Towns County Historical Society officers unexpectedly vacate posts
News January 11, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green announced on Thursday, Jan. 10, that four officers, herself included, have resigned their positions, effective immediately, and will not seek reelection on Monday, Jan. 14.
In addition to Green, Treasurer Frances Shook and Membership Secretary Mary Ann Miller will no longer serve on the board. A statement that Vice President Nancy Cody would not seek reelection was delivered at the historical society’s December meeting.
“It has been a joy to be part of leading the organization and watching it grow for as long as we’ve held our positions. To the best of our knowledge Betty Phillips is still on the ballot as Secretary and David & Myrtle Sokol will still be videoing the meetings,” Green announced, signing off with, “sincerely and with sadness.”
While the specific circumstances surrounding the decision to step down from the positions are unclear at the time of publication, FYN will continue to seek clarity in the coming days. It is known that the society met earlier in the day for an executive session where alleged conflict ensued, leading to the resignation of the officers.
Towns County Historical Society meets at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan 14, at 900 North Main St. in Hiawassee. Members are eligible to vote in the officer election.
Ralph Nichols Band entertains Towns County Historical Society
Community, News December 11, 2018
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
Local Seniors visit Old Rock Jail Museum
Community, News August 23, 2018
Pat Dragon steals a kiss from Gloria Deaton
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Senior Center took a tour of the county’s Old Rock Jail Museum on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018.
Historian Jerry Taylor led the group through the recently renovated site, sharing stories from days gone by.
Once the group had viewed the downstairs portion, which once served as the former sheriffs’ living quarters, many ventured to the upper-level to take a peek at what life was like behind bars.
Historical Society member David Sokol told the tale of a friend, Dires Farmer, who visited her incarcerated boyfriend at the jail in 1959, stealing kisses through the iron bars. This, in turn, encouraged reenactments from the lively seniors.
Louise Card and Terry Sutton
Louise Card, 94, was among the ladies to receive a peck. “I moved here from Florida 40 years ago,” Card told FYN, “I would have been here 40 years earlier if I’d known these mountains were here. I’ve been married five times, had seven different last names, and I have six great-great grandchildren with another on the way, due in February…And yesterday, I was jitterbugging at the senior center.”
Towns County Senior Center Program-Wellness Coordinator Gail Bradley-Parker chauffeured and chaperoned the cheerful crowd.
The Old Rock Jail Museum is located next to the Towns County Courthouse
Fetch Your News tours Towns County’s Old Rock Jail
Community, Featured November 11, 2017
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Fetch Your News (FYN) correspondent, Robin Webb, was granted an impromptu tour of the Old Rock Jail in Hiawassee on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017. Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green approached the site as heavy afternoon rain fell and found the reporter perched on the porch, seeking cover from the storm.
The historian was scheduled to meet an electrician in a continuing effort to restore the jail to its original glory, and kindly offered the curious journalist an opportunity to explore before the workman arrived.
The Former Sheriffs’ Living Area
“The floor restoration is our proudest achievement. Coker Custom Floors was able to preserve the original wood,” Ms. Green informed as the pair entered what was once the sheriffs’ living quarters, “and the walls are unique. The style is called grapevine.”
The Old Rock Jail served as the county jail from 1936 to the mid-1970s, prior to the construction of an updated detention center. The building was renovated in 1980 and functioned as Hiawassee City Hall, as well as a voting precinct, before abandonment in favor of a modern facility. The jail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The Towns County Historical Society gained possession of the future museum on Jan. 27, 2017.
Ms. Green guided the way through the former kitchen where a wood burning stove once stood, winding around into a narrow hallway. “I believe a desk sat there for registering the inmates,” the historian said, pointing to an area beneath the stairwell.
The intrigued reporter glanced toward the steps that lead to the desolate cells above as thunder rumbled outdoors. “Just wait until you see the up there,” the friendly historian chimed, well aware of the writer’s fascination.
The final room toured on the lower level once served as bedrooms for the sheriffs and their families. Green pointed out a marking on the wall where the room was previously separated by a partition. Once the restoration is complete, the area will become the museum’s main display section for rotating historical artifacts, while the living area will be decorated seasonally to reflect and preserve the sheriffs’ dwelling.
