Historical marker will keep Una's place 'on the map'

By SUZANNE NORMAND BLACKWOOD • Staff Writer(Tennessean) • January 16, 2008 When Metro Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite saw how passionate Una resident Jan Cain was about researching the small community's history, she wanted to do something to help honor that history. So she approached Cain about erecting a historical marker in Una. "Ms. Cain stepped up to the challenge," Wilhoite said, adding that work began with the Metro Historical Commission on deciding the language of the marker shortly thereafter. Wilhoite is using her discretionary funds from the Metro Council to purchase and install the marker, which will cost about $2,000. The plan is to put the marker either on the grounds of Una Elementary School or at the corner of Smith Springs Road and Murfreesboro Pike. Cain said the plan is to have the marker's dedication the Friday before June 22. It was on this day in 1882 that the U.S. Postal Service officially gave Una its name, although the community is much older than that. Cain said the Metro Historical Commission has been interested in Una for a long time. "Una, Tenn., is still on the map, and we want it to stay there," she said. She said the community is "very excited and grateful to Vivian" for this opportunity. "It makes me proud," she said. Wilhoite said the marker, which will be similar to others seen throughout town, is a good way to recognize Una as "one of the oldest communities in Davidson County." "I think this is an awesome endeavor in preserving our history and making it a part of our future," she sa