Renovating the Pump House

By 2019, the Pump House had been derelict for almost 45 years. Given that the building had only been in operation for about 17 years, this was a remarkable span of time to sit untouched. The tanks, pipes, and electronics that were housed inside had been removed in the late 1970s after the pump house was closed at the end of 1976. For decades, the pump house was thus little more than a well-constructed home for raccoons, squirrels, and whatever other small woodland creatures chose to take up residence.

But in 2019, the OA (specifically Ray Capp) established a committee to do something people had been talking about since the 1990s: turning the pump house into a museum. With funding from Phil and Pam Pfeffer and an incentive brought on by the Council’s impending centennial in 2020, work began. The projected was spearheaded by the OA and involved several former Boxwell Staff members. The museum officially opened at the Council Centennial Jamboree in September 2021.

Seen here is a photo of the final stage of the renovation process. Several of the wires and controls for the pumps and tanks are still on the wall, though the electronics were cut years before. Animal droppings still pepper the floor. The building has long way to go, but it will make it the journey!

The inside of the Pump House in the final push before the Centennial Jamboree, May 2021. Collection of Ian Romaine.

50 Years of the Jet Potter Center (part 1)

This month marks the 50th Anniversary of the ground-breaking of the Jet Potter Center. The ceremony itself was on Thursday, May 29, 1975. The Council began operating out of the new building on Monday, August 23, 1976. For the next several weeks–along with several bonus days–we’re going to deep dive into the Potters and the Service Center.

Seen here is the Justin “Jet” Potter (1898-1961) biography page provided at the ground-breaking ceremonies. The text reads as follows:

“Mr. Justin Potter, renowned industrialist and financier, has been described as one of the South’s foremost advocates and examples of the free enterprise system. He was a dynamic and aggressive businessman who forged his way up the hard way. Returning from World War I as a veteran of the their infantry aircorps, he started a coal company that grew into a multimillion dollar mining and fuel transportation operation. Through the years, he increased his holding in varied fields ranging from publishing and insurance to chemicals and fertilizers. At age 40 he had already made his mark on the business world and decided to retire. But there was too much of competition and personal vigor in him to accept the quieter life. He soon returned to the business arena he loved best. He served his community in several capacities and his concern and generosity touched many educational and charitable endeavors. He was the first head of the Nashville Transit Authority, and a forerunner in the fight against Nashville’s air pollution problem. He took an active interest in several educational institutions, the Boy Scouts, and other youth and charitable organizations.

“Mr. Potter was known as a man who stood by his convictions. There were those who disagreed with his viewpoints, but he always had their respect and admiration for his sincerity. It was said upon his death in 1961 that he had great faith in the future of Nashville and the South. And through the Justin and Valere Potter Foundation which he established, he continues to have a tremendous effect on the future of both.

“The Jet Potter Scout Center was made possible by Jet Potter’s two daughters, Mrs. David K. Wilson and Mrs. Albert L. Menefee, Jr., who have made an outstanding contribution to Scouting in memory of their father.”

Jet Potter biography page from the ground-breaking ceremonies, May 29, 1975. Middle Tennessee Council/Grady Eades