FRIENDS OF THE JOHNSONVILLE STATE HISTORIC ARE

NEW JOHNSONVILLE, TN

Old Betsy (Musseling Boat) - Pilot Knob, TN The Pilot Knob Interpretive Center and Nathan B. Forrest State Park in Tennessee has a display on those who made a living gathering mussels in nearby rivers. According to the boat's description in the museum: Betsy was one of the most unique boats ever to be seen on the Tennessee River. Built by Dave Stafford and Charlie Doyle, Betsy is probably the biggest brail boat ever built for the river. To compensate for the large size of the boat, T.J. Whitfield, the boat's designer and owner, has ordered cross ribs for greater stability. On October 9, 1966, T.J. took Betsy on her maiden voyage down river to Eagle Creek. Betsy's winch and brail spreaders were made from T.J.'s old farm equipment. This is characteristic of river life. In building his spreaders and winch, T.J. adapted his farming knowledge to meet his needs on the river. Unlike most musselers, T.J. musseled daily. When he had a load, he lit fires under his cook-out vat near his house and cooked out the meat. In 1974, T.J. moved Betsy to the Cumberland River. Being away from home made it necessary for T.J. to outfit Betsy for river living. He built a bunk house and added windows so he could see the river bank. He built the shanty wide enough to make room for a collapsible army cot. Shelves held a Coleman stove, cooking utensils and food. With these essentials, T.J. was ready to live on the river. Betsy may not have had a refrigerator or air conditioner, but now Betsy was his dream boat. For sixteen years, Betsy floated the river...an extraordinarily long time for a wooden boat. The water-worn bottom and mud-stained deck symbolize the work of a man who sought not to conquer the river but only to work with it. Betsy stands as a reminder of the spirit, determination and adaptability of river folk.
Old Betsy (Musseling Boat) - Pilot Knob, TN Credit: SeeMidTN.com (aka Brent)

The Friends of the Johnsonville State Historic Area (FJSH) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Johnsonville, Tennessee. The group works to promote the area’s historic structures and sites, as well as its unique culture and stories.

FJSH is dedicated to educating the public about the area’s history and providing a safe, welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy. They host a variety of events and activities throughout the year, such as lectures, tours, and festivals. They also offer volunteer opportunities for those who want to get involved in preserving the area’s history.

The organization was founded in 1998 and is a member of the Tennessee Historical Commission. FJSH works in partnership with the Tennessee State Parks and the State Historic Preservation Office to protect the area’s cultural resources. They also work with local governments and organizations to promote the area’s history and develop educational programs.

FJSH is committed to preserving and promoting the history and culture of Johnsonville, Tennessee. By preserving its unique history, they hope to create a better future for the area. They strive to create a more vibrant, historic experience for visitors and locals alike.

FRIENDS OF THE JOHNSONVILLE STATE HISTORIC ARE is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in NEW JOHNSONVILLE TN. US MID #8404700470

The museum is classed as HSC (Historical Societies, Historic Preservation). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Southeastern (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia).

Old Betsy (Musseling Boat) - Pilot Knob, TN The Pilot Knob Interpretive Center and Nathan B. Forrest State Park in Tennessee has a display on those who made a living gathering mussels in nearby rivers. According to the boat's description in the museum: Betsy was one of the most unique boats ever to be seen on the Tennessee River. Built by Dave Stafford and Charlie Doyle, Betsy is probably the biggest brail boat ever built for the river. To compensate for the large size of the boat, T.J. Whitfield, the boat's designer and owner, has ordered cross ribs for greater stability. On October 9, 1966, T.J. took Betsy on her maiden voyage down river to Eagle Creek. Betsy's winch and brail spreaders were made from T.J.'s old farm equipment. This is characteristic of river life. In building his spreaders and winch, T.J. adapted his farming knowledge to meet his needs on the river. Unlike most musselers, T.J. musseled daily. When he had a load, he lit fires under his cook-out vat near his house and cooked out the meat. In 1974, T.J. moved Betsy to the Cumberland River. Being away from home made it necessary for T.J. to outfit Betsy for river living. He built a bunk house and added windows so he could see the river bank. He built the shanty wide enough to make room for a collapsible army cot. Shelves held a Coleman stove, cooking utensils and food. With these essentials, T.J. was ready to live on the river. Betsy may not have had a refrigerator or air conditioner, but now Betsy was his dream boat. For sixteen years, Betsy floated the river...an extraordinarily long time for a wooden boat. The water-worn bottom and mud-stained deck symbolize the work of a man who sought not to conquer the river but only to work with it. Betsy stands as a reminder of the spirit, determination and adaptability of river folk.
Old U.S. Post Office (Camden, Tennessee) Historic 1936 U.S. Post Office in Camden, Tennessee. The Neo-Georgian Classical style building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 (NRHP No. 88001577).
Old U.S. Post Office (Camden, Tennessee) Historic 1936 U.S. Post Office in Camden, Tennessee. The Neo-Georgian Classical style building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 (NRHP No. 88001577).
Old U.S. Post Office (Camden, Tennessee) Historic 1936 U.S. Post Office in Camden, Tennessee. The Neo-Georgian Classical style building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 (NRHP No. 88001577).
Benton County Courthouse (Camden, Tennessee) Benton County Courthouse in Camden, Tennessee. The courthouse is the sixth for the county and was constructed 1973-74.
Benton County Courthouse (Camden, Tennessee) Benton County Courthouse in Camden, Tennessee. The courthouse is the sixth for the county and was constructed 1973-74.
Old U.S. Hwy 70 Big Sandy River Bridge (Bruceton, Tennessee) Historic closed Pratt pony truss bridge on Old Bruceton Road over the Big Sandy River near Bruceton in Carroll County, Tennessee. The route was originally State route 1 (U.S. Hwy 70).
Old U.S. Hwy 70 Big Sandy River Bridge (Bruceton, Tennessee) Historic closed Pratt pony truss bridge on Old Bruceton Road over the Big Sandy River near Bruceton in Carroll County, Tennessee. The route was originally State route 1 (U.S. Hwy 70).
Tennessee River Railroad Bridge (New Johnsonville, Tennessee) Historic railroad drawbridge (vertical lift bridge) over the Tennessee River near New Johnsonville between Benton and Humphreys Counties, Tennessee. The bridge contains one vertical lift span, three Camelback through truss spans and two Parker through truss spans. It was built in 1945 for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N) to replace an older bridge that was removed during the construction of Kentucky Lake by TVA. The bridge is now owned by CSX.
Old U.S. Hwy 70 Big Sandy River Bridge (Bruceton, Tennessee) Historic closed Pratt pony truss bridge on Old Bruceton Road over the Big Sandy River near Bruceton in Carroll County, Tennessee. The route was originally State route 1 (U.S. Hwy 70).

Contact FRIENDS OF THE JOHNSONVILLE STATE HISTORIC ARE

FRIENDS OF THE JOHNSONVILLE STATE HISTORIC ARE
90 NELL BEARD ROAD
NEW JOHNSONVILLE
TN
37134-2001

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FRIENDS OF THE JOHNSONVILLE STATE HISTORIC ARE Information

MID # 8404700470
Name FRIENDS OF THE JOHNSONVILLE STATE HISTORIC ARE
Alternate Name
Classification Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 621628829
NTEECC A80
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201306
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 36.034482, -87.948188
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 085
US Census Tract: 130500
US Census Block: 1098