Murfree-Patterson House

Murfreesboro,
Rutherford County, TN



Professional Services Report, 2013






Murfree-Patterson House


Murfreesboro,
Rutherford County, TN

Professional Services Report



Prepared by Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area:
Joey Bryan, Graduate Student
Alex Collins, Graduate Student
Candace Cupps, Graduate Student
Mark Elam, Graduate Student
Teresa Prober, Graduate Student
Holly Rogers, Gradate Student
Dr. Carroll Van West, Director
Jessica White, Fieldwork Preservationist
Amy Kostine, Federal Liaison









December 2013


Table of Contents

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

Archival Analysis and Historical Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Existing Conditions Overview:

-House Exterior Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

-House Interior Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

-Needs Assessment and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . .46

Portrait Descriptions and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Overall Concerns and Mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Appendices

-Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .??

-Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .??

-Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .??

Endnotes and Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .??

x

Acknowledgements

The Murfree-Patterson House is a historic property located in the East Main Street Historic
District of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee. The first owners of this home were
among the founding citizens of Murfreesboro and it is believed to be the oldest brick dwelling
in Murfreesboro. It has connections to the first lumber industry in Rutherford County, and is
said to have been a witness house to the Trail of Tears and a Civil War hospital during the battle
of Stones River.

Due to these important associations, and to provide mitigation suggestions for the care and
preservation of the house and its contents, the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, a
partnership unit of the National Park Service administered by the MTSU Center for Historic
Preservation, accepted the request of the owners for a report containing historical
documentation of the Murfree-Patterson House.

The Heritage Area gratefully acknowledges the work of six MTSU public history graduate
studentsJoey Bryan, Alex Collins, Candace Cupps, Mark Elam, Teresa Prober, and Holly
Rogerswho undertook the study under my guidance and the guidance of Jessica White and
Amy Kostine.

Bryan and Collins, with the assistance of White, took ample of photos of the exterior while
noting damaged areas. Prober and Rogers, also with the assistance of White, measured the
interior of the house, took photos, and sketched floor plans of each room. Cupps researched
the history of the house, and Elam worked on documenting the houses portraits. The team,
with the indispensable guidance of White, developed the Professional Services Report.

Much appreciation goes to John Lodl and the Rutherford County Archives in providing access to
research materials. We also thank Bill Patterson and Meredith Baughman for sharing the
history of their family and property with our project team.

Carroll Van West
Director
Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area











1
Archival Analysis and Historic Context

A Recognized Local Structure
The Murfree-Patterson House, located at 332 East Main Street in Murfreesboro, Tennessee is
not only rich with family history from prominent citizens of the town, but also represents the
first lumber industry in Rutherford County. In addition, it is said to be the oldest brick dwelling
in Murfreesboro, a witness house to the infamous Trail of Tears, and a Civil War hospital during
the battle of Stones River. The owners of this house have also contributed to the interesting
history, altering the house and adding meaning to the structure on a local and national level. To
fully appreciate the importance of this structure the interpretation of its past must be
examined.

The story of the founding of Murfreesboro, Tennessee is one that is well known at a local level.
The founder of Murfreesboro, Captain William Lytle donated sixty acres for the towns creation
in 1811. His best friend was a Revolutionary war hero, Colonel Hardy Murfree. Lytles
inspiration for the towns name came from his admiration of his friend. It is from these two
prominent men that the owners of the Murfree-Patterson house are descended from. Although
the house was passed outside of the family for a time, it eventually made its way back into the
hands of Murfree and Lytle descendants when the Patterson family purchased the house.
1





















Figure 1: Portrait of Colonel Hardy Murfree
(1752-1808).
2

Figure 2: Portrait of Captain William Lytle
(1755-1829).
3




2
Colonel Hardy Murfree had ten children with Sally Brickell. Matthias Brickell Murfree was their
third child and he inherited a large sum of land from his father. The majority of this land was
located to the south of East Main Street. Matthias B. Murfree built the Murfree-Patterson
house c. 1835 on this land and lived there with his wife Mary Roberts Murfree.
























Figure 3: Portrait of Matthias B. Murfree (1788-1853).
4


In 1852, Matthias B. Patterson sold the house and property to Harvey Osborn.
5
The house
weathered the Civil War while under the Osborns family care. Slash marks seen on several of
the family portraits are attributed by family tradition to the vandalism of Union soldiers.
Rumors that the house was used as a hospital during the Battle of Stones River are supported
by the presence of bloodstains on the flooring of one of the second floor bedrooms.
Furthermore, when the house underwent renovation in 1973, the remains of five men were
discovered. The bones were carbon dated to the 1860s, further supporting the argument that
this was used as a medical facility during the Civil War.

