“The Lotz House received special visitors and a special gift."

Franklin, Tenn – (May 2, 2011)-- For the first time since opening to the public, a living descendant of Johann Albert Lotz visited the historic Lotz museum in Franklin Tenn. 

Last week, Nora Bourke King and her husband, Steven Hays, drove all the way from Martinez, Calif. to deliver an original Johann Albert Lotz table. Lotz was a German master wood worker before the Civil War. This hand carved table is the first piece of original Lotz furniture to ever be returned to the home.

The table is vitally important to the story told at the Lotz House today as it represents the artistry and workmanship of Lotz. The turtle top table is solid black walnut intricately hand carved with a Greecian Urn Bonnet, flowers and dolphin feet.

The history:

After settling in Franklin in 1854, it took Lotz three years to build his home on Columbia Pike. The house is living testament to what a talented wood worker Lotz was. The home features a hard carved fireplace mantle, crown molding, millwork and an outstanding set of black walnut handrails that line the staircase. Outside the home, Lotz installed acorn finials that run the roof line, detailed carvings of flowers atop each pillar and a massive acanthus leaf scroll on the pediment.

The Lotz family survived the Battle of Franklin by leaving their solid wood home and retreating to the brick basement of the Carter home across the street. Following the battle, Lotz immediately began repairing his ‘model’ home from the immense damage it had undergone.

Lotz and his family were forced to flee Franklin in 1869 after a threatening encounter with the Ku Klux Klan. Before leaving Franklin, Lotz sold or gave away nearly all of his possessions. He purchased a covered wagon and took his family across the country to San Jose, Calif. The black walnut table is one of the very few possessions Lotz had taken with him.

Thompson said, “The table showcases the high style of furniture Lotz was able to make. This piece no doubt represents his best work, otherwise he would have not taken it to California with him.”

The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at “epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin which was a pivotal battle in the Civil War on November 30, 1864.

The house is open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission charged (free for Antique Appraisal Fair participants). The Lotz House is located at 1111 Columbia Avenue. For more information, call 615-790-7190 or visit the website is www.lotzhouse.com .

 

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