Johnson Bicentennial Leaves Enduring Presence on Main Street

Anyone present on Monument Hill December 29 had to have been moved by the wreath laying ceremony marking the 200th birthday of Greeneville’s own Andrew Johnson. Eloquent words, a 21-gun salute, the ringing tones of the National Anthem, a splendid fireworks show, and luminaries tracing a path through the darkness to his grave did honor to the 17th president. But the Bicentennial now past left a more permanent symbol on Main Street only two blocks from the Tailor Shop, in which Andrew Johnson began his nearly fifty years of public service.

On Thursday, December 18,  at 11:30 on a gray, wet, morning, JamesBen Art Center celebrated its final project of the Bicentennial year. The Church Street side of our historic building is now emblazoned with the glorious red, white and blue quilt square based on the quilt at the foot of the bed in Andrew Johnson’s bedroom at the Homestead. This project has been over a year in its completion. Cooperation was garnered from The Morgan Square Corporation, the National Park Andrew Johnson Presidential site, the Appalachian RC&D Council, the Town of Greeneville and the Bicentennial Celebration Steering Committee. Actual creation of the wooden, 8’x8’ square was accomplished via the labors of Jody Ervin, Mel Donnelly, Jill Reid, Jody Palm, Barbara Heins, Chrissy Pryor and Sharon Collins. Almost 5 hours were involved with the lay-out of the 105 saw-tooth pattern elements in a 4 concentric circle motif by Jody Ervin, Daniel Luther and JamesBen. Then the 6 remaining folks spent 4 separate Saturdays painting 4 layers of color, pattern and sealant to realize the final work for the latest installation in Greeneville on the Northeast Tennessee Quilt Trail.

The unveiling of the Homestead Quilt Square was attended by representatives of all the cooperative energies that brought it into being. Greeneville Mayor Laraine King welcomed folks gathered for the occasion, a congenial mix of those who volunteered time and talent and those anxious to see the result. Greeneville Mayor, Laraine King welcomed folks to our fair town. She noted the beauty of the quilt pattern and commented that its location on the James-Ben: Art Center put it in an eye-catching spot at the gateway to the historic district. She emphasized that, as something visitors would be drawn to, it represents both the city’s past and its future.

Roy Settle, coordinator of the Appalachian RD&C Council, briefly touched on the creation and history of the Quilt Trail and identified the Homestead quilt as the 81st quilt square placed in Upper East Tennessee. Roy pointed out that our quilt tradition is an effective and welcoming symbol for the Appalachian Culture. While focused in the more rural areas and usually mounted on barns, Roy noted that along with the Nathanael Greene Museum installation, this site made Greeneville one of the first municipalities on the Quilt Trail. He further said that the James-Ben: Studio & Gallery Art Center was approved as a site because of the gallery’s efforts and reputation for featuring 150 Tennessee artists and artisans, including 30 Greene County folks.

Co-chair of the Andrew Johnson Bicentennial Steering Committee, Carlos Whaley expressed greetings on behalf of Jim Small, fellow co-chair, and AJNHS Superintendent, Lizzie Watts. Carlos described the unveiling as a wonderful occasion so near the conclusion of the Bicentennial Year. He acknowledged the mutual benefit of the Bicentennial Celebration to President Johnson’s place in history and to his hometown. Noting the future significance of the Homestead Quilt Square, he announced the placement of a billboard, co-sponsored by Greeneville and the Bicentennial Committee, on the southbound side of I-81 near exit 36. He emphasized the potential attraction for visitors of the choice “to highlight the historically important relationship between Lincoln and Johnson,” and quoted the billboard’s text - “Lincoln Chose Johnson, Discover Why. Historic Greeneville - Home of the 17th President.“ The billboard will be displayed through 2009, the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. Carlos then graciously commented that “no one in Greeneville’s retail community has done more to promote and support the Bicentennial than James-Ben.“ Carlos then introduced President Andrew Johnson, portrayed by Daniel Luther, to unveil the quilt square.

“President Johnson” promised, “in the spirit of the previous speakers,“ to keep his remarks brief.“Across the length and breath of our great country there can be but few communities that welcome the newcomer as warmly as Greeneille, TN. I received that welcome in 1826 when I came here as a young man seeking to make my way in the world. I received it again in 1869 when I returned home from the White House, weary from the labors of our late unhappy struggle. I hope that all present here will join me in a fervent desire for the future—that all who pass by and behold this beautiful image will recognize it as a symbol of this community’s rich, significant history and of its place as a warm, safe haven to call home!“

At which point, “President Johnson” unveiled the installation to the spontaneous applause of the crowd of history, art and tourism enthusiasts.