Tennessee’s Home for Holidays 2020 will feature an ornament with Warren County history.
Local resident Carol Neal has completed her one-of-a-kind ornament for Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee. It will be hung, along with ones from 94 other counties, in the holiday display at the governor’s historic mansion.
“This was challenging,” said Neal. “There is so much about Warren County that could have gone on the ornament. I had to narrow it down and pick just a few. Someone will say that I should have put this or I should have put that. It’s just one ball. You can only fit so much on it. I think it represents Warren County well.”
Featured on the ornament are Magness Library, Park Theater, The Birthing Tree, a river, Warren County Courthouse, a quilted barn, Bobby Ray’s Medal of Honor, a Dogwood blossom, an apple, and the words, “Warren County Nursery Capital of the World.”
Portraits of Carl T. Rowan and Dottie West were also used. With Rowan is the beginning of his quote, “The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history.”
West had, “I was raised on country sunshine.”
“The most important thing about a place are the people in it,” said Neal. “The face of every child I’ve ever taught could have gone on that ornament. My mom and dad could have been on that ornament. Somebody has to be symbolic and represent their community. Dottie West and Carl T. Rowan faced challenges in their lives, but they didn’t give up. They exhibited strength and determination. They set a good example and are people we can look up to.”
While the river is a tribute to the natural beauty that can be found here, the apple represents education.
“We are the Nursery Capital of the World so that had to go on it,” said Neal. “I’m an educator. There’s a local push for education and that needed to be represented. We have Motlow, the Robotics Center and TCAT in McMinnville.”
There were challenges.
“It is challenging to paint on a ball,” said Neal. “When you rotate, you have to continually curve. I never painted a panoramic scene on a ball before. Every time I do something that I’ve never done before, it’s a challenge. I love challenges, because they make me a better artist.”
The state project celebrates Tennessee’s 95 counties with one ornament per county. All will be displayed during free tours offered at the mansion in December. Reservations are required.
Neal won’t hear any complaints from event manager Maddie Burnett.
“I just received your ornament in the mail,” said Burnett, in an email correspondence. “IT IS INCREDIBLE!! How did you do that? I am so blown away by your talent and creativity. You included so many amazing Warren County icons.”
The mansion is currently the home of Bill Lee, Tennessee’s 50th governor, and First Lady Maria Lee.
“I am loving your ornament so much and I can’t wait for Maria and guests to see it,” said Burnett. “You have done Warren County residents proud. Thank you for participating in the project.”
Tennessee’s Home for the Holidays is an open-house event available to all Tennesseans to tour the holiday decorations.
