By Mary Scott Norris
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Signal Mountain was founded 100 years ago, and the town is ready for its festive Centennial Anniversary! Now is a great time to reflect on what our beloved town was like in 1919.

What was it like living in coal mining communities on Signal Mountain? There was no running water or electricity in the mining communities, even by the 1920s. Primary schools, located near the mines, provided only basic education for the very youngest children. Far too soon, the young boys went to work in the mines along with their fathers, uncles and brothers. By the age of 40 or 50, most men had developed black lung disease and were too sick to continue working.

What is the significance of Burnt Cabin Springs? D.B. Collins, a prospector, built a cabin near what is now known as Rainbow Lake in 1890. After the cabin burned, the nearby mineral springs were named Burnt Cabin Springs. Many visitors came to the Signal Mountain Inn to drink the “epsomia” water, called the “Queen of all Waters,” from the spring. This water was thought to heal problems associated with the stomach, liver and kidneys.

What was it like staying at the Signal Mountain Inn? When it opened in 1913, it was the latest in a network of luxury resort hotels in the eastern United States. The inn, built by C.E. James, developer of Signal Mountain, was advertised as having hot and cold running water and a telephone in every room. It was located in an area near Signal Point called Signal Mountain Place, and featured a private club atmosphere. Every delicacy known to man was served in the hotel dining room. On the lunch menu, sandwiches included the Signal Mountain Club for $.75, chicken salad for $.50, pineapple for $.30, smoked tongue for $.40, imported Frankfurter for $.40, French sardines for $.40 and caviar for $.50. Some of the drinks included buttermilk, half & half, orange ale, Spanish chocolate and Budweiser, all for less than a quarter. A separate dining room for children was an unusual feature of the Signal Mountain Inn.

What was it like to swim in Rainbow Lake? Rainbow Lake was a short walk from the Signal Mountain Inn. The surrounding terrain was picturesque, idyllic and wild. In some places, the depth was 15 feet, making it a poor spot to bring very young children. Karl D. Hawk and Carl Dixon were lifeguards and saved many people from drowning. It was a wonderful environment for young teenage boys who wanted to live the adventures that they read about in books. They could paddle canoes and build their own rafts to cross the lake.

What was it like riding on the streetcar? The Chattanooga Traction Company’s Signal Mountain Line started in downtown Chattanooga, extended across the Tennessee River and proceeded up Signal Mountain to the Signal Mountain Inn. Some citizens said they could set their watches by the whistle blows at each stop. A couple of interesting features on the streetcar were mint machines and gum machines that were placed alternately at every other seat. There were several flavors of gum, and it was difficult for a child to decide which flavor to choose before putting in the nickel and pulling the plunger.

What was the old Fire and Police station like? The Signal Mountain Inn, built to be fireproof, partially burned in 1924. This event prompted a fire and police station to be built the following year for $6,800. Two years later, the Town Hall, with a temporary jail, was added at a cost of $15,000. Chief Charles Brown sold snacks, cold drinks and gas from two Gulf pumps as a side business. The architecture of the newest Signal Mountain Fire Station on Shackleford Ridge Road is reminiscent of the first fire and police station on Ridgeway Avenue.

What was the old golf course like? In 1918, the Signal Mountain Golf Course was completed and was called “The Links.” This tract of land was originally named “the salting grounds” because farmers from the valley brought their livestock to this area in the spring to fatten them up until fall. Troughs were filled with salt to add to their diets. A clubhouse was built after the course was finished, but it burned. Soon afterwards, the present Signal Mountain Clubhouse was constructed.

What was it like attending the Signal Mountain Grammar School? This school was the continuation of the Signal Mountain School that was started by Mr. Charles E. James. This new building of mountain stone and stucco was constructed when Hamilton County took over the responsibility of the first little Signal Mountain School. First through eighth grades were housed in Signal Mountain Grammar School.

