When my daughter moved to Franklin, Tennessee, several years ago, the hubby thought that good enough reason to drive the long road from Houston to Maine and back again. It’s a long way for a quick twice a year stop, but I always enjoy the time we have there not only because of the visit with the daughter’s family but because Franklin is part of my earliest memories.
Would you believe I was born there right in this building that at one time was a hospital? My first view of this unimposing structure stopped me in my tracks as it triggered a distant memory of a photograph of my mother standing on those steps holding an infant that was me, otherwise I would have walked by it with no thought.
Now the spot is identified with a historical marker that names Dr. Tandy Rice as one of the hospital’s founders. It was he who brought me into this world and got me started on life’s journey.
Most of my Franklin memories revolve around my great grandmother’s house. What a wonderful place it was to play hide and seek, and she had an old out of tune pump organ that kept me entertained for hours. The house is still there, and not too long ago I knocked on the door, explained to the current owners my history there and they were kind enough to let me in. The old place has been updated, but the wonderful crown molding and stair railings are still there.
My memories are of a very sleepy small town, but that is not the case today. Franklin is a very hip place with trendy shops and eateries.
One that many of you may know is the City Farmhouse that in addition to the shop hosts popup shows that draw visitors from all over the southeast.
Downtown doesn’t claim all the changes. The area around Franklin, including some of my family’s former property, has become home to large estates and horse farms. Many belong to country music stars and a few Hollywood types.
One thing that hasn’t changed in Franklin is its southern pride. Right in the middle of town is this towering sculpture honoring the fighting men of the Confederacy.
Look real close and you’ll notice part of the soldier’s hat brim is missing. It is said to have broken during the shipping/installation process, and it was deemed appropriate to leave it.
If memory serves me, Franklin was the unintended site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. That battle transformed Carnton Plantation into a hospital and a burial ground for the men who died there.
Yes, Franklin causes me to wax nostalgic, and I am glad that it is part of my history.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Lulu's Musings 
Tennessee is on my bucket list!!
You reminded me today about where I was born. I was born in Drake Infirmary in Auburn, Alabama, a fairly small wooden building as I recall. When I was in college there( 2years at Auburn and last two at Univ of AL) it was the campus infirmary. I don’t think it is still there now as they have a much more modern and larger building. I wish I had a picture of it.
Franklin is a great place to visit. The shopping and restaurants are wonderful. I haven’t been in years but have fond memories when I was there. It is a beautiful area. We enjoyed riding through the area with so many lovely homes and pastures full of grazing horses.
Glad you had a great visit! Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!
I probably won’t get an historical monument, but I was born in McMinnville, Tennessee. Who knew our “roots” grew from similar soil!
Maybe that’s why we like each other!
So many great spots in the USA to visit and enjoy. That’s amazing that your birthplace has a historic marker! fun…
It probably won’t be long until I’m identified with a historical marker!
Thanks for sharing, I love the south and its people. But of course its the food that I love the most. What did you eat? Ha ha
G
Biscuits and country ham.😉
I haven’t been but have heard Franklin is one of the best towns in the US. How wonderful your daughter now lives in the town where you were born!
Jenna
It is a beautiful area with natural beauty and a landscape dotted with horse farms.
Wow Lulu, lovely post! I’d never heard of this city before, seems cozy and welcome. Glad you have a good time visit it and remembering all those things about yourself and the city.
Good posts, beautiful blog.
Congratulations.
Welcome to see my creations:
http://paintdigi.wordpress.com
I still think it’s wild that God inspired an unexpected (by me) move to the small town that is your birth place! Talk about returning to roots! We love living here. And I love the personal history that makes me feel even more connected to the larger story that God is writing. ❤️
Sorry…I forgot the photos.Â
Your Professional Real Estate Friend,
Terry J. Lovvorn, ®, CRS, GRI, SRES, e-Pro Associate Broker Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 5234 Monticello Avenue Williamsburg, VA 23188 Cell/Text 757-232-4249  Fax 757-229-7068 Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Lulu…thought I would send you photo of my Thanksgiving Table. George played Chef for the day and I did the table and the clean up. Your Professional Real Estate Friend,
Terry J. Lovvorn, ®, CRS, GRI, SRES, e-Pro Associate Broker Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 5234 Monticello Avenue Williamsburg, VA 23188 Cell/Text 757-232-4249 Fax 757-229-7068 Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Oh do. Send to luludesignstudio@gmail.com
About two yr’s ago, Carol Nash Tyson who graduated with us moved there from California and she sells real estate for Keller-Williams.. I love to follow your travels. You wish me away from everyday life to a lot of laces I have been, like New England, and others I would like to visit. Keep it up!
Have you ever thought about authoring a book. You really have a knack for scripting a good story.
Sherleen Graham Zehner
One of these days when we have longer than an overnight stay I want to get together with Carol. I know she is the same sweet person as I remember her being.
Sherleen, you honor me with your kind words.
Linda, thanks for sharing a bit of your history and fond memories. We love to visit Franklin…the shopping and the food are both great! Happy Sunday!