PARIS!

FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2024

On The Cover: Bows and glows: Interior designer Austin Hopper-Reed designed this elegant gold Christmas tree for his home. Read about his love for all things Christmas on page 14.

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Editor’s Notes

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I love the song, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” sung by Andy Williams, and during the hustle and bustle of the season, I catch myself humming it as I go about town.

The streets are decorated with lights and wreaths, storefronts are displaying gift ideas, and people seem a little more friendly than usual. One person responsible to bring holidays cheer is Tara Wilson, DPA director and she is spotlighted in this issue by Shannon McFarlin.

PARIS! for the Holidays highlights several heart-warming stories in this issue. Rhonda Stanton writes about the KPAC Players and their radio play performance based on “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Steve McCadams invites you to allow the love of a good dog into your heart this season. And who didn’t wish for a red wagon as a child? We feature a story on the red wagons at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and their personal connection to folks in Henry County.

Home is the central point for many during the holidays and two stories center on the subject. Habitat for Humanity has built many homes in our community and we focus on the efforts of countless volunteers who construct those homes. In ’Tis The Season, Karen Geary writes about Austin Reed-Hoppers’ lifelong love of Christmas. He beautifully decorates homes in our communities, and one of his creations is pictured on this issue’s cover!

In Merry & Bright, Christmas isn’t complete without Santa, and Henry County not only has Santa Claus, but Santa helpers! Read about the husband and wife team, Biker Claus and Mama Claus, who organize a motorcycle Toy Run to bring Christmas to children in need. Their efforts benefited The Shed this year – va-room, va-room, Rudolph!

Cranberry recipes aren’t just for the holiday in Paris Cuisine, and John Watkins brings us a humorous look at gardening related holidays. We finish up the year with a look back in Remember When.

As 2024 comes to a close – and we finish up 20 years of publishing PARIS! Magazine – I’m thankful for all our loyal readers, writers, photographers, advertisers, and subscribers and for the gift that is Henry County, Tennessee.

As the hum-worthy song says, it’s “the hap-happiest season of all” and that’s our wish for you and yours.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

Smantha

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In This Issue

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REMINISCENCE: CRETE OPERA HOUSE Henry County Entertainment in the 1900s

By Shannon McFarlin

The former Crete Opera House was a glittering beacon of culture in what was still the rough environs of Paris, Tennessee, in the early 1900s. There may have been wooden sidewalks lining the muddy or dusty streets, depending on the weather, with running water being a luxury in most homes. But the Crete Opera House stood tall, bringing a taste of sophistication to the still growing town. Read More >>

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: It's a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play. KPAC Players Make The Season Bright!

By Rhonda Stanton

It’s Christmas time in the 1940s, and radio still rules the airwaves as America’s prime source of entertainment. Imagine the excitement of the season as families gather together, listening to Christmas music, news or special broadcasts. Read More >>

MERRY & BRIGHT: BIKER CLAUS & MAMA CLAUS Revved Up For Annual Toy Run

By Karen Geary

Not many folks know that Santa Claus needs special helpers as the Christmas holiday nears. It’s true! And some of them live right here in Henry County. Those folks are humble, not seeking attention, but their actions are solely out of love to uplift spirits wherever they go. Read More >>

FEATURE: The Magic of a Red Wagon. Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

There are many special things about Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University (VCH), but one program stands tall amongst the many. The Red Wagon Project, as it has become known, provides both support and needed items for patients and their families while they are staying at hospital facilities. This project is a joint effort on the part of both ordinary people in surrounding communities and the staff. Read More >>

AROUND OUR TOWN: A Home for the Holidays!

By Karen Geary

For some, the phrase “home for the holidays” brings warm memories of delightful aromas coming from the kitchen, lighthearted family banter rising from the living room, kids tossing a football in the yard, and joyous laughter emanating around the dinner table. But for some, the dream of a home is just that, a dream. That is where Habitat for Humanity comes in and makes the dream of home ownership a reality. Read More >>

’TIS THE SEASON: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year! Interior Designer Finds Holiday Niche Opportunities Exciting

By Karen Geary

For interior designer Austin Hopper-Reed, this time of the year is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Not only is he an accomplished home and office visionary, he is a holiday decorator. Mention Christmas to him and it’s hard to tell the difference between the twinkle lights and the sparkle in Austin’s eyes.Read More >>

SPOTLIGHT: Tara Wilson, Busy Director of the Downtown Paris Association

By Shannon McFarlin

Tara Wilson is the new Executive Director for the Downtown Paris Association and chances are, you’ve seen her – well, just about everywhere. You can find her at most city of Paris meetings, and even before she was named the new DPA director, it’s likely you saw her at Downtown Paris events. Wilson clearly enjoys people and is one of those positive sorts who makes others feel good – which is why she was the unanimous choice of the DPA Board of Directors to serve as its Executive Director. Read More >>

GREAT OUTDOORS: Allow Your Holiday Heart The Love From A FUZZY FRIEND

By Steve McCadams

Nothing chases away a winter’s chill like the recall of warm memories of family, friends, and old dogs snuggled up beside you. With their shivering support of unconditional love they seem to transmit those “I’m here with you through thick and thin” vibes. Read More >>

FACES & PLACES: People & Events About Town

Don’t miss this fun section chock full of the latest happenings in Paris and Henry County in these and many more sightings around town. Read More >>

IN THE GARDEN: HOLIDAYS IN THE GARDEN

By John Watkins

What’s this? Holiday season already? Seems like we were just enjoying lounging by the pool with a cool beverage and watching our gardens grow. Now we’re knee deep in planning celebrations and worrying about what cheap trinkets we can pass off as real presents for the annual Christmas gift swap. By the way, that battery powered hand towel warmer with combo LED flashlight and can opener is still on my shelf waiting to be re-gifted.Read More >>

PARIS CUISINE: Cranberries - Not Just for the Holidays

Cranberries can do a whole lot more than make a delicious sauce. These sweet and tart little berries are just as delicious in a variety of side dishes, desserts, jellies and plenty of other recipes. They even dress up salads and savory dishes too! These juicy gems add a burst of fresh flavor to just about anything. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite cranberry recipes so you can enjoy them all season long, year after year.Read More >>

REMEMBER WHEN: Photos and Memories of Yesteryear.

In this photo, one of the most popular eateries in Paris, in the 1940s and 1950s, was the Triangle Café. It featured dine-in and curb service, with Pit BBQ and Pizza Pie their specialties. The BBQ take-home packs were 25¢ a pint. Hamburgers and milkshakes were 25¢ as well, while soft drinks came in three sizes selling for 5¢, 10¢ and 15¢ each. The Triangle Café got its name from its location at the triangle of streets Wood, Currier, and Tyson, which is where Commercial Bank & Trust East Wood Branch is today. Read More >>