Ernest Tubb's 1970s Tour Bus | Wicked Ollie's Vintage | Nashville, Tennessee | Landmark Landing

 

Ernest Tubb's Bus, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    Inside of one of Nashville's best vintage shops rests a legendary piece of classic country music history. Wicked Ollie's Vintage is worth the visit alone, but what the store is hiding inside makes it all the more fascinating. The relic I'm referring to is the tour bus of country music pioneer Ernest Tubb (1914-1984). I was lucky to be able to pay Wicked Ollie's a visit when in town with my mom and tour the bus ourselves. 

Ernest Tubb's Bus, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    The bus, called "The Green Hornet" is a 1964 Silver Eagle and was purchased by Ernest Tubb in 1970 from the Trailways Bus Company. Throughout the 1970s, Tubb and his band, the Texas Troubadours, traveled three million miles on the bus. They traveled to all 48 continental states, and into Canada. It was in 1995 that the bus was restored to its current state, and is now staged to appear as it did in Tubb's prime touring days.

Ernest Tubb

    Ernest Dale Tubb was born on February 9th, 1914, in Crisp, Texas. Nicknamed "The Texas Troubadour", Tubb entered the scene with honky-tonk hit "I'm Walking the Floor Over You" in 1941, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1942. He also created the radio show "Midnight Jamboree" in 1947 that still airs today. Tubb led an incredibly impressive career, earning himself an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Ernest passed away on September 6th, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee, and is buried at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.

Ernest Tubb's Bus, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    Originally the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, the building was built around the bus. It then became a part of the store unit just next to the Texas Troubadour Theater in the Music Valley Village Plaza, today the location of Wicked Ollie's. What better location for a vintage bus than a vintage store? This location is a great stop for classic country fans across the board, with the bus being surrounded by vintage country music goodies. 

Ernest Tubb's Bus, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    It was surreal walking through the bus that carried such a legend. There are more buses on display throughout the area, and I intend to check them out in the future. Thank you for joining me on another adventure, and I hope to see you next time. If you check out the bus or Wicked Ollie's, leave me a comment and tell me about your visit! 

Visiting the American Pickers' Nashville Shop - Antique Archaeology, Nashville, Tennessee | Landmark Landing

 

Antique Archaeology, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hi all, and welcome back or greetings if you're new! I got to check off one of the stops on my bucket list, and I wanted to share that experience with you. If you enjoy my content, there is a likelihood you are familiar with the History Channel TV show, "American Pickers". If not, a brief rundown; two guys in a van travel the United States and search for vintage and antique treasures. They specialize in searching in old barns and buildings filled to the ceiling with collectables that typically haven't been touched in twenty years. Bonus points if the owner of the collection is a grumpy older gentlemen who isn't interested in selling anything. I really enjoy the show and watching them hunt for these hidden gems across America. 

    I remember watching the show often on summer mornings with my step father, after he had gotten home after a long night shift. When school was out, him and I would watch TV together until it was time for him to go to bed for the rest of the day. American Pickers was in our main rotation, and to be completely honest, became a reminder of good times. Those of you who know me will know that I fight chronic illness, and tend to find myself in the hospital a few times a year. Those who are in a similar boat know just how important and soothing watching TV can be when cooped up in a hospital room for days on end. One channel that any hospital TV will have, is the History Channel. When poor health finds me and must be dealt with, you can find me in my room watching American Pickers. From my hospital bed, I can travel many miles without a hair of stress on the body. Myself and whoever is visiting at the time will chat about the pickers' finds and the history behind them. It's amazing what troubles can be made bearable by means of passion and community, something as small as discussing a common interest. 

    One thing I hold true to, is taking advantage of and being grateful for my days of better health. I get a lot of those these days, thanks to my amazing medical team, and our good Lord. I vow to use the better days to explore the world myself, the world that I have spent a lot of my time watching from a bed in a beige painted room. I have spent many good days in vain, out of fear, insecurity, and I lacked understanding of the magnitude of how small daily decisions can impact the general narrative of your life over time. I am more eager to say "yes" to the opportunities to enjoy life each day. Now, with my new mindset and this blog, I like to think I can be your eyes into the world during those times you can't see things for yourself. Everyone deserves to have access to that knowledge, and experience our world and people's vibrancy. 

