What is now called Sewanee Station was not a business in 1928 when the Dixie Highway was completed through Sewanee, a modern highway connecting the South to the Midwest. Its completion brought more cars through the village and the need for gas stations and garages. One such gas station first appeared in c.1922 in a wood-framed structure on Lease #74 which now is known as 12569 Sollace Freeman Highway. According to the 1922 TN Inspection Bureau map, this building was approximately the same size as its neighbor to the north, the existing historic building that currently houses WOODY'S BICYCLES at 90 Reeds Lane.
In approximately 1930, a new masonry building was constructed to replace the wood-framed building. It was 70 feet by 40 feet with a flat composite roof, similar in appearance to the building we see today. Soon thereafter, a concrete block addition was made to the west end of the original structure, adding additional service bays to Jackson's Garage.
Originally, the gas station pumped Esso gasoline but changed to Gulf products in the early 1950’s. The gas station operated under two leaseholders and several station managers over the years. In 1973, the business in this building changed to BAKER'S SHEET METAL SHOP & CAR WASHING FACILTY. In 1990, the lease was transferred to the SEWANEE UTILITY DISCTRICT, which already leased the building next door that now houses WOODY'S BICYCLES and had built the green metal building to the northwest that presently houses ASKEW'S ART STUDIO.
In 2005, the lease was transferred from Sewanee Utility District to John K. Clark and Bridget J. Huckabay, at which time the building was named Sewanee Station and was divided into several sublease-able spaces. From Frame Gallery, heading west, the other shops are Sells Sweets, Sewanee Nutrition, and Cline Apothecry. This present configuration still retains its appearance as a historic gas station.
John Runkle
Photos courtesy of Ina May Myers estate and Mary O'Neill