In 2021, the Soddy Bank building celebrates 100 years of being part of the local community.
It does not happen often - a Historical Association gets to celebrate a 100-year milestone in a building that their own museum is located. But, the Soddy, Daisy & Montlake Historical Association (SDMHA) gets to do just that on May 15.
In 1911 the Soddy Banking Company was formed.
It was first housed in the bottom floor of a two story building built and paid for by the Soddy United Mine Workers of America Local 890. The locals would meet on the second floor while the bank operated from the first floor. Clinton Jones was the first banker coming from Mayfield, Kentucky. He would remain the banker until 1914 when he would return to Kentucky. In his position William Crow would assume the banker position and would remain until the bank closed in January 1930. In 1921 a new building was constructed by a local contractor named Varner. In the same year he also constructed a bank building in both Dayton and Daisy, Tn.
Now fast forward to May 15, 2021. The bank building is the focus of this celebration and it will be open the regular hours, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., as it is presently the home of the Good Old Days Museum operated by the Soddy, Daisy & Montlake Historical Association. Coal mining was king in 1921 and SDMHA operates the museum to help make visitors aware of this past. The building is roughly 1,600 square feet and it is full of Soddy, Daisy, Montlake and Flattop Mountain history. The museum was opened in July 2017 and has hosted over 5000 visitors from over 40 states and three foreign countries.
The Historical Association has asked local car enthusiasts to bring their 1920s era automobiles and other antique cars for display. How better to celebrate than having at least one, or possibly two vehicles also celebrating their 100 year birthday. The section of Wall Street from Ducktown Street to Depot Street, and also Depot Street to Back Valley Road will be temporarily blocked off for the celebration of the Soddy Bank building’s centennial. Locals are invited to bring their old cars (which do not have to be 100 years old) to fill this section of the two streets from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. during the celebration.
On May 15, there will be no fee for touring the museum. There will also be displays in the parking lot outside of the museum. There will be performances by local musicians and food available for the day. Organizers will be offering our take on the “Plenty Burger” - a Chow Now classic,
as well as a soft ice cream machine. A ceremony at 12 p.m. will highlight the unique history of the bank and will also include a presentation of donor names and a new plaque. There might even be a few items for sale to help raise money for the SDMHA Capital Campaign coordinated by the Historical Association.
The campaign, “Investing in our Past to Save our Future” is still underway, with SDMHA just completing Phase I of our fund raiser.
Organizers said, "The Bank Building is presently for sale which means we may need to vacate the premises if sold. So, we urgently need your help with this fundraiser. With a collection that has outgrown the building, SDMHA is searching for a new home, preferably with some acreage and a larger building. We have a few ideas, but each idea comes with a price. We are seeking support from the community and this spring begins a second phase of fundraising. Proceeds from the Centennial Celebration and any donations help fund the museum’s expansion and allow us to keep it in the Soddy-Daisy area. We hope you will not only visit and enjoy the event, but that you will also make a contribution to our fundraiser."
See soddydaisymuseum.com.
Event Location: The Good Old Days Museum is at 11298 Wall Street in Old Soddy. It can be found via Depot Street or Durham Street, and by exiting off of US-27 in Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379, near the lake, or coming from Hwy 111 and the Back Valley Road exit. Parking is limited in the immediate area around the bank, so we ask that you park in the Soddy Church of God parking lot on Back Valley Road and Depot Street during this event.
For more information, conact Steve Smith at slsmith01@comcast.net.