Future Projects
Dairy
Though this structure is often simply called the Dairy, it is actually an example of the type of multi-use buildings used by early settlers in Tennessee. The dairy itself is actually located under the building where the temperature remains around 55 degrees year-round. This natural refrigerator allowed families to store a great many food stuffs and perishables besides dairy product.
The visible building above dairy is the craft house and water house. The water house brought water from the nearby Knobs Creek. Once primed the water would automatically flow into the water house with the excess going down the drain back into the creek. This feat of pioneer engineering allowed the family to have access to clean running water without having to go down to the creek. This would have been especially beneficial at night or during the colder months.
The craft house served as the location for weaving and carpentry. Many of the original tools that are now on display in the Knob Creek Museum were originally used in this building.
We are hoping to convert the old craft and water house into classrooms. This would provide a space for local school children to learn about the history of their community, as well as give local artists a location to demonstrate and teach the vanishing art forms that were so important to our history and communities.
Tobacco Barn
The original tobacco barn still stands on the property. This historic building was used to cure the tobacco that once grew on the surrounding farmland. Though time and social change has rendered its original purpose obsolete, the barn itself has withstood the both the elements and a fire.
Rather than being lost to history we are working to find a way to restore purpose to this culturally significant structure by converting it into a community hall. Its rustic charm and location close to the road would allow for it to serve as a place for the community to come together for special events, craft fairs, and farmers markets.
Once the building is restored it will become one of the few locations that would allow events to continue into the winter months by sheltering folks from the elements.
Caboose
This is an original caboose from the Clinchfield Railroad. It was relocated to the property in order to save it with the hope of converting it into a section of the museum focusing on the history of the railroad in the area.
Though the interior is being renovated to better serve its function as a museum, efforts are being made to restore the original exterior color and Clinchfield logo to the outside.