Page 10 - MRN Winter 2018
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Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2018 | #militaryreunionsmatter
JOHNNY CASHThe Hideaway Farm of
Over the course of the past five years, I have hidden by the undergrowth that had all but taken
had the opportunity, through The Military Reunion over the structure. This building was a general store
Network, to visit a wide variety of attractions. that Johnny purchased years earlier and used for
We have enjoyed historic battlefields to retired local concerts and jam sessions. It was a significant
military vessels and many themed museums. The part of the more private side of his life.
memories of some visits tend to linger for quite a
while due to the people we meet, or the quality Mark Cash, Johnny’s nephew, said, “Uncle
and impact exhibits displayed. Such is the case of Johnny loved to play on that stage. It was a gift
the Storytellers Museum and The Hideaway Farm of back to the community that treated him like a local,
Johnny Cash in a little town forty minutes outside not a famous musician. At the time, these neighbors
Nashville. If you are a fan of “the man in black”, a could not afford much if anything, so when he
visit is a must! I think part of what makes this place played it was always free.”
so special is how it came to be.
The result of the restoration created that same
If Johnny Cash needed to get away, he would genuine feeling. It is not glamourous and showy but
visit his hideaway farm in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. It rather a place to hang out and relax among a few
was his retreat for over 30 years. When Brian Oxley of the many pieces of Cash memorabilia on display.
and his wife purchased the farm, the sale included You really get a feel for the type of person Johnny
the contents of the house Cash was by spending time where he lived. Sitting
and out buildings. Among and listening to local musicians, it is easy to imagine
them were assorted items his concerts many years before.
left on the shelves in his
library including a few VHS A mile down the road from The Storytellers
tapes. The Oxley’s had the Museum, is The Hideaway Farm. “He was grateful
opportunity to view one of to the fans that made him who he was. He always
the tapes which appeared took the time to thank them and smile. Here he
to be a surprise party for did not have to smile at all. This was the place
Johnny that was held in out where he could just be himself and leave the rich
the country somewhere. and famous lifestyle behind.” Mark said. I thought
Their curiosity led to them, about that as I sat in Johnny’s favorite chair taking
after months of sleuthing,
to a rundown old building in the view of the farm
out of the window. The
10 Hideaway Farm home
is not a mansion but
rather a country farm
house with a simple and
functional interior. It is
easy to understand why
he enjoyed it.
When I have shared
the story of my visit to
Bon Aqua, I am often
asked why would anyone
take the 40-minute drive
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