Optional Day

Location: Cocke County, TN

Christy Day in Cocke County, TN

Hosted by Cocke County Partnership's Tourism Council

This special day will allow Christy enthusiasts to experience historical locations with a Christy connection. Leonora Wood, the real Christy, really did spend a night in Del Rio, Tennessee, known as El Pano in Christy, before walking the seven miles to Ebenezer Mission in Morgan Gap. She served as teacher to the mission school from 1909 until 1912.

9.00am - 10.00pm: Del Rio Preservation Society Building

Exploring Christy in Del Rio kicks off here. Located in Del Rio proper on Hwy 107 (the building is under construction) you'll find it across from the Runnion Store. Emily Schulman Webster (Ruby Mae, CBS) will be on hand to greet visitors. The Runnion Store will be open for visiting at this time (please note: the Boarding House will not be open this year).

10.00am - 11.00am: Del Rio Elementary School

Meet Jan Dellinger, principal at Cocke County's oldest school still in existence. The school serves children starting from pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade. Hear a bit about our Christy Spirit Volunteers and find out how you can help make a difference in modern day Cutter Gap. Bring your crafts and Box Tops/Labels for Education! This is the last day of school!

11.00am - 12.00pm: Departure for Ebenezer Church

We’ll caravan up the Ebenezer Church where we'll be able to hear some great musicians such as banjo player Dave McClary and more! Duay O'Neil, local historian and reporter for the Newport Plain Talk will share about the military veterans buried in the neighboring cemetery in honor of Memorial Day.

12:00pm: Christy Mission for Walking Tours

Larry Myers, son of Opal Myers who assisted Catherine Marshall in her research, will welcome guests to the Christy Mission where Leonora taught school. Explore the original mission grounds where the spirit of Christy lives on. Take a walk up the hill to the Click (O'Teale) cabin site. Stand on the former sites of the mission house and accompanying buildings where stone foundations and signs mark their locations.

Also, join the Myers' family for pinto beans, cornbread and cobbler; donations for meal accepted.

3.00pm: Tea with Emily at East Tennessee Coffee Company

Join us for this special event featuring tea with Emily! The venue is at located at 238 E. Broadway, Newport, Tennessee 37821 (Hwy 70). Purchase a fine coffee or tea and spend some time with this memorable lady!