Kermit Caughron  “Mr. Cades Cove” The Cades Cove Dulcimer A message from Ruth daughter of Kermit Caughron

 Kermit Caughron  1912 - 1999 Display at the Cades Cove Muesum "Panel board used in the Cable school & Caughrons house"

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Kermit & Lois Shuler Caughron

In late 1983, the Governor of the Great State of Tennessee came to Cades Cove to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Residents of Blount County, of Tennessee, of other states and perhaps of other countries came along. A horde of media representatives came also. The Governor’s car stopped just east of Hyatt Lane to offer privileged transportation to the sole native son still residing in Cades Cove, the “crown jewel of the Smokies”. The Governor left disappointed, with the same vacant seat at his side.  Kermit Caughron  watched his departure, turned to his wife of forty one years, the former  Lois Shuler , and sighed, “Why celebrate”?

To millions of visitors of the GSMNP,  Kermit Caughron  was “ Mr. Cades Cove ” or “the  Bee Man ”. Few appreciated that he represented the fifth descendant generation from the pioneers of Cades Cove,  John  and  Lurany Oliver  and  Robert  and  Margaret Shields . Few appreciated that he represented the transition from survival with the Native Americans to survival with the tourists and federal regulations. Few recognized that his love for the Cove was far greater than the promise of a “normal” life replete with “modern conveniences”. Few appreciated that routine trips were made to surrounding communities to give the best of each year’s honey to former neighbors.  Few appreciated his intelligence, savvy with the stock market and wit. Fewer still appreciated the loyalty and sacrifices of his wife and family who “stood by his side”! 

Kermit  and a family member were “working the bees” near sunset. A very interested visitor stopped his car and leaned against the split rail fence, gesturing for attention. The family member elected to approach the visitor and inquire of his need. When the family member returned,  Kermit  asked “What’d he want?” “Wanted to take your picture” was the response. Eventually, after the immediate task was completed,  Kermit  ambled across the field. Presently he returned to help “work up the honey”.  The visitor remained at the fence.  Kermit  turned to the family member and said “Whistle at that guy”. After whistling, the family member observed the visitor departing and asked “What was that for?”.  Kermit  replied, “That feller is crazy! He wanted to know how we got the bees to come home at night!”

Kermit  permanently moved from the Cove on April 5, 1999. “ Mr. Cades Cove ” was laid to rest in his familiar bib overalls.  A significant chapter of the “Cades Cove Story” ended then. His spirit, like that of the  Olivers  and the  Shields  remains to watch over his beloved Cove. Along with  Russell Gregory  and  Henry Shields ,  Kermit Caughron  has joined the “Home Guard”. 

In February 2002, family members labored with the Cades Cove Preservation Association to  DISMANTLE and remove the former Cades Cove residence of   Kermit Caughron .  “Why celebrate”?

Cades Cove Preservation Association Old Timers Day Spring 2002

Visit the Cades Cove/Thompson Brown house Museum to see items that belonged to Kermit from his child hood to adult hood-plus many more items that belonged to families of Cades Cove Note : DISMANTLE

 Takes you to another site, but worth reading this true story.

We would like to thank Mike Clemmer, renowned dulcimer maker and owner of the Wood ‘N Strings dulcimer shop in Townsend, who constructed a dulcimer using some of the wood from the Kermit and Lois Caughron house.  

Many thanks to all who showed an intrest and conrgatulations to the winner.

The Caughrons were the last family that lived in Cades Cove.  Kermit, my Dad, passed away in 1999.

Mike made the dulcimer and gave it to the Cades Cove Preservation Association to use for fundraising.  The mission of the CCPA is to preserve and protect the cemeteries, churches, old pictures, stories, and culture of Cades Cove and its residents. 

Wood ‘N Strings  dulcimer shop in Townsend.

Gloria Motter  All Rights Reserved For The CCPA

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