The heart of Sevier Oak was two blocks from Copper Street. The grocery store, the hardware store, Dollar General, and two gas stations competed for the town’s businesses. Big-name stores were a good hour away in Bristol. Instead of Dunkin Donuts, Sevier Oak had a locally owned coffee shop. There was no Red Lobster, but Smack Fish had the best river food in the area. Spaghetti Tree served the best Italian food in East Tennessee. As I drove past the restaurants, the various food aromas found their way inside my car. My stomach growled. Stress always stirred up a hunger.
One of the best attractions in my hometown was the old movie theater from 1930. It used to be on Copper Street, but after a fire it had been rebuilt. I never knew it wasn’t the original until Grandma told me. The notorious m