The time had arrived to head upstairs to view the jail itself. “Watch your footing,” Ms. Green cautioned as the journalist followed closely behind. “We still need to install a railing.”
View from inside one of the cells
The historian swung open a heavy iron door and the duo proceeded inside. The cells were dimly lit and a dampness hung in the air. The skeletons of metal bunk beds surrounded a cage that once housed up to four inmates at any given time. Countless names were scrawled and chiseled into the rock walls by the inhabitants, alongside spray-painted graffiti, an act of vandals after the jail was vacated in 1977.
Across the hall lies what was once a bullpen for additional prisoners. A compact cell with the bars running diagonally lines a corner. “We believe that was the drunk tank,” Ms. Green explained.
The last upstairs room entered was the former sheriff’s office. “That’s why the walls in here are so much cleaner than the others,” the historian quipped as the reporter snapped more photographs. Military memorabilia will be placed on display throughout the jail’s upper level.
Six Towns County Sheriffs once called the Old Rock Jail home, the final being Sheriff Jay V. Chastain Sr. who was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 8, 1974
The Sheriffs’ Office
FYN inquired as to when the site’s final restorations are expected to be complete. A date is unknown at the time of publishing. One thing is for certain, however. It will be a must-see spot for history lovers, both local and tourist alike.
The Old Rock Jail is located next to the Towns County Courthouse, south of Hiawassee Square.
Featured Image: Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Legends behind Towns County’s unique location names
Community, News February 13, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Historian Jerry Taylor shared an encore presentation on the mystery behind the unique names of area locations, entertaining a crowd of nearly a hundred at the historical society’s monthly meeting Feb. 11.
“Woven into the folklore of Towns County are colorful names of communities, creeks, waterfalls, roads, and country lanes. A search to find out who named these spots and why they chose the names reaches back into the dim and shawdowy yesterdays,” Taylor began.
Towns County Historical Society Vice President Jerry Taylor
Dozens of locations such as Scataway, Shake Rag, and Bugsscuffle were featured and Taylor explained that the legends behind the chosen names had been passed down through generations.
It was said that Scataway Road is namesaked because the “king of moonshiners” resided there and would “scat-away” from federal revenuers as they made their unwelcomed approach. Likewise with Shake Rag Road, folklore has it that Appalachians would feverishly wave a rag outdoors to warn illicit moonshiners that the dreaded government was near. Another Shake Rag version claims that Civil War dodgers were alerted of encroaching Confererate officers by the shaking of rags, allowing them to lay low to avoid fighting in the bloody battle between the states. Bugscuffle Road was said to have been named after a resident once uttered, “I’m from a place so poor that even the bugs have to scuffle to make a living.”
Many other locations were simply christened after the surnames of early settlers.
Intriguingly, Hiawassee itself could have been known as Boston had the Cherokee translation for “meadow” not been adopted. “It’s in the courthouse minutes’ books,” Taylor chuckled. “They designated the county seat Boston for a few months, and then for awhile it was Watson’s Crossroads.” Hiawassee bore the title of Shady Grove for a short period of time as well.
An article on Taylor’s previous presentation on the history of local Cherokee names is available..
Towns County Historical Society meets on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 900 N. Main St. in Hiawassee, the site of the old recreation center. Grace Howard of Hamilton Gardens is scheduled to speak at the March 11 meeting.
Feature Image: A 1863 map of Towns County, Georgia, when Hiawassee was known as Shady Grove.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Old Recreation Center accomodates pickleball players
News January 7, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Renovation to Towns County’s “Old” Recreation Center, located at 900 South Main Street in Hiawassee, has been completed, and the building now serves several functions, one of which provides indoor space for pickleball players to enjoy on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition to newly-installed LED lighting, fresh coats of paint, and necessary roof repair, the worn gymnasium flooring was removed, the work of inmate labor, and new flooring was installed.
Pickleball, a sport especially popular with the baby boomer generation, combines the elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong. Two-to-four players participate in single or double teams, using wooden paddles to serve a plastic ball across a court.
