Cleage Corner
13 E. Madison Ave.
In the late 1820s, a brick building was constructed by contractors Cleage & Crutchfield. Alexander Cleage was the owner of Cleage Hall, and it was used for temporary court proceedings, balls, and other civic activities. The Franklin Association, which was chartered in 1872, first operated in the back of the building.
By 1887 the original structure had been destroyed by fire.
Bayless and Moody Hardware was in operation here by 1900. The hardware store burned in 1902 and reopened in 1903. John Bayless eventually became the sole owner and added a funeral home business. The last hardware store to occupy this building was Cherokee Hardware.
Erected by Main Street Athens Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 35° 26.537′ N, 84° 35.556′ W. Marker is in Athens, Tennessee, in McMinn County. Marker is at the intersection of East Madison Avenue (Business U.S. 11) and South Jackson Street (Tennessee Route 39), on the left when traveling west on East Madison Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13 E Madison Ave, Athens TN 37303, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McKeldin Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Rice House (within
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Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 23, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
