the chattanoogan.com - chattanooga's source for breaking local news
Breaking NewsOpinionSportsHappeningsDiningObituariesClassifiedsMoviesFocusAbout Us
Memories
October 22, 2007
  
click for chattanooga, tennessee forecast
Provident: a Beacon in the Chattanooga Community
by Harmon Jolley
posted January 28, 2007

Click to Enlarge
Provident welcomed Chattanoogans to tour their new offices in 1960. Click to enlarge.
On January 16, 2007, The Chattanoogan.com reported that the UnumProvident Corporation is planning to trim its name to simply “Unum” (Latin for “one”).

It will take a while for local residents to become accustomed to the name change. From its founding here in 1887, the mention of “Provident” in conversation needed no clarification as to the subject.

The Provident was recognized throughout the Chattanooga community in several ways. The company was well-known for its home office building on Walnut Street hill. Its white marble gleamed in the morning and afternoon sun. Provident’s offices were in the Maclellan Building on Broad Street from 1919 until 1960. The architecture of the Maclellan Building is still awe-inspiring today.

The company became a large employer during its history. If you didn’t work at the insurer, you likely knew someone who did. Many worked their entire careers there. You might see a neighbor on television singing in the Provident Chorus at Christmas, or bowling at Holiday Bowl with a Provident team. Provident employees were also active in Chattanooga civic groups such as the Jaycees, Junior Achievement, and the United Way.

Local residents had opportunity to enjoy some of the same fringe benefits as Provident employees. The Provident cafeteria was open to the public. It was common to see local government and education officials dining alongside office workers. The Morrison’s cafeteria staff offered a variety of menu offerings each day.

Employees could reserve the Provident Lake Property on Harrison Bay for group outings. I recall going with my parents to their Sunday School class Christmas party at the Lake Property’s pavilion. With a swimming pool, boat docks, picnic areas, tennis courts, and playgrounds, the facility had amenities that rivaled some state parks.

On January 12, 1952, Provident Life and Accident connected to the Chattanooga community in an unusual way. In keeping with its name – “provident” means to prepare for the future – the company began beaming weather reports from its newly-installed weather beacon atop its office building.

The Chattanooga Times reported that the beacon was only the fifth of its type in the country. It towered forty-two feet above the roof of the building. A forecast of clear weather ahead was displayed in green. Yellow light indicated cloudy conditions; if it was also flashing, it meant rain. Snow was shown in white.

The Provident Weather Beacon also contained a weather barometer, with signals that climbed or descended the sign according to rising or falling pressure. If one needed help in understanding the forecast being signaled, one could write The Provident for a free booklet.

The lighted weather signal became a familiar part of downtown. Its bright colors fit well with the downtown retail scene, with many stores using neon signs. The beacon was visible even in dense fog. With the opening of the West Side freeway (later known as I-124 and U.S. 27), automobile passengers gained a new perspective of the Maclellan Building and its weather beacon.

In my research, I was unable to determine the date when the weather beacon was taken out of service. I believe that it was some time in the 1970’s, when neon and other brightly-lighted signs were seen as being outdated eyesores. By then, Provident had moved to Walnut Street Hill, and the Maclellan Building was being used as a general commercial office building.

Though the final chapter of the history of Provident appears to be nearing completion, the history of Unum is continuing to be written. The Chattanoogan.com article on the name change concluded with comments from Thomas R. Wajten, president and CEO.

Mr. Watjen said, “We have a rich history in the many names that have formed our company – including Provident, Colonial, Paul Revere, Unum and Unum Limited – each of which has a proud heritage and holds significant value to certain stakeholders. The name Unum will allow us to bring greater focus to our emerging brand and reinforce our commitment to being a leader in the group benefits industry.”

If you have memories of Provident, please send me an e-mail at jolleyh@bellsouth.net.
Click to Enlarge
The Provident Weather Beacon beamed the forecasts of the Weather Bureau at Lovell field. Click to enlarge.

Email this to a friend

























 


Other Memories
Remembering People's Studio and Camera Shop
75 Years Of Krystal
History Museum Presents Ghost Stories Program Oct. 30
What Did That Building Used to Be? Mills and Lupton Supply
Hixson-Hixon Family Reunion Saturday, Oct. 13
Photo Gallery: Train "Loops"
12 Tennessee Sites Added to the National Register of Historic Places
Heritage Day at the Marsh House Saturday, Sept. 22
Hamilton County Pioneers - the Ryall Family
Dye Family Reunion October 6
All Memories Articles...
Breaking News
Anthony D. Spears Dies After Shooting On Vine Street
Man Runs From Deputy, Falls Into Well
Photo Gallery: Miller Park Reopened
Sports
List Shoots 74 To Finish 4-Under In Chattanooga Classic
Lady Mocs Soccer Blanked By College of Charleston
Red Sox Complete Come-From-Behind To Win ALCS Beating Cleveland Sunday, 11-2
Happenings
Chattanooga's Lee Abelson Makes Broadway Debut
Bluegrass Festival To Benefit Julie Jacks Fund
Fellowship Of Southern Writers Elects First Board








| Breaking News | Sports | Opinion | Happenings | Classifieds | Obituaries |
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |

| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |


news@chattanoogan.com  (423) 266-2325
© 2004 Site designed and copyrighted by Three HD
Privacy Policy