The History of the
House on Dandridge

1912

The Cowans

The first family to live in the home was a wealthy white couple, James H. Cowan and his wife, Alice Maud Cowan (Saxton). James had the English-style home built in 1912 in the Dandrige Pike area as a gift to his wife.

The History of Dandrige Avenue and the Morningside Area

Beck Cultural Exchange Center is located on Dandridge Avenue in the Morningside community. During Knoxville’s pioneer days, this area was known as Mabry Addition since Joseph Alexander Mabry owned all from First Creek and Ft. Loudon Lake (upper Tennessee River). Mabry Addition was inhabited by wealthy landowners desiring to be near the town and river. As time passed, the residential community remained very exclusive to white families until the Lennons would purchase the Cowan estate in the 1940s.

1946

The Lennons

In 1946, Dr. E. F. Lennon purchased the Cowan estate. He and his wife, Helen Mae Lennon, were among the first Black families to move into the area.

His purchase of the house caused a stir, prompting threats and a cross-burning by the KKK in efforts to force to Lennons not to move in the area.

The Lennons were unmoved and remained at the home.