Pulaski in Giles County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Joe R. McClure

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 3, 2022

1. Joe R. McClure Marker

Inscription. Joe R. McClure was the announcer for all of the football games for Bridgeforth High School, which was for the Black population in Giles County from 1937 until integration in 1965. The sports teams were named the Bridgeforth Blue Devils and played all of their home football games at Sam Davis Stadium. The announcer, J. R. McClure, was credited by George Martin of WKSR radio for attracting large crowds with his charismatic way of making the games exciting and interesting regardless of the score.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 35° 11.582′ N, 87° 1.909′ W. Marker is in Pulaski, Tennessee, in Giles County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Cemetery Street and Water Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is on the left upon entering the main gate of Sam Davis Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pulaski TN 38478, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee

and in the Highland Rim.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Graveyard (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Maplewood Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Thomas Martin (1799-1870) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aaron V. Brown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Neill Smith Brown

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Thomas McKissack Jones (approx. 0.2 miles away); General John Calvin Brown (approx. 0.2 miles away); General John Adams, CSA (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pulaski.

Regarding Joe R. McClure. Joe Rivers McClure was born in Pulaski in 1921. He graduated with honors from Tennessee A&I State College (now Tennessee State University) before fighting in World War II. Upon returning from the war, he began his 42-year career in education.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 3, 2022

2. Joe R. McClure Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.