Fund raising underway for mural on Coal Creek General Store
This yellow patch on the side of the building for the new Coal Creek General Store at 331 S. Main St. in Rocky Top is expected to be the “canvas” for a mural depicting some Rocky Top/Lake City/Coal Creek history. The store’s owners are trying to raise $8,500 to have the mural designed and painted. (photo:G Chambers Williams III )
“Rocky Top is more than just a town; it’s a tapestry of stories woven together by the people who call it home,” Deel says on the Go Fund Me page.
“Why a Mural? This mural will be more than just a beautiful piece of art – it will be a symbol of unity, culture, and pride,” the notice goes on.
“It will transform a blank canvas into a testament of our history, aspirations, and shared identity. This isn’t just about paint; it’s about creating a lasting legacy that generations to come can admire.”
The post says the money is needed to help cover “the costs of materials, artist compensation, and all the essential elements that will bring this mural to life.”
“The Vision: Imagine a mural that tells our stories: the struggles we’ve overcome, the triumphs we’ve achieved, and the spirit that keeps us moving forward,” the Go Fund Me page says. “It’s a place for locals and visitors alike to find inspiration, snap photos, and truly feel a part of something bigger.”
Those who contribute – “whether it’s $10, $50, or any amount you can spare” – will “become a vital brushstroke in this communal masterpiece,” the post states.
It also notes:
“Together, Let’s Paint a Brighter Future: Join hands with fellow Rocky Top residents, local businesses, and art enthusiasts to make this dream a reality. Let’s invest in a symbol that transcends time, telling our story for years to come.
“Let’s show the world the colors of Rocky Top – a town that stands united, a town that creates community, and a town that believes in the power of art to bring us all closer together.”
To see the Go Fund Me page and contribute, go to: gofundme.com/f/mural-for-coal-creek-general-store?member=29177845.
The mural will be painted on a bare wall on the south side of the Coal Creek General Store building at 331 S. Main St. The section for the mural has already been designated by a base coat of yellow paint, and stands more than two stories high, beginning at ground level.
Deel and his wife, Natalie, are now remodeling and stocking the interior of the building and plan to open the store Sept. 30, with a big grand-opening celebration featuring live music and giveaways.
He says the store will be a throwback to the Appalachian country stores of the past, using the original name of the town that is now known as Rocky Top.
As for this particular location, “The purpose is to save that building, which might be the oldest building in Rocky Top,” Deel said in July. “It was built in 1900, and is 123 years old. My policy is to try to preserve any history I can.
“Unfortunately, we had to tear off a back section of the building, but it was an add-on, not part of the original building,” he said.
What will be sold in the building will be merchandise that will be sourced “from our local community,” Deel said.
“A large portion of what is going to be in that store will be from here, such as candles, honey, beef jerky, handcrafted items.” he said. “We will have T-shirts made in Tazewell.”
Fresh, local beef might also be featured, Deel said.
“We’re working with a farm in Andersonville, and believe we will be able to offer meat at an affordable price, such as ground beef and steaks,” he said. “But we don’t want to become a grocery store.”
What he does want to be known as, though, is “the ‘Home of the Coal Creek miner’s bologna sandwich,” Deel said. “It can’t be a real country store unless there’s a bologna sandwich available.”
As for opening day, “We’re going to have a big party,” Deel said. “We would like to have a local band, and we’re going to have some giveaways. We will know more in the next few weeks.”
The building faces to the east on South Main Street, and has parking at its side. It has about 1,700 square feet of floor space, all on one level.
Hours, to start, most likely will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Deel said. “We will experiment with Monday through Wednesday later on.”
Deel, a Clinton auctioneer and real-estate broker, and his wife, Natalie, already have renovated two houses in downtown Rocky Top, which he has opened as Airbnb-style tourist rental properties.
He said he has also bought the former downtown laundromat, but has not yet made plans for what will go into that space. He does expect it to be another new business, however.
Deel, a Clinton auctioneer and real estate agent, says he’s excited to be bringing new consumer businesses to the downtown area.
“I’ve always wanted to own a store, and this will be it,” Deel said of the Coal Creek General Store.”
“This is the old Lake City Auction House,” he said. “We’ve got about $100,000 we’re going to dump into it to get it ready.
The business will include a lot of the features of the old, traditional country stores, Deel said.
“Rocky Top needs something the people can call their own,” he said earlier. “Our online poll found that 86 percent want it to be Coal Creek General Store.
“The journey I’m on is to create something people can see as their general store,” Deel said. “Eighty percent of the products are going to be locally sourced, including homemade jams and jellies, honey, candy and fudge, and products made by local artisans. We will sell bulk candy, as well.”
