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Organizing as a City
Slowly Organizing
The La Vergne Men's Club formed in late 1959 as an organization where men assisted families in need. Most men of the community were members and this group unofficially served as the leaders of the community. In 1961, the first formal government entity formed, the Utility District. The sole objective of this group was to find water sources rather than the sulfur smelling wells that the community depended upon.
The Men's Club named the streets of La Vergne, selected by the name of the member who lived near or on that street. After the streets were named, placing the street signs on proper corners was a huge accomplishment for the city.
The La Vergne Rescue Squad was organized in 1970 to provide emergency health services. The group operated on donations and sponsored a ham breakfast throughout the year to fund the organization. Ham breakfasts are still held every month on Gambill Lane on behalf of the Rescue Squad.
The La Vergne Arts Council was formed in 1975 to recognize local artists for their craftsmanship. Artists included crafting, woodworking, painting and eventually began displaying their work at Old Timers Day celebrations. The Arts Council sponsored the beginning of a public library by collecting books and housing them in a closet at the Driftwood Village City Building on Stones River Road. Faye Waldron Toombs classified the donated books and the Arts Council eventually moved the Library to two rooms of the old Harry Davis House on Highway 41.
The National Bicentennial in La Vergne
The national Bicentennial celebration left a lasting legacy for the city of La Vergne. In additional to being a part of national festivities, the Bicentennial Committee recognized there were not enough activities for local children. The committee used a Bicentennial grant to build a tennis court, 2 basketball courts, a ball field, and Mankin Park playground. In addition, the committee established a new city park from grant funding - Bicentennial Park - located next to City Hall.
At the time the La Vergne Garden Club worked with the city on beautification projects for Bicentennial Park. Several trees were planted, including magnolia, elm, yellow poplar, and even two “vergne” trees from France. The trees were planted in the “Memory Circle” to remember people of the city who had passed.
Those in memoriam and those purchasing the trees for $25 (from Green Trees)
View a timeline of historical photos of La Vergne government officials being sworn in to office.
The La Vergne Men's Club formed in late 1959 as an organization where men assisted families in need. Most men of the community were members and this group unofficially served as the leaders of the community. In 1961, the first formal government entity formed, the Utility District. The sole objective of this group was to find water sources rather than the sulfur smelling wells that the community depended upon.
The Men's Club named the streets of La Vergne, selected by the name of the member who lived near or on that street. After the streets were named, placing the street signs on proper corners was a huge accomplishment for the city.
The La Vergne Rescue Squad was organized in 1970 to provide emergency health services. The group operated on donations and sponsored a ham breakfast throughout the year to fund the organization. Ham breakfasts are still held every month on Gambill Lane on behalf of the Rescue Squad.
The La Vergne Arts Council was formed in 1975 to recognize local artists for their craftsmanship. Artists included crafting, woodworking, painting and eventually began displaying their work at Old Timers Day celebrations. The Arts Council sponsored the beginning of a public library by collecting books and housing them in a closet at the Driftwood Village City Building on Stones River Road. Faye Waldron Toombs classified the donated books and the Arts Council eventually moved the Library to two rooms of the old Harry Davis House on Highway 41.
The National Bicentennial in La Vergne
The national Bicentennial celebration left a lasting legacy for the city of La Vergne. In additional to being a part of national festivities, the Bicentennial Committee recognized there were not enough activities for local children. The committee used a Bicentennial grant to build a tennis court, 2 basketball courts, a ball field, and Mankin Park playground. In addition, the committee established a new city park from grant funding - Bicentennial Park - located next to City Hall.
At the time the La Vergne Garden Club worked with the city on beautification projects for Bicentennial Park. Several trees were planted, including magnolia, elm, yellow poplar, and even two “vergne” trees from France. The trees were planted in the “Memory Circle” to remember people of the city who had passed.
Those in memoriam and those purchasing the trees for $25 (from Green Trees)
- Lucinda Gooch, William Kimbro, Joseph Franklin Kimbro, Ire Knealand Hibbett, the Cannon Family (donated by George and Marian Kinnard).
- Will and Fannie Thomas (donated by Woodrow and Rachel Thomas).
- George Gray Fergus (donated by family members).
- Emmett Waldron, Junior (donated by family members).
- Lee Mullins (donated by family members).
- John C. Harrell (donated by Blanche Harrell Alsup, Johns daughter).
- Francis and Margaret Hill Roulhac (2 Vergne trees donated by Louis de LaVergne).
View a timeline of historical photos of La Vergne government officials being sworn in to office.
- La Vergne Incorporates and Forms Board of Commissioners
Once the area finally gained water, it was natural to incorporate so residents could again govern themselves. In 1972 the city incorporated and was managed by a mayor, vice mayor and a commissioner. Two additional commissioners were added in 1974 and this form of government changed to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 24, 1988. - February 29, 1972 Mayor-commissioner Form of Government
- May 24, 1988 Charter Change Period
Jerald Smith, Vice Mayor
Joe Montgomery, Commissioner
David Waldron, Commissioner (elected for 30-day term)
A.C. Puckett, Commissioner (elected for a 30-day term)
Jack Moore, Commissioner (elected for a 30-day term) - July 5, 1988 Mayor-aldermen Form of Government