Outdoor pickleball courts, located west of Hiawassee city limits
According tothe USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), the rules are simple and the game is easy for players to learn, although pickleball can develop into a fast-paced, competitive sport for experienced players.
The Georgia Mountain Pickleball Tournament for CASA will be held on the weekend of Aug. 31, 2019, in Hiawassee.
The renovated recreation center will also serve as additional space for basketball games and tournaments, and an indoor batting cage for baseball players during inclement weather. Furthermore, the center functions as a meeting place for the Towns County Historical Society’s monthly presentations.
Towns County Historical Society honors military heritage
Community, News July 16, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Historical Society honored local military veterans on Saturday, July 14, during an annual heritage ceremony which began in 2014, founded by Historical Society Secretary Betty Phillips.
Phillips – the daughter of a veteran, and the widow of a World War 2 United States Army Staff Sergeant – recalled a conversation with her late husband before the program began. “Richie knew how much I loved history, and one day he made a point of reminding me of how different our history would be without our veterans. He said, ‘Betty, would you have the freedom to preserve history without the veterans?’ His words inspired me,” Phillips said with a smile.
The room in the former recreation center on Main Street, which now serves as a meeting hall for the historical society, quickly filled with veterans and supporters on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. Historical Society President Sandra Green opened the ceremony, acknowledging the dedicated effort Phillips applied to the project. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by the National Anthem, sung by Karli Cheeks, and an invocation was offered by Doug Nicholson.
“I am truly blessed and honored to be standing up here because I don’t feel worthy of it, necessarily, because we owe it to those that have served,” Phillips emoted, “Either they were drafted, or they were willing to go and volunteer. We would not have a society like we have today if they had not sacrificed. Now, some people paid the ultimate price, and in Towns County, we have one of the nicest veterans’ parks that you can find anywhere. It’s in a beautiful location. It overlooks Lake Chatuge and the mountains, and most of all, the names of the veterans go on that wall. The other day, I started counting the names. There are over 1300 names on that wall. Now, the ones who paid the ultimate price, they have their own monument, their picture and their plaque.” Phillips noted that in World War 1, there were eight veterans who sacrified their lives for the sake of American freedom, three of which were Phillips’ relatives. During World War 2, thirteen service members paid the ultimate price. The veterans’ memorial is located in front of Towns County School on Highway 76 East.
World War 2 veteran James Richard Lewis
The keynote speakers were World War 2 veterans James Richard Lewis, 96, and Fronz Goring, 97.
Lewis, reminised on his childhood, and his love for aeronatics; an appreciation which led to serving as a naval mechanic during the second World War. Lewis reenlisted in 1950, and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Lewis listed serving under four Commanders-in-Chiefs: Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and Nixon. “If the current Commander-in-Chief asked me to join the fight, I’d carry it to the gates of hell for him,” Lewis asserted.
Towns County’s oldest veteran, Goring, recalled his military service, and spoke lovingly of his late wife, Mason L. Goring, also a veteran, whose name is enscribed on the local veterans’ memorial wall. The couple met Thanksgiving Day of 1945, married Jan. 13, 1945, and spent 61 years together. “Right now, I’m stationed at Brasstown Manor Resort,” Goring joked.
A decorated table filled with photographs of local veterans lined a wall, and a touching video clip of an interview of local World War 2 veteran Bud Johnson, 95, who attended Saturday’s ceremony, at the late Governor Zell Miller’s recent memorial service in Young Harris, was shown on a projection screen.
Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales attended the program, offering words of gratitude to the veterans and their families.
Members of Friendship Baptist Church presented certificates of recognition to veterans of different eras, and ensured that the crowd received a Chick-Fil-A sandwich, chips, cookies, and a soft drink at the conclusion of the program.
Towns County Historical Society expressed appreciation to its members, and to Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, for helping to make the hertiage program possible.
Next year’s ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, 2019.
(Feature Photo: Towns County’s oldest veteran, Fronz Goring, age 97)
HIstorical Society officers rescind resignations due to public outcry
News January 14, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Four days after announcing a decision to vacate posts, three Towns County Historical Society officers have rescinded their resignations, choosing to remain on tonight’s election ballot.
