Rare ambrotypes and a photograph are now on display at the Lotz House in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin.
Johann and Margaretha Lotz’s great-great-granddaughter Banva Bourke donated four rare ambrotypes of Lotz family members. Thompson acquired a rare photo of the Battle of Franklin soldiers reunion held in 1913 at The Carter House.
“The Sesquicentennial is such a historic time we want to create our own history and work toward preserving rare items as we commemorate the occasion,” said J.T. Thompson, executive director of Lotz House. “The Lotz family has been so generous in sharing some of their family treasures with us and we’re thrilled to share these incredible 1865 images with the public. The photo of the soldier’s reunion at The Carter House is so rare and offers great historical significance.”
The ambrotypes include three images of Margaretha Lotz and her son Paul Lotz circa 1865, the year following the Battle of Franklin. The fourth image is of Margaretha and Johann Lotz’s son August Lotz at about four years-old circa 1865.
The photo of The Carter House reunion was taken Sept. 20, 1913 and includes eight men. Handwritten in pencil and then ball point ink on the back of the photo has the following message: “The Battle was fought on the grounds of The Carter House and Lotz House. Reuben Norton 44th Illinois Volunteer Infantry fought in Franklin. The Carter House as it was the day the Battle of Franklin was held November 30, 1864. This picture shows the rear of the house. The front is of brick facing Franklin Pike. This house was in the center of the violent fighting.”
For more information, call 615-790-7190 or visit www.lotzhouse.com.
# # #
Explore more at tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers by following “TNVacation” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.