New Carson-Newman book showcases University’s history through pictures

Carson-Newman University’s Al Lang and Linda Gass help to capture C-N’s pictorial history in their new book, “Carson-Newman College.”

While Carson-Newman recently began a new chapter in its history by changing its name to “Carson-Newman University,” a book published by Linda Gass and Albert Lang helps capture the institution throughout its history as a college. Published by Arcadia Publishing, “Carson-Newman College,” helps showcase the school’s history through pictures.

Lang, who serves as C-N Special Collections librarian and archivist, says the project started when he and Archives Assistant Linda Gass began brainstorming about producing a book full of historical images taken throughout Carson-Newman’s history. “About two years ago we began compiling photos and writing captions,” explained Lang. “ The thing about it is that, she and I get to see all these neat old photos in our office all the time, but this is a way for other people to see them all together in one place.”

Lang says that even though he has served at C-N since 1996, the project helped him discover new details of C-N’s past.

“One of the most interesting things I discovered, while compiling information for the book, was learning about Eagle Village, a trailer park that began in 1946, where the baseball complex is now located,” said Lang. “I found it interesting and somewhat amusing that this little community of sorts even elected a mayor, rent collector, custodian, and social chairman.”

Lang noted that Eagle Village is just one of many interesting highlights featured in the book.

To purchase a copy of “Carson-Newman College,” contact Al Lang at 865-471-3542.