Christmas Tour of Homes: a Season of Romance and Heritage

A glimpse into Roane County's past starts off the Christmas season this December with the Christmas Tour of Homes in Rockwood. Decorated historic homes, bakes sales caroling, dramatic monologues and Civil War Re-enactments are just part of the fun for holiday merrymakers at this year's Tour. The event happens on Dec 1^st from 2-8 pm and on December 2^nd from 1-6 pm. Tickets, which are valid all weekend, can be pre-ordered through the Rockwood 2000 Website at http://www. rockwood2000.com, or by calling 865-354-5116. Ticket prices are $12 per person with children ages 12 and under admitted free with an adult. Group rates are available.

Ten turn of the century homes will be be included in the tour along with other stops featuring holiday themes and souvenirs. The tour is self guided, providing a leisurely afternoon walk perfect for families and couples alike. The architecture is a fascinating view of Southern historical styles prevalent in the 19^th century. In addition to the scenery, the Tour of Homes has included several historical monologues and other performances by costumed characters to delight and inform visitors of Roane County's rich heritage.

Among characters performed this year will be Harry T. Burn, the youngest member of the House of Representatives in both the 1919 and 1921 sessions of the General Assembly. Burns cast the deciding vote for the 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which secured suffrage for woman. Former Country Commissioner Ken Yager will play Burn this year, and will be accompanied by his mother, who will play the famous Mrs. Burn.

Another famous Rockwood citizen will be played by Linda Fuller. She will be portraying outspoken local business woman and woman's activist Miss Bess Wilson. During the tour, she will share her opinions on social, political and religious topics important to Rockwood residents at the time.

The highlight of the tour will of course be the Civil War Re-enactment. The Confederate Army will be represented by Company A, 28^th Tennessee Voluntary Infantry regiment and Sgt. William A. Hamby Camp 1750 Son of Confederate Veterans. The Tennessee Loyalists (Union) will be portrayed by the Schoolfield Battery of Livingston. A major attraction of the tour will be the constant searching of the homes for Tennessee Loyalists by the Confederate Army. Children and adults alike will learn about the realties of the war, and of Rockwood's founding by A Union general passing through on his way to Chattanooga.

The Rockwood Tour of Homes is likely to be a delightful afternoon filled with mystery, Old South ambiance, and old fashioned hospitality. Makes sure to bring your family to this wonderful Roane County tradition. It is a celebration of Southern heritage and a statement of the future.