HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Ralph Nichols and the Hiawassee Opry Band entertained the Towns County Historical Society on Monday, Dec. 10, with a mixture of gospel and classic Christmas songs, delighting a crowd of 72 attendees. Nichols formed his band nearly two decades ago, and continues to perform at reunions, revivals, and homecoming celebrations on a regular basis.

A music hall once stood in Hiawassee where the A-to-Z store is currently located, and each Saturuday night from April to October for 16 years, Nichols and his crew would charm music lovers from miles around with their feel-good tunes. “We had people come from everywhere,” Nichols shared with a smile.

A festive spirit was nearly tangible as local residents partook in a smorgaboard of appetizers and lively fellowship during a brief intermission. As the event neared its close, Nichols’ band accepted requests, ending the set with “Star of Bethlehem” and “Blue Christmas.”

Ralph Nichols was the historical society’s guest speaker in August, sharing tales of Tate City.

In other news, Towns County Historical Society Vice President Nancy Cody is vacating the position. “She has done an incredible job, not only in selecting speakers, but also along with her sister, Annette Cook, oral history interviews,” Historical Society Secretary Betty Phillips relayed. The election for historical society officers will be held Jan. 14, 2019. Paid historical society members will be eligible to vote.

Towns County Historical Society meets on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the old recreation center, 900 North Main St. in Hiawassee.

Feature Photo: The Ralph Nichols Band (L-R) Mack Dendy, Truett Spiva, Ralph Nichols, Ken Conner, Wayne Satterfield