“They were made of stern stuff, fired with determination”
A history of nudism in Tennessee part 1: The beginning
Editor’s note: From its emergence in urban industrial hubs to its expansion to affluent coastal destinations—and the vast expanse in between—U.S. nudism has consistently sustained a rich tapestry of regional nuances. This three-part written history, the first of its kind to our knowledge, explores the under-appreciated realm of Tennessee nudism, and uncovers the pioneering figures and significant groups that have decisively influenced the national nudism narrative, shedding new light on an often-overlooked aspect of American social history. We hope you enjoy.
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The history of organized nudism and naturism in Tennessee began much earlier than one might imagine. Nudists familiar with the state can likely identify Tennessee’s trio of lodges: Timberline Lodge (1964 to 2003), Rock Haven Lodge (1969 to present), and Cherokee Lodge (1993-2014). But several nudist groups,…
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