Laura Clemons Joins George Halford To Highlight The History Of TTU & Cookeville

In this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes writer, researcher, and local historian Laura Clemons for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, history, and the people who have shaped the Upper Cumberland. Laura reflects on her journey from growing up in Florida to finding a lifelong home in Cookeville, where a passion for writing and history led to a distinguished career documenting the stories of Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, and the region's most influential people and institutions. The discussion explores the lasting impact of Tennessee Tech's visionary presidents, the importance of preserving local history, and how stories connect generations while helping communities understand both their past and their future. Laura also shares the inspiration behind her newest book, Same Church, Different Pews, which tells the remarkable true story of an unlikely friendship between Tennessee Tech music pioneer Charles Faulkner Bryan and gifted young gospel singer Robert Bradley—a relationship that reflects the power of music to bridge cultural divides and shape the American musical tradition. It's an inspiring conversation about history, heritage, and the enduring value of preserving the stories that define the Upper Cumberland.

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