Chuck and Holley Thomas built their home on Nelson Spur Road in Hixson in 1990. Tucked away off a small country road that runs through Chester Frost Park, it sits high on a hill with a 360-degree panoramic view of the Tennessee River from Highway 58 at Wolftever to the Sequoyah towers in Soddy-Daisy. “When Chuck discovered this property, the area was undeveloped with woods and kudzu everywhere,” says Holley. “Though the land looked shabby and untamed, he discovered beauty that captured his heart. After many attempts to convince me, I reluctantly agreed to hike to the top of the property. Once I reached it and turned around, I instantly saw what he had been telling me for so long! I was totally convinced! Our Georgian home with two big verandas purposefully built with a view towards the Tennessee River provides a picturesque setting that encourages escape from the routines of everyday life.”
“When the government wanted to dam up the Tennessee River, the valley below would be under water, forcing landowners to move,” says Holley. “We still have a neighbor down the street that went through this move. Her father was named Pinky, and this is why the end of our street is called Pinky’s Point, part of Chester Frost Park.”
Few people know that this area was a part of The Trail of Tears. Evidence is documented that Reverend Daniel Butrick and his wife chose to make the journey in 1838 with their Cherokee Indian friends who were traveling from what is now known as Harrison Pike. They needed a shallow place to cross the river to a settlement which is now called Dallas Island in Chester Frost Park. According to the Reverend’s diary, the ferry was overloaded, causing water to lap over the deck. According to the James County History Book and Butrick’s diary, they had to take a treacherous path along a “side hill once they crossed from the Vann (Harrison) Ferry terminus on the west side of the river.” This is the site now named Pinky’s Point.
The view is truly majestic from this point. “In the morning, the sunrises are breathtaking.” Holley says. “Intricate colors are never the same from day to day. The sky opens like a giant masterpiece, as vivid colors float down to the mountains across the river. Full moons are arresting, forcing you to stop in place to acknowledge the clear, crisp images in the sky. Approaching storms can bring 360 degrees of mesmerizing lightening displays, drawing you to watch the beauty and power as they come closer. After storms have gone, we are often left with the incredible gift of rainbows, sometimes as many as four at one time.”
“Seasons bless us with opportunities to view God’s truest gifts.” Holley notes. “Spring has started, when the birds fly up to build nests on our veranda topiaries, and vivid green hues sprout everywhere. Fall is just as alluring with constant variations of color in foliage. The view of the hills, mountains, and river are priceless. Weekends are made to relax and savor this treasure! Winter brings a whole other view with more exposure without the leaves. We often see boats that have misjudged the depth of the river at certain points and end up stuck on a sand bar until the water level rises. Summer is dramatic, with ski boats, yachts, and sail boats scooting by on the water. Deer discreetly roam our property. Eagles and hawks soar in the sky. After eighteen years of adding gardens, a pool, tree house, and tennis court, we truly enjoy all realms of scenery and nature,” Holley reflects.