Repurposed stone schools are a common sight in Macon County. Built primarily in the early 1940s, the schools were reportedly constructed of stone because the building of nuclear facilities in Oak Ridge, Tenn., during that time meant that there was a shortage of bricks. Most of the stones used to build the schools, including one in Cowee, on Sylva Road, on Highlands Road, and in Otto, were sourced locally.
When Macon County schools were consolidated, the historic stone structures no longer operated as schools. While they may no longer be filled with children learning arithmetic and impatiently waiting for the bell, that does not mean they are going to waste. Currently, these stone schools are being used to exemplify the history and individuality of Macon County. For example, the Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center hosts many local artists and craftspeople to practice, teach, and display their skills.
Another example is a unique business that conveys history and tradition in Otto’s former school building – Old School Knife Works.
In 1941, the building was built as a part of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration, which were programs introduced in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal during the Depression Era to provide jobs and improve working conditions. Originally, the school was simply Otto School, but later became Otto Elementary and operated for 60 years, from 1941-2001.
Retail and home space
Joe and Kristi Culpepper currently own and operate Knife Works, but that is not where the story began. The business was founded by Joe’s parents, David and Barbara Culpepper, in 1976, originating as a supplier of handle materials for custom knife makers. Later, the family business began supplying to larger knife makers like Camillus, Buck, Bear, and more.
“That business began in my childhood home and moved to its first commercial location in 1984 and moved yet again to the space where ServPro is now located [on Belden Terrace in Franklin]. I purchased the business from my parents in 1995, and Kristi joined the firm soon after,” Joe explained, adding, “Kristi and I were both raised in Franklin and raised our children here. Kristi was born in Macon County and I have lived here since 1975.”
The Culpeppers began a bidding process for the former Otto Elementary School building in 2006 and, several months later in 2007, they purchased the school and relocated their business yet again. After some restoration work, they began using the school as warehousing for their handle supply company. (See www.knifehandles.com).
“During the economic crisis in 2007 and 2008, Kristi made the conscious decision to add on a retail knife store within the building to further promote the knife companies that we sell handle materials to. We officially opened Old School Knife Works in 2009. Kristi felt the name paid tribute to the building,” said Joe.
By 2015, the store had grown so much that significant renovations took place, and now the store occupies about one-third of the building. Knife Works is open six days a week, selling various types of knives and handle materials. It is also well-known for its selection of collectible and vintage knives.
However, the Culpeppers do not just work in the historic old school, they live there.
“We have a residence in the north end of the building that we live in a little more than half the time that we’ve had the building,” said Joe. “What is so fascinating about the building is that the walls are 14-inches thick and the building [is so well built] it should stand for a few centuries.”
Indeed, these stone schools have been given new life, surpassing their original purpose of hosting students and teachers.
“I personally believe that these buildings are an important part of local history and their preservation, even if modified and adapted to their new utilization, remains important and certainly checks the nostalgia box,” shared Joe Culpepper.