Christenberry Park and Recreation Center History

Dr. H.E. Christenberry was a leader of Board of Education for many years. He was the Treasurer in 1918, Secretary from 1936-1937, Vice President from 1932-1933, and President from 1930-1935 and 1938-1941. Christenberry Junior High, opened in 1935, was named for Dr. H.E. Christenberry.

The Knoxville Housing Authority was organized in 1936, and it elected Dr. H.E. Christenberry as chairman at its first meeting. Through this appointed board with the approval of City Council, Knoxville undertook slum clearance and public housing projects beginning in 1938 with 320 apartments in the College Homes project and 244 apartments in Western Heights. Austin Homes was completed in 1941 with 200 units.