House at 3738 Speedway Circle

This house is currently for sale by the City of Knoxville, Tennessee is currently accepting applications to purchase and develop properties through the Homemakers Program. The minimum bid $6.000.  It is also being promoted by some people as being an important part of our Black History and by others as the home of Joseph Knaffl, a well known local photographer.

Let's look at the these claims:
The only connection I can find between this house and Cal Johnson is that it is located on Speedway Circle. I have not found a home address for Cal Johnson, except for the State St address listed on his death certificate. Cal John died in 1925. His second wife died in 1927, and her address is also listed on State St.

 

In 1920, Joseph Knaffl was at the original location (918 S Gay).  The information on the offer for sale says:

"It originally stood at 918 Gay Street, but was moved sometime between 1926-1928 when construction began on what was then a luxury hotel originally known as the Tennessee Terrace with the name later changing to honor president Andrew Johnson – present day’s A.J. Building."

According to a KNS article (1926), the Knaffl house was torn down and J R Stephens built a replica, using materials salvaged from the old house. The house was built in Burlington, and the stone facade is made from stones from the Knaffl house, the staircase and paneling were also used. 
James Rogers Stephens was a contractor.  The address on his death certificate is 3738 Speedway Circle.