When Fire Shook The Town
A tale of the bravery of Pegram Constable Charles E. Stuart, Sr.
The serene country charm of Pegram shattered abruptly one summer night when an earth-rattling explosion jolted families from their beds. Billowing flames engulfed the town’s lone gas station just up the road as the pungent smell of gasoline permeated the hills.
Becky Stuart Lane still vividly remembers her father Charles E. Stuart Sr. rushed to the scene in his role as town constable for over 50 years. Miraculously the owners had closed shop just hours earlier, narrowly escaping tragedy. Much of the small town watched as the only gas station we had burned to the ground.
Lane’s roots in Pegram run deep. She was born there in 1961 when her family lived right beside the ballpark at the foot of Thompson Road. They soon moved to Carol Drive, where Becky spent her formative years. Though she now resides in Florida retirement, Pegram remains etched on her heart as hometown.
The train depot that now houses the Community Club sat much closer to the railroad tracks. The popular restaurant Fiddle & Pick was once an old grocery store. And where The Mud Puddle stands today hosted a gas station with some particularly memorable animals.
“The owners had a parrot that would whistle when you entered or left the restroom,” Becky recalls with a chuckle. “And a monkey they dressed up and pushed around in a baby carriage!”
Another night saw Deputy Jordan gunned down responding to a pharmacy burglary, Becky’s father Charles among those coordinating the active shooter response. She remembers the chilling wait at home: “I was scared to death Daddy wouldn’t come back.”
While Deputy Jordan tragically succumbed to injuries, Constable Stuart emerged unharmed. On Feb. 02, 2000, the state of Tennessee designated U.S. Highway 70 in the Town of Pegram in
Cheatham County as the “Deputy Frank Jordan Memorial Highway”.
Although he was off-duty he lived nearby and was called to check the scene. When he arrived on the scene he informed dispatchers that he observed two suspects inside and that he had taken up a defensive position behind his patrol car to wait for backup officers.
A third suspect, who was acting as a lookout, approached him from behind and shot him as he waited for the backup officers. The three suspects, who were brothers ages 28, 25, and 15, fled the scene but were all apprehended. The 25-year-old was the killer. The two older brothers were convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life.
In 2000 a portion of Highway 70 in Cheatham County was renamed The Frank Jordan Memorial Highway in his memory.
Deputy Jordan was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department for 10 months. He was survived by his mother, Reba, his sister, Pamela. and his brother, Johnny.
Despite brushes with crime rarely afflicting idyllic small towns, Becky’s memories of Pegram remain wholly positive, steeped in tradition and community. She fondly recalls the hometown spirit, families like the Finches occupying the stately White House adjoining the store for generations. The annual July 4th parade and celebrations that brought residents together.
While Pegram has grown exponentially since her childhood, Becky says “the friendliness and vibe has never changed.” She does note some loss of heritage as older generations move on, hoping newer transplants will uphold beloved traditions like the Community Club’s iconic fish frys.
“Younger folks need to pick up and follow through with the traditions carried on for decades,” Becky implores. She believes continuity of these signature events is essential for preserving Pegram’s small-town identity in the face of inevitable change.
At its heart, Becky feels Pegram’s magic lies in the solidarity forged across generations who’ve shared in hardship and hope. By participating side-by-side in traditions old and new, the connective fabric binding this charming hamlet only grows stronger.
We’re grateful to Becky for sharing her admiration for Pegram. In difficult times, Charles E. Stuart Sr. stood as a pillar of protection and comfort alongside Pegram’s finest. For Becky, his brave service on those dramatic nights spotlights the loyalty that makes Pegram forever home.
The Pretty Little Town Of Pegram is a publication in partnership with the Pegram Preservation Association. PPA is committed to enriching and protecting the culture and authenticity of Pegram TN. We are excited to share the stories and local favorites from the people who made our home everything we know and love. We will work hard to create community growth with sustainability and without harm to our Pretty Little Town Of Pegram.
