An evening of music indoors and out and a serving of hors d’oeuvres might not sound like a way to save a historic building, but an event May 13 fits the bill.
On Tuesday, the Sullivan County Historical Preservation Association will host a “Save the Inn” Fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Old Deery Inn in Blountville.
The past year has been a rough one for one of Sullivan County’s oldest buildings. The Inn has suffered extensive water damage, and according to structural engineers, repairs could cost as much as $20,000.
Sullivan County owns the Inn, but there is no funding available to subsidize the repairs.
The Sullivan County Historical Preservation Association is to raise $20,000 to defray costs of the repairs and to raise public awareness.
Built shortly after 1800, the inn hosted luminaries such as Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, the Marquis de Lafayette and Andrew Johnson. It was used as an inn until the late 1920s.
At Tuesday’s event, hors d’oeuvres will be served and classical music will be provided inside the Inn by pianist Olivia Hancock. Outside, bluegrass and period music will be provided by the Eclectic Cats, Jim Graybeal, Tony Malone and Jack Dunham.
Reservations for the event are required by May 6, with a minimum donation of $25 per person. For reservations, contact Dennis Houser at (423) 366-7914 or email dkhouser410@btes.tv. Those unable to attend the event but wanting to make a donation should make checks payable to SCHPA and mail to P.O. Box 486, Blountville, TN 37617.