Lamp & Lighthouse Preserves Downtown Cookeville History for 52 Years

For more than five decades, Lamp & Lighthouse has been part of the heartbeat of downtown Cookeville. Nestled on the Courthouse Square inside one of the city’s most recognizable historic buildings, the family-owned business has become far more than a lighting and home decor store. It is a place where history, hospitality, and generations of community connection continue to meet.

The business first began when Alfred Ballinger purchased the store as an investment and asked his wife, Janice, to “temporarily” manage it while he worked another full-time job. More than 52 years later, Janice is still part of the business and the Ballinger family continues carrying forward what has become a true downtown legacy.

A Building Full of Stories

Lamp & Lighthouse originally operated in the building behind its current location before moving into the historic Terry Brothers Department Store building on the Square. The family immediately recognized the opportunity not only to expand, but to become caretakers of a piece of Cookeville history.

“We are honored to add our own chapters to the history book of this building,” Jennifer Moran shared. “Throughout the years, we have enjoyed hearing people tell their stories about either working or shopping at Terry Brothers Department Store.”

Inside the building, much of that history remains untouched. From the creaking wood floors and tin ceilings to the original cabinetry and radiators, the character of the space has been carefully preserved.

“It is the original features of this building that give it the special character,” said Jennifer. “Historical buildings like this cannot be replicated, so they must be preserved properly.”

The preservation of the building has also allowed generations of local families to continue experiencing a familiar part of downtown Cookeville. Customers still walk through the same doors people entered more than a century ago, creating a connection between the city’s past and present. For the Ballinger family, maintaining that sense of history while keeping the business thriving has become one of the most meaningful parts of their journey on the Square.

A Legacy Built on Relationships

While the building itself tells a story, the true legacy of Lamp & Lighthouse has always centered around people. Today, the business is operated by daughters Amy Weaver and Jennifer Moran alongside longtime employee and family friend Teresa Kerley. Grandchildren and extended family members have also played roles throughout the years, making the store a true multi-generational effort.

Customer service remains the foundation of the business. Whether helping customers select lighting for a new home or locate a hard-to-find lamp part, the team has built a reputation for quality products and personal care.

“We want people to feel welcome in our store, like being at home with friends and family,” Amy Weaver shared. “We want them to experience the best of both worlds: modern-day shopping for current products while enjoying the rich history of the building.”

As downtown Cookeville continues evolving, Lamp & Lighthouse remains one of the businesses helping preserve the spirit of the Square while continuing to serve future generations.

Follow Lamp & Lighthouse on their Facebook page or visit their website.

Photography by Addie Lee, by Chelsea Dartez