Alcove 12:
Nashville in the 1910s

In the years leading up to the First World War, Nashville's increasing urbanization called for a more active citizenry whose energy would soon be redirected into the build-up to war. Panel 1 commemorates the founding of such social service agencies as the Bethlehem Center, the Fannie Battle Day Home and the Martha O'Bryan Center, all designed to assist with childcare and community social improvement. Panel 2 records the leaping flames of a devastating fire that swept through East Nashville in 1916. Panels 3 and 4 show Tennessee's volunteer spirit as Red Cross women march down Broadway and battle-ready soldiers assemble for transport. In Panel 5 we see the DuPont Powder Plant ammunition factory in Old Hickory, which opened in 1918 in order to supply the war effort.

Alcove 13: Nashville in the 1920s and 1930s