For more information about these topics and others, please go to the website at Signalmountain100.com for times and dates of Centennial activities. The 100th anniversary of the Town is the perfect year for adults and young people to celebrate this important occasion and learn fun facts about the history of our beautiful town!

By SSCG President Rocio Kemp

This year, on April 24, the Signal Mountain Community Guild will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its annual Dogwood Luncheon and Woman of the Year award. This event will take place at the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club.

Founded in 1928, the Signal Mountain Community Guild is the mountain’s oldest organization. Almost 100 years ago, a group of women gathered after church to form an active group to better the community. They decided to help the people who needed it the most, as well as educate other women in different skills. Members of the SMCG continue to volunteer their service to community enrichment and preservation of human and natural resources.

If you ever wonder why this luncheon is called the Dogwood Luncheon, here is a bit of history. The planting of the dogwoods and the beautification of the mountain was born one Sunday morning in April 1928. A couple of neighbors on James Boulevard were trying to listen to a radio sermon from one of the Chattanooga pulpits, but radios in that era were not very reliable, and they couldn’t hear the sermon at all. Their conversation moved to other subjects, and while they were chatting, they noticed a beautiful dogwood in full bloom outside of their window. Mesmerized by such natural beauty, they decided to ask residents on that block to plant several dogwoods on their lawns.

Before the week was over, 30 new trees were planted. That street became a showcase to residents and visitors alike and was known as the “Avenue of Trees.” Postcards and pictures of the picturesque street were mailed out to friends everywhere. This small beginning grew into an organization with the purpose to beautify all of Signal Mountain and place Signal Mountain on the map by showcasing its natural beauty.

Our Signal Mountain Community Guild sponsored planting trees on a tremendous scale, and during this endeavor, the idea for the Dogwood Festival was born. It quickly turned into a celebration of spring, a celebration of the natural beauty of Signal. Guild members hosted “dog wood parties” to raise money to buy and plant dogwood trees. Through the efforts of the SMCG, 2,000 trees were planted the first couple of years. These ladies’ enthusiasm motivated other organizations in the beautification effort, and the town officials became involved, helping with resources and labor.

The Signal Mountain Community Guild began calling its annual luncheon meeting “The Dogwood Luncheon.” Along with that, the Guild established an award dedicated to a Signal Mountain Woman of the Year back 1969. This much-anticipated tradition has been maintained for 50 years and is still going strong. The special lady who receives this award goes above and beyond the call of duty. She routinely helps others without monetary compensation, unselfishly driven to make others’ lives better, solely for the satisfaction of it.

Come and celebrate this special anniversary and support the Signal Mountain Community Guild as we remember its legacy and significant journey in our beautiful community.

Tickets can be bought at Mountain Top Toys in Signal Mountain. Remember, all the funds we raise go back into our community and for scholarships.

See you all on April 24 at the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club!

By Anne Rittenberry

“Annie” is such a wonderful show that it has to be reprised every few years, so the Signal Mountain Playhouse is thrilled to bring the classic back to its Glenn Showalter Stage this July. Auditions are coming up in very early May, so you’ll want to mark your calendars to be a part of this all-time favorite, either on stage or backstage.
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Auditions will be held at the Playhouse amphitheater on the corner of Rolling Way and James Boulevard on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5. On Saturday, May 4, they will take place from 10 a.m. until 12 noon for kids 9 to 12, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for older teens and adults. On Sunday, May 5, they will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for all ages (over 9 years). Callbacks will be Monday evening, and rehearsals will begin on May 20 for adults and May 28 for kids. The show includes lots of kids, teens, and adults. Included in the characters are FDR and members of his close circle!

If you are cast for the show, June 20 will be the last day that you can miss a rehearsal. This is very important because the scenes will be put together then and staging assignments will be set.

Production dates for the show are July 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27.

