The town of Willow Grove began as a small community in the very late 1700's and early 1800's. Some say it derived its name from a small grove of willow trees along what became known as Irons Creek. Still others say that it was lovingly named in respect of the previous home of some of the very early settlers in the area. A number of families moved from New York State, near a town called Willow Grove. Some say they named their newly found home in respect of their old hometown. However it received its name, it became a thriving area and by the time Clay County was formed in 1870/71, it had become a metropolis for its day. With general stores, a mercantile, grist mills, and a school, it was a very convenient place to live. It was nestled conveniently on the banks of Irons Creek and was close to where the Irons mingled into the Obey River. The rivers were a primary means of transit during those days, and most major cities began their early days on the banks of one. Willow Grove also resided along TN Hwy 53. It was one of the biggest and best roads in this section of Tennessee, and its busy travels only boosted Willow Grove's local economy. I marvel at how the people of this town got along. In the entire existence of Willow Grove, during all its years, there were but two marriages that ended in divorce. That's saying something. The townspeople and their descendants still get together for a reunion once a year on Labor Day weekend. Short stories and recollections are shared about the town…that drowned.

The summer of 1942 was a gut-wrenching and painful one for the residents of Willow Grove and surrounding communities. Many heated debates between the townspeople and the Army Corps were carried out at the homes of the residents and in public forums. The Corps had put together a final picnic and get-together for the residents of Willow Grove as a way of smoothing-over this very tough situation. Some were glad that the Corps took the time to allow this closely-knit community to gather and say farewells. Others were so overwhelmingly bitter over the deal, that a number of harsh words were spoken. A number of ugly arguments had gotten underway when some of the townspeople coaxed Dr. Edward Clark to speak. Dr. Clark was a loved individual in the community, and even though he was uncomfortable speaking publicly, he chose to give his town some words of encouragement. Dr. Clark may not go down in history as a poignant speaker, but his speech on July 18, 1942, offered hope to a group of people in desperate need. His speech softened the blow of moving and inspired many to press on. His renowned speech follows:

I have been asked, urged to try to talk to you a little. I am a sick man, both in mind and body. Those of us in this area which is soon to be inundated with water have a double problem to the rest of you. I do not know what to say to you, or what is right to say to you. I do not know how to say it.

I am standing before you this afternoon attempting to address you when it occurs to me that I have more problems and more serious problems than anyone else I know. We people in this valley are soon to have to seek new homes somewhere. All that has been dear to us, we are going to have to turn our backs upon and leave. Many of us have sons in that awful conflict that is raging now and will have for the balance of this war. Many of you have other sons who will be inducted into the service, and I am telling you now…many of them will be sacrificed in this conflict before it is over. Their blood will be spilled on foreign soil. Of all the sad things I know anything about, it is war and hell. And Sherman said war is hell, and I believe he is right.

In addition to that problem with you, we are having to give up the dearest thing that any human has ever had from a human standpoint, and that is our little castle called home. There are three words that stand out in the English language. Those words are HOME, MOTHER, and HEAVEN. I realize in this great crowd of people here today who are gathered here to make contact for new homes; the majority of you will never see each other again. Some will go one way, some another. But, I want to tell you that with that kind of dark picture before you, you should be thankful…because we are living in a country and under a flag that so far has guaranteed to you the right of Liberty, Justice, and the Pursuit of Happiness. You can and will find homes in other communities. We hope and trust that after this is over and we settle back to normal, you will be useful citizens and happy the rest of your lives. I am thankful we had this get-together meeting here today. I hope that much good in the way of directing the tenant farmer to the people who can finish them homes will be accomplished, and I believe that if we just use our judgment with the help of the Extension Service of the University of Tennessee is giving us and will continue to give us, we can and will all find homes.

I want to say this to you…be careful. The price of land is 40 to 50 percent higher than it was a few years ago. The man who has land to sell wants to get all he can get for it, and the man who had to buy feels he has to buy regardless. Remember that after the other war, there was an awful letdown. It is coming to all of us again to some degree. To those of you who are going to buy land, let me admonish you to be careful. But, put your home in a community where you think you would like to live; where there are churches, schools, and in an enterprising community that will help you to be better citizens. So far as knowing what you aught to do, I do not. I do not know myself. I do not know what I am going to do, myself. I do not now what is right to do. I do not know what I can do, but by the help and direction of the Almighty God, I am going to live somewhere and try to make an up-right, useful citizen the remainder of my active life, which is not long, and I trust that you will do the same.

Dr. Clark's speech hit home for many. People came to terms with the inevitable and moved to higher ground. And Willow Grove sank into the murky depths of Dale Hollow.