Elkmont, also known as Daisy Town, was a company town built by businessmen including W.B. Townsend, owner of the Little River Lumber Company. He leased the land to the historic Appalachian Club for summer cabins of the Knoxville elite. By 1918 it was the second largest town in Sevier County with 1,500 residents and ultimately over 80 summer cabins.
While the park service contemplated saving the buildings or returning them to nature, much of the community was lost to time by neglect. Ultimately many cabins were beyond repair and torn down while those that could be saved were restored for historic preservation. The Wonderland Hotel was one of those closed and then lost to fire.
Our night spent there in the late 1980s has been a long-lasting memory. Photographing several of these buildings through the years, I like the sky and trees reflection framed by the peeling window trim.
Elkmont is worth a visit. While there, be sure to seek out the troll bridge, another hidden gem of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer share a painting or photograph each week that captured their interest in hopes that it will also capture yours. They have a small studio and gallery in the Phoenix Building at 418 South Gay Street where you can stop and see their work. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright protected.
