Harding Studio

Harding Studio is located in the historic Westside Shopping Center in Cookeville, Tennessee. The building was constructed around 1913 and is an excellent example of the Italinate architectural style. The building served as a photography studio for 60 years. Its owner was Richard Henry Harding. Harding is responsible for documenting the growth and development of the Upper Cumberland area. He documented numerous events, such as the Shanks Hotel Fire, the development of the courthouse square, events at Tennessee Tech University, as well as taking numerous photographs of the Upper Cumberland countryside. Harding also photographed any Upper Cumberland family that wanted their picture taken. The studio was closed in 1974 due to Harding's wife's health. In 1988 most of Harding's equipment was donated to the Tennessee State Museum. Most of the original Harding photographs are in the archives of the Cookeville History Museum, and Tennessee Tech University. In 1992, the studio building was nominated and later entered into the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion B for its association with a notable person (Richard Henry Harding). Today the building houses various businesses.  

At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own a historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, nominations to the Century Farms program, and writing text for historic makers. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.