Went to White Pine on Saturday, and after I was done I drove into Morristown to see their downtown. Turns out they have an unusual second story walkway along the length of the downtown. It goes in front of all the buildings on the main drag, with bridges connecting the two sides and ramps going from ground level to the walkway.
Neat idea. I asked some people at the Java Garden coffee house about it, but they weren’t sure when the walkways were built. (Good coffee, though.) Melissa remembers a Heartland Series episode about them, but I couldn’t find any information on the old InterWeb. Any information appreciated.
The folks at the coffee house thought that these were rare, and were either the only such walkways on the east coast, or maybe the entire United States. That suggests the idea wasn’t a raging success. Most of the buildings had doors that opened on the walkway, though most of the doors seemed to be for the business on the first floor, and were locked. In fact, the only place that seemed to only exist on the second floor was the campaign headquarters of Carl “Two Feathers” Whitaker for Tennessee governor in 2006. Another coffee shop called Higher Grounds had a little patio on their part of the walkway (see third picture below), which happened to be a cul-de-sac.
It was raining Saturday, and one benefit of the walkways was that they served as awnings when I was on the ground level. The biggest downside of the walkways is the way they disrupt the appearance of the nice old architecture. There are a couple of gorgeous buildings like the Frets music store that are hard to appreciate with a gray, concrete bridge looming in front of them. The designers tried to enhance the aesthetics of the concrete works with planters on the second story, but the planters have all gone to seed and weeds. It looks like the walkways were a failed, but interesting experiment.
Cell phone pics below.
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Born and raised in Morristown, I can attest that those things have been there forever and are indeed fairly unique (ie, I can’t think of another city/town that has them).
They were used a bit when I was a kid, when Parks Belk was still alive and I would go buy my Boy Scout supplies there (yeah, old memories surfacing). Their door to the walkways was still in operation, but shut down soon after.
As for a timeline, I have no idea (I’ll ask my mother if she might have any clue). I’m guessing early 40′s, 50′s or so.
I believe that while interesting, they were troublesome due to homeless + vandalism. I know plenty of kids who used to get drunk/high and go play on them late at night, tormenting anyone in earshot. Yeah, I know. Classy.
The Morristown “Sky-walk” was built in the early 60′s as part of a “urban renewal/flood prevention” grant.Downtown had flooded many many times from the overflow from Turkey Creek & some folks had the idea to connect Downtown renewal with the flood prevention plan & came up with the “Sky-walk” to utilize the under devoloped 2nd stories & draw people Downtown. They got the grant & built the “Sky-walks”. What nobody knew was that Senator Walters had sold land to a developer to build the Morristown Plaza.The Plaza opened in 1965 and did the same thing to Downtown Morristown that West-Town did to downtown Knoxville.
Thanks, guys.
Evan: I noticed the Parks Belk store. It brought back memories. There used to be one here in Maryville in the downtown. It closed in the late ’70s or early ’80s. There was a Parks Bel in Newport in 1993 when I lived in Cosby.
Bill: thanks for the history. The downtown here emptied out when the Midland Center strip mall was built. Midland in turn emptied out when Foothills Mall was built.
hi,
I am 21 years old and I was born and raised in morristow. I know that now a lot of the upper areas that are now locked etc. for nobody to get into is apartments and i use to live in an apartment there lol surprisingly i learned really quickly to lock my doors to keep strangers from wanting to buy your things. Just so you know that the overheads aint going to waste and i hope that they do keep um up date cause this is part of our hertidge and i wouldn’t know this town w/o them.
Jen
Hi Les,
I grew up in Morristown as well. I am 38 and now live in Madison, WI but I do come back several times per year to visit my aging parents who still live in Morristown.
Ah, those Skywalks. I remember them as a youngster during every parade. You could stand up there and watch all the action as the floats came down the road. i have no idea if that is still allowed. Unfortunately the many (not all) classy (as Evan stated) youngsters of the day probably pose more of a threat to the safety of those in the parade. It would be good to try. That would definitely be a walk down memory lane.
There are so many things that are different. I too remember the Parks-Belk. I remember the Princess theater where the Java Garden is now. What a neat old place. I saw Herbie the Love Bug there and was surprised as a child when Herbie was there on the street when the movie let out. How excited I was. We also saw the first Star Wars there. It was a cool theater with velvet ropes and a balcony. That was closed off in latter years due to safely and the (again classy) kids who could not resist pouring things off the end on to the poor folks below. It was sad to see it go.
There was a bakery downtown too that I remember.
The sky walks seem to still be used a bit. I see a good number of folks checking them out and also walking on them early in the morning. Keeps you off the street. I do wish however that the idea had worked better and the upper business could have flourished. It is too good of an idea.