Shortly after the Civil War, John A. Baugh and his wife Mary Baugh purchased the house from
Harvey Osborn for $7,545 in 1867.
6
Mrs. Mary Baugh died January 25, 1892 and in the
settlement of her estate her sons J. M. and J. L. Baugh were placed in charge of selling her
property. The house was then sold to Ada J. Murfree for $4,510 in 1894.
7



3
In 1917, Matt B. Murfree, Executor of Mrs. Ada J. Murfrees estate
8
sold the house on 332 East
Main to Mrs. Birdie R. King for $8,000. By 1922, J. Moore King and his wife made a deal with
The Murfreesboro Bank & Trust Company to sell the house for $8,100 to William L. Patterson
and his wife. In completing this transaction the banks lien against the Kings property was
resolved.
9




















Figure 4: Mary Jetton Patterson (1858-1930).
10
Figure 5: William Lytle Patterson (1853-1926).
11


When William Lytle Patterson died in 1926 his widow, Mary J. Patterson wrote in her will in
1931 that it was her wish to give the property to her daughter Irene Patterson Stallings upon
her death. By March 10, 1934 the estate was settled between Irene and her siblings that she
was to fulfill their mothers wishes in owning the house and property on East Main Street.
12

Mrs. Irene Patterson Stallings later bequeathed three houses and lots to her nephew William
Lytle Patterson and his wife Harriet Atwood Patterson in her will in 1972. One of these houses
was 322 East Main St. It has been in position of the Patterson family ever since.

Red Cedar Woodenware Company
The Patterson family was very significant in Murfreesboro as one of the owners of the
prominent Red Cedar Woodenware Company, one of the first major industries in Rutherford
County. The Red Cedar Woodenware Company was both owned and operated by the Patterson
family in the late nineteenth century and did not close its doors until 1950 after a devastating
fire. This local company helped to fuel the local economy and provided jobs to a county that
had suffered greatly during the Civil War.





4


























Figure 6: Rutherford Countys first industry was a bucket factory that opened in 1854 by John C.
Spence.

John C. Spence opened the Red Cedar Bucket Factory in 1854. The Civil War slowed the
factorys production, and the factory did not become well established until several years after.
Its production was very limited by the Civil War and really did not become well established until
several years after. Sometime in the mid-1800s, the exact date is unknown, William Lytle
Patterson bought the company. The construction of the Worlds Largest Cedar Bucket
confirms that Patterson was in charge by at least 1887.
13












5




















Figure 7: The Worlds Largest Cedar Bucket on display at Cannonsburgh in Mufreesboro, TN.
The bucket was created to promote the business. Courtesy of the Rutherford County Archives.




















Figure 8: Post card courtesy of the Rutherford County Archives.


6
For a time, the Worlds Largest Cedar Bucket remained the only remnant of this once
prosperous industry. In the summer of 2005, however, an arsonist destroyed the bucket.
Today, the Murfree-Patterson House stands as the only remaining link to the Patterson family
and their prominent company.
14






































7
Existing Conditions Overview

House Exterior Description

The Murfree-Patterson House, constructed c. 1835, is situated on a large urban lot within the
city limits of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee. The main dwelling sits on East Main
Street, one of the original turnpikes, only a few blocks from the historic downtown square. The
property is covered with a grassy lawn and surrounded by shrubbery and mature trees. The
house is bordered to the east and west by residential lots, on the north by East Main Street,
and on the south by an open lot. A small driveway, located on the west side of the house,
provides access to the house and property.

The federal style brick dwelling is a two-story, side-gable I-house featuring a symmetrical five
bay faade with a central entrance. The first floor plan consists primarily of a large center
passage with two parlors on either side. Later additions, including a kitchen, stairwell, and
bathroom, extend the back of the house. The foundation is composed of brick, while the roof is
clad in asphalt shingles. The home features a set of exterior chimneys on the west side, a set of
interior chimneys on the east side, and a central chimney along the roof ridge of the east side of
the house.

Development of the House: 1835-2013
The Murfree-Patterson house has undergone several changes since its initial construction.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps from 1891 to 1945 illustrate some of these changes (See
Appendix A). Originally, the house was a two-story, square structure with five rooms and a hall.
When Mathias Murfree built the home c. 1835, it featured a three-bay faade, two pens deep
with a set of chimneys on each gable end. The 1835 asymmetrical floor plan was composed of
a large hallway on the east flanked on the west by a parlor and dining room. An addition to the
east side of the house, built between 1897 and 1902, converted the home into a five-bay
dwelling with a central hall flanked by two rooms on the east and west. An indoor kitchen,
bathrooms, and porch were added to the rear of the building at the same time under the
ownership of Ada J. Murfree who owned the home from 1894 to 1918. Family tradition had
previously dated the east addition to the 1850s and the south addition to the 1910s or 20s.
Finally, in 1973, William L. Patterson made the final alterations to the home by renovating the
kitchen area, bathrooms, installing a HVAC unit, and refinishing the existing wood floors, crown
molding, and ceilings. The rear porch was enclosed and a spiral wrought iron staircase
installed. The front wall was stabilized at some point during the last quarter of the twentieth
century.

