SImply Smyrna Summer Fest

A reminder about todays Summer Fest hosted by local businesses. Drop by and meet your neighbor.

Saturday June 25, 4 - 7pm.
HobNobSmyrna, Chick-fil-a of Smyrna, and Carpe Artista will be sponsoring the first "Simply Smyrna Summer Fest."

The event is free to the public and there will be games, inflatables, face painting, rock climbing wall, prizes, music, food while supplies last and much more. This is great time to get out and hobnob with people in the community and local business owners.

You still have a few hours before it starts...so dress cool and enjoy.

Simply Smyrna Summer Fest

Some local businesses are hosting a Summer Fest for Smyrna. Smyrna used to have a Festival Organization that lasted many years and helped the community greatly. This is really what being part of a town is all about.

Saturday June 25, 4 - 7pm.
HobNobSmyrna, Chick-fil-a of Smyrna, and Carpe Artista will be sponsoring the first "Simply Smyrna Summer Fest."

The event is free to the public and there will be games, inflatables, face painting, rock climbing wall, prizes, music, food while supplies last and much more. This is great time to get out and hobnob with people in the community and local business owners.

Make plans and meet some great people.

The music of Smyrna

1925 was the last year Smyrna had a street fair before the Great Depression stopped this lovely tradition. In the last many years Smyrna has enjoyed Depot Days, but this puts Depot Days to shame.

Smyrna businesses had on their own organized the Smyrna Fair Association. The first of their fairs was held on August 20 1914 and was a smashing success. These fairs were organized yearly and was a great draw to the town of Smyrna. The fairs were run before Smyrna had its first fire engine in 1916 or its first paved road in 1929. The last of these fairs happened in 1925 as the great depression placed a pale over the whole nation.

Now these were not small happenings. For example the 1924 fair had individual people in charge of different departments of the fair. Section included...

Live Stock
Poultry
Agriculture
Horticulture
Home economics
Art
Young Ladies Dept.
Childrens Dept.
Floriculture
Dog Show

They had horse shows, concerts, car shows, best lady rider and best old soldier contests...plus fun giveaways such as 2 gallons of icecream for the largest family attending , free hair cut for the man with the longest hair and $10 for the best ash log. I will admit the ash log one confuses me. This and much more information can be found in the book "Smyrna, the Church, the town" by Hover.

In his book they had a street picture of the 1925 fair, the last held. Under it there were comments by three people and one caught my interest.

George Hughey; Charley Bradford's eating place entertained guests all day with music, "I wish I was a single again" on a scratchy Victrola

I read this and decided I wanted to listen to the music of Smyrna in 1925.

In that same year, 1925, Edison Labs released on a cylinder the song "I wish I was a single girl again" by Vernon Dalhart to some success in sales. The song has been released by many people and like most songs of the period there were many varieties as this page will show. As close as I can tell this is the very song played at Bradford's eating place in Smyrna in 1925....this youtube video is played on an Edison Amberola 50 cylinder phonograph. While not a victrola, the sound should be the same.



I hope you enjoyed this small slice of Smyrna history.

Welcome everyone to this weekly edition of "This Week in Smyrna Tennessee"

Let us get started with town government meetings.

Historic Zoning Commission: September 22, 2008 - 5:00 PM

Yep. That's it.

The big news is Depot Day and it looks like it will be a good one this coming weekend.

One of last year's draws was the Smyrna's Got Talent showcase, but this year resident C.J. Jatala has lined up a Minnie Pearl re-enactor, booked a group that appeared on CMT's reality show "Can You Harmonize?" and arranged for a one-hour Grand Old Opry-style karaoke show.

"It was fun last year and I love doing this kind of stuff," said Jatala, who will emcee events taking place on the main stage. "Miss Lucy Adams, who designs all of Dolly (Parton's) costumes is making me some shirts to wear during the day. There will be a lot of rhinestones."

Also new to this year's event is a dunking booth and games such as a ring toss, duck pond and putting green, which will all cost $1 each.

More information can be found at the Historic Smyrna website. I enjoyed last years, and with an election this year expect a lot of candidates local and are to be there to glad hand the populous.

