David Carroll is in the final phase of working on a book about the nationally known celebrities who have visited Chattanooga. It started out as a history of Memorial Auditorium, the Tivoli Theater, and the UTC Arena, but it has become much more than that.
While listing all the acts that have performed at those venues (starting in the 1920s at the Auditorium and Tivoli), Mr. Carroll began compiling lists of other stages in the Chattanooga area. He then began including celebrities who have visited Chattanooga to make speeches, act in movies, perform in athletic events, speak to clubs, schools, and businesses, and appear for charitable causes. Other famous people have vacationed here, or just stopped in at restaurants while passing through.
Mr. Carroll said he has learned that venue records, online articles and newspaper archives are great resources, but not necessarily complete. Plus, in the process of going through 100 years of newspaper articles, it’s easy to miss a few.
Mr Carroll would appreciate any photos or personal recollections about the public's memories of famous folks who have visited our area. They may be sent to him at 900 Whitehall Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405, or radiotv2020@yahoo.com.
The deadline is July 31, and Mr. Carroll said he would appreciate any information the public can provide.
"Hopefully the book will be available in the next few months," said Mr. Carroll. "It is still untitled, so I welcome your ideas for a title too!"