​By Barbara G. Womack, 

While Signal Mountain has many wonderful attributes worthy of celebration during our Centennial, let’s not overlook the natural environment that makes our town such a beautiful place to live. The Signal Mountain Tree Board wants to pay tribute to a cornerstone of our environment by recognizing the native trees that were here at the beginnings of our town in 1919.

 If you have a likely candidate, a Tree Board member will be delighted to measure your native tree for you. If the tree qualifies, we will carefully place a biodegradable red ribbon on the tree for the duration of the Centennial Celebration and remove it afterward.

The most accurate age measurement is by counting the growth rings on the stump or from a core sample, but that would not be a happy fate for our centennial trees. Fortunately, there’s a safer way. A tree’s age can be estimated by measuring the diameter of a tree and multiplying this by the growth factor for that species. 
You can participate by measuring the diameter of a likely candidate at 4.5 feet above the ground and by using the chart listing tree species below and their growth factors to determine an age estimate. If your tree meets the criterion for celebration, email bgwomack@epbfi.com with the species, age estimate and its location. I will be happy to verify the age and attach the ribbon marking our grandfather or grandmother trees. 

The number of centenary trees will be announced at the Fourth of July celebration, as well as the age of our oldest tree. 

I look forward to meeting these venerable trees and their owners and to seeing a host of red ribbons throughout the town.

Signal Mountain Tree Board Member.
Tree Growth Factors:
Measure the circumference of the tree at breast height (4.5 feet).
Divide by pi (3.14) to get the diameter.
Multiply the diameter by the growth factor for that species.
Red Maple Species - 4.5 Growth Factor
Silver Maple Species - 3.0 Growth Factor
River Birch Species - 3.5 Growth Factor
White Birch Species - 5.0 Growth Factor
Green Ash Species - 4.0 Growth Factor
Black Walnut Species - 4.5 Growth Factor
Black Cherry Species - 5.0 Growth Factor
Pin Oak Species - 3.0 Growth Factor
American Elm Species - 4.0 Growth Factor
Ironwood Species - 7.0 Growth Factor
Cottonwood Species - 2.0 Growth Factor
Redbud Species - 7.0 Growth Factor
Dogwood Species - 7.0 Growth Factor
Aspen Species - 2.0 Growth Factor
Red Elm Species - 6.5 Growth Factor
Sugar Maple Species - 6.5 Growth Factor
Shagbark Hickory Species - 7.5 Growth Factor
White Ash Species - 5.0 Growth Factor
Red Oak Species – 4.0 Growth Factor
White Oak Species – 6.0 Growth Factor
Bur/Swamp Oak Species - 6.5 Growth Factor
Basswood Species - 5.0 Growth Factor
Tulip Poplar Species – 3.0 Growth Factor
Yellow Buckeye Species – 5.0 Growth Factor
Sweet Gum Species – 4.0 Growth Factor
Shumard Oak Species – 3.0 Growth Factor
Red Pine Species – 5.5 Growth Factor
White Pine Species – 5.0 Growth Factor
Eastern Hemlock Southern Appalachian Species – 20.6” DBH = 100 years old

By Christine Gordon

The Signal Mountain Swim Team, otherwise known as the Greenies, kicked off the 2019 season with an on-the-road win against the Dalton Dolphins on Monday, June 3. Coached by Jake Sosna and Will Hunt, as well as an army of junior coaches, the Greenies won 444 to 337. High Point swimmers, those who score 10 points or more, include: 

19 points: Marley Degenhardt; Sydney Gordon; Ben Hardin
17 points: Ashlyn Walmsley; Jewel Gordon
16 points: Nolan Bernard
15 points: Belle Flasch; Sam Laramore
12 points: Grayson Rock; Ben Flasch; Jamee Mitchum; Hannah Laramore, Jack Laramor
11 points: Cecilia Porter; Keller Williamson
10 points: Avery May; Laken Coppinger; Henry Flasch; Jake Holmes; Aiden Sims
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The Greenies will swim a series of dual meets against Chattanooga Area Swim League Blue Division teams over the next few weeks and will end the season with the CASL Bill Caulkins City Meet Championships, slated to be held at the Baylor School July 12-13. 

By Mary Scott Norris


Built by Mr. C.E. James, this lovely residence on Flint Street still retains the essence and Craftsman style of the early days on Signal Mountain. It was an addition to Mr. James’s colony that opened to the public in 1913. The tragedy and the triumph of The Great War remained fresh in the minds of those who stayed at the Signal Mountain Inn, moved to the mountain permanently or purchased homes to occupy during the summer months.

