Beyond the Beams
The Morton-Brittain House’s Deep History & Remarkable Preservation Efforts
Historical preservation is a vital and integral part of Williamson County’s community. Each town has its own unique architecture and character-rich buildings, holding stories that fuel the communities they belong to. The Morton-Brittain House has its own story to tell, with the beams holding a plethora of history. For the town of Nolensville, preserving and saving the house was necessary to maintain the deep-rooted history it shares.
Originally built around 1870 by George W. Morton as a two-story home, the Morton-Brittain home was built in the Italianate style and sat high on acres of countryside, nestled beside the former Native American trail. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Samuel Morton, George enlisted in the Tennessee State Militia in the 17th Civil District, ran for the Tennessee State Legislature nomination in 1876 for Williamson County, and eventually served as a justice. He and his wife, Mary Louise, and their eight children resided at the Morton home until about 1882, when the family sold the property to the Brittain family following George’s death in 1878.
In 1900, a devastating tornado demolished the second story of the Morton-Brittain home, sparking a remarkable remodel led by John Sherwood Brittain, his wife Katherine Newsom and their four children. “With resiliency, the Brittains rebuilt the historic home as a single story and went on to raise their family with three additional children as they farmed the land,” said Beth Lothers, Morton-Brittain committee and former Nolensville mayor.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, it has remained one of the only three historic structures on the register within Nolensville. As Williamson County grew and the need for commercial development increased, the Morton-Brittain house was at risk of being torn down to make way for more space. The community quickly rallied around preservation efforts for the home.
“The historic home is one of the very few structures in Nolensville on the National Register of Historic Places, and its loss would have negatively impacted the cultural architectural history of the town of Nolensville,” said Beth.
With the help of the Nolensville Historical Society and fundraising initiatives, including the historic home and church tour “Experience Nolensville: Then and Now” and the Franklin Theatre production “No Place Like Home,” the community’s unwavering support was a catalyst for change. A local artist created and sold original artwork crafted from wood from the Morton-Brittain House’s barn, and the Pork Belly Farmhouse hosted a benefit dinner welcoming Williamson County leaders. In addition, online auctions and rummage sales, donated artworks, and the support of Franklin small businesses, such as the Franklin Main Street Festival, the Nolensville Toy Shop and the farmer’s market, which featured Franklin and Nolensville-stitched merchandise, reveal the variety of ways people came together to support a shared goal of preserving the beloved town they call home.
“Greg Bruss came up with one of the most original fundraisers, which was foot-long boards people could draw on or write on with markers to have ‘Foot in History,’” said Beth. “The boards are photographed over the mantel and were placed inside the wall.”
After successfully raising $50,000 in thirty days, the Morton-Brittain house was moved from its original location to a safe, temporary site within two short months. The location was provided by Tommy Dugger, a founding alderman of the town and former interim mayor, and his wife, Linda, the current Morton Brittain property owners, who have been generous partners throughout the preservation project. In February 2019, with approval from the Nolensville Historic Zoning Commission and support from local utilities, the Morton-Brittain House was transported to the Historic Village, saving the elegant historic home from demolition.
Beth said, “Neither high winds nor the winds of change could destroy the history held within the walls of the Morton-Brittain home, and a Nolensville community gets to work together to ensure it inhabits many more memories in the future.”
Former project manager, Greg Bruss, and current project manager, Dave Carpenter, have both poured care and craftsmanship into the restoration efforts. Beth's husband, Ted, has worked as a structural engineer on the home from the beginning. Former Nolensville Historical Society president, Carroll Moore, advocated for saving the home on television, and current president, Michelle Jenkins’, leadership has paved the way for continued restoration. Guidance and support was received from past and current leadership of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County as well as the county historian. With a hardworking team of volunteers and the support of Mayor Halie Gallik, who speaks on the importance of historical preservation within the community, the Morton-Brittain House is a testament to dedication, community ties and the change that can happen when united for a shared goal.
“This growing, vibrant town has honored its roots and protected part of the soul of what created it to become what it is today,” said Beth. With plans for continued restoration underway, the town is excited to continue efforts to maintain the beauty of the Morton-Brittain House, revealing that things really do get better with age.
The historic home is now located at 9925 Sam Donald Court, in Nolensville. For more information about the Morton-Brittain House and preservation efforts, visit the Nolensville Historical Society’s website at nolensvillehistoricalsociety.org.
