The town of Signal Mountain is kicking off its more than monthlong centennial celebration with an event at Alexian Inn on Thursday, April 4, the date of the 100th anniversary of the granting of the charter establishing the town. The event will be in the lobby of the inn from 4-7 p.m., and the public is welcome to stop by at any time.
A trolley makes its way up Signal Mountain in the town's early years. Signal Mountain is kicking off its centennial celebration with an event at Alexian Inn Thursday, April 4."It's a good way to celebrate and enjoy the town and all the activities," said Snoda Hendricks, co-organizer of the event along with Alexian volunteer ambassador Charles McCloy.
Historical exhibits will be on display throughout the event. Hendricks said the many photos were provided by the Signal Mountain Historical Committee, Signal Mountain Genealogical Society, local historian Jim Douthat, The Signal Mountain Playhouse, Alexian and the Nolan Knight Writers from Nolan Elementary.
Barton Close, great-grandson of Walter Marr - former Signal Mountain resident and chief engineer of Buick from 1904-1918 - will have cars from 1903 and 1909 on the inn's front lawn, along with photos on display in the lobby, Hendricks said.
Betty Julian's fifth-grade class at Thrasher Elementary will perform a musical based on the town's history at 5 p.m.
A program from 6-7 p.m., emceed by Mayor Dan Landrum, will include Mountain Opry founder Ken Holloway who will perform on the fiddle a song he wrote about the centennial, and there will be a surprise guest speaker, said Hendricks.
Because street parking is limited due to road work on James Boulevard in front of Alexian, shuttle service to the inn will be provided from 3:45-7:15 p.m. from Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, located at 612 James Blvd.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.
More centennial events
“Deeper Roots”: A play inspired by the life of Emma Bell Miles and the history of Walden’s Ridge will be staged at Bachman Community Center April 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Mountain Arts Community Center and written by Peggy Douglas, “Deeper Roots” will be directed by Trish Wileman Ross. Tickets can be purchased at the MACC, at the door, or by calling 886-1959. Price is $15, or $12 for students with a student ID. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $10 per person. Bachman is at 2815 Anderson Pike in Walden.Centennial Stroll: On Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m., a mile-long walking tour featuring historic homes will be lead by Leigh Althaus. The route begins on the lawn of Alexian Inn. In the case of rain, the stroll will be moved to the following Sunday.Egg hunt and community sing: A picnic lunch will be provided at this event hosted in honor of the centennial by Signal Crest United Methodist Church. The event takes place at the church Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m.Historical presentation: On Tuesday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m., local historian Jim Douthat will speak on the history of Signal Mountain before it became a town at the Signal Mountain Library. Douthat will also lead several more historical presentations throughout the year at Alexian Inn, though dates have not yet been determined.Town Services Day: Signal Mountain’s police and fire departments and other service providers will host open houses Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Grand Celebration: Originally planned for the same week as the kickoff event, the Grand Celebration featuring a parade, picnic and fireworks has been moved to July Fourth. Since a parade and barbecue are held each year in the town on Independence Day, the centennial planning committee decided to combine the events and celebrate town and country simultaneously. The committee is working with the Lions Club, which traditionally holds a barbecue fundraiser on July Fourth, to co-host that event, adding vendors as well as more music and activities and an even more spectacular fireworks display than usual, organizers said.
Signal Mountain Inn is shown. Now known as Alexian Inn, the building will host the kick-off event for Signal Mountain's centennial celebration April 4.
A trolley makes its way up Signal Mountain in the town's early years. Signal Mountain is kicking off its centennial celebration with an event at Alexian Inn Thursday, April 4.