Author Unknown
The Pinewood Mansion was built 1866-1868 at a cost of $32,000. The house was built by Samuel Graham, who left North Carolina in 1832 and eventually settled in Hickman County. The architect was Carter Thurman of Nashville, TN. The plantation was established as a mill site in 1848. During the Civil War the site was subject to Confederate and Union raids. Italian craftsmen carved the molds for the lavish plaster work. The bathroom had sun heated water. The tub was copper, the basin was marble, the faucets were silver. The beautiful winding staircase was hand carved of Cuban Mahogany. The walls were 18 inches thick.
In 1967 the farm was divided into tracts. Dr. Mac Wayne Craig bought the mansion and 40 acres. He restored it and filled it with antiques. In 1971 Pinewood mansion was added to the roster of the National registry of Historic places. He bought Lyles depot, moved it to Pinewood and filled it with antiques. In March, 1975, a fire started in the kitchen of the mansion. The hose was frozen. The rescue squad couldn’t come quickly because of a flood over 100 Highway. It burned down in 1975. Photograph Credit: Tennessee Virtual Archive.
It is wonderful that this home is still remembered. My mother, Mary Graham, grew up in this beautiful home. I will be visiting it soon to bring back great memories.
I was 12 years old when the Mansion burned down. We lived across the street from the Church just below the Mansion. My family help get Ms. Carter out of the house. It was a sad day to see it burn.