Oak Ridge Today

Oliver Springs Depot one of eight endangered historic properties; Magnet Mills in Clinton is demolished, ‘lost’

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Oliver Springs Depot

Oliver Springs Depot (Photo courtesy East Tennessee Preservation Alliance)

 

The Oliver Springs Southern Railroad Depot is one of eight historic sites included on the Endangered 8 list announced by East Tennessee Preservation Alliance, or ETPA, on Monday.

The alliance said the Oliver Springs Southern Railroad Depot, which is in Roane County, was built around 1892, and it was one of the busiest of the Coster Division. Its popularity grew along with the nationally known Oliver Springs Resort Hotel and nearby coal production, the ETPA said in a press release.

The depot building is a small-frame style, one story structure. The original interior wood has writing still visible from 123 years ago. It features gabbles and large overhangs, the ETPA said.

The last passenger train pulled through the depot in 1968. In 1983, Southern Railway planned to demolish the structure. The town rallied for saving this historic remnant and eventually struck a deal with Southern Railway, provided it would be removed from the site and relocated elsewhere. In 1986, the citizens of Oliver Springs were able to have the building moved across the street with the help of the Tennessee Valley Authority. [Read more…]

Crowe appointed mayor of Oliver Springs

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Information from WYSH Radio

Meeting in their regular session on Thursday, the Oliver Springs Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 4-2 to appoint Cecil Crowe as the interim mayor, succeeding Jerry Vann, who abruptly resigned the post last month due to health issues.

Crowe will serve as Oliver Springs mayor until the next municipal election. He beat out Vice Mayor Omer Cox—who had served as interim mayor upon Vann’s resignation—and Jason Stillner to succeed Vann.

In his pitch to Council members, Crowe said his priorities include working with the Board on a five-year strategic plan for the city, improving revenue streams, and beautifying Oliver Springs so that not only will be it more enticing to visitors but also so that the people who live and work there can take more pride in their community.

Crowe is retired and says that will allow him time to focus on his mayoral duties. Crowe is also a member of the Oliver Springs Historical Society.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

American Idol finalist Janelle Arthur to play Oliver Springs festival today

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Janelle Arthur

Janelle Arthur

American Idol finalist Janelle Arthur is expected to play in Oliver Springs at 1 p.m. today during the October Sky Festival.

Arthur had been part of the first-ever all-female Top 5 on the popular televised singing competition in April.

The 6th Annual October Sky Fall Festival started at 9 a.m. today (Saturday) and continues through 4 p.m.

It’s organized by the Oliver Springs Historical Society and the City of Oliver Springs. [Read more…]

October Sky Festival coming to Oliver Springs

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The Oliver Springs Historical Society will kick off this year’s October Sky Festival and Heritage at the Depot with a “Miss October Sky Pageant.” The Pageant will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m., and it will be held at the Kellytown Baptist Church Activity Building in Oliver Springs.

The age/grade categories are newborn to high school. [Read more…]