Nicole June Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Many residents of Clarksville recognize the large F&M Bank building, which stands tall in the city’s Public Square. Most may not know, however, about the structure that stood in that same spot for more than 100 years.

Carolyn Ferrell writes the tale of that historic building in her new book, Franklin House. The book spans the history of the building from the time it was constructed until it eventually burned down in the 1950s. Ferrell said as long as the city of Clarksville has stood, some sort of tavern or hotel occupied the Franklin House location.

The hotel was owned by the Bringhurst family, who were known throughout the nation for their Southern hospitality. They played host to actors, politicians, and other notable figures who were passing through on their way to Nashville.

Franklin House began as a chapter in one of Ferrell’s other books, but the more she wrote, the more invested she became in the history. “The more I researched it, the more interested I became in the family and it blossomed into this full-grown book,” she said. The family patriarch, Billy Bringhurst, was a veteran of the Civil War, and many other family members played key roles in Southern history.

Ferrell contacted a descendant of the Bringhurst family in Virginia, who sent her a detailed manuscript written by Billy’s granddaughter. She incorporated the full piece into her book.

“I just want people to know that the Bringhursts exemplified the best of Clarksville,” Ferrell said. “They went through every imaginable tragedy, and I believe people will be inspired by how they handled each devastating thing that happened in their lives. It’s certainly an example for young people who feel like they can’t make it through difficulties.”

Ferrell will hold a book-signing event Sunday, Nov. 24 from 1-4 p.m. at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Library. Copies of her books will be available for purchase, and the great granddaughter of Billy Bringhurst will answer questions about the family.

For more information, e-mail Carolyn Ferrell at carolynsferrell@hotmail.com.