Sports & Entertainment

Employee helps build park's legacy


Photo by Kristen Luther
Ranger Greg will be presenting woodworking demonstrations at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area this year. He will demonstrate 18th century carpentry skills using old-fashioned tools and equipment.

Johnnie Pilk has been an employee of Sycamore Shoals State Park since it opened in July of 1976.

  By Jennifer Lassiter
star staff
  jlassiter@starhq.com

  Sycamore Shoals State Park employee Johnnie Pilk remembers when the only chair in the visitor's center was the one she brought from home. Pilk now has shelves of books that literally reach from the floor to ceiling and her desk is covered with stacks of papers, a computer, fax machine and all the modern conveniences of an office.
  "The only thing here was the building, fort and front counter," said Pilk, who has been working at the park since it opened in July of 1976. "There wasn't even a pen or piece of paper here when I first started," said Pilk. It wasn't until she traveled to Warriors State Park in Kingsport and started training that she began to order furniture, filing cabinets and office supplies. "They were a huge help at Warriors State Park," said Pilk.
  With the bare essentials covered, and the first four employees hired, the park was on its way of becoming a leading tourist attraction for Carter County and Elizabethton. With one borrowed lawnmower and one maintenance truck, the park had its humble beginnings.
  Tom Coe was park manager back then, Jack Garrison was the maintenance guy, and Finley Jenkins was also here, remembers Pilk. All of whom have either died or moved on, she said.
  Pilk remembers Opening Day Ceremony with the governor, and the way the park looked back then. "So much more is involved now than when we first began," said Pilk.
  "We had a display from the Tennessee State Museum, which included Revolutionary War artifacts," said Pilk. "I liked that display. I wish we still had it," she said.
  "I love my job," said Pilk. "You know how some people dread going into work everyday? Not me, I love it here."
  Pilk and other employees continue to participate in the events held at the park. Pilk's favorite time at the park is Christmas. "I love to see the Christmas Tree Exhibit and the Christmas Craft Show," said Pilk.
  Sycamore Shoals State Park has really grown since it opened 31 years ago. The gift shop is a growing attraction for historians and students eager to learn more about the American Revolution and the events that unfolded at Sycamore Shoals.
  With an extensive selection of Revolutionary literature, Tennessee's official outdoor drama, a wide variety of events, and primitive and traditional art classes, Sycamore Shoals is quickly becoming a prime tourist attraction for East Tennessee. Visitors from all over the state and country come to walk the trail, to watch "The Wataugans," see the Christmas Craft Show, or to simply visit Fort Watauga.