Every high school library in Rutherford County will receive a hardbound copy of Rutherford Reflections, the latest volume of local history authored by County Historian Greg Tucker, thanks to the efforts of the Rutherford County Historical Society.
Dr. E.C. Tolbert, senior member of the RCHS board of directors, recently delivered 10 bound copies of the Tucker book to Rutherford County School Superintendent Don Odom.
“Our history is our map to the future,” explains Tolbert, “and we want every young person in the county to have easy access to what has been documented.”
Colorful and amusing accounts of true and unique Rutherford County history are found in Rutherford Reflections, the fourth volume of local history written by Tucker. The history is drawn from the folklore of the remote hills and hollows of rural Rutherford, from the memories of “first family” descendants, and from the darkest corners of local archives.
Dr. E.C. Tolbert, Rutherford County Historical Society; Don Odom, Director Rutherford County Schools; Greg Tucker, Rutherford County Historian
“For me the title carries two messages,” notes the author. “In the mirror of our history we can see ourselves reflected as we were in a simpler time. Our unique history also prompts us to consider and reflect upon who and what we are today and will be tomorrow.”
The cover of the new volume shows the Rutherford County Courthouse reflected in the window of the Rutherford County Election Commission office during early voting in October 2016.
The 250-page book explores several early myths and mysteries, offers details on untold and mistold facts about the Civil War, introduces persons and personalities unique to our community, explains how our environment and institutions have developed and recounts several special traditions and activities of earlier generations.
The book is produced in cooperation with the Rutherford County Historical Society and retails for $24. All proceeds from book sales go to support the work of the Society.
“We are pleased and excited about this latest addition to our long list of publications and resources on Rutherford County history,” said Frank Caperton, RCHS president. “We are particularly proud of the quality and amount of research and resources contributed by Greg Tucker, our longtime member and former Society president. Without his efforts, much of our past would remain unknown and forever lost.”
As Rutherford County Historian, Tucker participates in a weekly discussion of local history on the Truman Jones Show (Monday, 9 a.m., WGNS Radio), and speaks frequently to area civic and special interest groups. His previous books are Remembering Rutherford (2010), Rutherford . . . for Real (2011), and Rutherford Ramblings (2014). Wax Family Printing in Murfreesboro composed and printed the latest volume, as well as two of the earlier books; the high school libraries were also given bound copies of Tucker’s first three volumes when they were first published.
Rutherford Reflections is available in Murfreesboro from Hooper Farm Supply, 420 S. Front St.; The Country Gourmet, 107 E. Main St.; Oaklands Museum gift shop, 900 N. Maney Ave.; the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce gift shop, 3050 Medical Center Pkwy.; the Campus Sub Shop, 1124 Old Lascassas Pk.; and Gil’s Ace Hardware, 415 Nissan Dr., Smyrna. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.