“Annie” is going to be a blast with the great professionals lined up to direct. Allan Ledford is returning to the director’s chair after a hiatus of a few years. Jennifer Arbogast Wilson will be musical director this time around. She’s directed and choreographed for the local troupe, as well. Nicholas Hartline returns to the rostrum of the Playhouse Orchestra, and making her debut with the Playhouse, Lindsay Fussell will choreograph. The organization is so proud of these professionals and especially welcomes Lindsay, an icon in the world of dance in our area. If you or your child participates in “Annie,” you or that child will have the benefit of learning from some of the greatest talents in our part of the country.

Auditions are very casual, and it’s not necessary to have a song prepared in advance. The songs from the show will be taught on site along with some simple dance moves. Scenes from the show will be read in addition, with these parts being passed around. Everyone auditioning should wear closed-toe shoes because construction will be taking place on the stage.

For more information about “Annie” or the Signal Mountain Playhouse, go to smph.org, the Playhouse page on Facebook, email signalmountainplayhouse@gmail.com, or call (423) 763-7219.

By Carol Lannon

Bill Thompson, editor of Bird Watcher’s Digest, wrote recently that “more people are watching birds today than ever before; its popularity as a pastime has been growing rapidly over the past few years.” And German writer Bernd Brunner states that “bird watching is now North America’s second most popular outdoor activity, second only to gardening.”

Why is this? For one thing, it takes us outside and connects us with nature, often leading to interest in other things as well, including conservation of habitats, wildflowers, butterflies, beekeeping, and protection of other wildlife. It’s convenient; birds are everywhere, so we can watch them anywhere, any time of year. It requires very little “equipment,” just some binoculars and a field guide, and can be enjoyed for a lifetime, regardless of age. And best of all, you can hear the birds sing.
Fortunately, for anyone interested, experienced or novice, the McCoy Farm and Gardens hosts a bird walk twice a year, coinciding with spring and fall migrations.

Linda Collins, who is coordinating the McCoy Spring Walk, explained that the late Dr. Doug Newton, , a well-known resident of Walden who loved nature and the natural world, started the bird and wildflower walks at McCoy. In his memory, the walks are continuing and being led at present by Kevin Calhoon, the assistant curator of Forests at the Tennessee Aquarium and an avid and expert birder. He leads trips all over the world through the Aquarium and is “if not the best birder in the state, certainly one of the best,” said Linda.

Calhoon led the Fall Walk in October last year, helping the largest group ever to attend the walk to identify 34 different species of birds. Some birds were migrating south and others were local species found here year-round. For the novices in attendance, learning the names was a big part of the fun. The tufted titmouse was a favorite - the name comes from Old English words for small and bird - and five of these songbirds were sighted. Six types of warblers were seen - their name reflects their warbling song - and the hooded warbler is quite beautiful. Calhoon reminded us that much of birdwatching is listening because often they are not immediately visible - experienced birders can identify a species by its sound even before it’s seen. A highlight of the day was the release of three broad wing hawks that had been injured and rehabilitated by Alix Parks of Happinest Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue. Watching these splendid birds fly back into the wild was a special thrill for everyone.

Luke Thompson, an extremely knowledgeable 13-year-old birder attending Baylor, assisted Calhoon last year. Together they answered questions and helped everyone locate birds hidden among the branches. April is the best month to see species migrating north and to see our resident birds. “They’re in breeding plumage,” said Collins, “which can be pretty spectacular.”

The Spring Walk will be held April 27 at McCoy Farm and Garden, beginning at 8 a.m. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. No reservation is needed. For more information, contact Linda Collins at lcollins105@comcast.net or call (423) 886-4522. Who knows what surprises nature will have waiting. 

By Karin Glendenning

Historical presenter Kevin Wood will bring his program on Abraham Lincoln to the Signal Mountain Library on Monday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and appropriate for adults and children over 8 years of age.

Wood, who confesses he is a history buff, has a special interest in Lincoln, having grown up in central Illinois. He now lives in the Chicago area and travels around the country giving various performances that showcase the life and times of our 16th president. Tall, thin and bearded, the presenter bears a remarkable resemblance to President Lincoln.

