It’s been a long time, and much has happened since I last wrote on these pages. The news I have to tell you now is not good, for me anyway, but it will be good for the house and for the legacy of the Roddyes, Nennys, and Rogans.
Hayslope is for sale.
My heart breaks. This decision has been a long time coming. I’ve probably waited too long to make it, but the truth is I lack the wherewithal to finish the project. I’m happy with the work we did complete – including this summer’s inclusion with Civil War Trails – but I’ve finally come to the correct conclusion that Hayslope won’t be returned to anything like its former glory with me at the helm.
This has been my dream since I was a very little girl., and for a while I believed I could make it happen and actually live there, on site, to showcase the tremendous history of the property and of little Russellville. But alas, it’s not to be.
I won’t bore you with my personal tribulations, other than to say this has been quite a year, and the result of it is this decision. I’ve contracted with Daniel Shew, a realtor in Bristol who specializes in old houses. Hayslope may be a bit of a challenge, but it’s certainly right up his alley, and he’s excited to help us find a buyer who will finish the project – and that will be part of the contract with the seller.
See his first post about the sale here.
There are so many people to thank for the invaluable help they’ve given over these past few years. I’ve debated whether to even try to list them all, for fear I’d forget someone. Dakota Carmichael, whose knowledge of history and genuine love it inspired me in so many ways. Megan Gray, who let me believe it could be done and guided me to do what we did to correctly and with joy. Sabrina Cagle, who let me hang out upstairs and talked with me about our family long into the night. Chris Hurley, Leslie Williams, and Rhonda Reno, the remaining board members who had my back. Dr Dockter at the East Tennessee Historical Society. Mike Beck and Kelly Ford at the Longstreet Museum. Sally Baker at the Crockett Tavern. The entire Hamblen County Genealogical Society. Rogan and Roddye relatives I stalked on Facebook who shared photos and memories of their families. Drew Gruber of Civil War Trails. Anne Ross at the Morristown Chamber of Commerce. Councilperson Kay Senter. Contractor Thomas Fraser. All of you who’ve followed the progress (or lack thereof lately) as we’ve pushed forward.
I wanted this to turn out so differently. It’s my love of Hayslope and its history, though, that leads me to this painful decision. The house will live on, just without me.
As a Roddye descendant, I want to thank you and your family for being such wonderful owners of the homestead. I am sad, too, that things turned out this way for you. I just want to tell you how appreciated you are for all the love you poured into the home. It just wouldn’t be where it is today without you.
God bless!
Jennifer Horne McKinney
Thanks so much. That means a lot.
I echo Jennifer’s sentiments. Thanks again for your care and dedication to this special place. I am hopeful that I can visit this ancestral home!
Best to you on your next journey and I am excited to see what new opportunities await Hayslope.
Thanks Darrell. I really appreciate it.
How much to buy it?
Click here for the agent handling the sale.
Or click here for a non-Facebook link.
Dear K C, I will also email you, but as a Roddye descendant, I too, want to express here my appreciation and admiration for the work you have accomplished. I am greatly saddened that you will no longer be “at the helm” for this endeavor. I am so truly grateful you were able to give me and my children and grandchildren the wonderful tour this past summer. With my heartfelt good wishes to you,
Betty Roddy Heggen
Thank you so much, Betty. I was so delighted to give y’all the tour and have lunch with you that day. It was just delightful.
Thank you for your efforts to save my great-great-great grandfather’s house!
I wish I could have done more. But I’ll make sure someone does!