UT Extension Office to hold Open House Thursday

The University of Tennessee’s Extension Office will be hosting an Open House this Thursday, March 7, showcasing the rich history and culture of both the extension office itself as well as the house in which it resides.

Vickie Clark, an extension agent at the office, said the open house is a chance to explore both what they do as an extension office and the history of the Folsom House in which they reside.

“Carter County purchased the house in 1976 from the Folsom family,” Clark said. “This was where the highest ranking Confederate officer in Carter County was stationed, and the highest ranking Union officer from Carter County lived right across the street.”

Originally, the plan was to demolish the home upon purchasing the land, but, as former extension leader Keith Hart described it, the family changed their mind upon learning the extension office wanted to move into the home.

“[Mr. and Mrs. Folsom] were afraid of the house falling into disrepair,” Hart said.

He said Frank Williams, who then served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, did not want the house destroyed, so he worked to convince the family to keep the house intact.

“Williams thought the building was too important,” Hart said.

Now, roughly 50 years later, the house has served as the hub of Carter County’s UT Extension Office, after its original location under the Carter County Public Library.

“This is over 100 years of cooperation with the county,’ Clark said. “We are a product of history, and we are carrying on the heritage.”

During the Open House, the office will showcase the various services they offer to the community and the knowledge and education they can provide to the community. Clark said they will also showcase their various summer programs and how to apply for them.

She said this will also be a chance to look into the past: the house was first built in 1861.

“This is different to how homes are built today,” she said.

She said the history the home provides adds to the office’s ability to serve its community.

“We are continuing a tradition of research-based information for this county,” Clark said.

The Open House will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, and the office is located at 824 E Elk Ave.

SportsPlus

Local news

Dr. Collette Hoilman joins Ballad Health Medical Associates

Local news

Dr. Alexandra Johnson joins Ballad Health Medical Associates Orthopedic Surgery

Church News

Church Briefs

Local news

ETSU unveils third annual limited-edition holiday ornament

Local news

Tennesseans have until Jan. 7 to apply for FEMA assistance

Local news

Gladys Knight returns to the NPAC stage for 20th anniversary performance

Local news

Milligan exhibit ‘Pause’ celebrates graphic design and interactive media design seniors

Local news

John Thune elected Senate Majority Leader

Local news

High winds, rain temporarily close Carter County Disaster Recovery Center

Local news

Elizabethton Parks & Recreation announces 2024 Skate by the Doe cancellation 

Local news

Elizabethton Police seek help identifying Walmart shoplifting suspect

Local news

Upcoming events in Elizabethton….

Church News

What does the Bible mean when it says not to love the world?

Local news

ETSU holiday concert returns Dec. 7

Local news

LampLight Theatre expansion includes Backstage Coffee Co. and Gift Shoppe

Local news

Lawmakers could tap rainy day fund to help Tennessee’s flood-damaged counties

Local news

CCSO warns of scam calls impersonating officers, demanding money

Local news

County Mayor’s Office provides update on Broad Street Bridge

Local news

Krispy Kreme doughnuts comes to McDonald’s

Local news

State’s community and technical schools honor veterans

Local news

ETSU launches training to help military-affiliated students

Local news

Annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at War Memorial Veterans Walk of Honor

Local news

Alliance sounds alarm on new uranium enrichment facility in Oak Ridge

Local news

Mountain Ways extends application deadline in TN and WNC to Nov. 18