Pfft! You Were Gone

Tweet

Sometimes it pays to know country music history. Poor John was recently at the exact same exit I was at today. He turned one way and was disappointed in the Davy Crockett State Park. I went the other way to beautiful downtown Bulls Gap and was delighted. Bulls Gap isn’t much as a town. It’s noteworthy for two things: one, a relatively late Confederate victory at the battle of Bulls Gap, prolonging the Civil War a little; and two, the “mayor of Bulls Gap,” Archie Campbell. The late Hee Haw comedian and writer was born near the town, and always claimed Bulls Gap as his own. He also lived in the town until his death from a heart attack in 1987. Now, don’t expect a five-story castle filled with memorabilia. Much of what’s on display came from Archie’s paint brush. You see, Campbell got into entertainment by accident. He was an art school student who went to Knoxville for part-time work so he could afford his art supplies. Next thing you know, he’s the star of WNOX radio and so popular that they threw him a parade when he came home from the Navy. On display are the shirts he wore on Hee Haw playing the barber and the doctor, some of his album covers, and many paintings. Also there are displays of history of the town, including a miniature replica of the Civil War battle in 1864, and memorabilia from many of Campbell’s longtime friends. The house Campbell lived in is next door. It’s quaint and humble, much like the comedian himself.