Murfreesboro, TN - The Walnut House was alive with celebration Tuesday evening (3/4/2025) as MAIN STREET MURFREESBORO celebrated its 40th anniversary. Anne Davis said the program was meant to be as she was persuaded to attend a presentation about the organization in the early 80's.
Davis was presented the Doug Young Downtown Leadership Award - Anne Davis told WGNS News... She told how after hearing the presentation in Nashville, that she told the director that Murfreesboro would like to be considered as a Main Street city. The woman almost chuckled while saying that the application had to be completed and submitted in two-weeks.
Anne's first stop was with Mayor Joe B. Jackson. He got excited and phoned bank leader Jack Weatherford. He too was on board, and helped set-up a loan pool for business owners to get low-interest-rate loans for Main Street renovations on their structure. Then a town hall meeting was called in the old City Hall. The crowd was so excited, that more than 70 leaders not only supported the concept, but put their money in it as well.
Murfreesboro was one of only ten cities selected here in the Volunteer State. That was fortunate, because the program went through some growing stages and it was several years before more cities were added.
Executive Director Callender - Main Street's fourth executive director is Sarah Callender. Her energy and leadership is moving the historic district farther along.
In addition to keeping the historic downtown buildings structurally sound and visibly attractive, the program works to drive people into the area. Callender says "events are the engine that moves the public".
Callender is the fourth executive director for Main Street Murfreesboro. Dawn Eaton was the first director, and she spoke to the anniversary gathering through a video recording as she was out-of-town. Then Janelee Wise and Kathleen Heraog were in that position, folowed by Sarah, who now keeps Main Street vibrant.
Thank You for Your Service
During the celebration at The Walnut House, Shawn Wright (2022-2025) and Ashley McDonld (2020-2025) rotated off the Main Street Murfreesboro board of directors.
In addition, 2024 Chair Francela Salas was thanked for her achievements.
Incoming chair for 2025 Shannon Beckman of Beckman's Pharmacy talked about promotions, economic vitality, and growth data about businesses in the downtown district. There are 500 of them, which was a surprise to many.
2025 Board Secretary Stephanie Kursch of Pinnacle Financial Partners honored the still operating merchants in the historic area. Each was given the "Stood the Test of Time" award. Thirteen local businesses "stood the test of time":
- 1904 Pasttime Barber Shop and Pool Hall
- 1924 Jr's Foodland
- 1928 Palace Barber Shop
- 1929 Pinnacle Financial Partners
- 1931 Firestone Complete Auto Care
- 1936 Shacklett's Photography
- 1940 Rion's Flower Shop
- 1947 WGNS Radio
- 1948 Holden Hardware
- 1956 Big B Cleaners
- 1957 City Tile and Floor Covering
- 1957 Quality Parts Express
- 1958 James & Associates Residential Designers
