1210 N. Highland Ave. Jackson, TN
Circa 1860. 2-story Greek Revival style/ enlarged in 1900
Image from Spencer Kellum
The home was originally constructed in rural country north of downtown Jackson and on a main road from Jackson leading north.
Oakslea is located just north of the Northwood Avenue Historic District. In 1853, Judge John Read (?-1865) and Mary Read bought the farmland with 85 acres. Because the property was full of fine oak trees, he named it Oakslea Place. He served as a judge in the county from 1840-1862. He and another resident edited the first newspaper in the area, the Jackson Gazette which became the Southern Statesman (1824-1836). After the judge’s death, Mary continued residing there. Afterward, the estate was divided among a niece and nephew.
Then R.V. Hicks, a developer, purchased Oakslea plantation in 1899. He already owned land north of Oakslea. Hicks owned a store at Campbell and Highland Ave. During his time, the home was expanded in 1900 with a second story Colonial Revival addition. After he created neighborhoods, the area was known as Hicksville - along Highland Ave. from Campbell south to Lane Ave. Over the years, residents wanted to change the name of the community because it was on the main roadway through Jackson and connecting north to Chicago. Highway 45 was broadened, and the name changed to Highland Ave. - away from Hicksville.
In 1911, the home was sold to J. D. Hoppers. Then to Thomas Polk 3 years later in 1914.
Then to Dr. Jere Lawrence Crook (1874-1953) and Millian Cook Green Crook (1892-1985) purchased the home in 1917. They modernized the home with central heat and air and designed extensive grounds and gardens west and south of the home. Dr. Crook operated the Crook Sanitarium with his father Dr. Joe Crook. Jere was a founder of the Southern Medical Association.
In 1952, much of the garden land was given to the Crook’s son William to build his home.
In 1958, Dr. Walton Wesley Harrison (1920-2005) and Katherine Harrison (1924-2013) became owners. From 1951-1998, Dr. Harrison was with the Children’s Clinic in Jackson. He was president of the Tennessee Pediatric Society from 1976-80. Katherine was very involved in civil rights and in public education in Jackson and the Memphis area. In 2003, Walton and Katherine Harrison remained owners with just over 1 acre. The next year, the couple downsized and sold their home.
In 2004, Richard "Ric" Testani purchased the property and used it for a bed and breakfast. He was president/ CEO of Oakslea and Viola's, Inc. of the same address.
Oakslea is located off Hwy 45 which has been a major north/south artery between Chicago and Florida. Oakslea Place runs right beside the property. NR 2003
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