Castle Heights: Inside the Allman Brothers’ formative years in Tennessee

LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — It doesn’t take long to notice one building stands out above the rest on Castle Heights Avenue in Lebanon.

“It’s not just the buildings that you have to hold on to, it’s the stories as well,” Mayor Rick Bell said while considering the building’s rich history.

The building he’s referring to is Castle Heights Military Academy.

“This building burned several times during the Castle Heights days,” Mayor Bell remembered. “So this building has been through a lot, but it still stands.”

Founded in 1902, the academy served as a prep school for young men and women. But that’s only half the story.

“Through the grapevine, at that time, when they were at Castle Heights, there were two brothers at Castle Heights who could really play those Beatles songs,” said long-time Lebanon resident Tick Bryan, referring to the Allman Brothers.

Push to preserve 250-year-old Walton Oak in Sumner County

While Castle Heights has produced several prominent alumni, Mayor Bell agreed the pair of brothers is the most known. “The most famous people who went to school here were Gregg and Duane Allman.”

Duane and Gregg Allman attended school at the academy in the 1960s. Legend has it, the pair didn’t necessarily enjoy their time at the school, but they certainly made the most of it through music.

“You know with the Allman brothers, that kind of talent, it starts quick,” said Mayor Bell.

Another long-time Lebanon resident, Steve Quarles, remembers those days vividly.

Quarles was a freshman when he first met the brothers in 1962 on the Drill Team. He said the brothers couldn’t be more opposite. Quarles described Duane as confident and outgoing, while Gregg was shy and introverted. But together, they created something special.

“Obviously we know who the Allman Brothers ended up being, but everyone has to start somewhere,” said Mayor Bell.

The man behind the restoration of Marathon Village

Rob Hosier with the Castle Heights Military Academy Alumni Association also remembers the Allman Brother days, reflecting on the time they spent together at the academy.

“Outside of visiting both of them when they were practicing on their guitars that was about the only contact that I had with Gregg,” said Hosier. “Duane was very outgoing and popular with his fellow cadets.  Gregg was quiet but well-liked by those who knew him.”

From misfits at Castle Heights to the Allman Joys, the brothers played all around town, with any group that would play and for any room that would listen.

Hidden Tennessee | Discover some of the Volunteer State’s best-kept secrets

The academy closed in 1986, but to keep its rich history alive, the building now serves as Lebanon’s city hall.

“The past is really important to me, and as we move into the future,” said Mayor Bell.

When the school closed, Hosier and his wife Susan took charge of the Alumni Association.

Every October, the Alumni Association host homecoming the weekend before Columbus Day Monday, according to Hosier.

In addition to serving as City Hall, a museum can be found on the building’s bottom floor with plenty of notes and memories about its rich music past.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.