Faade Description
The view of the faade of the house is obscured by mature shade trees (Fig. 9). It features five
bays with a central entrance. The roof is composed of asphalt shingles and also features
decorative dental molding along the eaves. Four symmetrically spaced windows flank the
central opening on each floor with the east addition set back in a break front manner. The entry


8
door is composed of a set of half light wood panel doors flanked by half-light sidelights and a
four light transom. Decorative Doric-style pilasters mimic those seen on the porch, while dentil
molding, seen also in the eaves, is used in the door surround. The c. 1835 building is composed
of brick laid in the running bond pattern with two sets of symmetrically spaced one-over-one
double-hung windows capped by limestone lintels. A one-over-one double hung window is
located above the inset main entrance. Two sets of chimneys can be seen on the east and west
gable ends of the c. 1835 building. The addition of four rooms to the east side of the house
between 1897 and 1902 partially enclosed one set of chimneys and added a fifth central
chimney. The east wing addition was built in the common bond brick pattern and features two
sets of symmetrically spaced one-over-one double-hung windows. A recessed shed roof porch
with decorative dental molding runs along two-thirds of the homes faade, and is supported by
sets of Doric columns. A wood turned balustrade runs along the length of the porch and rests
upon a poured concrete floor, circa 1920s.






















Figure 9: View of the faade of the house. Note the two-thirds porch.

East Elevation Description
This three bay brick elevation, built in the common bond, features an arched one-over-one
window and six one-over-one double-hung windows (Fig. 10). It has a gable end of the roof with
molded eave returns and continues the decorative dental molding along the eaves. The
elevation consists of a single arched one-over-one window in the gable letting light into the
attic space and two rows of three symmetrically spaced one-over-one double-hung windows on
each floor. It sits on a foundation of continuous brick with a staggered water table.


9



















Figure 10: East Elevation.





















Figure 11: East addition built between 1897 and 1902.




10
South Elevation Description
The south elevation has five bays and a semi-exterior brick chimney. The south faade is part of
the c. 1897-1902 addition of the house. During the 1973 renovation, an exterior porch, located
on the east side of the south elevation, was converted to an interior space with a second floor.
The use of asbestos siding rather than brick helps to highlight the addition. A shed roof porch
atop a brick and poured concrete foundation leads to an entry way flanked by a set of four-
over-four double-hung windows. The second floor of this addition has a set of three four-over-
four double-hung windows. A cinder block encased entrance was also added to the left of the
porch and leads to the houses basement

The west side of the south elevation displays the earlier section of the c. 1897-1902. This
section of the house features a semi-exterior chimney flanked on the east and west by four
four-over four double-hung windows on the first and second floors a half-light wood panel door
on the southwest corner of the house leads to the dining space. The arched lintels over the
doors and windows possibly indicate a later date of construction when compared to the style of
the windows on the earlier section of the house.























Figure 12: The east side of the south faade showing the 1973 renovations.






11
























Figure 12: The west side of the south faade. Figure 14: Bricked up window in southwest
corner of west side beside door.


West Elevation Description
The west elevation is composed of two distinct sections, the c. 1835 gable roof section to the
north and the later c. 1897-1902 shed roof addition to the south. The elevation features nine
bays, two semi-exterior chimneys, and brick laid in the running bond on the c. 1835 section and
common bond on the c. 1897-1902 addition. Two semi-exterior chimneys with corbelling and
shoulders flank five windows on the north side of the elevation. Four symmetrically spaced one-
over-one double-hung windows can be seen on the first and second floors, while a fifth twelve-
over-twelve double-hung window can be seen on the attic floor. Another pair of one-over-one
double-hung windows flank the south chimney. The shed roof addition built c. 1897-1902
features two four-over-four double-hung windows. The size and style of the windows, coupled
with a distinct seam in the brickwork denotes that this was a later addition.







12




















Figure 15: West Elevation.





















Figure 16: Seam in break where new section was added. Also note the difference in type of
windows.


13
Outbuildings
There are also two non-contributing structures in the backyard including a c. 1940s shed that is
in need of repair and a four bay carport that was built during the 1973 renovations of the
house. The carport was also repaired in 1979 and the 1990s (Figures 17 and 18).


















Figure 17: 1940s shed.


















Figure 18: 1973 carport.




14
House Interior Description

First Floor

Central Hall
The central hall c. 1835 measures 26- 1/2'. This room features a 13- plaster ceiling, a 6 by
7 square opening to the second floor with acorn drop post at each corner, 3 crown
molding, lath and plaster walls, 9" baseboard and 2'-1/2" wood paneled wainscoting and chair
rail, c. 1835. The east wall has a door to the east parlor and features a 5 surround and a 15
reveal. A grand staircase is also situated along the east wall and features a wood turned
balustrade, cherry railing, and a wood turned newel post. The southeast corner of the south
wall features a door with a 5 surround that leads to a rear hallway addition. The west wall
features two symmetrically placed doors one leads to the dining room, while the other leads to
the parlor. Each door features an 8 1/2 surround and 15 reveal. The north wall features a set
of half-light wood panel doors flanked by half-light side-lights, a four-light transom and a 5
surround.



























