Cabins and Daily Life

Tourists at the Appalachian Club Depot

Quick Facts

Location:

Appalachian Clubhouse, Elkmont Campground, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Significance:

The Appalachian Clubhouse served as a gathering place for summer residents.

Downhill from the clubhouse is “Daisy Town,” which consists of 16 restored structures. The cabins were built from 1910-1915 by well-known families from Knoxville. Uphill from here is “Society Hill”— these cabins were built between 1912-1922. The David Chapman House, built by one of the leaders of the national park movement, is the only cabin preserved. Back down the road you just walked up, the Spence Cabin (1928) is preserved in an area known as “Millionaires Row.” Other cabins in this area were built mid-1920s to mid-1930s.  

“There was a boardwalk to the last cottage. People who arrived by train up the river from Townsend had their luggage hauled by cart from the [train] station [platform]. Each Saturday night there would be an orchestra with dancing at the clubhouse.” 

The wooden boardwalk mentioned in the quote extended from the clubhouse up to Society Hill and on to Chapman’s cabin. It was replaced in 1928 with the gravel walkway you see today. The clubhouse served three meals a day. Listen closely and try to imagine hearing bells ringing as the clubhouse staff  “called” folks to dinner. The community always dressed in their best clothes as they walked the path towards the Appalachian Club. Daily activities included hunting, fishing, horse riding, swimming, and socializing.