The town of Reliance became a rail town when the Louisville and Nashville Railroad purchased the right of way in 1888. In 1891, the railroad watchmen’s house was built. Originally, the house was a simple two-story house. The one-story addition was added at a later time.
The first watchman was named Mr. Pickle, according to the National Register application. Unfortunately, I can’t determine who that was. There are Pickels and Pickelsimers who live in the greater area, but there are zero listed for the 1900 census.
Overlooking Highway 30 in Reliance, Tennessee is the oldest structure in the historic district. Built in 1888, this folk Victorian sits in an enviable position of being surrounded by the mountains while being able to see the Hiwassee River. The Vaughn and Webb families were integral to the small town. They ran the local convenience store and post office. (Sadly, I was unable to get a photo of the store. It was surrounded by dozens of motorcyclists and dozens of cars. I avoid these in my photos.)
The information I can find online about this house does not mention that the Victorian ornamentation was added later. It appears this house started as an I-House (plantation plain) with a later addition of the two-level porch and the detailing.
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