    Anyway, I'm getting off track but I have decided to be more personal in my writing, to be a better friend to you. I hope you don't mind. With all of that being said,  a while back I had the opportunity to visit Antique Archaeology, the store that sells all of the treasures that the American Pickers find on their adventures. I went with my mom to the location in Marathon Village (a neat place as well) in Nashville, Tennessee. I'll admit, most of what was in the store was over my budget, but I wasn't going there with strict expectations to buy something. To me, it was like a museum. Looking at each piece and wondering where it had come from and what its story was, or maybe if I could even spot it in the show. Just knowing that it had likely traveled hundreds of miles and maybe even experienced a restoration to end up here. I ended up taking a photo of one piece that really stood out to me, and had I not been a broke teenager at the time of this trip, would've maybe purchased. 

Vintage neon sign, taken by Jennie Moore

    This old sign really caught my eye. I'm no sign collector, but I can appreciate some vintage neon. I tried to research this sign and get some information on it, but I have had no luck. Even a reverse image search yielded nothing. If you know anything about this sign, I would love to hear about it! Leave me a comment, message, or email. I find that it reminded me of an ancient figure, like an Egyptian Pharaoh or noble statue that knows something we don't. The sign in fairly large in size, as you can see it next to several full sized instruments. Even if I did have the money, I'm not sure my mom would appreciate me cramming this into the back of her Ford Escape. 

    I had a great time wandering throughout the store with my head in the clouds. I did get an iron on patch with the companies logo on it, to add to my patch collection that I will add to my denim jacket... eventually. Being able to do these things on my better days make the flare up days a well worth it payment, and a lesson that God teaches me more on everyday. I'm on a mission to appreciate the gifts of life in full, and be truly aware of the blessings we experience everyday. Thank you for coming on this journey with me, and as always, thank you for reading.

Bufordville, Missouri Antique Shop | Small Business Sunday

 

Antique Store in Burfordville, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog. Today I want to share with you a neat shop that my father and I went to a few months ago. Many drive right past the small community of Bufordville, Missouri each day. Though history and nature lovers alike may know this village for it's historic Bollinger Mill and covered bridge (you can read my article on those by clicking here.) Just across the street from the landmark sits this quaint, colorful antique store. It had been closed during my previous visits to the mill, but this day was my lucky one.

"The Little Blue Free Library" on front porch taken by Jennie Moore

    

    The front porch alone boasts an array of interesting pieces, luring the curious minds inside. My favorite would have to be the "Little Blue Free Library". I love the concept of these libraries, as it is a way to encourage reading to any community with no cost needed, just the generosity of book donations. Upon entering, we were greeted by a warm hello from friendly gentlemen, and a soft spoken lady. I couldn't help but feel as if I had known this duo for years, although that surely wasn't the case.

"Antiques" Sign on side of building taken by Jennie Moore

    The building itself I would estimate dates from the mid to late 1800s, being covered in wooden siding accompanied by wavy glass in the windows. In the rear, the wooden floor boards bow where flood waters have repeatedly tested the structure's integrity. Though it still stands, telling the stories of years ago. I wonder how many people have walked in and out of the same doors, roaming the same routes that I myself would take through the winding antiques. 

Nuts from the neighboring covered bridge, taken by Jennie Moore

    While browsing, I came across these nuts on display that once were home to the Bufordville covered bridge, which itself dates to 1858. These were much larger than any I had seen before, definitely not something you will find at your local hardware store. I always enjoy learning about America's historical building methods, as the craftsmanship and talent required to make these engineering feats are nothing short of impressive in a time before power tools and electronics.  

Vintage vinyl section in store, taken by Jennie Moore

    As an avid vintage shopper, I always enjoy flipping through the albums in any store. I must say that this collection was the best I had ever seen in a secondhand shop. Perfectly curated from soft to psychedelic rock from the 1960s to 1980s, I could've taken them all home. The gentlemen at the counter came over, and we began to chat about music and our favorite artists. We had much in common in that department, and I could've spent the day listening to what he had to say about each album.

