Ideas & Idiosyncrasies: "Stormy Weather" originated in 1997. It came from the true story of a family acquaintance. While not nearly as dramatic or active, the individual reported a timeslip that they barely escaped.

The town of Last Chance was established in 1756 as a single inn. This quaint and primitive stop provided rest to settlers traveling west. Before the Civil War era, the village became a small town. As industries moved in during the 1910s, its population began to triple. Shops, restaurants, and motels arrived soon thereafter.

Visitors can find an array of entertainment options. There is a cinema, eateries, and a street of traditional shops and quaint boutiques. Some are even lucky enough to participate in a murder mystery that goes far beyond reality.

The popular Last Chance Resort is the prime lodgings available. The establishment offers the cleanest rooms in town and patrons are encouraged to mention Edna when registering.

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The Sam's Gap Times
August 28, 1950

Last Chance- Boom Town

The population continues to grow in the once tiny town of Last Chance. Seven factories recently opened and many new homes are under construction. It seems progress has fully overtaken the small city atop the mountain and isn't slowing down for any reason.

State experts have estimated that the boom in growth could have Last Chance's population around 25,000-30,000 as soon as the 1970s. Continuing on this projected path, by the new millennium, Last Chance could see a population of nearly one hundred thousand residents. Locals are elated at such a wonderful spur in growth. Already, Main Street is filled to capacity with new businesses and boutiques. More construction is planned to add to the already crowded thoroughfare. The outlook is bright for this charming little town. We will be gladly watching the community prosper as time passes.  

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Sam's Gap Heritage Daily
July 22, 1959

Big Crime in a Small Town!

"Blake Edwards, manager of the Last Chance Resort, was aghast at the scenes in room #13 last night. Lana Mitchell, daughter of Elmer and Betty Mitchell was found murdered. The brutality was reported by a traveler staying in room #12, Nathaniel Mayfield.

The coroner stated Lana was molested before she passed on. The criminals, who are only known by Cliff and Ed or "Eddie," are still on the run. Police are on the trail of the two murderers and warning people everywhere. They are traveling west. Their car is said to be a black Plymouth, a 1958 or 1959 model. The larger of the two, "Cliff," is reported to be around 6'4" and weigh around 250 lb. He has a large build, like an athlete. The description of the other is unknown. Be on the look out and all citizens are warned by the State Police to consider these men armed and very dangerous. We are telling readers to call authorities if they witness two men in a newer model black Plymouth. If you have any information on these individuals please contact your local authorities immediately."  

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Our decade has seen many changes and not all of them were positive. Now, a once popular town is dying and the state seems to have forgotten this once fortunate city. Norrison Industries announced it will be closing its doors next month. Despite the extensive lay-offs and budgeting of the previous year, the business is not surviving.

Over 200 families have vacated the city and now, it appears, the rest will be leaving. The introduction of numerous local highways has lessened the traffic going across the mountain and made it difficult for residents to remain. The distance off the mountain and to other area cities is too great for citizens of Last Chance to continue living in the city in the sky.

Daily life was much different when the industries were within city limits. Last Chance used to be the apple of area politicians' eyes. It was fruitful, progressive, and growing. These politicians have looked the other way now, declaring there are more pressing concerns that need their attention. Since the town's residents have dwindled to so few, and the votes so insignificant, perhaps the town's historic value bears little importance to state delegates and representatives. Last Chance had held its place for centuries and thrived when the rest of the nation suffered. However, it seems that progress has finally dealt a lethal blow to the city.  

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From a rare copy of the, “Last Chance Gazette.” The only newspaper published in Last Chance. The company produced the newspaper 1921-1961.

Lana Jane Mitchell

Lana Jane Mitchell passed away on July 21, 1959. The daughter of Elmer and Betty Mitchell, Lana's tragedy has shaken our community.

She was born here in Last Chance on October 3, 1942. Lana was voted homecoming queen two years in a row and was an honor roll student. It was rumored she would be nominated Turner High School 's first female Valedictorian in her coming senior year if her academic successes continued.

The circumstances surrounding her death are mysterious and many questions remain. However, everyone who knew her in life reports she was a light to the area.A public memorial is scheduled for July 26 in the gymnasium at Turner High School . We will forever remember her vitality and optimism. Lana is to be buried in the Heavenly Garden cemetery behind the Last Chance Resort. Respects can be made at the parent's home throughout this week.

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* Published in the short-lived, “Tennessee Terror Magazine.” A publication that survived for a short time during the 1970s. The magazine was not always known for complete accuracy, however seemed to avoid the sensationalist edge when the Murder series was published. The “True Mountain Murders,” series came in celebration of Halloween.

