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Melodie Phelps News Editor It has stood for more than 200 years and inside its walls are an important piece of the history of Wayne County. Now, the Mill Springs Battlefield Association is taking steps to make sure the history of the West-Metcalf House is not lost. Work around the site of the home, which is in a field located in the Mill Springs area of Wayne County, has caused quite a bit of discussion, according to Mill Springs Battlefield Association president Bill Neikirk. Neikirk and several other volunteers were at the site last week shoring up the foundation of the home, which dates back to the late 1700ıs. ³Weıve had dozens of people stop by and ask if we are tearing it down,² said Neikirk as he took a break from the work on a recent morning. ³We arenıt tearing it down. Weıre trying to keep it from falling down.² The preservation effort, which began recently, was made possible because of the generous donation of Nick Cooley, who owns the property where the historic home is located. Norrie Wake, also with the Battlefield Association, noted that Cooley donated the house and a half acre of land to the organization. ³This wouldnıt have been possible without Mr. Cooley,² noted Wake. ³This is a very nice gift to the Battlefield Association...We appreciate his generosity.² As Wake and Neikirk both noted, the first task was to make sure the old house, which has fallen into severe disrepair, was stabilized. ³Weıve been putting floor jacks up under the house and stabilizing it,² noted Neikirk. Wake pointed out that all the old pieces of wood and lumber that have been removed are being stored to help give them an idea to the archeology of the building, once preservation efforts begin. The next step in this process will be securing grant money to begin the restoration of the old house that was once one of the grandest in Wayne County. Reader Comments Lilly Meadows Bird (12/4/2004) So many of my ancestors were from this area, Meeks, Meadows, Tuckers, Stephens--This MUST be restored. why not create an on-line site---know many would help wih contribuions Lilly Meadows Bird (12/4/2004) So many of my ancestors were from this area, Meeks, Meadows, Tuckers, Stephens--This MUST be restored. why not create an on-line site---know many would help wih contribuions Sue Hasty (12/4/2004) This news does my heart good. When I was in Wayne County, I wondered why no one had taken the steps to save this important piece of Wayne County history. This is wonderful news indeed. Thanks to everyone who is involved.What a gift to people in Wayne County and for those of us who have ancestors from Wayne County. David Gilbert (12/3/2004) Norrie Wake and the Mill Springs Battlefield Association should be commended for preserving the history of this site for future generations. Their work will be seen by many long after we are gone. Anna Ruth Tucker (11/30/2004) I am so happy to hear of this project! I was born in Mill Springs and my parents knew this family. I recently saw the house getting to "disrepair" and was so sad, this project makes me so happy! Add a comment |
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