In 1904, the Cincinnati Southern Railway developed picnic grounds adjacent to its tracks, 13 miles north of Chattanooga. The area featured an abundant freshwater spring, boating, fishing, baseball field, and a dancing platform. It quickly grew in popularity as organizations began hosting group events with attendees numbering into the hundreds.
The railroad company has supplied the grounds with swings and seats and it has the appearance of being a pleasure park in a large city. There is an excellent water supply from a large spring, and the place bids fair to be one of the most popular resorts for picnics anywhere around...
Today the area has returned to a wilderness with no signs of its former and brief recreational glory. Only the railroad tracks remain – following the same route that so many arrived via chartered train cars, traveling to and from the Central Station Depot downtown.
For several years, D. B. Loveman treated his employees and their families with an annual trip to Cave Springs picnic grounds.
The downtown department store would close so all employees could attend. Special train cars were chartered – leaving Central Station Depot at 8am and returning as late as 5:30pm that evening.
The existence of this location was uncovered while researching the people and places contained in hundreds of glass plate negatives taken in and around the Chattanooga area.
While not proven definitively, significant evidence points to photos shared here as being from Cave Springs, TN ~1906-1910.
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The above group photo contains 5 known Loveman's employees and one named guest.
The same people appear in other Loveman's related glass plate images, or via separate confirmation. Each match was further confirmed via facial recognition software.
D. B. Loveman: President
William Taggart: Employee
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ABOUT W. TAGGART
Charles G. Walline: Employee
Lady posing on roof of Lovemans:
Likely Employee
Lady posing on roof of Lovemans:
Likely Employee
Charles R.
Evans:
Noted as guest and speaker in 1906
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ABOUT C. R. EVANS
SOURCE: B.E. Loveman ➤ top row 2nd from left.
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SOURCE: Note camera next to little girl.
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In early 1909, the land containing the bountiful springs on the east side of the tracks was purchased by John A. Patten, Z. C. Patten, and other investors eager to bottle and sell healthy 'table water' under the name Gladstone Springs. Picnics continued on the developed grounds west of the tracks. It's not clear when the excursions ended.
Growing access to automobiles likely expedited the end of its appeal and recreational use.
In the last week of 1952, the Hixson Utility District celebrated the opening of its new pumping station at Cave Springs with an open house. Today, the utility serves over 28,000 customers, including the author. The the primary source of water coming from the extensive cave system within the limestone of Cave Springs Ridge.
A visit to the legendary location in December of 2021.
