Second Annual Dog Hill Illumination

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn, — Ryan Bowie and his neighbors will be hosts for the the second annual Illuminating Dog Hill this Saturday in one of Clarksville's oldest neighborhoods.

The area is small, just a few blocks in the heart of downtown, but its homes are rich in style and design, and it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sidewalks and yards will be decorated with luminaries that are made by placing candles in small, sand-filled brown paper bags. Their origins have been traced back to 16th century Spain, organizers said. The tradition is said to have begun when bonfires were lit on roadsides and in churchyards, so people could find their way to midnight mass during the winter festival of Las Posadas.

Luminaries are a new tradition on Dog Hill.

“We started this last year to bring notice to this historic area,” Bowie said. “We wanted an event that all the neighbors could take part in.”

The first year was a success, despite cold weather in the winter of 2014, lots of people enjoyed the display, organizers said. Most were in vehicles, but there was quite a bit of foot traffic as well.

Dog Hill dates back to the mid-19th century.

Bowie says the former home of Paige King might be the oldest in the neighborhood. It was built in 1840, and originally owned by a prominent doctor.

“This neighborhood is one of the reasons I was attracted to Clarksville,” Bowie said. “Many of my neighbors say the same thing. It's right in the heart of town and just so rich in history.”

The area has experienced significant redevelopment since Clarksville's tornado of 1999. Houses and condos have been built, with great emphasis placed on blending the new and old architecture.

“Style elements have been incorporated that tie-in the old and new and give the neighborhood a real cohesiveness,” Bowie said. “All us neighbors are very like-minded.

"We're a bunch of friends that try to work together. Who knows what this will become in the future. For now, we're just taking a lot of pride in this place where we live.”

Bowie said he tends to go all out for the holiday and his house is beautifully decorated.

He says a lot of his neighbors will be displaying different forms of luminaries. Some will place candles in paper bags, some in jars.

King sold her house recently, but gave her luminaries to the new owners. Hers were made by punching holes in large tin cans, giving them an antique look.

“We're all here for the same reason,” Bowie said. “We love the area, the architecture and the history. We're just bringing that common thread together, celebrating and getting to know one another as neighbors.

"This is a great way for us to hang out and enjoy the area together, while sharing it with others.”

Bowie's hope is that people who haven't been to the neighborhood will drive through, slow down and enjoy the beautiful architecture and all the different styles and designs that can be found there.

Dog Hill's luminaries will be displayed Saturday from 5-8:00 p.m.