Figure 19: Central hall of c. 1835 dwelling.


15




















Figure 20: Square opening to the second floor with acorn drop post at each
corner.





















Figure 21: Paneled wainscoting and chair rail, c. 1835.


16

(Left) Figure 22: Grand staircase
with wood turned balusters,
cherry handrail, and a wood
turned newel posts c. 1835.














(Below) Figure 23: Half-light
wood paneled doors with half-
light sidelights, four-light-
transom, and 5 surround.























17
East Parlor
The East Parlor is part of the c. 1897-1902 addition to the home and measures 18 x 15. The
room features 13 plaster ceiling, lath and plaster walls with 3 crown molding, 10
baseboards, and 3 floorboards. The south wall features a doorway to the central hallway
that has a 15 reveal. The west wall has two one-over-one double-hung windows, each
measuring 5-5 decorative molding. The north wall has a one one-over-one double-hung
window with 5 decorative molding. The fireplace is centered along the east wall features an
ornate white marble mantel with decorative scrolled plums, a cartouche, and a cast-iron firebox
surround. The mantle measures 5-11 in length. The east wall has a doorway that leads into
the den.


























Figure 24: Northern wall of the East Parlor.









18





















Figure 25: Western wall of East Parlor with two one-over-one double hung windows.




















Figure 26: South wall with doorway leading to Central Hallway.



19
























Figure 27: White marble mantel with iron firebox and decorative scrolling on East wall.



Den
The Den, part of the c. 1897-1902 addition to the home, is irregularly shaped and measures
roughly 22-9 x 16.The room features a 13 plaster ceiling, lath and plaster walls with 3
crown molding, and 10 baseboards. The north wall features two one-over-one double-hung
windows with a 5 decorative molding.. There are three doorways in this room. A doorway
leading to the 1973 South Hall Addition is located on the east wall the west wall has a mantle
that measures 5-1. The mantel features decorative wood turned pilasters capped by acorn-
shaped finials and a leaded tile and cast iron surround. There is also a doorway leading to the
East Parlor to the left of the mantel. The south wall features a doorway, which leads into the
central hallway.








20





















Figure 28: Doorways leading into the central hallway and east parlor from the den.





















Figure 29: Mantel with decorative wood turned pilasters capped by acorn-shaped on west wall.


21

1973 South Hall Addition
The enclosed porch circa 1973 is L-shaped space that measures 15-3 x 14-9 with two four-
over-four double-hung windows. This room features exterior painted brick from the c. 1897-
1902 addition and a wrought iron spiral staircase, c. 1973.





































Figure 30: Doorway leading to back 1973 South Hall Addition on east wall.



22





































Figure 31: 1973 South Hall Addition.








23










































Figure 32: Spiral Staircase in 1973 South Hall Addition.



24


Downstairs Bathroom Addition
The downstairs bathroom is part of the 1973 rear renovations to the home. It measures 5-5 x
7-9. The room has plaster ceilings and walls, crown molding, and linoleum floors.






























Figure 33: Downstairs Bathroom Addition

West Parlor
The west parlor, part of the c. 1835 dwelling, measures 20 x 15. This room features 13
plaster ceilings, with 3 crown molding, lath and plaster walls, 11 baseboards, and 5 5/8
hard wood floor. The east wall has a set of wood panel pocket doors featuring a 9 surround
and ears. The south wall is composed of a one-over-one double-hung window located on the
southwest corner, and a wood mantle located along the walls midpoint. The mantle, built in
the neoclassical style, measures 6-3 in length and features pilasters built in the Doric order.


25
The west wall has two symmetrically spaced one -over- one double-hung windows (Fig. 34). The
window surrounds feature 8 decorative molding and ears. (Fig. 35). The north wall has a
doorway to the central hall and features 8 molding with ears and a 15 reveal.




















Figure 34: West Parlor of c. 1835 dwelling.



















Figure 35: Wood panel pocket doors featuring a 9 surround and ears.


26




















Figure 36: Neoclassical style mantel featuring pilasters built in the Doric order.




















Figure 37: The west wall has two symmetrically spaced one -over- one
double-hung with surrounds and features 8 decorative molding and
full ears.


27
Dining Room
The dining room, measures 24 x 18- 9. This room contains a 13 plaster ceiling with
horizontally placed beams c. 1970, lath and plaster walls with decorative wallpaper, 3 chair
rail c. 1970, 12 base boards and 5 5/8 hard wood floors. The east wall has a door to the
kitchen and features 8 molding with full ears and an 11 reveal. The south wall features a
wood mantle centered along the wall. The mantel, built in a neoclassical style, measures 5-
37/8 in length and features pilasters built in the Ionic order and a sunburst pattern located
midpoint of mantel and either side. The mantel is flanked on each side with one-over-one
double-hung windows. The west wall has a set of wood panel pocket doors featuring a 9
surround and ears. The north wall has a doorway to the central hall and features 9 molding
with ears and a 15 reveal.
