True Mountain Murders
Vol. 6 pp. 31-33
October 9, 1974

“Homecoming Queen Killers”

Situated atop the famous, “Sam's Gap,” mountain past lays a secret few recall. The town of Last Chance officially became a ghost town in 1975. When the last family left, the entire surrounding area became property of the state.

Perhaps one of the most disturbing murders in Northeastern Tennessee , if not the entire state, occurred in this seemingly innocent town.

On July 21, 1959, at 11 pm, the body of Lana Mitchell was discovered in room #13 of the Last Chance Resort motel. Lana was believed to be an ordinary girl, but she held many extraordinary secrets. Sadly, all were taken to the grave with her.

Lana was 17 years old when she died. She was homecoming queen of her high school and an honor roll student. This hometown girl appeared to have everything she could want. But, this fortunate daughter died in one of the most horrendous and appalling manners.

Mitchell was found naked in the room, her body was on the bed. She had been raped and horribly beaten. Her parents had no idea she had left the house.

More questions arose as the case continued. Lana had been wearing a very provocative outfit and her parents had no idea she had such clothing. She had been in the company of two men. They checked in at 8 p.m. Authorities estimated she was battered for nearly an hour and that provided few answers to the questions surrounding her death. She had been with them for two hours prior to the violence. The motel was crowded and there were people outside. If Lana had screamed or cried for help, most of the motel customers would have heard.

She had left her home willingly, authorities considered the possibility that she was kidnapped and investigated. She made the excuse of going to bed early to her parents. Her friends had no information or knowledge of this “secret” life Lana had. This murder shook an entire mountain out of its quaint living.

The murder was never solved. No suspects were apprehended, questioned, or arrested. The car, like the men, seemed to disappear after that night.

This appeared to spark a sudden decline in all of Last Chance's success. During the 60s, the town declined at a record rate. Eventually, all residents had to leave.

What was the homecoming queen doing in a room with two men? Why was she dressed differently? Why hadn't she confided in her closest friends? These questions will never be answered.

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The Appalachian Environmentalist
June 1, 1981

Where will it End?

It is no secret that industry has poisoned our waterways. The recent ordinances protecting our natural waters have helped, but the problem still exists. Now, divers are discovering just how far back the abuses against nature have gone.

Last month a swimmer located another problem in Boone Lake . A problem that needs to be addressed quickly and without delay. A car was submerged in the deep area of the water. The vehicle was discovered by local diving instructor Wallace Inman, owner of Inman Diving.

The car was towed out and had North Carolina plates. Authorities took the details and put them on file. The black 1959 Plymouth was not crashed and it appeared someone deliberately rolled the vehicle into the water. While the car had been sunk for decades and was covered with rust and corrosion, it was still polluting the lake just before discovery.

Who knows how many chemicals our ecology was exposed to from this single action? Authorities were stricken that no telltale signs were evident, but that is little comfort. How many other chemical filled items have made their way to the bottoms of our lakes and rivers? Just how many have taken the time to check?

We should pay much more attention to our waterways. All large bodies of water in the region should be explored by divers to ensure there aren't more of these crimes against nature. We have enough difficulty trying to protect our natural waters against the abuses of commercial and industrial corporations. We should not have to worry about residents submerging automobiles, as well. Where will it end? Our waters are not for dumping, keep the trash where it belongs.

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Speculation and Sensation: Local Car Sparks Residents' Suspicions!

The recovery of the Plymouth from Boone Lake has caused much debate within the region. Why was it there? How did it get there? Authorities have examined the vehicle and believe it was pushed into the lake shortly after being sold.

The plates were cleaned and identified. Authorities found the car belonged to a Dr. Ed Fitzgerald. Dr. Fitzgerald reported his new car stolen in May of 1959. The carjacking occurred in Winston-Salem , Noth Carolina. According to the late Dr. Fitzgerald's son, Mr. Edward Fitzgerald, Jr., the car was stolen weeks after purchase.

Mr. Fitzgerald reported taking the vehicle out for a drive. He briefly rode and stated a drifter named “Clifford” stole it while he was driving. He claims Cliff pretended to be injured on the side of the road and when the he stopped, he took control of the car and left him on a deserted back road. From Mr. Fitzgerald's report, he was acquainted with Cliff and never suspected him to be the type to steal a car. He did not know Cliff's last name or where he was originally from.

Citizens of the area are speculating and curiosities are running high. Was the vehicle stolen for a simple joyride? Did someone try to flee the police? Mysteries surround the Boone Lake discovery and will continue to be discussed until further information is known.

If anyone has any knowledge of these people or this era in the region, we are asking for reports.

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