Sumner County, like many of the counties of Tennessee, finds itself ever-expanding, growing from a predominantly agricultural community once marked by expansive horse farms, a colorful patchwork of sharecroppers' fields, and extravagant antebellum homes into a county full of modern-day luxuries and conveniences. Over the past 100 years, curvy, dusty farm roads eventually evolved into paved highways and interstates, and "mom and pop" stores gave way to supermarkets and expansive malls. Around Gallatin and Sumner County Volume II continues to explore and celebrate the Sumner County of yesteryear. In this volume, readers will enjoy strolling through old neighborhoods, meeting local celebrities such as "Tippy" Crutcher, Fred Astair's stand-in, holding their breath as they marvel at Crash Brown's stunt drivers, busting up illegal moonshine stills on the outskirts of town, walking through the doors of the growing industries, and gazing at grand buildings torn down in the name of progress. Through these fascinating images and their stories, this book shares a more personal side of Gallatin and Sumner County that cannot always be found in history books--a side that celebrates the everyday lives and activities of its citizens.

Early African Americans in Sumner County, both slaves and free, left a legacy not only of beautiful brick buildings and sturdy stone fences, but also a social history as rich and varied as the many tribes they represented. This exciting book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the immeasurable contributions, undeniable services, and the devotion of black Americans to the evolution of Sumner County's communities. Many of the sienna-hued photographs and Civil War-era tintypes presented here were taken when folks wore their Sunday best and didn't smile for the camera. These images, many never before published, capture everything from a "creek baptism" and bonnet worn by a local slave, to views of families and schoolchildren. The volume covers most of the early settlements in Sumner County where African Americans largely resided, from Rockland and Avondale to Scattersville, Parker's Chapel, and Gallatin.

Dive into Knoxville's haunted past with 'Southern Ghost Stories: Knoxville.' Venture into the shadowy corridors of history where ghostly whispers linger and specters roam. From the stately corridors of Baker-Peters House to the Ramsey House, explore the murky depths of Knoxville lore. But it's not just buildings that harbor secrets; delve into the macabre history of grave robbers who prowled cemeteries under the cloak of darkness, selling their ghoulish wares to local medical colleges. Encounter the ghostly figure of a headless man haunting the banks of First Creek. Unravel the enigma of a voodoo doctor whose untimely demise sparks rumors of hexes and curses cast upon unsuspecting neighbors. Dare to encounter the legendary Wampus Cat who stalked its prey in downtown Knoxville in the 1930s. And amidst these tales of terror, discover the dark legacy of Dr. Stephen Foster, a minister whose unholy experiments echoed the horrors of Frankenstein's laboratory. 'Southern Ghost Stories: Knoxville' invites you to confront the shadows of the past and uncover the chilling truths that lie beneath the surface of this historic city.

From the homes of the first settlers in Middle Tennessee to Gallatin's public square and everywhere in between, there is not a more haunted county in America. The Winchesters' unique and architecturally impressive Cragfont had mysterious occurrences from its very beginnings in the late 1700s. Gallatin's public square, its courthouse, loft apartments and places of business have hauntings that seem to specifically point to restless spirits still unsettled from the oppressive days of Civil War occupation by a brutal commanding officer of the Union army. Even the modern subdivisions are not immune to the supernatural, hosting everything from flying cryptids to tormented spirit-remnants of the bloody conflict between settlers and Native Americans. Author Donna Lyn Hartley details the spooky side of Sumner County.

A strong-armed devastating spitball pitcher from rural Tennessee who once won 16 games with the Boston Braves, Hub Perdue is better remembered today as one of the clown princes of the Deadball Era. Often compared with fellow player-comedians Germany Schaefer, Nick Altrock, and Rabbit Maranville, Perdue had a quick wit and a rebellious streak that amused teammates but sometimes led to conflicts with management and umpires. ("Mix 'em up!" manager George Stallings had told him, encouraging the weak-hitting pitcher to take his at-bats more seriously; Perdue, a right-hander, dutifully took his strikeouts from alternating sides of the plate.) His penchant for the subversive--he was also a players' union representative who freely dispensed advice on contracts and negotiation--might in fact have curtailed what had been a promising big league career. But his antics in the majors and minors became the stuff of legend, known as "Hublore."