Figure 38: Dining room is part of c. 1835 dwelling.










Figure 39: Neoclassical
style mantle features
pilasters in the Ionic
order and a sunburst
pattern located midpoint
of mantel and either side.


28

Kitchen
The kitchen is irregularly shaped and measures 27-10 x 13-10 and features a drop ceiling and
linoleum flooring c. 1970s. The west wall features the original brick exterior, c. 1835.




















Figure 40: View of kitchen.


















Figure 41: Circa 1835 exterior wall and north wall kitchen addition.


29

Second Floor

Second Floor Hall
The hall measures 32-6 1/3 by 12-3 and was part of the c. 1835 section of the home. The
ceiling and walls are composed of lath and plaster. There is wood paneling used as wainscoting
on every wall that measures 2 from the baseboard. There are 9 baseboards. The west
wall has a single one-over-one double-hung window with a 7 1/8 surround. The north wall has
a staircase in the right corner that leads up the attic, along the east wall. There is a doorway
that leads into a secondary hallway off this wall that leads back to the east bedrooms. The east
wall has two doorways, each leading to a bedroom.

























Figure 42: West wall of the Central Hallway showing west bedroom doorways.









30

























Figure 43: East wall of second floor Central Hall featuring doorway to the Secondary Hallway.



West Front Bedroom
The west front bedroom is part of the c. 1835 dwelling and measures 20-3 x 20-4. This room
features 11 plaster ceiling, lath and plaster walls, 3 1/2 crown molding, 11 baseboards, and 5
5/8 hardwood floors. The south wall is composed of a one-over-one double-hung window
located on the southwest corner, and a simple wood mantle located along the south wall
measures 5-5. The west wall has two symmetrically spaced one-over-one double-hung
windows. The window surrounds feature 6 3/4 decorative molding. The north wall features a
vertical two panel wood door, one light transom, with 14 surround molding, and a wood
paneling closet, c. 1970s.








31





















Figure 44: The west front bedroom is part of the original 1838 dwelling.





















Figure 45: Simple mantel.


32





















Figure 46: One-over- one double-hung windows. The window surround feature 6 3/4
decorative molding.

Figure 47: Vertical two panel wood door, one
light transom, with 14 surround molding.




















33
Southwest Bedroom
The west rear bedroom is part of the c. 1835 dwelling and measures 18-10 x 20-3. This
room features 11 plaster ceiling, lath and plaster walls with 3 crown molding, and 11
baseboards. The east wall has a doorway with a 5 surround molding that leads to a
bathroom addition. The south wall is composed of two one-over-one double-hung windows
with 6 surround, and features a simple wood mantle and measures 5-2 . The north wall
features a two panel wood door, with a one light transom, and a 14 surround molding.





















Figure 48.West rear bedroom.

















34




















Figure 49: One over one double hung windows with 6 surround decorative molding.
Simple wood mantle measures 5-2 .




















Figure 50: Vertical two panel wood door, one light transom, with 14 surround molding.



35
Southwest Bathroom
The southwest bathroom is an L shape room that measures 10-10 x 3-5 with a partial divide
and that room measures 5-7x 8-6. Both are c. 1970.





















Figures 51 and 52: West rear bathroom circa 1970.

Southwest Den Addition
This is an irregular shaped room and measures 16-3 x 10-1 c. 1970s.















Figure 53: Southwest den addition circa 1970s.


36
Stairwell
This is an irregular shaped room measuring 11-2 x 6-2 at its largest point to 4-11 x 3-1
at its smallest point, c. 1970s. The rear stairwell addition features a spiral staircase leading to
the enclosed porch on the first floor and three four-over-four double-hung windows as well as
the exterior wall c. 1835. The space connects the rear west side of the dwelling to the rear east
side.

















Figure 54. Staircase room with exterior brick wall.



















Figure 55: Spiral staircase.


37





















Figure 56: Four-over-four double-hung windows.



East Front bedroom
The southeast bedroom is part of the c. 1897-1902 addition. This irregularly shaped room
measures 18-2 x 15-10 The room has a plaster ceiling with lathe and plaster walls,10
baseboards, and 3 wood plank floors. The west wall has two one-over-one double-hung
windows. The north wall has a single one-over-one double-hung window. The east wall features
a 5-1/4 mantel with a decorative vine design. The firebox surround is made of leaded tile. The
south wall is curvilinear in shape and has a door that leads to the secondary hallway.














38


























Figure 57: West wall featuring two one-over-one double hung windows.



















39


























Figure 58: North wall featuring one-over-one double hung window.



















40


























Figure 59: South wall featuring simple mantel featuring a decorative vine design.



















41

































Figure 60: Doorway on south wall leading into Secondary hallway.