Glad you saw them and was interested enough to blog about them. I have some much better photos if you are interested.
Memories of Morristown.
Kent
I’m 27. I too grew up in Morristown TN. I remember taking piano lessons at Carlisle’s Music Store. The buildings were all old and creeked as if to tell a story as you walked about their halls.
I remember Parks Belk, A shop that my mom used to go to to buy our dresses for church when we were little. I remember a shoe store as well, but the names have been lost over the years.
The walkways were actually crumbling in the early 80′s. Morristown actually talked of taking them down, but many people saw them as almost a time capsul and so they were repaired and kept.
RNB
I’m from Morristown, local high school Class of 64. It was during this period that the overheads were built as part of an urban renewal/flood control project due to the seasonal flooding of Turkey Creek. Also, a vast area of sub-par housing was demolished and replaced with our first “modern” public housing project, the C.Frank Davis Homes. My folks owned a bakery in Crescent Center called Smith’s Pastry Shop. They still live in Morristown and are active in Manley Church. I loved the acoustic music scene in Morristown, where I often picked with David Cosson, Joe Bacon, Jerry Combs, and many others.
I’m 20 years old and ran across these pictures looking for a picture of my downtown to show my friends. I grew up in morristown and still live there when I can get away from the college life, and was pleased to see that someone else had taken an interest in our downtown. As for the skywalks, they aren’t really “safe” anymore… or at least according to the city of morristown. They shut them down a lot, and keep parts locked off. There are a few second story businesses that are open up there (i think) there was a coffee shop (higher ground) and i know they lock off the parts of the skywalks that attach to these. I’m not really sure there’s much else up there (the appartments may still be in use). I can’t really remember when the skywalks were used very often. Occasionally, bikers go up there and skateboarders, but they’re trying to stop that. And they close them down for any kind of city parade or the like. Not really sure about the timeline issue. Everyone seems to be saying the 60′s. I remember my grandpa telling me that after he got home from being stationed in Korea after the war that the skywalks were built and downtown basically shut down. Ah well, what can ya do? Anyway, I just wanted to let you know (in my long drawn out comment) that I think it’s really awesome of you to have taken an intrest in morristown.
Hi there,
I am wandering if the old parks belk bldg has any access to the walkways.and do you have any old photos of the building , before it had the teal facad on the front. Me and my family are contemplating on buying the building and was hoping for some old photos anyone might have.Thanks. Mick
I live in Bean Station and do most of my shopping in Morristown. I have to say that the pictures you have of the downtown don’t do it justice. Maybe it was the time of year you were there but now there are flowers hanging and it’s beautiful. Many of the shops are doing well and we even have a music store and dance studio there now. However, I don’t know much about the upstair apartments and I am curious about that. Seems to me that would be kind of a neat place to live.
im moving to tennessee next year my x girlfriend moved there last week and i love her so much i cant stand to be away from her i need to know more about this place and were i can go once i get there im not sure were ill live she moved to morristown i found some apartments for cheap anyways im 18 and i dont think anyones going to want to rent to me can u help me
On my moveing to Morristown I am amazed at what a time capsule we have here! My partner and I walked along the “sky-walks” earlier this spring and I was amazed at the lack of use. I can understand why people know nothing about them, ther is nothing about them. When Cincinnati Ohio (my home town) built them in the same time peroid,the early 60′s it had the same effect..the city shut down. I am 25 yers old I see cafes’,Trendy shops,unique restraunts and a scattering of night clubs to rival the so-ho dist. in New york and London. I hope that more people move to Morristown and help rebuild it. Ladies and gents. we have a treasure lets not bury it under the “x” again..
I came across this page looking for information about morristown. Very funny… I, too, have been raised in Morristown, and find myself very fond of the downtown scenery. I remember the old bakery downtown when I was little…Daffodil’s it was called. Great pastries!!! That’s why I fell in love with working at Java Garden…for almost five years now… The downtown ambiance is amazing! A great treasure with amazing history!
I am a 2005 graduate of the College of Architecture and Design at the University of Tennessee in Interior Design. I plan to go to graduate school for Urban Design/Planning. Growing up in White Pine/Morristown I have a huge sense of pride and responsibility about our downtown. I did my thesis project on this area my last semester of school. I studied the history of our downtown and actually have a copy of the brochure put out by the city about the urban renewal of the 60′s that deepened the creek running under the downtown, built the “Skywalk” to connect the buildings and create second-story store fronts, renewed many of the older buildings facades, and provided parking and room for future development of the area. The urban renewal was a success, except for the “Skywalk”. Few, if any, storefronts were actually built on the second floor (I am excluding simple, unproportional doors carved into the front of buildings), the huge concrete structure blocked the views of gorgeous architectural details that you do not find in today’s construction, and the walkways actually were built in front of entire second floor windows, which made the second floor unusable, which cut off use to the floors above. I have much pride in Morristown’s history.
