The Cades Cove Dulcimer
A Musical Heritage
In February 2002, the CCPA worked to salvage materials from the home of Kermit and Lois Caughron, last residents of Cades Cove. The materials represented a significant portion of the Cove’s 20th Century history being used for the Chestnut Flats Laurel Springs School, the Cable School and the Caughron home. These salvaged materials have remained in storage since removal.

In August of this year, noted dulcimer musician and craftsman, Mike Clemmer, extracted several boards from the salvaged material in hopes of crafting a dulcimer of historical significance. The dulcimer has long been identified with the Southern Appalachians and the prospect of fabricating an instrument from historic Cove material was appealing due to both the significance of the material and also because of the importance of music to the Cades Cove community.

Although the configuration and condition of the wood was not ideal, Mike eventually elected to use what he terms “bear claw” red spruce for his efforts. Mike was imminently successful, incorporating walnut from his inventory with the spruce, to craft a beautiful instrument, both in appearance and tone. This extremely unique dulcimer, replete with nail holes, worm tracks and delicate “wheat” carvings, was completed in time for exhibit at the Townsend Fall Festival and, needless to say, created considerable interest.

Mike has graciously donated the Cades Cove Dulcimer to the CCPA for potential use as a fund raising mechanism in support of our mission. The CCPA will be offering this beautiful and unique instrument to our members and the general public for this purpose.  The CCPA will be exhibiting the dulcimer at several venues to stimulate interest and advertise the beauty of Mike’s donation.
The CCPA is very appreciative of Mike’s skills and contribution in support of our mission. Please visit with Mike and Connie at Wood-N-Strings in Townsend to express appreciation for his support and talents. Thanks Mike! Dave Post

Site ©  2005~08 Gloria Motter, All Rights Reserved CCPA
Mike Clemmer, renowned dulcimer maker and owner of the Wood ‘N Strings dulcimer shop in Townsend, constructed a dulcimer using some of the wood from the Kermit and Lois Caughron house. 
The Caughrons were the last family that lived in Cades Cove.  Kermit, my Dad, passed away in 1999.

Mike made the dulcimer and gave it to the Cades Cove Preservation Association to use for fundraising.  The mission of the CCPA is to preserve and protect the cemeteries, churches, old pictures, stories, and culture of Cades Cove and its residents.  We will utilize a silent auction bidding process to award this dulcimer to its lucky owner.

We will use the venue of the Winter Heritage Festival to announce the Cades Cove Dulcimer to the public and begin taking bids.  After conferencing with “special” dulcimer experts, we are setting the minimum initial bid at $750.  Bid forms will be available at the Cades Cove Museum at the historic Thompson Brown House in Maryville, at the CCPA website, and at the Wood ‘N Strings dulcimer shop in Townsend.

Bids may be made on the bid forms Click Here to Place Your Bid and mailed to me (Ruth Caughron Davis, 247 E Leatherwood Drive, Walland, TN 37886), sent to my e-mail CCPADulcimer@aol.com, or called to me at 865-982-3051.

The current high bid can be obtained from the CCPA website on this page, by calling me at
865-982-3051, or by calling the CCPA Museum at the Thompson Brown House 865-982-0705.
Current Bid 2-17
$750.00