East Rear bedroom
The southeast bedroom is part of the c. 1897-1902 addition to the home and measures 19- 6
x 16-0. The room is irregularly shaped and features plaster ceilings and lath and plaster
walls with crown molding. The west wall has a door that leads to the secondary hallway and a
fireplace and mantel measures 60 in length and features bracketing and reeding. The firebox
surround is composed of decorative leaded tile. A cast iron firebox cover with decorative roping
and rosettes can also be seen. It is cast-iron and decorated with roping and rosettes. The north
wall has two one-over-one windows. There is a door with a transom on the east wall that leads
to the 1973 room addition. The south wall contains a door leading to a closet.


42

























Figure 61: North wall featuring two one-over-one double hung windows.




















43

























Figure 62: West wall featuring mantel with bracketing and reeding and door leading to
Secondary hallway.



















44


























Figure 63: East wall featuring transom window over door leading to 2
nd
floor 1973 room
additions.


















45



























Figure 64: South wall showing closet door and doorway into secondary hallway on west wall.

Secondary Hallway
This irregular shaped hallway measures 8-4 x 4-2 and is part of the c. 1897-1902 addition
to the home. The hallway has plaster walls and ceiling. A doorway on the west wall leads into
the central hallway. (No image)













46
Needs Assessment and Recommendations

Exterior

Facade Damage
A large crack can be seen along the southeast corner of the porch, where the porch meets the
house (Figure 65). Further cracking can be seen along the porchs brick foundation and in the
porch ceiling, which may indicate an issue with the foundation (Figure 66). A structural engineer
or architect should be consulted for methods of mitigation.










Figure 66: Crack in brick of faade porch.











Figure 65: East end of Faade porch.



East Elevation
A series of large cracks extend from the south
eave down to the foundation (Figure 67). A
structural engineer or architect should be
consulted for methods of mitigation.

Figure 67: Crack along East Elevation.



47
South Elevation
There are noticeable cracks on the west side of the porch along the top and within the brick
(Figures 68 and Figures 69). A structural engineer or architect should be consulted for methods
of mitigation.

(Left) Figure 68: Cracks along the top of
the porch.

















(Below) Figure 69: Cracks along brick.



















48
Interior

First Floor

The Central Hallway ceiling underneath the staircase has significant cracking approximately
3/4 wide at back of staircase on ceiling underneath the staircase (Figure 70).


























Figure 70: Cracking underneath staircase in Central Hallway













49
Second Floor

Central Hallway
There is damage along the west and north wall of the central hallway. There are extensive
cracks in these two walls.



































Figure 71: Northern wall of Second Floor Central Hallway.





50








































Figure 72: Corner of Northern wall of Second Floor Central Hallway.





51



























Figure 73: Cracking along West Wall Second floor Central Hallway.


















52
West Rear Bedroom
The West Rear bedroom sustained water damage and slight separation between ceiling and
wall northwest corner (Figure 74).

























Figure 74: Water Damage on west wall of the West Rear Bedroom
















53
There is significant water damage and mold located on the south and west wall in the west
front bedroom (Figure 75).
























Figure 75: Mold and cracking in the molding on the south and west wall



















54
East Front Bedroom
The west wall in the southeast bedroom features extensive water damage in the northwest
corner of the wall that extends to the northern wall.




































Figure 76: West Wall of the Southeast bedroom






55
























Figure 77: Damage along the North wall of the Southeast bedroom.





















56
East Rear Bedroom
The east wall of the East Front bedrooms features a distinct crack next to the transom window
in the door leading into the second floor back enclosure.

























Figure 78: Cracking along East wall of the East Rear Bedroom
















57
Portrait Descriptions and Conditions
































Subject: Unknown woman
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson Home
Date Documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Needs to be professionally cleaned. The canvas is showing signs of fatigue. (See
Appendix C for recommendations to fix this portrait and any other portraits that need repairs)
Description: Oval half-length portrait of a woman wearing a dark off-the-shoulders dress that
is trimmed with lace at the neckline. She is wearing a pendant and bracelet on her right wrist.
She appears to be holding flowers in her hands. She has a pearl earring in her right ear. Her
hair is dark and parted down the middle and pulled together at the back of her head. The
background appears to be a red curtain and a red chair. The hairstyle and dress would put a
circa date of 1800s.



58


































Subject: Unknown woman
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Canvas is in good condition. Needs to be professionally cleaned.
Description: Portrait is a half-length image of a middle-aged woman. She is wearing a black
dress with a lace collar. She is wearing full length sleeves trimmed in white lace material. She
has a pendent at the base of her neck. Her hair is parted down the middle and pulled back
behind her head. Her right arm is resting on her lap. Her left arm is on a red armrest. The
background is dark.



