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Several of our Tullahoma history-loving readers have asked where the details for these “Flashback” columns come from. Thankfully there have been some Tullahoma and Coffee County citizens and natives that have preserved information from the past and written articles and books that reflect that knowledge. Over the next two or three weeks, I’ll show some of the resources I use most often.

“Historic Tullahoma” was compiled and edited by the late Paul Pyle – photographer, dulcimer craftsman, storyteller, and very knowledgeable Tullahoma historian. Three editions have been printed over the years, the first being in 1952 to celebrate Tullahoma’s centennial. It was reprinted in 1986. In 2002, some pages were updated for the newest edition, which is still available at the Mitchell Museum located within South Jackson Performing Arts Center. This book contains dozens of historic Tullahoma photos, including Mr. Pyle’s famous 1952 panoramic downtown shots. It also is chock full of historical tidbits and dates. I refer to it very often.

“Coffee County from Arrowheads to Rockets” is a 360-page treasure trove of Coffee County and Tullahoma history. Published in 1969 by the Coffee County Preservation Board, it features chapters written by noted local historians Marjorie Collier and Corrine Martinez, among others. It, too, is one I use often. My copy was a gift from Tullahoma News journalist Kyle Murphy, and it previously belonged to his grandparents. Copies of this book show up often on eBay for reasonable prices.

“Tullahoma Time-Table” is the publication of the Historic Preservation Society of Tullahoma. It has been published for over 20 years and one issue per year is included with membership in the Society. Back issues are also available. These books are fascinating reading for those who love history. Membership in the Historic Preservation Society is inexpensive and worth every penny. Watch the Tullahoma News’ calendar of events for the next meeting.

“Images of America: Camp Forrest” by Elizabeth Taylor is a must-have book. Camp Forrest’s significance to Tullahoma, and its part in the United States and Allies victory in World War II cannot be overstated. This book is an excellent primer on life at Camp Forrest as well as its effect on Tullahoma. The book is available at The Book Shelf on S. Atlantic Street, as is Elizabeth’s other Camp Forrest volume, Voices of Camp Forrest in World War II. Both are highly recommended. Both are published by Arcadia Press, who will also be publishing my upcoming Tullahoma book.

Last on this week’s list, The Tullahoma News. The one shown here was the Centennial Edition of October 30, 1981, that being the News’ centennial, not the city’s. The city’s Centennial Edition was dated July 2, 1952. In any case, the special editions like these always have historical articles about city happenings and histories of local businesses. This 1981 News was gifted me by Glen and Susan Braghetta. Madeline Tucker loaned me the 1952 edition, and I photographed every page. The Lannom Coffee County Library’s website has archives of The Tullahoma News going back many years. They’re pretty easy to access and there is a search feature.

Do any of our readers have old photos from Tullahoma Christmas Parades of past years, or photos of downtown businesses decorated for Christmas? I’d love to borrow them briefly. You can contact me at alanmayes@lighttube.net.