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First Lady Announces Launch of Online “Residence Shop”

10/25/2006

First Lady Andrea Conte today announced the launch of the “Tennessee Residence Shop,” an online gift shop with items for sale to benefit The Restoration and Preservation of The Tennessee Residence.

 “Since Phil and I announced our project to restore the Tennessee Residence, public interest in the home has grown,” said Conte.  “As I’ve traveled the state to share the details of the restoration with Tennesseans, I heard from many who were interested in gift memorabilia that would commemorate the project, while allowing people a unique opportunity to provide donations toward the future preservation of the home.  I’m pleased we’re now able to offer residence memorabilia online through the Tennessee Residence Shop.”

Residence-themed items, including note cards, prints, ornaments and a documentary DVD are available for purchase at http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/flshop/. Purchases made in the Tennessee Residence Shop will help fund future acquisitions of furniture and art to be displayed in the residence, and ongoing maintenance of the historic home and property. 

Tennessee’s Residence, originally referred to as “Far Hills” because of its beautiful view, was built in 1929 by the William Ridley Wills family, and was purchased by the state of Tennessee following the death of Mr. Wills in 1949.  The third and only remaining Governor’s Residence in the state, it has hosted numerous events and celebrities during its 55 years as the state’s Executive Residence.  The house has been visited by famous people such as the Reverend Billy Graham, Elvis Presley, President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, President and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, and numerous governors and royalty from around the world.

To make a donation to the restoration, or for more information about the project, please call the Office of the First Lady at (615) 741.7846. To make an online donation, go to www.tnanytime.org/exres/.