I have a vision for what our downtown could one day be. Our area has SUCH a vast array of culture, from music, to crafts, to art. I intend to one day do my part to bring a sense of community back to the area our ancestors saw opportunity in. If you are interested, feel free to email me.
* And by the way, I have heard there are only 3 cities in the US with overhead sidewalks, so yes, they are special.
My photo class just went to the downtown today and the things that we had the opportunity to capture were amazing. The story my photograpy teacher told amazed me as I saw the progress of his story with my own eyes. I have been dancing in the studio on the second level above Carlisle’s Music Store for about 4 years. I passed this burned out carcass of a building, that used to be great I’m sure, every day. Pretty soon there was a big door and construction was going on. The story told by my photo teacher astounded me, especially after having the opportunity to tour the finished product. The story is as follows, “The city was having an auction to get rid of the buildings that were abandoned. If no one bought them, they were going to demolish them. This particular building had not been bought and a man walked up to them as they were getting ready to leave. He asks how much that one went for. “It didn’t sale” was the reply. “Well how much would you take for it?” he asked again. “Make us an offer.” This man had luck on his side… he offered them 5 dollars for the building… He didn’t even have 5 dollars on him at the time. He had to go borrow the money from his friend. He signed the papers, and it was his.” Now that you’ve heard the story, this apartment is emaculate. Anyone would die to live there. He is now selling the same place for about $400,000. I would love to have the chance to transform a building into an amazingly georgous home.
My photo class just went to the downtown today and the things that we had the opportunity to capture were amazing. The story my photograpy teacher told amazed me as I saw the progress of his story with my own eyes. I have been dancing in the studio on the second level above Carlisle’s Music Store for about 4 years. I passed this burned out carcass of a building, that used to be great I’m sure, every day. Pretty soon there was a big door and construction was going on. The story told by my photo teacher astounded me, especially after having the opportunity to tour the finished product. The story is as follows, “The city was having an auction to get rid of the buildings that were abandoned. If no one bought them, they were going to demolish them. This particular building had not been bought and a man walked up to them as they were getting ready to leave. He asks how much that one went for. “It didn’t sale” was the reply. “Well how much would you take for it?” he asked again. “Make us an offer.” This man had luck on his side… he offered them 5 dollars for the building… He didn’t even have 5 dollars on him at the time. He had to go borrow the money from his friend. He signed the papers, and it was his.” Now that you’ve heard the story, this apartment is emaculate. Anyone would die to live there. He is now selling the same place for about $400,000. I would love to have the chance to transform a building into an amazingly georgous home.
I grew up in Morristown,Tn. too. we used to watch the parades from on top of the overhead walks. that was when nobody threw anything or spit on anyone on the sidewalks below.the overheads were part of urban renewal to dress up the downtown. the army corp of engineers redug turkey creek so that it wouldn’t flood anymore.this was all done in the 1960′s early 1970′s. before this we would ride the fire trucks in the parades.with the ladder truck in the middle the fireman would raise the ladder all the way and my dad would walk up the ladder & attach his safety belt then the fireman would turn the ladder all the way around.
