FIRST LADY ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR
LONG-RANGE RESTORATION AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION OF EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte announced a long-range plan to restore the Executive Residence. This event marks what will be the first significant work to the house since it was built more than 70 years ago.

The original architects, Hart, Freeland and Roberts, were brought in to help develop a long-range plan to restore the home. While the plan outlines four phases, the major emphasis is on making key repairs to the Executive Residence.

"We are past the point of putting on a fresh coat of paint and hoping for the best," Conte said. "Phil and I are both committed to restoring the home to its original beauty and tackling some of the long-standing problems that have arisen over the years."

The Governor and First Lady say that ultimately it may take several years to complete all of the work envisioned in the long-range plan, but they hope to begin tackling phase one soon. This phase would include repairing major infrastructure needs, for example repairing the roof, fixing cracked and peeled paint, and updating antiquated mechanical and electrical systems which have placed many pieces of Tennessee art and 18th century furnishings at risk. In addition, the facility would be made compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as it is currently inaccessible to disabled Tennesseans.

The cost of phase one improvements is estimated at $5.1 million although the Governor and First Lady say the majority of those funds will be raised privately.

"The Executive Residence is truly a Tennessee landmark," Bredesen said. "A remarkable parade of people have lived in and visited the facility over the years and many more will in the future. It's important to preserve and protect such a valuable piece of Tennessee history." (PHOTO: (L to R) Natiki Nashamoto, President of Bridgestone/Firestone based in Nashville, Bob Keast of Birdsong Resort/Marina and the Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm and Museum, Benton County Commissioner W.A. Johnson and Governor Ned McWherter pause for this photo at the Governor’s Executive Residence shortly after Keast and Governor McWherter returned from Japan in the fall of 1992. The building of trade relations with Japan firms have earned 154 Japanese manufactures to land on Tennessee soil. Bob Keast returned to Japan in October of 2003, along with Governor Phil Breseden and Commissioner Matt Kisber of Economic and Community Development and 50 other Tennesseans. The Executive residence, located in the Forest Hills area of Nashville is fully staffed and has served as a home to 6 Governor’s and their families. The residence also is host to many fund raisers and social events.)

If initial efforts are successful, subsequent phases of work would be tackled, including plans to make the home more accommodating for public events. This includes the possibility of building a conservatory that would allow larger public events to be hosted at the Residence. Presently, state dinners larger than 22 people cannot be accommodated inside the home.

Some preliminary work began earlier this year with money donated from excess inaugural funds, which included replacing the 70-year old slate roof and completing some other minor repairs. Additional work to the home will not begin until necessary funds have been raised.

Conte said it has been her goal since the inception of this project to ensure restoration work provides contemporary updates while preserving the historic integrity of the house and property. To do this, she is working with the home's original architects, Hart, Freeland and Roberts of Brentwood, Tenn., and State Architect Mike Fitts, as a master plan is developed.

Tennessee's Residence, originally referred to as "Far Hills" because of its beautiful view, was built in 1929 by the William Ridley Wills Family, and was purchased by the state of Tennessee following the death of Mr. Wills in 1949. The third and only remaining Governor's Residence in the state, it has hosted numerous events and celebrities during its 54 years as the state's Executive Residence. The house has been visited by famous people such as the Reverend Billy Graham, Elvis Presley, President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, President and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, and numerous governors and royalty from around the world.

On display for public viewing at the Freshwater Pearl Museum, located at Birdsong Resort and Marina is a collection of pewter Christmas ornaments that were sent by previous Governor’s of Tennessee. This collection is framed in a shadow box depicting several historical points of interest at the Governor’s Mansion and Executive Residence.

This collection of pewter Christmas ornaments were handcrafted by Tennessee artisans from Grand Junction, Tennessee. Each design was cast in a limited number to be given as gifts to friends of the Governor of Tennessee.

Each ornament is as follows:

1996 The Executive Residence
Tennessee's Executive Residence located in Nashville, TN, was originally called “Far Hills” built for the William Ridley Wills family in 1929, and it became the third governor's mansion when the state purchased it in 1949 after the death of Mr. Wills. This Georgian Colonial home was designed and built by Nashville based Hart, Freeland and Roberts architectural firm and it sits on ten acres. There are 16 rooms and 9 baths in the house. There have been eight first families to reside on Curtiswood Lane.

