NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — With the Olympics approaching, an exhibit showcasing some Tennessee history you've never heard of before will soon be opening, and not only that, it's also part of an ongoing journey for families to learn their own stories.
“You hear about your granddad doing stuff, but you're a kid and sometimes you don't understand the magnitude of it,” said John Noel, who was sitting next to his brother Lee. “It took me a while to process it, didn't it, Lee? I think that's what Mum and Dad said about everything else in life!”
For the brothers, it's an emotional feeling to know that objects from the home they grew up in will be on display in one of the Tennessee State Museum's premier exhibit spaces.
Their grandfather was John Hopkins Noel Sr. He and his brothers built a hotel on North 4th Street in downtown Nashville. Today, the hotel is called the Noel. When it opened in the 1930s, it was called the Noel Hotel.
The stories our grandchildren are telling now predate the Noel Hotel.
One hundred years ago this week, an article was written about John Hopkins Noel Sr. competing in the Paris Olympics in 1924. He was part of the six-man team.
“This is my grandfather,” John said, pointing to an old photo, “It was called trap shooting. They had discs made of clay. They called them clay pigeons. They would shoot more clay pigeons than the others and win the competition.”
“We're looking at the Olympic badge he had on his shoulder when he was shooting with his team,” John continued, looking at the items on display on the table. “This is an Olympic diploma. This is a gold medal. This is a participation medal and this is [medal] The medal was presented by the Governor of New York, who hosted a parade for all the gold medalists upon their return from Paris, France.”
All of these items, and others donated by families, will be on display at the Tennessee State Museum on July 30.
“Our research tells us this was an individual who was born here, lived his life here, died here and was the first Tennessean to win the gold medal in 1924,” museum curator Matthew Gailani said.
“We're so grateful to the Tennessee State Museum,” John says, “It shows how a museum can take history and bring it back to life.”
She's in her 80s and legally blind, and the Franklin woman continues to crochet for those in need.
“An incredible story that proves everyone has something to contribute, regardless of age or personal challenges. Austin Pollack introduces Sylvia Mooney. At 80 years old, she's not sitting still. Instead, she's using her skills to create compassion for others, one stitch at a time. Her crocheted pieces are donated to nonprofits to help their homeless neighbors. You'll be amazed that she does all this while facing serious health challenges. Bravo, Sylvia!”
-Lori Johnston
