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Tennessee's Executive Residence, located in Nashville, was originally called "Far Hills" because of the beautiful view.
The home was built for the William Ridley Wills Family in 1929, and it became the third governor's mansion when the state purchased it in 1949 after the death of Mr. Wills. Wills was the founder of National Life and Accident Insurance Company, and his success is displayed in the structural grandeur of the home.
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Since that time, eight former governors and their families have resided in the home. Tennessee's First Families have entertained guests such as the Reverend Billy Graham, Elvis Presley, Minnie Pearl, Johnny and June Carter Cash, President John F. Kennedy, President Lyndon Johnson, President Bill Clinton, President Ronald Reagan, Vice President Al Gore, and numerous governors and royalty from around the world.
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However, playing host to the affairs of the governor has taken a toll on the Residence over time. Moisture within the home, caused by a faulty heating and cooling system, has caused interior walls covered with lead-based paint to peel and crack. The original windows of the home provide inadequate resistance to UV rays putting the collection of historic artifacts, art, furniture, fabrics and carpet within the home at risk. The electrical wiring in the home is not grounded, and bathroom and kitchen outlets are not equipped to protect against electric shock. The home has no lightning protection. Additionally, since the home was built before the days of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is inaccessible to disabled Tennesseans.
The restoration and preservation of Tennessee's Executive Residence, spearheaded by First Lady Andrea Conte in 2003, is the first restoration of the property since the home was built more than 70 years ago. Her goal to restore the Residence's architectural features and provide contemporary updates, while at the same time preserving the historic integrity of the house and property. The Residence symbolizes the proud heritage of our state, and its restoration and preservation are important to ensure that all Tennesseans may take pride in the home for generations to come.
Governors to Occupy the Executive Residence:
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Gordon Browning (D)
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1949-1953
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Frank Clement (D)
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1953-1959;1963-1967
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Buford Ellington (D)
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1959-1963;1967-1971
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Winfield Dunn (R)
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1971-1975
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Ray Blanton (D)
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1975-1979
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Lamar Alexander (R)
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1979-1987
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Ned Ray McWherter (D)
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1987-1995
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Don Sundquist (R)
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1995-2003
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Phil Bredesen (D)
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2003-
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