Picturing the Past 169: Before Bell Buckle was famous

Posted Friday, November 23, 2012, at 1:08 PM

Downtown Bell Buckle, a few years before crafts and food gave it an entirely new atmosphere. (T-G file photo)

Bell Buckle's storefronts looked much different 34 years ago this month. In November 1978, Bell Buckle looked like a sleepy country town, back in the days before craft shops and restaurants changed its look.

Good to see those buildings filled with businesses and the town hall today. I'd like to see some of Shelbyville's empty shells filled up as well.

Picturing the Past appears regularly in this blog. Reader submissions are welcome.

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I was approached the other day by a friend and Bell Buckle merchant who said he had heard of a fire in the late 1890's and one of his sales counters is dated shortly after that.

I also tracked down a page that said the stores burned again the Great Depression era. http://volweb.utk.edu/school/bedford/cas...

-- Posted by stevemills on Sun, Dec 9, 2012, at 8:18 AM

The two cafes are/were worlds apart.

-- Posted by stevemills on Fri, Nov 30, 2012, at 7:20 AM

I remember the town as it as pictured and I am very familiar with it today. I love eating at BB Cafe. I cannot remember which came first, the Cafe or the antigue shops.

-- Posted by HorseGentler on Thu, Nov 29, 2012, at 11:19 AM

Yes, I am still here steadyeddie. I have gotten caught up playing Farmville and have not given as much time to this blog as I should have. My Rook playing on duelboard.com has also suffered. Sorry about that.

-- Posted by leeiii on Mon, Nov 26, 2012, at 8:13 PM

I miss seeing the posts from "leeiii" and "iliketheoldsongs". Surely hope all is well with them.

-- Posted by steadyeddie on Mon, Nov 26, 2012, at 5:41 PM

I was in the 8th grade at Bell Buckle High School when fire destroyed the school. I've always loved that little town. It always seems like a step back in time whenever I'm there.

-- Posted by Tim Lokey on Sun, Nov 25, 2012, at 7:45 AM

Not sure about the fire. Anyone remember when it occurred?

-- Posted by David Melson on Sat, Nov 24, 2012, at 4:01 PM

Speaking of Bell Buckle, can you tell me where the City Grocery was located?

-- Posted by R.A. Clift on Sat, Nov 24, 2012, at 10:46 AM

Was this picture taken after the fire?

-- Posted by R.A. Clift on Sat, Nov 24, 2012, at 10:36 AM

Is it possible for towns to pass a law that says if you own property in the downtown area, you must use it or rent it to someone to use?

-- Posted by stevemills on Fri, Nov 23, 2012, at 5:25 PM