“Elkmont Window Art” photographed by Chris S. Rohwer

Elkmont, also known as Daisy Town, was a mill town built by businessmen such as W.B. Townsend, owner of the Little River Lumber Company. He leased the land to the historic Appalachian Club for summer cabins for Knoxville’s elite. By 1918, it was the second largest town in Sevier County, with a population of 1,500 and eventually over 80 summer cabins.

While the park service considered saving the buildings or returning them to nature, much of the community was lost to neglect over time. Ultimately, many cabins were beyond repair and were demolished, while those that could be saved were restored for historic preservation purposes. The Wonderland Hotel was one of those that was closed and then destroyed by fire.

Our night there in the late 1980s is a memory I have long cherished. I have photographed several of these buildings over the years and I love the reflection of the sky and trees framed by the peeling window frames.

Elkmont is worth a visit and be sure to look for Troll Bridge, another hidden gem of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Each week, photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer share a painting or photograph that has caught their interest in the hopes that it will catch yours as well. They have a small studio and gallery in the Phoenix Building at 418 South Gay Street where you can stop by and view their work. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are protected by copyright.