While Depot Days is the largest event, there are others you might want to take a look at.

Theatre

The Music Man
September 25, 2008 - September 28, 2008
Held at the Lamplighter's Theatre, 14119 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna. The Music Man is one of the most beloved musicals in American history. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: Adults-$10, Seniors (55 and up)-$8 and children 4 to 12- $5. Contact: (615) 534-0148

Horses

International Grand Championship Performance Walking Horse Show
September 25, 2008 - September 27, 2008
Held at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, 304-B West Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro. This event will showcase 44 classes of horses. Admission $5. Children under 6 are free. Contact: Tommy Hall, (615) 494-8822

Books

Saturday, Sept. 27
Sixth annual Reading Rally: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three locations, outside Linebaugh Library, 105 W. Vine St., at Murfreesboro Civic Plaza; Old Rock School Park in Smyrna; Bicentennial Park in La Vergne. This family event will include free refreshments, entertainment and story readings. Special character visits will include Mx the Bunny in Murfreesboro, Clifford in Smyrna and Franklin Turtle in La Vergne. For more information, visit www.readtosucceed.org. or call Rita Shacklett at Linebaugh Library, 615-893-4131; Carol Kersey at La Vergne Library, 615-793-7303; or Joe Gunter at Smyrna Library, 615-459-4884.

Baby sitting training.

Saturday Sept. 27th
American Red Cross baby-sitting training class: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gingerbread House Childcare Center, 253 W. Sam Ridley Parkway, Smyrna. Students must be 11 years of age or older to be certified. Applications are available at the Gingerbread House, 615-459-2100, or call Vickie Smith, 615-305-0910.

Church Auction

Saturday, Sept. 27
The Pentecostals of Smyrna will have a fish fry and auction beginning at 4 p.m. The tickets for this event are $8 for adults and $5 for children (11 and younger). Children ages 3 and younger are admitted free. The church is located at 1410 Hazelwood Drive in Smyrna, next to the Tennessee Expo Center. Call 615-604-3069 for information.

Well that is about it for this week in Smyrna...that I can find. If you have an event you would like added please drop us a line and I'll add it right away.

Front Street Historical District

The results for the May 27th public workshop on possible expansion of the historical district lead the town government and historical committee to decide not to move forward with plans on expanding.

The workshop was the first of its kind I have been to and it was rather informative. Small groups were asked the following two questions. "What do you like about your neighborhood and what could be improved" was one with the standard answers heard throughout history.

The second question was "In your opinion, what are some pros and cons to expanding the district". A good question

Pros.
Possible voluntary local landmark designation
Possible voluntary deed research group
Possible Financial incentives
Potential resource center at library for materials, websites etc.
May keep developers from rezoning to commercial
Protect property with new guidelines

Cons
Affordability (high cost of making changes)
Doesn't allow for individual choice
Need permission for changes to personal property
What is local government's primary goal?
Limited possible buyers
Hurt resale value
Like homeowners association without any benefits
Restrictions too tight
No exceptions for emergency repairs
Deter redevelopment
Higher property taxes
Doesn't allow for individuality

Several of these "cons" makes my little "small government" heart go all aflutter. People even in all ranges of social and economic levels can see easily the spread of government into too many realms.

The last page of the workshop report stated

"The Front Street historic district expansion public workshop concluded with a show of hands (called for by a participant) of those present who opposed expansion of the historic district. Nearly every present was opposed. A few supported expansion as long as the guidelines were changed"

I had left by then, but a round of applause to the one who called for the show of hands.

My view

The dream of Smyrna seems to be a well trimmed yard, a quiet neighbor dog, and a sedan car in every driveway all in a Leave it to Beaver setting. Well June Cleaver never existed, the beaver was an actor, and this isn’t Hollywood. A set piece neighborhood that only exists in the dreams of the TV viewers or the Town planners that are seeing our future, and it is all I cannot bare.

If you want straight lines, clean areas, and a life of no variety then you would be the type to work well in a cubicle based office structure. Where each office is the same size, the same lighting, and the same color. All regulated and prone to be soul sucking.

Just one problem with those who live in the cubicle hive. They not only want you to join them, they will force you to by hook or crook. "They" are the town government and all that is wrong with the path that is being taken.