Front porch of store, taken by Jennie Moore

    If you are ever in the area, rather just passing by or paying a visit to the bridge and mill, I recommend taking the time to stop and look around. It is a little slice of heaven for a vintage collector and music lover, run by the kind of people that strike you like a breath of fresh air. I always treasure my conversations with strangers, especially those as kind as these. I see the beauty in humans among these people, a reminder we all need at times. If you stop in, let me know what you found! Thank you for reading, as always.

Twelve Mile Creek Emporium | Small Business Sunday

Photo courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Hi everyone, and welcome back to the blog!  Today, I'm going to be sharing a location that holds a special place in my heart.  This is Twelve Mile Creek Emporium, Wine Cottage, and Bed and Breakfast in Caledonia, Missouri.  Twelve Mile Creek is a family owned business with something for everyone.  Not only do they offer the amenities in the title, but they also offer home decor, freshly made meals, baked goods, and locally made products of all kinds.   

     In addition to the wonderful business itself, Twelve Mile Creek resides in a historic landmark.  This building goes by names such as the Fisher/Fischer Home, Caledonia Wine Cottage, the Ramsey House, or simply The Big Yellow House.  Whatever you may call it, this is a location with history to the brim, and a big story to tell.

Walnut Staircase, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     The Big Yellow House was constructed in 1824 by Jacob Fischer, making it one of Caledonia's oldest standing structures.  Over time the building has served as many occupations, but was originally built as a stage coach stop and inn.  Coaches would pull to the front of the building, where passengers would exit onto the same stone walkway that serves Twelve Mile Creek customers today.  During this time, travelers and stage coach drivers would frequently lodge in the inn's twelve original rooms.  

     When built, the inn consisted of two separate structures.  The front, rectangular portion of the building was for lodgers,  and the structure behind served as slave quarters.  Tunnels ran from either side of the inn to the slave quarters, with a third tunnel extending to the creek.  These tunnels can still be seen from the basement. The two structures were joined together some time around 1860, to form the home we all recognize today.  Though this isn't the only unique feature of the home.  The Fischer House is home to a continuous, three-story walnut staircase, the only one of its kind in the Ozarks.  The property also houses the 2nd oldest persimmon tree in Missouri, which still drops persimmons seasonally!

Quarantine Room as of today, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     As one of the homes many purposes, it was overtaken by the Union Army in the American Civil War, and turned into a hospital.  The hospital treated both Union and Confederate soldiers from The Battle of Pilot Knob, saving many lives that day.  A room on the third floor of the home was converted to a quarantine room for contagious patients, with a hole being cut from the door to serve the patient's food through.  The lock and hole in the door still exist today.  Along with saving the lives of soldiers, the home also served as a stop on the underground railroad.  Slaves were led through the tunnels, northward to freedom. The Fischer House treated and freed many men, women, and children, who likely wouldn't have survived if it were not for the Big Yellow House and it's gracious owners.  

Product sold at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Over time, the Fischer House served as a residence to several families, leaving many with fond memories of the home and its tenants.  Before it became the booming business we know now, the Fischer House had fallen in disrepair.  I had the pleasure of touring the home before the Allen's (the current owners) just prior to their purchase of the property.  I must say, it was heartbreaking to see this landmark in such condition.  Though we have Pamela, Roger and the rest of the Allen clan to thank for single-handedly saving this historic property.  This family has put blood, sweat, and tears into this home, bringing it back to life.  Myself, along with many others have so much admiration for what the Allen family has put into not only the Fischer House, but the Village of Caledonia.

 California Spaghetti Salad served at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Though the best part of this national treasure, is that it's for sale.  After years of hard work, the Allen family is ready to retire.  Pamela says "The time has come for us to find the perfect caretaker for this historic beauty. Retirement beckons us and we would like to heed that call!  If you think you have what it takes, give us a look.  Possibilities are only as far as your imagination allows. Price is negotiable as to what you want it to be for you!"  If you are interested in making the Fischer House your own, you may call Twelve Mile Creek at 573-779-1238, or pay a visit at 128 S State Highway 21, Caledonia, Missouri 63631. 

Wine selection at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Thank you all very much for reading, and I hope this landmark excites you as much as it does me.  Perhaps you will pay a visit, or even find your next home, or business.  I also want to thank Pamela Allen for allowing me to use her photos for this post, and always being so kind during my visits to Twelve Mile Creek.  I hope you tune in to the blog again soon!

Love,

Jennie