CORNSTALK HEIGHTS Historical Community Organization

 402 Morgan  St. Circa-1908           Davis - La Due Residence 

Situated on the corner of Morgan and Cumberland Avenues, this folk Victorian was built in 1908 by A.R. Davis. A local businessman at the time, Mr. Davis along with his brother-in-law, C. W. Hill, owned a popular establishment known as “The Bookstore”. This home remained in the same family until purchased in December 2004 which undeniably played a large part in the good condition of the home. The current owner established 5-year plan to completely revitalize the exterior of the home to its original poplar lap siding and the cedar shingles that covered the gables and porch, all of which were in remarkable condition once uncovered. Although this was a very ambitious plan, the current owner has completed more than 80% of the exterior renovation in less than 3 years, this is truly the house of red gables! The interior of the home is next on the agenda. The downstairs walls were completely removed last fall, revealing brick from the fireplace in the dining room and foyer which the owner plans to incorporate into each area. The baseboards, doors, window facings and trim were all removed to restore beautiful red oak that is throughout the downstairs of the home. The pocket doors between the dining and living room were taken down, restored and rehung; the almost 8-foot front door (with original full length beveled glass) was cleaned and restored as well, exposing the gorgeous craftsmanship that went into the carving and detail of this door. Countless man hours went into the restoration of the woodwork in the downstairs of this home with fabulous  results. The foyer and living room have been painted to reflect colors of early 20th century; the remainder of downstairs, including dining room and parlor, will be treated with the same care and attention to detail as the rest of the home. This home is a faithful testament to the craftsmanship and style of the early 1900’s.

Monte Vista                    514 Cumberland St. Circa 1905 Cassell-D'Alessandro Residence

Built in 1905 as a country estate by Judge Robert B. and Perle Hill Cassell, “Monte Vista “ is the epitome of a gracious Colonial Revival home. Many elements of the grand country lifestyle can be found here. Visitors are greeted by a brick Charleston courtyard, along with historic stone pathways that lead to the rear gardens, tucked away for quiet repose. The gracious wrap around porch leads to an enclosed foyer and into the main hallway. Featured on the right is the gentlemen’s parlor, containing a massive stone fireplace and library. Across the hall is the ladies parlor, which, like the men’s parlor, has unique architectural sliding pocket walls.  At the end of the hall is a warming fireplace with oak appointments. It features built-in benches on both sides. To the left is a grand curving staircase featuring brass and crystal candelabras, lighting the way up to the charming windowed seating area, illuminated by the home’s original cranberry glass chandelier. The tiled floor in the upper hallway bathroom contains the initials “M V,” indicating the homes original name. Although all the second floor rooms are awaiting restoration, it is hoped that the Christmas fantasy found will delight children of all ages. We hope you will be able to join us this year for a simple, elegant Christmas.  

629 Cumberland Street - Circa 1893                               Waters - Jones Residence

In 1891 Harriman Improvement Company purchased two lots on 629 Cumberland St. from  the East Tennessee Land Company.  Dr A.T. Waters purchased the land and then built the home in 1893.  Since that time the Taggarts, Lanes, and the Williamson families have lived here. It is historically known as the Lane House who owned the home from 1914-1965.  The Jones family purchased the Folk Victorian in 2004.  The main floor features a large drawing room off the front hall, solid oak floors, a beautiful intricately detailed staircase, bay windows and nine foot ceilings throughout.  The entire upstairs flooring had been stripped of paint and re-stained to it’s original beauty.  The vinyl flooring in the kitchen and dining rooms were replaced with oak flooring.  The kitchen also has the original sink with drain boards on both sides. A portion of the front porch was enclosed by previous owners and last year restored to it’s original wrap around.  Currently, the Jones’ are replacing an upper sun room in the back of their home.  Hopefully, in the near feature, more projects will be underway.  Those plans include renovating  both bathrooms as well as a playroom for their children.

 414 Walden Street Circa - 1898          Lane Residence  

A favorite of tour goes in the past, this home is once more on the tour after sitting out for the past few years.  The current owners have owned this beautiful home for 20 years and are constantly renovating, in fact one of the three bathrooms is being remodeled and will not be open for the tour.  The rest of the 4000 square foot home will be open except for the small downstairs bedroom which has never been shown since purchasing the home.
 The main staircase in the front entry was recently refinished.  Another recent improvement to the home is a beautiful Charleston courtyard-patio with arbor located in the back yard.  In the past two years neighbors have re-routed their daily walks through the alley way just to hear the fountain and enjoy the flowers.