Smyrna is at that awkward stage of development. The growth that is happening is glorious to behold.. A new building going up every week it seems, and new people being hired. The future of Smyrna is being decided today, but is it in the interest of you the resident of Smyrna, or the perceived needs of the town and its future?

You might be surprised that I feel some laws are good. My views do not fall into the anti-government camp on all issues, but in a restricted view of government. Laws are for those who cannot. The one who cannot understand why 30 wrecked cars in his backyard is bad, or the one who cannot understand that parties every night until 3Am is a nuisance. The problem is that most, if not all government so easily slide from the "laws to assist the people" to "laws needed to control the people". When this occurs we end up with rules on the height of bushes, the length and type of fences and the type of material your driveway can be made out of.

Smyrna has slipped over that line in the past and damned if I will sit back and quietly go into that well regulated and organized future that they are deciding for me one committee meeting at a time.

The people in the area that the historic district wish to expand, or infect in my view, have spoken out that they do not wish it. The meeting Tuesday night was to get their input and from what I saw it was anti-expansion. The problem is that the town has an idea that this is needed because the land need protecting from the people. You might disagree, but this view is held by more then just myself.

We will see in the next few months how well the town listens to the people, or if the people speak, but are not heard. The people of Smyrna are about to get a lesson in their future. Will they decide it, or will it be rammed down their throats one ordinance at a time?

It looks like a good week for the town government as they have two meetings planned, but one will be "fun" to experience.

Next Town Council Workshop is: May 29, 2008 - 7:00 PM
Front Street Historic District Expansion Workshop May 27th 2008 - 5:30 PM (Smyrna Assembly Hall)

I have commented on the Front Street Expansion already on This is Smyrna, TN. and my column this week will also make a "few" barbed statements on the issue. I do wish that something this important was broadcast for the whole town to view. They do have mobile cameras and recording this for later broadcast or archiving would be the proper course of action. When a government is taking such a large step on placing more control over your property, then the rest of the town should see them in action. If they allow vocal feedback from the audience during this workshop then it may go from "fun" to delightful.

In the local area and in town there are a few items of note.

More soldiers will be returning from the sandbox Monday and we gladly welcome them back.

It was all smiles, hugs and kisses as the guard members stepped off the bus to see their families.

This is just the latest in a wave of National Guard soldiers returning home. Monday 100 soldiers are expected to arrive in Smyrna.

There will be a lot of happy family members today.

For kids there is a play being offered.

May 30, 2008 - June 01, 2008
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown": 7:30 p.m., on stage: Lamplighters Theater, 14119 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna. $8 adults; $7 for seniors; $5 for ages 4-12. 615-534-0148.

This sounds better then having your kids watch TV all of the time.

If you want to expose your kids to something different then Nissan has tours.

Nissan auto plant in Smyrna, where they have free tours for ages 10 and older at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's best to have a reservation. 615-459-1444

Well that is pretty much it for your Monday informational roundup.

Historical District Workshop

The historical downtown district might need to be renamed simply "Historical district" because a move is on to grow.

The most recent attempt to "grow" was voted down as blogged so well by our anonymous guest in his two part post [1,2]. I now have a pdf of how much they were going to grow.

Here is "alt a" to give you a basic idea of how damnably far they plan on infecting our town with a whole new layer of regulations.

alt a - Upload a doc

Read this doc on Scribd: alt a

This was voted down, but unlike my request for a "good fowl system" that was brushed off, they are coming back to the feeding trough for 'feedback' from the area.

Historic District Expansion Workshop - Upload a doc

Read this doc on Scribd: Historic District Expansion Workshop

If you like controlling your own property as much as they currently allow, then get your butt there and inform them of your displeasure.

The town government has a few meetings scheduled for this week. One likely will be 'lively' in nature.

Parks Advisory Board: May 20, 2008 - 6:00 PM
Historic Zoning Commission: May 21, 2008 -3:30 PM

If you remember our two part [1,2] series from a guest writer you could tell that the Historic Zoning commission is starting to become a bit lively in nature as it infects spreads out in the older part of Smyrna. I might drop by to give it a once over. I suspect we will be having another guest column on a special meeting the town will have on May 27th.