Entitled “A New Birth of Freedom,” the presentation Wood will give here at the Library focuses on the 12 turbulent years from 1854-1865 when the issue of slavery almost broke apart our nation. Covered in the program will be the historical background and events that led Lincoln back into politics in the mid- 1850s, followed by his election as President and his role in the American Civil War. Included will be excerpts from some of Lincoln’s most famous speeches and writings.

The program will be held in the Library’s Gallery in the lower level. For more information, call the Library at (423) 886-7323.

Thank You, Steven Davis
Our principal goal here at the Signal Mountain Library is to align our services with the needs of our community. To this end, we strive to offer a wide variety of new books and movies, interesting and educational programs, and a space where our patrons can relax and read or work.

For the last three years, a quiet and disciplined young man has come here often to work on his laptop. He never asked for help, so we were unaware of what he was bent on accomplishing. But we knew he was serious about it and obviously very dedicated.

Then we received a letter from him that read:
“Thank you so much for allowing me to use the Library to work on my dissertation. The places you provided, and the use of the conference room over the last three years have been invaluable. I am convinced that without the Library to work in, I would have not completed my doctorate. Thanks, Steven Davis”
We are all so proud of him and thank him for affirming our purpose.

Summer Reading Program
We have been working on the lineup of our Children’s Summer Reading Program and want to announce the dates so parents can consider them when making summer plans.

The programs will be held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. from June 4 through July 23. They are designed for elementary students, as well as their younger siblings, and last for about 45 minutes to an hour.

Next month, we will release the programs’ details. Many of your favorites are back, but we also have two new presenters who we believe will prove to be very exciting. At the end of the series, we will again present two-for-one coupons to Lake Winnie (courtesy of Lake Winnepesaukah) for all those who have signed up and take part in the program. Get ready for our best year yet!

New Books
“Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear Disaster” is Adam Higginbotham’s magnum opus, a book that took him more than 10 years to research and complete, and it is masterful. The book examines the facts about the nuclear accident that took place at Chernobyl in 1986 when the Russian power plant exploded. And through his investigations, he has unearthed the devious cover-up that the Soviets perpetrated on the world to hide the effects of the event at the time it occurred and even now, 33 years later. Everyone who is interested in energy and who appreciates an exciting and chilling true story will find the book amazing.

"The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” by David Wallace-Wells has been compared to “Silent Spring” and “An Inconvenient Truth,” so important is its message. Author Wallace-Wells, a former deputy editor at The Paris Review, first informs readers of the latest scientific research on climate change, citing facts and figures to back up his presentation. Then he considers the effects of these changes on human beings, and his assertions are both compelling and frightening. He is also a fine writer.

“The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything” by Martha Stewart is the maven’s latest compilation and is packed with advice on hundreds of projects as well as basic home repairs and skills. Included are instructions for how to knit and quilt, how to paint furniture, how to hang artwork, and how to organize your home. If it can be fixed, Martha explains how to do it. You can count on t h e book to solve most any problem, as well as inspire you to beautify and enhance your home and garden.

“The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life” by Katy Butler recounts the author’s investigations into how people can die with dignity and how their loved ones can help them do this. Her suggestions on how to live well until the end are wise and practical. After caring for her parents as they grew old and interviewing physicians and counselors who treat people who are dying, Butler has compiled many helpful suggestions into an insightful and reassuring book.

“The Sourceof Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations” by Toni Morrison is a marvelous compendium of the Nobel Prize-winner’s literary brilliance. The first section of the book opens with a prayer for those killed on September 11; the next part begins with a meditation on Martin Luther King; and the final section leads with a eulogy for writer James Baldwin. Each section showcases Morrison’s wide interests and her visionary insights. Her stature, acknowledged by many prestigious prizes, is validated by this powerful volume whose essays are particularly relevant today.
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“The Longest Line on the Map: The United States, the Pan-American Highway, and the Quest to Link the Americas” by Eric Rutkow tells the incredible story of the building of the road that links two continents and spans the distance from Alaska to Argentina. Geography fans will be intrigued.