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In Tribute to Mrs. Susan Wiley Cooper Walker

In 1932, “the depth of the depression,” Maryville College welcomed a new friend, Mrs. John Walker, eighty years of age, who had corresponded with the college about building a home in the woods near that of her sister, Mrs. William P. Stevenson.

As the widow of a partner of Andrew Carnegie, she had great wealth at her disposal. In the eighteen years she lived after coming to Maryville, she entertained regularly at Morningside, her new home. Her guests included Maryville’s “society” as well as people from rest homes and children from the Children’s Home.  The rich and poor, the old and young were welcomed to drop in for a visit.  Mrs. Walker, often seated in the “gossip room” at the stair landing, with tea and cookies waiting, enjoyed all who came.

 Mrs. Walker transformed the area around Morningside.  Her azalea gardens had many visitors each spring.  She planned and assisted with the development of the amphitheater and the seven-acre botany garden.  She built a guesthouse, established two picnic areas, and planted trees, especially magnolias, on the campus and grounds.

Although Mrs. Walker felt she was too old to be a member of the Chilhowee Club, in 1939 she did purchase two lots at the corner of Cates St. and Elm Ave. (now known as Clarion Ave.) for the new Chilhowee Clubhouse.  From furnishings from her own home she gave paintings, oriental rugs, screens, and a grand piano for the club assembly room.  The Chilhowee Club remains a monument to her.

Mrs. Walker was also responsible for building several homes in Maryville during this time for the Maryville College professors to live in.  These homes are referred to as “Walker Homes.”  They have similar traits as the now Ruby Tuesday Lodge such as grand staircases and special wood moldings.   The homes provided housing for the professors as long as they needed them and then they reverted to the college’s ownership. 

At her death, in December of 1950, Dr. and Mrs. Stevenson buried Susan Wiley Cooper Walker in the College cemetery.  Morningside reverted to the College’s ownership.  Her ambitious program of campus beautification is a lasting memorial to a lovely lady.