Tom and Ethel Hawkins bought this house in 1939. Tom was a member of the enormous Hawkins family who were among the first settlers of Sewanee. The cove below the Memorial Cross, known as Hawkins Cove, was where the family first settled. Tom was a son of Wallis and Marguerite “Maggie” Luchsinger Hawkins who were noted for their work at the University Supply Store. Tom himself worked there for 47 years and handled the stationary department. It included textbooks, shoes, caps, and gowns. Tom’s son Hub and his nephew, Jack, came aboard during World War II. After the deaths of Tom and later Ethel, George and Mary Louise Gilliam bought the house in 1967.

In 1973 the house was bought by William R. Irwin and his wife Helen Louise Prince Irwin. Louise’s mother was a Hawkins, Irene Hawkins Prince. *

*info above copied from this University webpage

In 2023 the house was acquired by Patrick Irwin (Helen Louise Irwin’s son) and his wife Kathy Sarns Irwin.

We do not know who built it or owned it before 1939. All we have is this photo dated 1905. We will post more info as we research more details. If anyone knows more about the history of this house please contact us: historichawkinshouse@gmail.com