1997 Replica of Executive Residence Door Knocker
In 1929 the William Ridley Wills Family built a home which in 1949 would become Tennessee's Executive Residence. This is a copy of the pair of one-of-a-kind peacock doorknockers, which continues to welcome visitors and guest. The knockers were designed, molded and cast with intricate details, not the plumes and the “W” at the bottom. The mold was broken upon completion.

1998 Angel in Reflecting Pool
The history of the Reflecting Pool Angel at the Executive Residence is somewhat mysterious. It is recorded that all of the statuary from Far Hills was included when the State was purchased the home in 1949. Yet we cannot find a record of the angel until after 1975, which is about the time, it was first placed in the reflecting pool. One account attributes the statue's creator to the Tennessee Park service. The angel is surrounded by beautiful water lilies.

1999 Replica of Executive Residence Grandfather Clock
As we move into a new year and the next century, we thought it would be appropriate to feature the Executive Residence antique grandfather clock. Our clock was made about 1820 by James Cary (1790-1865), a clock maker in Brunswick, Maine. Clocks of this style were luxuries and the lunar dial on the face makes this clock especially attractive. It also shows the minutes, seconds, and the day of the month. Ball and spire brass finials, a center cast brass eagle and fluted columns adom the hood, and fluted quarter columns enhance the waist. Clocks such as these were called tall case clocks until 1876, when “Grandfather's Clock” was a popular song.

2000 Executive Residence Gate
The wrought Iron Gates are the fist glimpse of the grandeur that awaits visitors to the Executive Residence. Installed in 1971, at the same time the fence was built to enclose the property, the iron gates help control access to the grounds and also provide security for the Governor and First Family. The gateposts were designed to compliment the home and were built when the house was constructed in 1929. The concrete posts are topped with pineapple ornaments, representative of hospitality, and welcome, and are accented on either side with graceful scrolls.

2001 Replica of USS Tennessee Punch Bowl
The year 2001 marks the 95th anniversary of the USS Tennessee silver punch bowl set, which is on display in the state dining room at the Executive Residence. Depicting various scenes and historic figures, the punch bowl was designed and hand engraved by Haywood Norman, a Nashville jeweler. The silver set was a gift from the State of Tennessee to the USS Tennessee armored cruiser upon its commission in 1906. This ship was later renamed the USS Memphis when it was decided to use state names only for battleships. When the battleship USS Tennessee was commissioned in 1920, it acquired the silver service used on the cruiser of the same name. When the vessel was retired, the bowl and cups were given back to the state. The punch bowl holds 15 gallons and has eight cups dated 1906 and 17 cups dated 1926 for a total of 25 cups.

2002 Drawing Room Fireplace and Mantel
The warmest memories of all are spent in front of the fireplaces at the Executive Residence. The Drawing Room Fireplace is made of black striated Italian marble and is original to the home. The mantel carvings are of Acanthus leaves and grapes. The rug, which was upon the mantel carvings. The fireplace set, circa 1920, was originally purchased for the White House. Each Christmas, a Waterford Nativity has highlighted on this mantel.

Statements of Former Governor's About Restoration Effort

"The Executive Residence has been an open door to valuable and productive relationships between our state and those interested in being a part of its future. Betty and I were proud to host the Board of Directors of General Motors at the Residence in 1973. We commend Governor Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte on their vision for the vital role of Tennessee's first Residence. We pledge our wholehearted support."

--Governor Winfield Dunn--

"Honey and I both see the Executive Residence as a critical piece of Tennessee history and want to see it protected for future generations. While we haven't had a chance to talk in detail with the Governor and First Lady about the specifics of the project, we certainly appreciate their enthusiasm and commitment to it."

--Senator Lamar Alexander--

"I am pleased the First Lady has taken on this monumental task that will preserve part of our Tennessee history. I will do everything I can to help her and the Governor encourage all Tennesseans to join us in this campaign."

--Governor Ned Ray McWherter--

"The Executive Residence is part of Tennessee's history and we need to be taking better care of it. Martha and I are huge advocates of that and we're thrilled Phil and Andrea have taken this charge on. We have many fond memories of that house and want to make sure it's preserved for future generations to visit and enjoy. We hope all Tennesseans will join in the effort and Martha and I certainly intend to do our part to make this dream become a reality."

--Governor Don Sundquist—