TULLAHOMA'S LANDMARKS DISAPPEARING

Say it isn't so?? Our old landmarks are being torn down. The old Geneso building on the corner of Anderson and Carrol street has been hazed. It sad to see this old building leaving it's home since 1934. The land was originally donated by the late John W. Harton to the city of Tullahoma with the stipulation that the city would bring a manufacturing plant to Tullahoma. General Shoe Corporation had said it would be interested in a shoe plant in the town if provide with a building. During the depression the city was on the verge of bankruptcy. Employment just barely existed. A government grant was available for $100,000 for a civic center. The sly maneuver by the Mayor and alderman to apply for the grant as a civic center till the building was completed and then turn it over to General Shoe. The local banks found out that the building wasn't going to cost $100,000 but would only cost $60,000. To not try to deceive the Federal government the four local banks agreed to share in the $60,000 loan to the city. Those banks were First National, Traders, Farmers and Merchants.
The city signed a lease in 1934 with General Shoe for $1.00 a year rent on the building. General Shoe flourished as Tullahoma largest employer during the depression days and was given credit as Tullahoma saviour from bankruptcy. The General Shoe became Geneso and employed many people through the years in and around Tullahoma. Additions to the building in both 1939 and 1945 increased production to an all time high. I recall many people through the years working at Gensco. My late father-in-law comes to mind.
The doors were finally closed in 2000 when SAS or San Antonio Shoe ceased operation at the building. My brother-in-law, Ned Hindman was the plant manager.
Progress will go on at the site but many people that still are alive will have many memories of those good days of working at Gensco. They had their own newspaper and held many social events for their employees and the town through the years.
GOOD BYE OLD FRIEND.................