The Joyce-Harris House tells quite a story, but you probably didn’t know that its little sidekick has a story all its own. You see, this building got its start all the way over in Rutherford county. It was originally barracks for Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna. The base began operations in 1941 and closed in March of 1970.
Barrack buildings were eventually sold off and Howard and Gladys Hatchett purchased one and had it moved all the way from Smyrna to Bell Buckle. They attached it to their house and began a veteran’s home known as the Hatchett Residential Care Home for Veterans. They served many deserving veterans for several years. Such a special sentiment to know that this building housed both active-duty and retired United States military members.
The veteran’s home operated until Gladys Hatchett passed away in 2005. When her house was sold, they also detached the old barracks and put it up for sale. It was purchased by the neighbors and moved to (what was then) next door. At its present location, it was operated as a beauty salon called Strands at one time and also used as a workshop and recreation space for its owners.
Today it’s a private guesthouse and the perfect companion for those that visit the Joyce-Harris House. It was surprising, yet exciting to learn what this building was because someone I hold dear was connected to its origins at the AFB.
Veteran and a special connection for me.
The journey of the barracks came full circle when my grandfather came to stay with us a couple years ago. He was stationed at Sewart Air Force Base during his time in the Air Force as a plane mechanic. Whether or not it was this exact barrack, he very well could have lived inside one similar. As he stood there that day, I showed him this picture of the barracks and asked him if he recognized them. At first he thought they were chicken houses, which we got a good laugh out of! But once he realized, he told me all the stories of his time at Sewart. He passed away just last month and that will always be a precious memory for me. I just love how history sometimes finds a way to interwine unexpected people into memorable stories.
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