59




























Subject: A woman with the last name of Mebane. (All information from homeowner)
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date Documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Portrait and frame needs to be professionally cleaned. There are two slashes on the
portrait attributed to a raid during the Civil War. Knowing this, one can assume that the image
predates the Civil War. One slash on the bottom that can be seen on the subjects right arm
and the other can be seen running up and down the right side of the portrait near the frame.
Aunt Irene Patterson Stallings had this portrait repaired (Date of repair unknown).
Description: The portrait is a half-length image of a woman seated in a red upholstered
armchair that has a wood frame. She is wearing a black over shirt over a white shirt. The white
shirt has a lace collar with lace running down the center it. The full-length sleeves feature lace
cuffs. She has a pendent at the base of her neck and she is wearing a plain gold ring on her
right hand ring finger. She is wearing a pair of gold dangling earrings. In her left hand she is
holding a small blue book. Her hair is parted down the middle and pulled together behind her
head. Her arms are resting in her lap. The background of the portrait is dark.



60






























Subject: Unknown male
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Portrait and frame needs to be professionally cleaned. There are slashes on the
portrait attributed to a raid during the Civil War. Aunt Irene had this image repaired (date of
repair is unknown).
Description: Portrait is a half-length image of a man seated on a red chair. This red chair is
similar to the chair in the previous image. (The subjects could be related) Man is wearing a
black suit with a bowtie. He has a watch chain. His left hand is resting on the armchair and his
left leg. He is holding a letter or small book in his right hand, which is resting on a table. His
hair is parted to the right and his beard is an Old Dutch style beard. On left side of the portrait
in the background is a column. The rest of the background is a greyish hue. The high silk shawl
collar and vest is typical of the 1850s and 1860s.



61































Subject: Believed to be William Frank Lytle, son of Capt. William Lytle (Billy Ledbetter, who has
done much family research, does not hold this opinion.)
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Portrait and frame need to be professionally cleaned. Frame may have been
painted. There is a crease on the lower right hand side. Canvas is showing age around the
edges.
Description: Portrait is a half-length image of a young man wearing a black suit with a white
shirt with a high collar. His arms are held behind his back. The background of the portrait is a
greenish hue going from dark around the edges to a brighter color around the subject. The high
silk shawl collar, vest, and clothing date this to the 1850s.




62































Subject: Unknown male (Could be a Mr. Jetton)
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Portrait and frame need to be professionally cleaned. The canvas may need to be
refitted to preserve the canvas.
Description: The portrait is a half-length image. He is wearing a dark suit with a white shirt. His
beard is of the Old Dutch style. The background of the portrait is dark red. Maybe with a good
cleaning, other aspects of the portrait may become clearer. The high silk shawl collar and vest
is typical of the 1850s and 1860s.






63





































Subject: Unknown woman (the portrait is either of Mrs. Albert B. Fall or her sister)
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Canvas and frame need to be professionally cleaned.
Description: Portrait is a half-length portrait. The subject appears to be wearing a dark coat
over a white low cut dress, which style would date the image to the late 1910s or early 1920s.
The subjects hair is pulled back behind her head.


64
































Subject: Unknown young girl that is not a family member. This image could be from Europe, as
many furnishings were acquired from Europe through Louisiana.
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Portrait and frame need to be professionally cleaned.
Description: Portrait is a full-length portrait of a young girl reclining upon a red blanket. The
girl is wearing a shoulder cut white dress with white leggings, and black shoes. Her hair is
parted in the middle and curled. There is a little black book with gold pages and a lock. There is
no title on the book. The background is of various trees and plants. On the left side of the
portrait the plants and trees end and the viewer can see the sky and a farther view into the
background. Also on the right side is a statue and railing for stairs going down. The subjects
hairstyle would date this image to the early 1800s.


65


































Subject: Unknown man
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Portrait and frame need to be cleaned.
Description: This is a half-length portrait of a man seated in a red armchair. He is wearing a
black suit with a white shirt and black bow tie. His right arm is rested upon a table and his left
arm is rested upon the left arm of the chair. His beard is of the Old Dutch style. The
background goes from dark on the right side to lighter on the left side. It appears to be a red
curtain that ends near the left side frame. The high silk shawl collar and vest is typical of the
1850s and 1860s.


66

































Subject: Unknown woman
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: Portrait and frame need to be professionally cleaned. The canvas is in need of repair
or refitting.
Description: This is a half-length portrait of a woman. She is wearing an off the shoulder dark
dress. Her hair is parted down the middle with her hair done in curls on both sides. She is
wearing two strands of pearls. Her right hand is lifted up with her fingers holding the lower
strand of pearls. Her left arm is resting on something unseen. This may not be the original
frame and the frame may be cutting off some of the image. It also appears that she has a
bracelet on her right wrist. Her hairstyle would date this image to the early to mid 1800s.


