One Hundred Years of Memories

“Locals referred to [Gatlinburg] simply as ‘the Burg’” (57).

The Book

A Lifetime in Gatlinburg: Martha Cole Whaley Remembers provides readers a rare opportunity: the sense of listening to an individual retell the stories of her life. As you read, it feels like you are sitting in a room with Martha Cole Whalely and are learning of all the changes that took place in Gatlinburg, TN.

Author Marie Maddox presents a dual biography to the reader: Gatlinburg, TN and Cole Whaley (a resident of the area for over 100 years). The reader learns what it was like to grow up in an area that is now part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Then, is introduced to the emergence of the hotel and tourism industry; Cole Whaley and her husband managed a hotel for many years. Finally, the reader hears Cole Whaley explain her hobbies, secret for longevity, and famous recipes.

A Lifetime in Gatlinburg presents a slice of Americana to the reader. The book is interspersed with personal photographs and ones from various archives. The chapters are short, easy to read, and written in a conversational style. It would have been nice to have more about Gatlinburg’s growth itself, to provide context with Cole Whaley’s stories.  This book is something many of us think of doing with our older relatives or friends-put to paper all of their experiences and stories.

The Place
Gatlinburg and its neighbor Pigeon Forge are known for their variety of attractions. Of course, there is the Great Smoky Mountain NationalPark, where visitors can participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Gatlinburg has a great downtown area packed with shopping, restaurants, and family fun. When I visited, we had the chance to check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum and the Guinness World Records Museum. In Pigeon Forge, visitors will find more museums and family fun, as well as Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement park. We spent a day at Dollywood and it was a blast.

In this area of Tennessee there is truly something for everyone: outdoor, indoor, shopping, restaurants, museums, theme parks, and shows. It has changed a lot over Cole Whaley’s lifetime, but Gatlinburg and its neighbors are still open for visitors.