres-.mtsu.edu/histpres Click on “CHP Initiatives” Now every Century Farm family is being offered a new We look forward to 3:30–5:00 p.m. and the “Tennessee Century Farms Program.” sign, compliments of the Tennessee Department of visiting with many Agriculture. of you at the regional fairs and Please make plans to attend As part of its 150th anniversary celebration, the to seeing these the fair closest to you and send Tennessee Department of Agriculture will be present- distinctive in your reservation form (enclosed This Tennessee Century Farms newsletter is produced as a public service by ing signs to Century Farm owners at special programs signs proudly with this newsletter) before the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. planned for the four regional state fairs this fall. A displayed across July 30, 2004. form enclosed with this newsletter allows you to make the state. MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents university, is an equal opportunity, non-racially identifiable, educational institution that does not discriminate against individuals with your reservation at the event closest to you (see details disabilities. AA274-0604 on p. 4). Please mark your calendar and reply before Continued on p. 4 TENNESSEE CENTURY FARMS TENNESSEE CENTURY FARMS SIGN PRESENTATION SIGN PRESENTATION REPLY FORM REPLY FORM

Please help us to plan for you to receive your sign by completing the following Please help us to plan for you to receive your sign by completing the following and returning this form to us no later than July 30, 2004. and returning this form to us no later than July 30, 2004.

County ______Farm Name ______County ______Farm Name ______

Name of owner who will attend and accept the sign* ______Name of owner who will attend and accept the sign* ______

* If more than one owner will attend the event, please provide their names, addresses, and phone numbers on * If more than one owner will attend the event, please provide their names, addresses, and phone numbers on the back of this form. Likewise, if another member of the family will represent the owner and receive the sign, the back of this form. Likewise, if another member of the family will represent the owner and receive the sign, please let us know who that person is and provide a phone number and address. please let us know who that person is and provide a phone number and address.

Address ______Address ______

City ______State ______Zip ______City ______State ______Zip ______

Phone # ( ) ______E-mail ______Phone # ( ) ______E-mail ______

Web site ______Web site ______

I will attend the Century Farm sign presentation at the location I have checked below. I will attend the Century Farm sign presentation at the location I have checked below. (Please refer to the dates and times of the presentations on page 4 of your newsletter) (Please refer to the dates and times of the presentations on page 4 of your newsletter)

! Gray ! Nashville ! Knoxville ! Memphis ! Gray ! Nashville ! Knoxville ! Memphis

Please send me ______complimentary admission tickets. (We can send a maximum of four tickets.) Please send me ______complimentary admission tickets. (We can send a maximum of four tickets.)

! I will not be able to attend the presentation, so please let me know how I can receive my sign. ! I will not be able to attend the presentation, so please let me know how I can receive my sign.

When we receive your reply and know that you plan to attend the presentation, we will forward When we receive your reply and know that you plan to attend the presentation, we will forward your complimentary admission tickets for the date of the program and additional details about your complimentary admission tickets for the date of the program and additional details about the presentation. If you send in your reply and have not received your tickets at least one week the presentation. If you send in your reply and have not received your tickets at least one week prior to your event, please call Lynne Williams at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture prior to your event, please call Lynne Williams at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at (615) 837-5081 or e-mail [email protected]. at (615) 837-5081 or e-mail [email protected].

Return this form by fax or mail by July 30 to: Return this form by fax or mail by July 30 to:

TENNESSEE CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM TENNESSEE CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM Center for Historic Preservation Center for Historic Preservation Box 80, MTSU Box 80, MTSU Murfreesboro, TN 37132 Murfreesboro, TN 37132 Fax: (615) 898-5614 Fax: (615) 898-5614