Paris, Tenn.–Master Craftsman Pete Lamon begins a project replacing the windows in the hallway at the Paris Academy for the Arts, while his daughter looks on. The Academy secured a Tennessee Historical Commission matching grant to replace the windows in the hallway between the main building and the lunchroom building.
Because the replacements need to be historically accurate, the search for a qualified craftsman took well over a year. Once the Academy found him, it was another year to get a quote, write the grant and have it approved. Pete Lamon, from East Tennessee is a master craftsman and has worked with many projects under the purview of the State Historical Commission. He was slated to begin the project last December (2024), when he had a severe accident involving his leg. He underwent at least two surgeries, including a skin graft, a long recovery, and rehabilitation. He is finally healed and the Academy board members were happy to welcome him.
He started the project by removing two of the windows to take back to his workshop so he can work from accurate measurements on the windows, trim, and moulding. There are 12 sash windows and two fixed windows that make up this $45,000 + / – project, which will take about 6 months to complete.
The first four rooms of the building were constructed in 1881, and was expanded in 1893. The school was originally called the Paris Male Academy, then renamed the Paris City High School. The school was named for Gen. Robert E. Lee in 1906 and was known as Lee School for a number of years.
Photo by Jean Owens/Paris Academy for the Arts.