“As you may be aware, several officers submitted an unofficial oral resignation at the last officer’s meeting and notification was posted on Facebook and via email,” Green stated, “Due to overwhelming outcry from the membership, these officers have decided to rescind their resignations for the good of the mission of the Towns County Historical Society: preserving and sharing the rich history of our area.
“At the December meeting, the nominating committee presented a slate of nominations including Sandra Green for president, Jerry Taylor for vice president, Frances Shook for treasurer, Betty Phillips for secretary, and Mary Ann Miller for membership secretary. An additional nomination was made from the floor of Terry Lynn Marshall for president. The election will proceed as planned, and there will be an opportunity for additional nominations before the election. Please remember that only members who are current on their membership dues are eligible to vote.”
Towns County Historical Society meets this evening, Monday, Jan. 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Old Recreation Center, located at 900 N. Main St. in Hiawassee.
Jerry Taylor will present a program on the Cherokee names of the area, following the business portion of the meeting.
Hiawassee Halloween may feature Haunted House Attraction
News, Upcoming Events September 25, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales announced that Halloween on Hiawassee Square may be relocated to the Towns County Courthouse grounds in order to feature a new addition to the well-loved annual event: A haunted house attraction at the historic Old Rock Jail.
Ordiales revealed that the City of Hiawassee is collaborating with Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green on the notion. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green inside the Old Rock Jail
Traditionally, the event has taken place on town square. Hiawassee City Council, along with Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, voiced agreement with the slight shift in venue due in part to parking issues. The relocation will free the parking spaces surrounding the square that were dedicated to candy booths in years’ past, potentially reducing the swarm of trick-or-treaters trekking across Main Street from business parking lots.
While the plans for the haunted house and venue change were not firmly solidified by Mayor Ordiales as of Monday, Sept. 24, Commissioner Bradshaw stated no objection to to the plans.
The Old Rock Jail is located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse, with renovation to the 1936 stone jail recently completed through the efforts of the Towns County Historical Society. The two-story site serves as a museum, featuring artifacts and photographs, and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Scarecrows, created by area businesses, are set to begin “invading” Hiawassee Town Square on Oct.1, staked thoughout the month.
A list of autumn activites in the Hiawassee area is available from FetchYourNews.com
Towns County Historical Society focuses on Macedonia Baptist Church
Community, News October 10, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Macedonia Baptist Church, a landmark sitting high on a hill along Highway 76, east of Hiawassee city limits, has a deep history that is unbeknownst to many. The story of the chapel was the focus of discussion at the Towns County Historical Society meeting on Oct. 8, 2018. The informative program was presented by Macedonia Baptist Church Deacon Roger Dyer, and lifelong member Daren “Bear” Osborn.
The room was filled to near capacity with church members and county residents, including Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and former Commissioner Bill Kendall, both instrumental in preserving the beloved history of Towns County.
Founded as Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in 1839, with the land deeded by Major Josiah Carter, the first of four eventual structures was built behind where the current church now stands. The Hiwassee River rushed along the chapel, and it was said that when the water level in Lake Chatuge sinks low, the steps leading from the original church can still be found. The river witnessed many baptisms throughout the following years, although the initial converts consisted of 11 members. Reverend Adam Corn, an Asheville, NC, transplant, born in 1782, is thought to have been Macedonia’s first preacher, initially serving as a missionary to Native Americans upon local arrival.
Major Carter was a delegate at the founding Southern Baptist Convention in Augusta, GA, in 1845, along with other area preachers. The Hiawassee Baptist Association was organized in 1849, and included Macedonia Baptist beside 23 sister churches from Clay and Cherokee County, NC, and Union and Rabun County, GA.
Carter, along with 27 of Macedonia Baptist Church’s first members, lies at rest in Carter Cemetery, tucked behind what is now Towns County Schools.
Macedonia was once known as Shady Grove, GA, and the land was a part of Union County until Towns County was established in 1856. The church was said to have housed soldiers during the Civil War era, although official records were stored in the Union County Courthouse which was later destroyed by fire in 1899.
