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Town Spring XII: Anthology of the Cookeville Creative Writers' Association
Town Spring by Nancy Jarrell
In the days before there was a town of Cookeville, there was a spring here – cold and swiftly flowing. It was steeped in Indian lore, and it was a welcome stopping place for thirsty hucksters and travelers with their teams.
When the travelers became settlers, the little spring became the Town Spring. Beyond its grace for natural refreshment, it became the natural place for social gatherings and even for baptisms. Here at picnics and watermelon feasts was the spot where the small talk of the town was exchanged, where deep political and religious convictions were spoken, where local stories were repeated and preserved. Here the town vision was enlarged, and its heritage celebrated.
It is hard to believe that this all-important Cookeville landmark, this beautiful little glade with its maple tree shadows, fell to such little regard that it was bulldozed over, paved, and lost completely to view and to posterity.
The Cookeville Creative Writers now commemorate its name and spirit in the title of our collected writings. In each edition of Town Spring, we have gathered again our small talk, our feelings, convictions, and regional lore to celebrate our heritage.
Update by Janet Biery
In recent years our town has rediscovered the old Town Spring. There is a paved plaza and fountain now surrounded by community buildings such as the library, history museum, drama center and Dogwood Park with its nature trail and a tiered outdoor arena. The arena is used for free concerts, family movies, and other events of interest to locals and the thousands of others from the Upper Cumberland.
There truly can be no better memorial to a community than the continuation of the gathering together of its citizens to share feelings, convictions, heritage, and stories to build a sense of unity that keeps our town growing and thriving. Town Spring XII is a collection of stories, poems, and art by our members to continue those traditions.
In the days before there was a town of Cookeville, there was a spring here – cold and swiftly flowing. It was steeped in Indian lore, and it was a welcome stopping place for thirsty hucksters and travelers with their teams.
When the travelers became settlers, the little spring became the Town Spring. Beyond its grace for natural refreshment, it became the natural place for social gatherings and even for baptisms. Here at picnics and watermelon feasts was the spot where the small talk of the town was exchanged, where deep political and religious convictions were spoken, where local stories were repeated and preserved. Here the town vision was enlarged, and its heritage celebrated.
It is hard to believe that this all-important Cookeville landmark, this beautiful little glade with its maple tree shadows, fell to such little regard that it was bulldozed over, paved, and lost completely to view and to posterity.
The Cookeville Creative Writers now commemorate its name and spirit in the title of our collected writings. In each edition of Town Spring, we have gathered again our small talk, our feelings, convictions, and regional lore to celebrate our heritage.
Update by Janet Biery
In recent years our town has rediscovered the old Town Spring. There is a paved plaza and fountain now surrounded by community buildings such as the library, history museum, drama center and Dogwood Park with its nature trail and a tiered outdoor arena. The arena is used for free concerts, family movies, and other events of interest to locals and the thousands of others from the Upper Cumberland.
There truly can be no better memorial to a community than the continuation of the gathering together of its citizens to share feelings, convictions, heritage, and stories to build a sense of unity that keeps our town growing and thriving. Town Spring XII is a collection of stories, poems, and art by our members to continue those traditions.
205 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2025
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