Williamson Weekly: Agricultural Museum, Schools Observe America 250 Anniversary

The Oscar L. Farris Agricultural Museum Association has been awarded a nearly $7,000 grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.

The Tennessee America 250 grant will support the museum’s annual Spring Crank-Up: Tractor and Engine Show held at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum near Brentwood on Saturday. 

“We are honored to receive this grant as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” said Tennessee Agricultural Museum Director Elaura Guttormson. “It allows us to expand our Spring Crank-Up: Tractor and Engine Show and bring Tennessee’s agricultural history to life for our community.”

The grant is part of the second round of the Tennessee America 250 grant program, which awarded 194 grants out of 365 applications, with the awarded grants totalling $2.3 million. This year, the Williamson County Museum and Archives unveiled a Benjamin Franklin statue as part of the country’s 250th anniversary festivities. 

In addition, Williamson County Schools has created a committee to arrange activities around America’s 250th anniversary. 

Ravenwood High School student Alex Goldberg’s logo design was chosen out of the dozens of entries. A committee with members of academics, athletics, the arts and operations is arranging America 250 decals and flags for use at both sporting and arts events through the first semester of 2027.

"This is a special time for our students and our country," said Superintendent Jason Golden. "I still remember the excitement of celebrating the nation’s Bicentennial when I was a child, so I’m excited for our students to create their own lasting memories." 

Gray’s on Main sells  

Downtown Franklin restaurant Gray’s on Main has a new owner, according to our sister publication the Nashville Post. 

John Weber, who also owns Zolo’s Italian Restaurant, The Country Boy in Leiper’s Fork and Hogwood BBQ now owns the restaurant, along with his business partner Cam Harrington. Grays on Main serves Southern fare and has regular live music offerings. 

Grays on Main, located at 332 Main Street, opened in 2013. The original owners, Joni and Michael Cole, had bought the building from previous owner Andy Marshall, of A. Marshall Hospitality. Weber told the Williamson Herald that he plans to keep the restaurant’s name and stay true to its roots.