I vividly remembering the construction of the overhead sidewalks in downtown Morristown. That was the hub of Morristown when I was a child. Remember if you will, McCrory’s, Eagles, Roberts&Turner Drug Store, Holmes Shoe store, Dollar General Store, Roger’s Men store, my mother bought my dad’s belts and clothes there. Freels Drug Store, the Princess theater, I saw Gone with the Wind there for the first time and became a huge fan. We shopped at Parks-Belk, Sharlee’s, Dalton’s,and many older people than me, I’m 49, recall J.C. Penney’s being downtown. Radio Center had Dick’s dime store, George’s market, there is a hispanic church there now. Minnis’ Drug store is there. Where Dick’s Dime store is a store that sells sexy lingerie and stuff. But mostly that is a hispanic shopping area now. Where the White Store, Dicks’ dime store a strip mall on the right heading north on Cumberland before you get downtown, that burned about 3 years ago and it had a Dollar General store, an Auto Zone, a Subway and a dry goods store. Food City is next to it and were planning on building a bigger store but has been stalled by a funeral home and churches in the area protesting the beer license. I’ve been here all my life except for 8 months when my husband was stationed at Ft. Bragg in 1979-1980. Any out of towners or former residents wanting info feel free to contact me. Thanks
hi. ive lived here all my life and would like to see some pictures of the old princess theater. if anybody has any please send them to me. thanks
When the Skywalk was built, I was in high school and worked at Stubblefields Music, Jewlery & Loan. (formally known as Charlie’s Pawn Shop) I remember a lot of sceptism and folks saying it wouldn’t work. Guess they were right. Not too long after the sidewalks were built, the Plaza shopping center was built on west 11-E which pretty much ended the skywalk dream. I graduated from MHS in 1965. Back then, our our weekends consisted of going to the drive-in movie or driving from one end of the town to the other. The Dairy Queen was on the west side to the Silver Spur & Blue Circle in Radio Center. Many Friday nights after a football or basketball game there was a Sock-Hop at the Morristown receration center. It was there I started my music career, playing in a band called “The Drastics”. The sock-hop was where you learned to dance or maybe get you first kiss. Those days it was good clean fun, except the occasionaly fist fight. Oh Yes, there was the Enka Bridge where we would drag race the family car. I had the fastest 58 chevy 6 cylinder in town) We did have a lot of fast cars back in the day. It was excatly 1/4 mile from rail to rail. Yes it was illegal, but very exciting times. I have been away for many years now, but still come back to visit family and friends as often as I can. Morristown was a great town to grow up in. A special place which I will always consider home. Thanks…Jimmy Harrell, Paso Robles, California.
I am a resident here in Knoxville, TN (west of Knox County/Hamblen County border). I am looking into possibly moving there sometime near the end of this year or fall of 2007. Do you know of any good places (that are cheap enough) to rent? Anything like a student apartment (much like I have right now)? Or perhaps a studio/efficiency? Perhaps maybe something within the range of $200 to $250? Please RSVP if you know something.
I love it here in Morristown. I’ve heard the upper sidewalk is one of two in the world;WE still watch parades them.Downtown has been coming back to life recently,and some have plans for upper condos.Jefferson Federal has their new bank on the east end of main street,and I think that has helped some re-discover downtown.It was planned to demolish the upper walks,but I hope that idea is long gone. I’ve heard stories of the morristown cenntenial in the 50s.Must have been a blast according to my family.I do have private wooded home sites in the area with owner financing.my mail is whitesburgwade@yahoo.com.LOw down payment and monthly.I’m pretty flexible and like most here easy to deal with.If they mention tearing them down again ,they should be smacked around. We don’t really do that,but love to talk that way. Wade
Born in Morristown and living in Morristown. I walk across the overhead sidewalks to get to the post office. The landscaping activities on the planters are getting better and looking good. I love the yearly seasonal lighted Christmas displays hanging off the overhead sidewalks. I love to drive through downtown and blare the carols played on WCRK and groove on the lights. Teresa PS-Does anyone remember the live Santa set up in the old Roses Plaza outside where Zales used to be, way back in the ’70s?
It’s ironic that the sidewalks have outlasted the Plaza. At least half of the shopping center was torn down in 2003 to make room for the new Home Depot! College Square did to the Plaza, what the plaza did to downtown by JCPenney’s and Sears moving to the mall. Now Belk has a store up in the mall, but no Rose’s.
Hi there I ran across these pictures and those sidewalks were built in the early 60′s…They have become a landmark of Morristown,TN.In the 70′s and 80′s I loved to shop in downtown Morristown.Some of the upper level space was also rented out for retail shops…All the Holidays,especially Christmas the downtown was something like you see in a movie…all decorated with beautiful lights and all the trimmings.I went to beauty school that was located on this street,right now I do a lot of consigning my jewelry in the downtown shop called ” My Daughters Closet ” on the same street.I moved to Morristown when I was 15 years old married and raised 2 sons there,I also have a grandson who lives there now,he is in the 7th grade.Thanks for talking about and taking these pictures of downtown Morristown TN.Connie
Hi there I ran across these pictures and those sidewalks were built in the early 60′s…They have become a landmark of Morristown,TN.In the 70′s and 80′s I loved to shop in downtown Morristown.Some of the upper level space was also rented out for retail shops…All the Holidays,especially Christmas the downtown was something like you see in a movie…all decorated with beautiful lights and all the trimmings.I went to beauty school that was located on this street,right now I do a lot of consigning my jewelry in the downtown shop called ” My Daughters Closet ” on the same street.I moved to Morristown when I was 15 years old married and raised 2 sons there,I also have a grandson who lives there now,he is in the 7th grade.Thanks for talking about and taking these pictures of downtown Morristown TN.Connie