Cherokee Ceremonial Caverns of the Ridge Knoxville Tennessee Postcds *Deal of 5*

Description: This listing is for a deal of FIVE (5) postcards likely published in the early 1960's (no Zip Code) from the Caverns of the Ridge located in Knoxville, Tennessee. See detailed descriptions below. Cherokee Caverns (current name) is located at 8524 Oak Ridge Highway in Knoxville. From historiccherokeecaverns dot com: Historic Cherokee Caverns is a beautiful place full of geological wonders and a rich history. The cave is preserved and maintained by faithful volunteers who organize special events throughout the year to share the cave with the community and travelers from around the world. Cherokee Caverns is preserved and maintained by volunteers. The special events we host help pay for insurance, utilities and trail maintenance to keep the cave open to share with the community.The Caverns were first entered by early American Indians as indicated by cane torch marks (stoke marks) found on the cavern's walls. The caverns were rediscovered about 1854 by Robert Crudgington, a farmer. According to legend, Crudgington was hunting on the hillside when he noticed fog emerging around rocks. After moving the rocks he entered the caverns and at the time was thought to have been the first person to see the caverns. In 1866 Crudgington bought 800 acres of farmland, including the caverns. Crudgington’s daughter, Margaret Crudgington Gentry was urged by friends to open the caverns to the public.In 1929 the first commercial tours were given under the name Gentry’s Cave, but within a year she renamed it Grand Caverns. The caverns were well advertised and were well visited by many people. In 1946 Margaret passed away and her family sold the caverns in 1947. The property and cave were leased resulting in it being renamed, Atomic Caverns. This name came from a large stalagmite column, which was thought to resemble the bottom of the “mushroom” of the famous Bikini Atomic test, which was heavily publicized during that time. During this period of time Homer Harris, known as the world's tallest singing cowboy, along with his famous performing trick horse, “Stardust’ held a one-day western music show in the Crystal Ballroom of the caverns. A second show was held outside the cavern's entrance. Admission price for adults was 75 cents and children 35 cents, for both shows.In the mid-1950s the caverns were redeveloped once again and opened with the name Caveman’s Palace, but after a short time, the name was changed to Palace Caverns.In the 1960s much improvement was made to the cavern trail and lighting. A restaurant was built over the cavern entrance and the cave was reopened with a new fifth name, Caverns Of The Ridge.In 1970 the caverns underwent further development and once again was given a new name, Cherokee Firesite Ceremonial Caverns. This unusually long name was soon changed to its seventh and current name of Cherokee Caverns.In October 1980 Cherokee Caverns Restaurant was destroyed by a fire believed to have begun in the kitchen area. The fire destroyed the restaurant, the gift shop and the adjoining stone cottage, which had been built in the late 1800s. During the next eight years, the caverns experienced extensive vandalism and became the local “party” place.Over 22 years ago, the cave was brought under the protection of volunteers. Events are held several times per year to raise money to pay annual insurance that allows the cave to be open to visitors. Money is also raised for regular maintenance, preservation, and upgrades.All cards are unposted. Each card has various conditions of stray markings. Specific issues with cards are indicated in the detailed descriptions below. Condition notes for all cards (see photos and detailed descriptions below): Minor edge and corner wear -- mostly corner bumping. No rips, tears, major creases, or chips on FOUR cards; one card has a large diagonal crease as detailed below. Some overall light discoloration from age. Some cards have random lines that look like color registration on printed images. These don't appear on the originals -- they are a result of reflection from the scanner. TitleThe Capitol DomeQuantity1SceneView of geological formationsEraPhotochromePublisherBuckhorn Press, Box 407, Gatlinburg, Tenn.Identifying number(s)S-100349Back text Caverns of the Ridge Majestic Ceremonial Site of the Cherokee Near Knoxville, Tennessee From the entrance hall to the ceremonial sites of the Cherokee, the caverns of "the ridge" offers the visitor an exciting and unique experience. Towering stalactites and stalagmites, some having grown together to form massive columns, fascinate and give play to the imagination. Color Photo by Gene AikenCondition specifics of noteTop corners have small bends. Back side has dark spot (ink?) beside the words Post Card. There are small indentations on the back side that pushed into the photo, but do not appear to have punctured it. TitleBeautiful Flowstone, Resembles a Waterfall Quantity2SceneView of geological formationsEraPhotochromePublisherBuckhorn Press, Box 407, Gatlinburg, Tenn.Identifying number(s)S-100351Back text Caverns of the Ridge Majestic Ceremonial Site of the Cherokee Near Knoxville, Tennessee From the entrance hall to the ceremonial sites of the Cherokee, the caverns of "the ridge" offers the visitor an exciting and unique experience. Towering stalactites and stalagmites, some having grown together to form massive columns, fascinate and give play to the imagination. Color Photo by Gene AikenCondition specifics of noteOne of these cards does not have significant issues. One has a diagonal crease approximately 2.5" long in the upper right quadrant of the front from the top to the right edges. It also has a small tear at the bottom edge approximately 1" from the right border. TitleColorful Stalagmites and Stalactites Join To Form Columns of Incredible BeautyQuantity1SceneView of geological formationsEraPhotochromePublisherBuckhorn Press, Box 407, Gatlinburg, Tenn.Identifying number(s)S-100352Back text Caverns of the Ridge Majestic Ceremonial Site of the Cherokee Near Knoxville, Tennessee From the entrance hall to the ceremonial sites of the Cherokee, the caverns of "the ridge" offers the visitor an exciting and unique experience. Towering stalactites and stalagmites, some having grown together to form massive columns, fascinate and give play to the imagination. Color Photo by Gene AikenCondition specifics of noteTop edge has vertical indentations, but they are not folds or creases. There are similar vertical indentations from the bottom edge. Also a similar indentation from the left edge. TitleStalactites Form Drapery in StoneQuantity1SceneView of geological formationsEraPhotochromePublisherBuckhorn Press, Box 407, Gatlinburg, Tenn.Identifying number(s)S-100353Back text Caverns of the Ridge Majestic Ceremonial Site of the Cherokee Near Knoxville, Tennessee From the entrance hall to the ceremonial sites of the Cherokee, the caverns of "the ridge" offers the visitor an exciting and unique experience. Towering stalactites and stalagmites, some having grown together to form massive columns, fascinate and give play to the imagination. Color Photo by Gene AikenCondition specifics of noteLeft edge has a horizontal indentation that appears to be where a fold might have been started, but the card is not creased there. The front upper left corner has an area of color loss, but it is not ripped or torn or significantly creased. Will be shipped by USPS First Class Mail in a protective envelope. We are not responsible for uninsured loss. We do our best to ensure your item is received as described, but we are not the USPS mail handlers. We will combine shipping on items closing within 3 days of each other. Please let us know if you are watching or bidding on other items. Listing and template services provided by inkFrog

Price: 5.99 USD

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

End Time: 2025-01-16T20:42:34.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD