To commemorate the City of Brentwood’s 50th celebration, three items are available for purchase by the public – a watercolor map print of historic landmarks, T-shirts printed with the historic map, and a popular memoir by a Brentwood native. The illustrated map is available two ways: an unframed 11×17 print on white matte cardstock for $20 and a 16×24 white canvas wrapped around a wood frame for $75. The map is the work of artist Jennifer S. Britton of Cordially Creative in Pulaski, TN.
The map features historic landmarks special to Brentwood that were suggested by Historic Commission members and the 50th Steering Board, who worked for months to develop the list of places including Ravenswood Mansion, Mooreland Mansion, (now City Park), the WSM tower, the Maryland Farms barn (now YMCA), Brentwood’s first churches, and schools. Britton toured the city to see the locations firsthand before perfecting the custom watercolor.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with the City of Brentwood to create a piece that represents just some of the things that make Brentwood so special and help celebrate the last 50 years, as well as the future,” said Britton.
The 50th Steering Committee will be selling the illustrated maps while supplies last. Although items can be purchased online at www.brentwoodtn50.com, they will not be shipped and must be picked up in person at City Hall, 5211 Maryland Way.
The Citizens for Brentwood Green Space is partnering with the City to sell short-sleeved and three-quarter sleeve T-shirts with the historic map illustration. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go directly to benefit city parks.
“We are also celebrating a milestone this year,” said Chris Cummins, the board treasurer and member charged with leading the T-shirt project. “This is our 15th year of fundraising to benefit Brentwood’s beautiful parks and open spaces. We have a goal to raise $300,000, and this sale is another step toward achieving the goal,” said Cummins.
There are a limited number of shirts, which will be available starting at the April 6th Arbor Day Celebration at the Brentwood Library, then at the Golden Gallop parade on April 13th in Maryland Farms, as well as other city events like BrentFest on June 15 at Crockett Park, the summer concert series, and the Citizens for Brentwood Green Space annual Walk in the Park fundraiser in September.
Historic Commission Chairwoman Anne Goad says she is proud that the artwork will serve as a reminder of the past. “Our mission is to promote an awareness of Brentwood’s rich cultural history and heritage. We welcome any chance we get to provide educational opportunities to accomplish our goal,” Goad said.
In celebration of the 50th, the Historic Commission also partnered with Brentwood author John Oden Sr., to reprint his book, The Brentwood I Remember, in which Oden recalls vivid memories from his childhood as the son of the area postmaster. “I remember when the Brentwood Methodist church burned. I was four, but I remember the flames and the smoke,” Oden said. Born in 1932, Oden lived on the road now known as Wilson Pike Circle. He attended a two-room schoolhouse known as Lipscomb and later Battle Ground Academy. In the book Oden, who lived in Brentwood for the first 30 years of his life, relives memories of his time also spent with those from the Hardscuffle community.
The books will sell for $50, with proceeds benefiting historic preservation in the city. There will be 225 copies ready for pickup by April 1. Those interested can pre-order online at www.brentwoodtn50.com.
These gifts are the perfect way to commemorate your love of Brentwood, celebrate the city’s 50 years as a city, or honor friends and family. Items cannot be shipped but must be picked up only at Brentwood City Hall, located at 5211 Maryland Way, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