67



































Subject: Unknown man
Owner/Location: Murfree-Patterson home
Date documented: October 7, 2013
Condition: The portrait and frame need to be cleaned. The canvas is in need of repair or
refitting.
Description: This is an oval half-length image of a man with reddish hair. He is wearing a black
high neck suit that appears to be a military uniform. The high collar military uniform is not
typical to the Civil War, but does appear during the War of 1812 and during the Mexican
American War


68
Overall Concerns and Mitigation

Immediate
The immediate concerns uncovered through this report to be addressed are conservation and
restoration. The structural damage to the home should be addressed by seeking a structural
engineer or architect. There are also areas where moisture has damaged the house. This type of
damage encourages mold growth and pest infestation, which not only affects the structural
integrity of the house and the artifacts within, but also can cause health concerns for the
inhabitants. The attic is a specific area where this seems to be a problem. The attic also includes
many documents and artifacts that could potentially be used to better understand the history
of the house. One way to mitigate further damage to this collection is to consult with John Lodl
at the Rutherford County Archives. He might be able to help preserve the documents and
artifacts as part of a private collection for the family, or at least provide instructions on how the
family could care for them. He may also be able to find a consultant for the portraits. To help
preserve the portraits, now, they should be taken out of direct sunlight.

Long-Term
A long-term project that should be developed is individually listing the Murfree-Patterson
house on the National Register of Historic Places. Though it is included in the East Main Street
Historic District, the houses history warrants an individual listing.

























69



1
Charles Byron Arnette, Those Main Street People and Their Houses (Cassville: Litho
Printers and Bindery, 2006), 31.

2
Barry Lamb, Images of 19
th
Century Rutherford County: Its Homes and People
(Nashville: Panacea Press, 2007), 1.

3
Lamb, 4.

4
Lamb, 39.

5
This transaction is recorded in the Rutherford County Register of Deeds office in deed
book 5 page 237.

6
This transaction is recorded in the Rutherford County Register of Deeds office in deed
book 15, page 29; according to local historian Charles Byron Arnette, one of the daughters of
John and Mary Baugh was the grandmother of the actress Judy Garland. Apparently Will Gum
married one of the Baughs daughters and had Frank Gum. Judys father, Frank Gum, is
reported to have been born in one of the upstairs bedrooms of this house.

7
This transaction is recorded in Rutherford County Register of Deeds office in deed book
36 on page 134.

8
In Ada J. Murfrees Will, filed April 27, 1916, she gives sole power over her real estate
to her son Matt B. Murfree.

9
This transaction is recorded in the Rutherford County Register of Deeds office in deed
book 60, page 90.

10
Lamb, 41.

11
Ibid.

12
Rutherford County Tennessee Register of Deeds Office. Mary Patterson to deed Irene
P. Stallings, 1931, Deed Book 76 page 237

13
Information found at the Rutherford County Archives in the research files.

14
Information found at the Rutherford County Archives in the research files; Rutherford
County Archives, Chancery Court Case #1212, The Tennessee Red Cedar Woodenware
Company, etal vs. Mrs. Annie Mary Fletcher Patterson. William Lytle Patterson (Bill) and his
brother Dan ran the company for a while under the name of Patterson and Patterson. William


70

Lytle Pattersons children James B. Patterson, John W. Patterson, Ester Patterson West, and
Irene Patterson Stallings formed a partnership in their fathers company in the late 1920s. The
siblings faced turmoil after the death of their brother James B. Patterson in 1938, leading to a
drawn out legal battle with Pattersons widow, Annie Mary Fletcher Patterson, over rights to
the factory. The dispute came to an abrupt end in 1950 when a fire forced the Red Cedar
Woodenware Company to close its doors for good.

















































71



Bibliography

Primary Sources

Rutherford County Tennessee Register of Deeds Office. M. B. Murfree to deed Harvey Osborn,
1852, Deed Book 5 page 237.

Rutherford County Tennessee Register of Deeds Office. H. Osborn to deed John A. Baugh,
1867, Deed Book 15 page 29.

Rutherford County Tennessee Register of Deeds Office. J.M. and J.L. Baugh to deed Ms. Ada J.
Murfree, 1894 Deed Book 36 page 134.

Rutherford County Tennessee Register of Deeds Office. M.B. Murfree Executor of Mrs. Ada J.
Murfree to deed Birdie R. King, 1918, Deed Book 60 page 90.

Rutherford County Tennessee Register of Deeds Office. J. Moore King & wife to deed William
L. Patterson & wife, 1922, Deed Book 66 page 416.

Rutherford County Tennessee Register of Deeds Office. Mary Patterson to deed Irene P.
Stallings, 1931, Deed Book 76 page 237.

Rutherford County Archives, Chancery Court Case #1212, The Tennessee Red Cedar
Woodenware Company, et al vs. Mrs. Annie Mary Fletcher Patterson.


Secondary Sources

Arnette, Charles Byron. Those East Main Street People and Their Houses. Cassville: Litho
Printers and Bindery, 2006. 31-34.

Lamb, Barry. Images of 19
th
Century Rutherford County: Its Homes and People. Nashville:
Panacea Press, 2007. 39-41.

WGN Radio.com. A Pictorial Step Back to the 1900s in Rutherford County,
http://wgnsradio.com/a-pictorial-step-back-to-the-1900s-in-rutherford-county-cms-
10680 (accessed October 20, 2013).