Replica of log cabin constructed near Gilliland home

Thomas Johnson, center, explains to Antoinette van Zelm of the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area at the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU and Dan Brown of the Tennessee Preservation Trust how he had to take logs from other old structures to rebuild the cabin. He hopes to replace the old stepping stones with a brick walkway, as well as add a well house and an iron fence. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

The ceremony at the log cabin behind the Gilliland House Friday morning was all about preserving history -- but was also about protecting the future by preserving the past. Since 1975, the former home of well-known black stone and brick mason James Gilliland at 803 Lipscomb St. has been on the National Register of Historic Places. Acquired by the Gilliland Historical Resource Center in 1996, it has developed as a resource and educational center as well as a museum. That growth continues with the addition of the cabin.

"The Gilliland House should go down as a landmark," said Katie Wilson, chairperson for the board of directors for Murfreesboro's Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center. She said the impression it left with young people was a lasting one and demonstrated the social journey of the African-American. "We have gone from slavery to the White House."

Members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Gilliland Historic Resource Center, area historic preservation societies and organizations and state officials were on hand to cut the ribbon officially opening the cabin as a museum and part of the Gilliland House. Mayor Eugene Ray served as the emcee for the opening ceremonies. Speakers included Wilson; Antoinette van Zelm of the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area at the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU; Dan Brown of the Tennessee Preservation Trust; and Patrick McIntyre of the Tennessee Historical Commission.

Mai D. Hendricks cuts the cake bearing a likeness of the log cabin now found behind the Gilliland House. After years of work, the cabin was officially opened Friday morning. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Garland King, who owned the property and worked with Mae Dee Hendricks to preserve it, also spoke, as did Hendricks herself. She stressed the educational aspects of the log cabin.

"That log house is important," she said.

Cabin history

Like the history of African-Americans, the history of the cabin has been long and difficult -- and ultimately triumphant.

"It took us several years," said Thomas Johnson, who spearheaded the project.

The idea, he said, was to replicate the log cabin in which the late James Gilliland grew up in the 19th century, a simple structure, handmade and rough. It would be placed behind the house he created for himself, a home that expressed creativity, talent and success.

"You can see where he came from," said Johnson, waving at the cabin, then the house. "And you can see where he ended."

Deciding to build the cabin and actually building it were two different things, though -- using donations of materials, time, talent and money, Johnson had to fit his work on the project around the schedule of his paying job -- which is restoring old buildings. Many of the item and supplies used in the construction were donated by his company, Vintage Material Connection.

Other donations have helped as well, from money to manpower. Donald Powell made a table and a rope bed for the cabin. Zach Fuss, tagging along to board meetings with his grandmother, Sue, helped with the Gilliland House when he was just a little boy.

"I didn't get to help with the cabin, though," he said as he prowled the one room-structure. He poked his head up the narrow stairs to the sleeping loft, then examined the rope bed.

The bed is only a few feet away from the table, which is only a few feet away from the fireplace. Period items, from lanterns to cooking pots, hang from hooks or rest on the rustic mantelpiece.

Local and state dignitaries showed up for the ribbon cutting at the log cabin at the Gilliland House. Mai D. Hendricks held the ribbon as Thomas Johnson cut it. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"We actually used about three log cabins to make this one," said Johnson. "There was a log cabin we found and we moved it here," he said. "The original logs weren't the quality we wanted, so we took logs out of three other structures. We had to dovetail all the logs and actually build it.

"It's not what we wanted to do, but it was a labor of love."

Help needed

Donna Phillips, who shares duties with Hendricks in the operations of the center, also spoke, reminding everyone that The Gilliland House is a nonprofit agency and in need of operating funds. She said some changes are being made to make the center run more efficiently, as well as to bring in more support.

"We're going in new directions," said Phillips. "We're getting more involved in the community and with reaching out to the young people. We need your help. Currently, we're pretty much operating on a zero budget."

Emily Bryant told the visitors that the center would be holding a fundraiser Nov. 14 -- a silent auction, wine and cheese reception with a storyteller for entertainment.

The center does many things in the community, such as providing scholarships, offering college and career counseling, organizing the annual Martin Luther King Day march and rally, Juneteenth celebrations, and mentoring young boys and girls.

The Gilliland House is open by appointment only. For more information, visit www.gillilandhouse.org.