Robert (Bud) Garrett

(1916-1987) lived in Free Hill in Clay County
1 inch quartz marbles, 2002.7.14

Rolley-hole, a marbles game involving teams, is regionally played in the Upper Cumberland River Valley. Garrett was a popularizer of the game and in the 1940’s he invented a marble-making machine. His marbles, while not always completely smooth, were prized for their beauty and durability. Garrett built a rolley-hole yard in Celina, TN. This is a selection of marbles for Garrett’s personal use and marbles of this design are commonly referred to as “flint” by the maker and players.  Garrett was also known for his county blues singing and playing.