Small, quiet Sardis enhances downtown

The town of Sardis is 18 miles from Lexington in the southeast corner of Henderson County.  Sardis got it name from the Sardis Campground, a favorite place for worship in 1825.  By 1860, people were pouring into the community (pop: 160).  In 1906, Sardis was home to the Sardis Normal College.

Carra Holland, 86, has lived in Sardis all of her life. Holland wrote with the late Beulah Hanna the “Sardis History Book” for TN Homecoming’ 86.

Fundraisers are being held to restore the old Sardis School, which opened in 1940 and closed in the mid-1980. Recently the building got a new roof, and the plans call for the old school to be transformed as a community center.

The Little Farm Market, the town’s only grocery store, is still open. The Sardis Café is the only restaurant in town. It is open six days a week for breakfast, lunch and supper. The Sardis City Park is active with its walking trail and an adjoining Little League ballpark. Twice a year, in the fall and spring Sardis welcomes visitors to its annual Antique Tractor & Home Show, held in City Park, which includes a flee market, kids’ contests and a parade.