In local happenings we have this coming weekend a historical site of interest.

Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of the Stones River National Cemetery
May 24, 2008
Held at the Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro. Hallowed Ground is an hour long tour through the Stones River National Cemetery. Visitors will learn to look beyond the stones and into the stories of the men and women who felt the impact of war. Reservations are required and must be made by phone starting at 9:00 a.m. the Monday preceding the program. Contact: Stones River National Battlefield, (615) 893-9501

Now for the kids there is some live theatre available.

Saturday May 24th.
Lamplighters Theatre to perform at Smyrna Library: 10 a.m., 400 Enon Springs Road W. Sneak preview of "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."

PART I
Here is part II of a guest column on last weeks historic district meeting from an anonymous submitter. They are very unimpressed with how the process is being carried out.

Another woman hoped to change her signage... and was deferred for another 45 days.

After the commercial district was dealt with, the crowd knew what they had to look forward to, should their homes become part of a town-decreed "historic district." The contempt for the petty bureaucrats in the room had become palpable.

Most attendees were there because they were part of the proposed expansion. They learned that their homes would soon be subject to the tyranny witnessed in the first half of the proceedings - and they wanted none of it.

One after another, people stood and protested the draconian regulations. Would you like to put a grille over your air conditioner? Under the new rules, you'd need approval - even if your house, like mine, was built in the 1950's or later!

In fact, all changes to the exterior would need approval.

One man in the audience yelled "Just leave us alone!" That sentiment seemed strong... yet there were still some calls for tighter zoning to keep run-down rentals and gravel drives out of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, that kept the town's foot in the door. They voted to defer the historic district idea in its current incarnation, but to start a citizen-led committee instead that would work with the town to define new rules.

Whatever happened to the "land of the free?" Rules rules rules!

One woman made the point well. "These are our houses that we paid for and no one should tell us what we should do with our own property!"

Amen to that. And praise to all those who keep up their houses nicely without the oversight of layers of worthless meddlers

When your choices about the land you own are under the direct control of a small group of leaders... are you really free? Or are you a serf.

The serfs fought back today, but we'll see what happens as this process drags out.

I get a feeling this is just a taste of the new "community standards" mentioned in the comprehensive plan that will be forced upon us to make our town bright and glorious....and a bit sad.

Guest column

Here is part I of a guest column on the historic district meeting from an anonymous submitter.

Report from the Front
by Patrick Henry II

Having just attended the first planning meeting on the proposed new historic district, one thing struck me above all others - private property appears to be almost extinct. And with it, a large chunk of the freedom we inherited from our ancestors.

The meeting today began with a look at some proposed changes business owners hoped to make on their properties in the "Historic Front Street" district. One fellow hoped to install a new window in his gas station so the cashier could see the pumps from his/her post. He was interrogated about this and some other minor changes he hoped to make. And mind you - this building was NOT historic. If I remember correctly, it was built in 1972.

But our wise and benevolent overseers want to make sure that businesses stick to the 'historic' look of their properties. So.. since it's from the 70's, does that mean it should be wood paneled and decorated in burnt and avocado?

Eventually, they recommended he find a way to move his cash register station. And that he make a brick enclosure around his dumpster.

He got off easy.

The next fellow, hoping to change the front door and windows of the building he was using for a consignment store, was hoping the town would slip him through approvals so he could buy the property and make the changes needed to improve his business. As it is, he stated he was losing money since he can't improve the space and the double doors he'd like to change are currently inoperable.

No luck.

Even though he brought in pictures and made his case, it wasn't good enough. They told him to get an architectural drawing showing precisely what he wanted to do with the doors - on his 1970's building, no less! - before they'd hear his case again. He protested that it was expensive to do so and that he was trying to keep his place afloat.

But he was dismissed by the committee head who told him something along the lines of, "You're an investor, spend the money."

I was worried that this district would end up the noose it seems to be on the verge of becoming when I first heard about it. Sadly districts like this take rights away to keep the 'look' of an area, and we know image is important in the new Smyrna that will be created through the new standards from the comprehensive plan.

Part II soon.