Friday, February 28, 2025

The Story of Dixona

Some stories pull you in. They make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time. That’s how I felt when I learned about Dixona.

This house isn’t just an old building. It’s a piece of history. Built in 1788, Dixona has seen wars, governors, and even royalty. Yes, a future King of France once slept there. That’s not something you hear every day.

But what makes this story special isn’t just the house. It’s the people who have lived there. Faith Young, the current owner, has dedicated herself to preserving Dixona’s legacy. She and her late husband, Billy “Boo” Young, shared a deep love for this home.

Billy was a fighter pilot in World War II, a prisoner of war, and later a Tennessee state legislator. But to those who knew him, he was the man who opened his doors to anyone who wanted to see Dixona. He hosted legendary deer steak dinners, inviting people from all over to experience the home’s charm. Faith has continued that tradition, welcoming visitors who want to see Middle Tennessee’s oldest home.

I love stories like this. They remind us that history isn’t just dates in a book. It’s real. It’s alive. And it’s held together by people who care.

That’s why I had to write about Dixona. It’s important to preserve places like this. Not just for the bricks and wood, but for the memories and lessons they hold.

If you ever get the chance, visit Dixona. Walk through its rooms. Imagine the voices of the past. And most of all, appreciate the people who have kept this treasure alive.

History isn’t just behind us. It’s right here, waiting to be explored.

Read the full article on ISSUU.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The Haunting of Dean Hill

Writing some of my favorite articles has been an incredibly rewarding experience. One story that stands out to me is about the plane crash that happened on Dean Hill in 1932. This tragic event left a lasting mark on the community, and sharing its haunting history helped me connect with the past in a meaningful way.

When I first decided to write about this crash, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I had heard the local stories and rumors surrounding the crash, but I wanted to get to the real heart of what happened. I reached out to Mack Holliman, whose family was directly involved, and he shared his family’s memories of that night. What started as a ghost story soon became a powerful story about community, loss, and how people come together during times of tragedy.

To tell the story, I went to the very place where it all happened. Walking through the woods near the crash site, with Mack guiding me, made the past come alive. It felt like the history was right there with me. But it wasn’t just about what happened back then—it was also about how the story still affects people today. During my visit, I felt a strange stillness that made me think about all the stories passed down through the years. That moment helped me understand why this story still holds such meaning for the community.

This article wasn’t just about recounting an event. It helped me realize why history is so important. Our past shapes who we are, and the stories we tell about it influence how we see the world. Writing about Dean Hill reminded me that history is an ongoing journey, and we’re all part of it. For me, that’s the magic of storytelling—it lets us relive moments, connect with our roots, and understand the world a little more deeply. I encourage you to explore stories like this and see how they bring history to life.

Read the full article on ISSUU.



The Unsung Heroes of the Maneuvers: Civilian Support and Cooperation

 When people talk about the Tennessee Maneuvers of World War II, they focus on tanks, soldiers, and strategy. They picture dusty roads and m...