Mike here to talk about one of my favorite little places to stop in East Tennessee. The Little River Gem Mine located on Highway 66 in Sevierville Tennessee is a one of a kind place. Not one of those chotsky tourist places, but if you're into the tourist stuff they have it too and some of the best prices around. In my personal opinion I feel like the main attraction is Walter the man behind the counter, who volunteers his days for zero wage. A true rock hound you would say, he volunteers his time at least 4-5days a week. Amanda and I come to visit since we met Walt once a week, to chat and show him the new specimens we may have found on our many adventures. Walter has been a copper miner for many years with a knowledge of rocks and minerals like no other person I know. Now some tidbits about the Little River Gem Mine, wait first let's brush you up on your history of Fenton Glass Company. Founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. and John W. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Company ranks among the world's foremost producers of handmade art glass. Fenton is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States, and the company is renowned for innovative glass colors as well as handpainted decorations on pressed and blown glassware. For more than a century, Fenton has developed new colors and patterns, including items enhanced with hand-painted floral decorations and 22k gold accents. Fenton glass appeals to all types of customers, and, over the years, this appeal has led to the company's success. In 2005, the Fenton Art Glass Company celebrated its 100th anniversary. The firm was then led by third- and fourth-generation Fenton family members, who worked side by side with more than 100 employees, including skilled glassworkers and decorators, to create beautiful, handmade art glass in Williamstown, West Virginia. The company ceased traditional glassmaking in 2011. In 2017, the Fenton Art Glass Company property in Williamstown, WV was sold to Wood County Schools. The factory buildings will be demolished and plans are for a new elementary school to be built on the site. Now since Fenton has closed, Walter's family purchased the remaining glass slag and random pieces in the factory and are selling them right at Little River Gem Mine talk about owning a piece of history, they sell Fenton glass by the pound, the same glass that would of been melted down and turned into beautiful works of art. I love listening to Walter's stories of his father in law back in the day making adventures to Mexico and Mining,Buying rocks and even being kidnapped by the Mexican cartel. Minding his own business and mining for minerals his father in law was captured and forced to work for the cartel for months, and after producing nothing for them, they stole his equipment and instead of killing him they let him go with his life. He has since never returned to Mexico. Walter tells the tales vividly and explains what rocks in the shops are rarer than others because of the cartels hold on Mexico many minerals and rocks we used to get we will not be able to purchase especially blue calcite, and mexican amethyst geodes. Curious about rocks? Walt has a answer. Come on down and check out the rock shop when you are vacationing in The Great Smoky Mountains. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain, knowledge know how and possibly a new friend.
1 Comment
Melanie Steerman
2/11/2024 07:22:52 pm
I would like to know the prices of your gem buckets?
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