Keeping History Alive in Springfield, TN

Initial construction of the Robertson County Courthouse completed in 1879. The iconic clock tower took its place overlooking the Springfield city square in 1930. In 1978, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

But Historic Springfield Events, with its mission to create awareness and community of the Downtown Springfield Historic Square by hosting community events that will benefit and aid in its beautification, carries the torch in preserving its place in the collective memory.

Asked what makes Robertson County special, Historical Springfield Events board member Asailio “Ace” Timmermeier echoes that sequence, “It’s our beautiful courthouse, but more than that I think it’s the people. The people are so engaged. Our community is so ready to do something fun. And that’s what I love.”

The many projects undertaken by Historic Springfield Events include the First Friday Night Market, which runs May through September. “Each time we’re hosting an event, it’s another plug that we’re able to put toward the beautification of the square.”

“We partner with the city May through September and then do a fall festival in October. We have a DJ. It’s a family-friendly, pet-friendly event. We’re trying to create an opportunity for individuals to come out for free and enjoy a night on the square. Taking in some of the beauty there and the community that you feel. There’s a kid zone we set up. It’s a fun time.”

“It’s a free event, but we encourage those who come to please shop with our vendors and the brick-and-mortar shops there,” said Timmermeier. “They make our square beautiful, welcome, and inviting. Our community, and the people, make these events the best.”

In April of each year, Historic Springfield Events hosts an Earth Day Event. In October, it’s the Robertson County Rumble, an event catering to the motorcycling community.

“This year we added a ride,” said Timmermeier. “It’s an opportunity to engage a different group. Our motorcycle friends come down. It’s another event to continue highlighting our square. We wanted to expand it to include a 40-mile ride around the county that starts and ends on the square. Not only to create a sense of community, but also to find some ways we can give back to make the square even better.”

The money generated from vendor fees and sponsorships at these events goes toward improvements aiding in the beautification of the Square. Historic Springfield Events have been responsible for bike racks, additional lighting, and the restoration of Jail Alley, an historical section of the property once used to lead prisoners from the old jail to the courthouse, which now features an interactive gate designed by local metal fabricator, Maker Table.

“We’re always looking at ways to make the square more attractive and appealing for our community and businesses looking to come into Springfield,” said Timmermeier. “We’re continuing with our Earth Day event, and have a good momentum going with all the things we have in place right now. We’re pitching a project to the city of Springfield for this holiday season that we’re keeping under wraps in the hope that it gets approved.”

The work done by Historical Springfield Events would not be possible without the gracious assistance of local volunteers.

“Any volunteers are welcome,” said Timmermeier. “We ask that you communicate with Jackie Rawls, who coordinates our volunteers. Our volunteers tirelessly work to make these special. Without those volunteers and the support of our community we wouldn’t be able to do this.”