GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. — A Greene County family is continuing to rebuild their family farm after devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene damaged much of the home and yard.
The Birdwells have owned Still Hollow Farm since the mid-1800s. Floodwater from Helene rose to a record 18 feet inside the home, George Birdwell said. The home has flooded twice previously in the last 125 years, but neither flood reached the level of damage as Helene.
"It's just another story," said Birdwell. "And it's not the last chapter. She'll be here maybe another 175 years, and with more stories to tell."
Despite the level of damage throughout the home, the family history held within its four walls makes rebuilding the only option, Birdwell said.
“That’s why we can’t turn our back on her," he said. "She’s a grand, old house and we’re going to fix her up the best we can.”
Hundreds of friends, family and community members have joined in to help scoop mud and debris out of the house, Birdwell said. Throughout history, the home has always been a community gathering place.
“There wasn’t a day that went by growing up that an aunt or an uncle or a cousin didn’t stop by to see my grandmother," he said.
Now the family is trying to rebuild. Part of the home was damaged beyond repair after a brick chimney fell into the basement. That part of the home will be demolished, and a screen porch will be built.
Birdwell said he's trying to keep the house as close to its original form as possible. That includes saving as many wood planks, windows and doors throughout the demolition process, he said.
As they rebuild, the family will try to make the home more floodproof too.
“History’s proven it will flood again. I just want to make sure the choices I make moving forward are the smartest choices to make," he said.
The family wants to restore the home thoughtfully, Birdwell said.
"And after that, we’ll come in with some drywall, some trim, polish the floors, and make sure the doors and windows open, and call it home again," he said.