Holley Roberts, Charger Staff
A most tragic event occurred on December 10th: The Thomas House Bed and Breakfast
in Red Boiling Springs caught fire. It suffered damages in excess of $900,000
but was only insured for $170,000. Its owners, the Cole family, were devastated.
Built in 1890, the Thomas House is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and is loved by many. It lay vacant for some time before the Coles purchased
it in 1993. They then spent nine years bringing the old hotel back to life,
only to watch it perish to flames.
But there is hope for the Thomas House. Owner Cherry Cole explained, “I’ve been so overwhelmed with what people have done and what they’ve said about what we mean to the community.”
A big effort by the community was the Cookeville Drama Center’s January
12th benefit. It was organized by local actors, singers and patrons, most of
whom have performed or stayed at the Thomas House in the past. All proceeds
from the event went toward the restoration of the hotel.
Participants included singers Amy Carpenter, Laura Calcote and Brian Childers,
along with actors Steve Gwilt, Mark Creter and Bob Mansfield. Becky Magura and
Dave Johnson were masters of ceremony, and Anna Harwood danced several pieces
with partner Danny Pugh. All in all the night was a huge success, raising $6,000
for the cause.
Cherry and her family have high expectations as a result of such overwhelming
support, saying, “We’re just incredibly grateful for what everyone’s
done; this money will go a long way, and we will be back!”
Such faith leaves hope that the historic landmark will be salvaged and once again restored for all to enjoy. Good luck to the Coles!
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