When you ask a person about the oldest structure in the world, many people would immediately think of the enchanting Taj Mahal. Though there are many recorded structures from earlier than 1653, the Taj Mahal comes to mind quickly due to its enchanting architecture and beauty.
When speaking of my hometown and home county, that is celebrating 175 years during 2017, we are newbies in the world history arena. Though we cannot speak of buildings thousands of years old, we are attempting to preserve the local beauty while growing exponentially in the last few years.
The Depot Museum is one of the most beautifully preserved buildings in the historical part of Cookeville. Cookeville is full of rich history and wonderful stories. Across Broad Street from the Depot Museum is the Creme City Ice Creme & Coffee House. It is not the original building at the location as noted by the historical society photo of P. M. Smith Building in the late 1800’s. Many of Cookeville’s early structures were lost to fire. The P. M. Smith Building was lost during the 1920’s.
The neon sign that sits atop of the Creme City Ice Cream & Coffee House, was erected in the early 1950’s. Remembering that Putnam County/Cookeville was a rural farming community, having a neon sign was quite an accomplishment. The glowing wonder of the sign was enjoyed by people from surrounding counties. People would plan trips specifically to admire the wondrous neon sign. Having an attraction such as the Creme City neon sign drew people to visit Cookeville and helped establish the growth of the 1950’s & 1960’s.
Preserving these landmarks are a part of the heart of Cookevillians. Standing proudly today as it did in the 1950’s, the neon glow draws visitors from across the state and across the country. Some of the original homes have been converted into businesses such as the Vintage Rose Antique store just west of the coffee shop on Broad Street. Walking the streets of Historic Cookeville is a reminder that our heritage is important and we are happy to share it locally and for visitors alike.
True is the statement, “There’s Only One Cookeville.”
You make it all sound wonderful. I’ll have to visit.
Thanks. It is very nice here on this side of town.
Hahaaaa.. I can remember when neon signs made their entrance into my home suburb; they meant the business it adorned had made the leap from just another business to being quite a serious concern.
I also remember going into town (Sydney) as a young girl. The neon signs were everywhere; giving the sense of high and extravagant living. All very exciting in its day!
A lovely read… 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story with me. I am still fascinated by neon lights that are simple and stand alone. Too many and you can’t appreciate the detail of each one.
I absolutely LOVE the Cream City sign. I love signs that take you back in time. Our drive-in theater (yup, we still have one!) has the best sign. It was repainted a couple of years ago and looks exactly as it did the first day the drive-in opened. Old signs say a lot about a community. This post and your previous one really give the reader the feeling of being there.
Our drive-in had a neon sign too but it has been gone for years. I was thinking about maybe doing a blog because we had The Strand which my mom remembered The Princess and The Varsity and the drive-in and now all we have is a Carmike 12. Sort of takes the fun out of having different locations and different decors.
We have a Strand that is in an Opera House type of theater. It’s amazing. It has murals and light fixtures…everything has been retained in its original form.
Thank you Darlene for the interesting post. I like reading about history of places. It’s like my home, where things are still the same as they were years ago (before the war of course). Any way, what a lovely sign at night. It’s for sure drive the visitors directly there… I can feel it’s tasty ice cream
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share the places I love with others who will appreciate them.
It’s wonderful as its writer. You’re most welcome Darlene
Very cozy
Down next to Interstate 40 where all of the chain restaurants and stores are makes Cookeville look like a really big place, but here in the old part of town, we like to keep it cozy. Thanks for your comment.
A sua publicação é muito boa Quero Agradecer por você está me seguindo que Deus te abençoe obrigado por estar fazendo parte dessa grande família chamada arte do servir
I only speak and write English. But I appreciate the time you took to read my article and post a comment.
Thank you very much
Thank you for the wonderful post about Cookeville, its rich history as a destination haven for visitors with its neon sign and wonderful people.
I guess I’m partial since I’ve only lived here, but I really love it here.
Honestly speaking, that was the true reason we enjoyed it because you breathed it out softly into your words .Nice one there!
Such a beautiful comment. Thank you so much for sharing.
I have stopped in Cookeville, but only to fuel up on a long trip. I now realize I must spend much more time there. Preserving a community’s character and history is the finest cause. Go for it!
Always happy that visitors will want to hang around longer next time the visit. Thanks for letting me know. Have a blessed day.
Thanks for posting my memories.