Banner Dedication Completes Process

By: David Booker
November 21, 2001

On a pleasant fall Saturday morning, at a house with as rich a history as Old North Knoxville itself, approximately 15 residents of this historic neighborhood, Mayor Victor Ashe, and recently-elected city council member Rob Frost dedicated the eleven poles and banners that now mark entrances to Old North Knoxville (ONK). The six-foot by two-foot purple and green banners clearly tell visitors and neighbors alike that they have entered one of Knoxville’s historic districts.

ONK President Dave Palmer spoke first, thanking the mayor and city council for allocating over $5,000 in 202 funds in order to make the poles and banners a reality. He also thanked those who came out to help erect the poles and raise the banners. In appreciation of the city’s help, David Palmer showed Mayor Ashe, Councilman-elect Frost, and all those present one of the brass plagues that will be placed at the base of each of the poles. The plague reads: “These poles and banners made possible by the generosity of Mayor Ashe and City Council 2001.”

Mayor Ashe then spoke and stressed it is neighborhoods with active organizations like Old North Knoxville’s that are important in making Knoxville a vibrant place to live. He said he was glad that the city council and he could help to highlight the historic importance of the Old North Knoxville neighborhood.

Chester Kilgore of Grainger Avenue opened his two-story home for use as the gathering place for the November 17^th dedication. Chester’s house was originally built in the 1850s as a simple two-story farm house and later doubled in size by an addition done by noted architect George Barber. Barber even added the two porches, one downstairs and one upstairs, which give the house a gracious and distinctive front.