MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - For more than a century, Shacklett’s Photography has been one of Rutherford County’s great keepers of memories. Tucked on the historic Murfreesboro square at 105 S. Church St., the family‑run studio has documented the people, places, celebrations, and everyday moments that shaped “The Heart of Tennessee.” Their archive is so deep and so lovingly preserved that it has become one of Middle Tennessee’s most treasured visual time capsules.
This week, one beloved corner of that archive reached a milestone of its own. Peter Rabbit’s Garden — the whimsical spring portrait set that generations of families have grown up with — turned twenty‑five. For a quarter of a century, children have hopped among pastel blooms, perched beside storybook props alongside a real living bunny, and stepped into a world that feels as if it was lifted straight from Beatrix Potter’s pages. The garden is dressed for the anniversary, and the Shacklett family is inviting the community to celebrate the tradition that has become a rite of spring.
The studio’s roots run deep. The late Dick Shacklett spent decades capturing Murfreesboro through a lens that blended artistry with journalism. His photographs chronicled courthouse square life, parades, school events, civic leaders, and the rapid growth of a once‑small town. His children, Bill and Gloria, grew up in the darkroom and naturally stepped into the role of caretakers after his passing, carrying forward his belief that photography is a form of community service.
Today, Shacklett’s remains a touchstone for local history. Their vast collection reveals the city’s evolution — from long‑gone storefronts to major community milestones — and continues to serve families, researchers, and preservationists alike. Whether it’s the massive photo mosaic in the Rutherford County Judicial Building or the familiar charm of Peter Rabbit’s Garden, the Shacklett legacy is woven into the fabric of Murfreesboro.
For much of Gloria’s adult life, she has carried on a tradition that her father began—sharing local history each week with WGNS listeners.
In earlier years, Dick Shacklett would arrive at the station with treasures in hand, from professional‑quality recordings of wild songbirds singing around the historic courthouse to stories of his own colorful adventures, including taking part in milking contests during Dairy Days on the Murfreesboro square.
Gloria’s weekly Thursday morning segments (8:10AM) continue that legacy, keeping her father’s spirit alive while inviting the community to rediscover the stories that shaped Rutherford County.
For more information, call Shacklett’s Photography at (615) 668‑0475 or visit shacklettsphotography.com.
