Elizabethton Weighs Future of Historic Major Henderson Folsom House Amid Winter Challenges

Elizabethton Faces a Winter of Change at Historic Major Henderson Folsom House

Oh, Elizabethton! As we tumble into December, our beloved town finds itself not only wrapped in festive cheer but also in deep discussions about our historic treasure, the Major Henderson Folsom House, located at 824 E. Elk Ave. This magnificent old structure, which has seen more than a century of history, is now under serious consideration for its future. Can you believe it? The conversations are heating up, or rather, cooling down, just like the chilly weather outside!

Blustery Weather and Winter Wonderland

By the way, let’s talk about the weather, shall we? This morning, don’t forget to bundle up before stepping out! We’re expecting some scattered snow flurries and snow showers with a morning high of 45°F. But don’t get too comfy because the temperatures are going to take a plunge, falling sharply to around a brisk 20°F by late afternoon. Winds from the WNW are whipping at 20 to 30 mph, making it feel even colder. There’s a 30% chance of snow today, and we might just catch a glimpse of the sun later. It’s definitely feeling a bit like a winter wonderland out there!

The Historic Debate

Now, back to our beloved Major Henderson Folsom House! The latest chatter comes from the Building and Grounds Committee of the Carter County Commission, who met recently to brainstorm about the site’s future. Unfortunately, the historic house has been battling some serious structural issues and even faced flooding from Hurricane Helene back in September. Yikes!

Currently, the committee is trying to figure out where the Carter County offices of the University of Tennessee Extension Service will land, as these folks have been working from home since the flooding. It seems they’ve decided to recommend a temporary new home over at 300 N. Main St., where they will share space with the Carter County Planning Commission. That’s one way to keep things rolling while searching for a more permanent solution!

Future Plans or Faded Glory?

As the committee discusses potential solutions, it seems the future of the Extension Office could eventually land at the Herman Robinson campus when those classes move to a shiny new $40 million facility on Stoney Creek Highway in about two years. Imagine the possibilities—making the main building a training center for the Carter County Sheriff’s Department sounds interesting, doesn’t it? There’s even a thought to house the extension service in another part of the property. Maybe it’s a win-win for community services!

Historic Roots and Community Spirit

But the question of the Major Henderson Folsom House remains tangled up in legalities. The county attorney is diligently digging through old deeds to clear up who really owns this piece of history. We owe this house a lot; it’s been standing tall—quite literally—with a gorgeous 78-foot Frazer fir in the front yard that serves as our community Christmas tree every holiday season. Isn’t that the spirit of togetherness?

Yet, time hasn’t been particularly kind to this historical gem. With extensive rot discovered and a basement filled with lingering flood issues, Mayor Woodby acknowledges that, without its historic registry status, it might not have a fighting chance at preservation.

Luckily, Carter County Historian Lisa Germain and Genealogist Teresa Treadway are on the case, looking into grants and funding that could assist in restoring this vibrant piece of our town’s narrative.

Elizabethton’s Indeed a Winter Wonderland!

As we sculpt snowmen and sip cocoa, let’s keep our beloved Major Henderson Folsom House in our thoughts this season. Who knows what changes they’ll decide on? But one thing’s for sure; whatever happens, we’re all in this together as the community of Elizabethton continues to shine bright, just like the holiday lights on that magnificent Christmas tree.