Austin Peay State University faculty edits Diary that provides glimpse of Clarksville during Civil War
August 5, 2020
Clarksville, TN – In the mid-1980s, an old store ledger was found inside a local smokehouse. At first glance, it seemed like little more than trash, but then someone opened the yellowed, water-stained pages and read surreal accounts of Clarksville during the Civil War.
“Clarksville is almost depopulated,” the ledger recorded. “All the escaped soldiers have been ordered to the main army via Clarksville before the Yankees get in. I ripped the stripes off a young man’s coat over at Uncle W’m’s this evening that he might not be detected on his journey. Once I enjoyed sewing them, but now I take them off as willingly.”
Austin Peay State University professor of history Dr. Minoa Uffelman holds the Diary of Serepta Jordan. (APSU)
Austin Peay State University history professor Minoa Uffelman part of team to restore Civil War-era diary
February 28, 2017
Clarksville, TN – Military conflicts are not fought in isolation, and the American Civil War was no different. While civilians like Serepta Jordan never lifted a musket, Jordan and millions like her felt its impact, and it is precisely that neglected perspective that made the discovery of her diary by area historians so significant.
A working-class woman living in Clarksville during the war, Jordan was not a name remembered by history.
Minoa Uffelman holding the $3,000 Archive Development Grant check from the State of Tennessee.
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum receives Tennessee Grant for Serepta Jordan Diary project
February 11, 2017
Serepta Jordan’s writings recorded Clarksville life from 1857-64
Clarksville, TN – A large measure of teamwork is going into the restoration and publication of the diary of Serepta Jordan, who recorded her life in Clarskville from 1857 to 1864 in crisp hardwriting in a repurposed leather-bound ledger book.
The diary is part of the collection of the Clarksville’s Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, which welcomed a $3,000 Archive Development Grant on Thursday delivered by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
Kali Mason, Customs House Curator of Collections, carefully handles pages of the diary of Serepta Jordon as Mayor Kim McMillan, Millie Armstrong, Tenessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Customs House Executive Director Jim Zimmer look at the fragile document. Hargett delivered a $3,000 state grant check to the museum Thursday that will be used to continue the restoration of the historic diary.
Civil War diary edited by APSU faculty wins Duke award
October 28, 2015
Clarksville, TN – In 1862, the author of “The American Stud Book,” a breed registry for thoroughbred horses, became one of the least popular people in Montgomery County. His name was Col. Sanders Bruce, and as an officer in the Union Army, he oversaw the military occupation of Clarksville during the Civil War.
“Well upon Christmas day Colonel Bruce with his ‘whiskey jug’ and several regiments took possession of this place and here they have been ever since,” Nannie Haskins Williams, a 16-year-old Clarksville resident, wrote in her diary a year later. “And here I am too still writing in my journal about those detestable blue coats for whom I have such a disgust.”
Civil War diary edited by Austin Peay State University faculty wins Duke award
Historical book signing to take place this weekend at Fort Defiance
March 27, 2015
Clarksville, TN – Are you an avid bookworm or just interested in learning about some of Clarksville’s history? There’s still time left to read the latest books that can be signed by local writers!
“The Diary of Nannie Haskins” by Minoa D. Uffelman, Ellen Kanervo, Eleanor Williams and Phyllis Smith; and “Franklin House” by Carolyn Ferrell with both be available for purchase at the Fort Defiance Interpretive Center for those who do not already own a copy.
Dr. Minoa Uffelman holds a copy of the new book “The Diary of Nannie Haskins Williams: A Southern Woman’s Story of Rebellion and Reconstruction, 1863-1890.” (Taylor Slifko, APSU)
Clarksville Parks and Recreation Report for March 22nd, 2015
March 22, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The weekly Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Report provides Clarksvillians with a glimpse at the activities and events that are available from the Parks and Recreation Department for them to enjoy together as a family.
This weeks highlights include: Book Signing, Wettest Egg Hunt, Zumba, Swim Lessons and Lifeguard Swim Camp.
Clarksville Parks and Recreation Report for March 8th, 2015
March 8, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The weekly Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Report provides Clarksvillians with a glimpse at the activities and events that are available from the Parks and Recreation Department for them to enjoy together as a family.
This weeks highlights include: 50K Tree Day, Homeschool Swim Day, Book Signing, Wettest Egg Hunt, and Spring Eggstravaganza.
Clarksville Civil War Roundtable’s next meeting is January 21st, 2015
January 18, 2015
Our 130th meeting.
Clarksville, TN – The next meeting of the Clarksville (TN) Civil War Roundtable will be on Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 at the Bone & Joint Center, 980 Professional Park Drive, right across the street from Gateway Medical Center.
This is just off Dunlop Lane and Holiday Drive and only a few minutes east of Governor’s Square mall. The meeting begins at 7:00pm and is always open to the public.
Topic: “The Diary of Nannie Haskins Williams: A Southern Woman’s Story of Rebellion and Reconstruction.”
Dr. Minoa Uffelman holds a copy of the new book “The Diary of Nannie Haskins Williams: A Southern Woman’s Story of Rebellion and Reconstruction, 1863-1890.” (Taylor Slifko, APSU)
Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk scheduled for November 6th, 2014
November 4, 2014
Clarksville, TN – Produced by the Downtown Clarksville Association, First Thursday Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour spanning a 5-block radius that combines visual art, live music, engaging events and more in the heart of Downtown Clarksville.
With 10+ venues, bars and businesses participating each month, the First Thursday Art Walk in Clarksville is the ultimate opportunity to savor and support local creative talent.
First Thursday Art Walk in downtown Clarksville scheduled for July 3rd.
Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk scheduled for September 4th, 2014
September 3, 2014
Clarksville, TN – Produced by The Downtown Clarksville Association, First Thursday Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour spanning a 5-block radius that combines visual art, live music, engaging events and more in the heart of Downtown Clarksville.
With 10+ venues, bars and businesses participating each month, the First Thursday Art Walk in Clarksville is the ultimate opportunity to savor and support local creative talent.
First Thursday Art Walk in downtown Clarksville scheduled for July 3rd.
