Upcoming Events
Monday, Feb. 18, 7PM, Madelyn Scales Harris will focus on African American history in Rutherford County
Saturday March 16, 12:30PM
Monday, March 18, 5:30PM
Preserve and Promote OUR local history!
Murfreesboro Founding Time Line
Greg Tucker, Rutherford County Historical Society The decision to locate the new Rutherford County seat of government near Murfree’s Spring was voted by a four to three margin in the spring of 1812. The exact date of the founding of Murfreesboro, however, could fall on any one of several significant…
Absalon Scales House for sale (1974)
The Daily News Journal, July 21, 1974 You never know what you’ll come across at the Rutherford County Historical Society.
Knox Ridley served as dynamic Smyrna leader
Susan Harber, The Daily News Journal, November 19, 2018 Knox Ridley and his twin brother, Sam, served Smyrna as progressive mayors over a 50-year time frame. Knox Ridley, an exceptional man, was a member of the dynasty that molded Smyrna into the progressive city we have today. Knox was our…
Debbie Watts as Sarah Childress Polk
Carriage Lane reception House, November 10, 2018 Debbie Watts recently retired from Metro (Nashville) School System, combining her love of history and her extraordinary communication skills.
May 21, 1908 Goldstein’s ad
May 21, 1908, ‘The News Banner’, Murfreesboro, Tennessee The ‘News Banner’ was in business in Murfreesboro from 1899-1931. The News Banner was formed when The Murfreesboro News and the Independent Banner merged in 1899.
Smith, Cason and Kittrell Dry Goods Store
The Daily News Journal, November 9, 1906 Smith, Cason & Kittrell Dry Goods Store was located on the north side of the the Public Square, present day location of the former Judicial Center.
‘The flag meant a lot’, WWI collection honors memory of veteran
The Daily News Journal, Nancy DeGennaro, November 11, 2018 Rummaging through the family attic proved memorable when 90-year-old Mary Baughman ran across World War I memorabilia of her father-in-law, Kenneth R. Baughman. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the attic. I like history, and I especially like family history,”…
2018 Awards Banquet
Carriage Lane Reception House, Saturday, November 10, 2018 Each year the president of the RCHS is tasked with selecting only five volunteers for recognition. I use the word ‘tasked’ because choosing ONLY five volunteers is a tough, tough task. This year’s recipients were: Award of Appreciation – Russell & Vicki…
Chuck Taylor remembered as great athlete
Susan Harber, The Daily News Journal, November 5, 2018 When I reflect on a current baseball success story from our county, I immediately think of Sonny Gray, pitcher for the New York Yankees, who attended Smyrna High with my children. Yet another sensation of the mid-20th century will rest in…
What stops are on the (Oaklands Mansion) Candlelight Tour in 2018?
Nancy DeGennaro, the Daily News Journal, November 4, 2018 The holidays are right around the corner, and so is the annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. Set for 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, the tour will take visitors to 10 locations, including the homes of five downtown…
National Register of Historic Places – Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
November 1, 2018, National Register of Historic Places The ‘National Register’ is a phenomenal source of information regarding historic homes. Search their database and you will find 49 properties as of November 1, 2018. The following ‘Register’ entry is dated February 27, 1995: The Allen Chapel A.M.E. stands immediately east…
Broad, Memorial not rebuilt until 2003
Frank Caperton, Rutherford County Historical Society, October 26, 2018, sort of… It is VERY cool being a volunteer at the Rutherford County Historical Society. We receive a constant stream of artifacts; artifacts that we enjoy digitizing. Artifacts such as this article in the Daily News Journal by Chris Shofner, dated…
Fall into Fashion, September 19, 1973
The Daily News Journal, September 19, 1973 “Fashion Show Set Thursday” The third annual fashion show of the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority will be held at the Stones River Country Club on Thursday, September 20, at 7:30PM. “Fall into Fashion” will feature costumes from the Village Square modeled by members…
Joseph Palmer a compelling general in Civil War
Susan Harber, The Daily News Journal, October 22, 2018 The namesake Palmer originated with the Norman Conquest of 1066. This signature name was brought to England by the Normans and has a meaning of “pilgrim who carries palm branches back from the Holy Land.” The sobriquet of Palmer represented a…
Miss (Eliza) Ransom, 70, dies last night
The Daily News Journal, September 20, 1935 (Ed. note: Miss Eliza Ransom and sister Belle Ransom operated the Ransom School at 717 North Academy Street, Murfreesboro, for more than 40 years. Today, the RCHS is honored to care and use the old Ransom School House as our headquarters). Funeral Tomorrow…
City negotiates $1.8 million sale of historic downtown block for brand hotel
City of Murfreesboro, October 18, 2018 The Murfreesboro City Council voted Thursday (Oct. 18) to approve a purchase and sale agreement with developer One East College, LLC for redevelopment of the City block known as the former First United Methodist Church location. The 2.48-acre City block bounded by Church, Lytle,…
Historic church sale coming soon to council
October 11, 2018, Scott Broden, the Daily News Journal Investors seeking a $70 million mixed-use redevelopment of the historic former First United Methodist Church will enter into a $1.8 million purchase agreement with the Murfreesboro City Council, officials said. ‘They are ready to spend some money,’ Assistant City Manager Gary Whitaker told the council during a Wednesday…
Church redevelopment to return before council
October 9, 2018, Scott Broden, the Daily News Journal Updated efforts to redevelop downtown’s historic former First United Methodist Church into a restaurant, condos, hotel, parking garage, offices and shops will be part of Wednesday’s Murfreesboro City Council workshop. The meeting starts at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Council Chambers on…
Rutherford County Historian Greg Tucker shares the origin of the name ‘Mink Slide’.
March 22, 2018
Late pediatrician credited for child passenger safety
Jason Reynolds, The Murfreesboro Post, October 4, 2018 The widow of Dr. Robert Sanders, a Castle Heights Military Academy graduate who was known as “Doctor Seat Belt,” dedicated a historical marker in his memory last Monday to commemorate the doctor’s role in advocating for legislation that created the state’s – and…