Tennessee Federation News 2003

GFWC Ossoli Circle was awarded the prestigious 25th Anniversary Award by Keep Knoxville Beautiful at the annual Orchids and Onions Award Luncheon on October 14, 2003. This award was presented in recognition of outstanding service to the community in the category of Preservation of a Historic Building, which was designed by a notable local architect in 1933 and continues to be used by Ossoli Circle, the original owner. The metal plaque designating this distinction is displayed on the front lawn in conjunction with the sign noting that the building also is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The members of Ossoli Circle had long ago wanted a club home and by the 1920’s began to see that this dream was on the horizon. The 125 foot lot for the clubhouse was paid for but not until the club applied for a Welfare Charter through the proper channels. On April 9, 1932, the Governor, Henry H. Horton, applied the seal of the great state of Tennessee that granted the charter. The lot was immediately bought for $6,000.00. Local architects, Barber and McMurray were hired to design the clubhouse and ground was broken on June 23, 1933. By September 29th, the clubhouse was nearly completed but lacked furnishings. All was in order by October 16 and Ossoli Circle opened their first meeting in the new building with an open house to the entire town for tours of this magnificent effort. The clubhouse is Colonial with hand pressed brick. It has an entrance lounge and classrooms for study. Other rooms meet the needs of many projects and programs. The paneled French Memorial Library with fireplace and mantel is named for OC founder, Lizzie Crozier French, 1851-1926. The library focuses on books that honor and recognize women. The total cost of the lot, building and furnishings and grounds was: $33,525.36

The cost of the property and the construction of the building was paid in full by the members prior to the first meeting held in the structure. Over the years, the many restorations to the building have maintained the visual architectural features of the original structure. Windows, wiring, lights, painting, roofing, and structural additions have all been cautiously managed under the watchful supervision of our consultant for restoration, Dr. Stanley Rabun with the University of Tennessee School of Architecture.

The annual House and Grounds Committee Chairman accepts the responsibility as the oversight individual to make recommendations and to supervise necessary repairs appropriate to the continued plan of restoration. Mrs. Paul Turpin is the 2003-2004 House and Grounds Chairman and Mrs. Kenneth B. McNabb is the 2003-2004 Ossoli Circle President.