The bungalow at 207 Flint Street was constructed about 1918 with a foundation of mountain stone. There was a large amount of stone available for building homes as a result of blasting limestone to make the road up the mountain. The exterior of this structure is stucco with stone. There is a shed roof over a porch with a facade door and dormer that are located in the center of the front of the house. The garage was added in 1980.

Trees were cut all over Mr. James’ land, and the timber was used for both the Inn and new cottages. Other materials were brought up the W Road.

The house’s first occupant was the C.F. Milburn family. After living there a short time, the Milburns moved to River Point Road. In 1921, the J.C. Henriques bought this residence and resided there for about 10 years. W.A. Norvell purchased the property in 1931. Mr. Norvell managed the Bell Telephone Co. before working as a salesman for the Monsanto Chemical Company. According to Karl Hawk, the couple later moved to the “Hawks Nest,” a number of cottages that Karl Hawk owned and rented to individuals. Following Mr. Norvell’s death, Mrs. Norvell moved to the Park Hotel. Their son, Bill Norvell, was a stockbroker and a builder, and he built several homes on Golf Drive. He also developed Norvell Drive, living in one of the homes on the street that bears his name. An avid golfer, Bill Norvell won many championships.

James M. McCloud bought this home in 1945. The next owner was William A. Galloway, who married Merna White, the only daughter of George White, former mayor of Signal Mountain and Wilder Drive resident. Merna Galloway was a real estate agent in business with Bill Hall. Their agency, Galloway Hall, was located on Palisades Drive. Merna sold 207 Flint Street to Dr. and Mrs. Don Russell, who raised their children in this picturesque mountain setting and house that was built over one 100 years ago.

Louise Russell, an avid gardener, found numerous horseshoes in the yard over the years. That information fit with stories of an early blacksmith shop nearby. At the time this home was constructed, travel was limited, and most people could ride a horse but could not drive a car. The roads were not paved until much later and only little by little. Until recently, I didn’t know where the horses for the guests to ride were stabled, but knew they were close to the Inn. While reading about The Signal Mountain School on Slayton Street, I learned that horses and six Texas burros were owned and rented out to riders by Charlie Coker from The Signal Mountain Stables, near the school. (One favorite burro was named Wabbleneck.) The Inn’s guests rode them on the many bridle paths to Signal Point and other points of interest. Mr. James built the school and the stables in his mission to improve life on Signal Mountain.
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Folks who built homes near the Inn became part of the Inn community and were encouraged to use the playground equipment on the lawn of the Inn, as well as the pool, Rainbow Lake and tennis courts. All the recreation, in addition to the dining room and grill at the Inn, were within easy walking distance. Spring water was brought several times a day from Burnt Cabin Springs for the enjoyment of guests at the Inn, and groceries were delivered from the Signal Mountain Grocery Store. The citizens only needed to ride the streetcar to Chattanooga for other items. It’s hard to imagine that a century ago, this new idyllic colony was practically self-sufficient. 

by Anne Rittenberry

​Hunt for fabulous treasures at the American Haitian Foundation’s big tent sale located at the Price Rite, 2900 Taft Highway. The tent sale will begin on July 24, 2019, in advance of the World’s Longest Yard Sale, which runs August 1 through August 4, 2019. Rain or shine, the bargains and bagatelles will be available, so make plans to attend this big event. The Haitian American Foundation people can’t wait to see y’all this time around!

This yard sale is unique since all profits are dedicated to helping the poor in Haiti. Over 200 families from Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church donate a huge variety of items to benefit children and their education, a 20-year mission for the parish.

If you have a car, motorcycle, scooter, or other items you’d like to donate to help the Haitian kids, St. Augustine’s can provide a tax donation form.

The church currently has seven storage units, full to the brim, of furniture, household items, and much more, all to be offered at this tent sale. From Grandma’s antiques, silver and crockery, to Mom’s jewelry, lamps and dishware, to Dad’s golf clubs and tools, the sale has it all!  Books, CDs, bikes, toys, rugs, appliances, outdoor equipment, household items, china, glassware, décor, art, frames, holiday and sporting goods are all there. Outfit your college-bound student or take home a treasure of your own.
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Donations arrive daily, so come early and often to get the best deals, all while making a difference in the lives of poor children in Haiti. According to American Haitian Foundation director Jack Davidson, all proceeds are sent directly to Haiti to give youngsters a better future by educating and feeding over 1,000 children at the Foundation’s pre-school through 12th grade school. Follow the AHF at www.Facebook.com/Amer/Haitian.
See you under the tent at the Price Rite, 2900 Taft Highway.