In 1932, “God’s Acre Plan” was established by Reverend Frank Lloyd. Volunteer labor was used to prepare the land to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops. The farming endeavor served as revenue for Macedonia Baptist Church for years to come.
The second Macedonia Baptist Church – Photo courtesy of Town County Historical Society
The second church was constructed in 1942, the result of the addition of Lake Chatuge which caused a need to move Macedonia Baptist to higher ground. The congregation was urged to pray for God’s guidance, and the original chapel was deconstructed, relocated, and reassembled upon an elevated mound. The first homecoming was held in 1945, and it continues to be honored annually on May 15.
In 1957, the congregation desired to build a more modern structure. The government supplied timber from the High Shoals area, and $802 in revenue from “God’s Acre Plan” set the project into motion. The church was built by the hands of church members, with dedication taking place on April 27, 1958. The building remains standing, adjacent to the current church which was constructed in 1995. Reverend Harold Ledford served Macedonia Baptist Church for 30 years until his death on Feb. 11, 2017. Reverend Ed Jump is serving as Macedonia’s transitional pastor at the time of publication.
Numerous historical photographs were displayed on a projector screen throughout the presentation as Dyer and Osborn offered detailed narrative, and DVDs of the monthly meetings in their entirety are available for a nominal fee through the Towns County Historical Society. Historical Society Secretary Betty Phillips opened the presentation by acknowledging the dedicated efforts of David and Myrtle Sokol in preserving the meetings through videography.
Towns County Historical Society meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the former Recreation Center at 900 north Main St. in Hiawassee.
Of note, the Old Rock Jail Museum will close between the months of November and April. Appointments to tour the historical site during the off-season can be arranged through the Towns County Historical Society.
Feature Photo Credit: Macedonia Baptist Church
Towns County Historical Society holds officer election despite recent conflict
News January 15, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Historical Society held their 2019 board election on the evening of Monday, Jan. 14, following rescinded resignations from three presiding officers. President Sandra Green faced challenger Terry Lynne Marshall, with Green securing reestablishment, along with the unopposed reelection of Treasurer Frances Shook and Membership Secretary Mary Ann Miller. Historian Jerry Taylor was elected to serve as vice president, a post vacated by former officer Nancy Cody. Secretary Betty Phillips was defeated by 22-year-old Tyler Osborn. Phillips graciously congratulated Osborn, adding that she believes the group can continue to work together to benefit the society’s mission. Nominations were unexpectedly accepted from the floor, adding Osborn to the ballot on election night.
Newly-elected Towns County Historical Society Secretary Tyler Osborn
Brief, sole-sided conflict ensued preceding the paper-ballot vote as presidential candidate Terry Lynne Marshall adamantly refused to speak with President Sandra Green situated beside the podium. Marshall recited a lengthy resume of qualifications, stating, “I really don’t want to be president, but I feel the need to be now for this group.” Marshall served as the historical society’s president from 2003 until 2012, relinquishing the post to care for her aging parents.
Marshall relayed that her paramount concern involves proper, permanent preservation of “Wisdom of our Elders,” a historical timeline of recorded interviews. Marshall voiced dissatisfaction with the current handling of the records, and strives to forge a group of volunteers dedicated to the project.
Prior to the casting of ballots, Green, a key player in the restoration of the Old Rock Jail museum, humbly stated a passion for history as her cardinal qualification, explaining that the Towns County Historical Society is the only organization to which she is devoted, adding, “I am very proud of what I have done.” Green remained composed throughout the meeting.
FYN spoke with Green after the election to inquire whether the matter regarding the recorded interviews will be addressed. Green stated that discussion will take place at the society’s upcoming executive meeting, with the item potentially placed on February’s agenda.
“Congratulations to Jerry Taylor on being elected as vice president of the Historical Society this evening,” Green later wrote on social media, “Also to Tyler Osborn who was elected as secretary. I look forward to working with them as well as Frances Shook and Mary Ann Miller, who were re-elected as treasurer and membership secretary. 2019 should be an exciting year for us. I look forward to working with them to make the organization better than ever! Hope you’ll make our 2nd Monday of each month meetings a regular part of your schedule! Thanks for your support.”
Feature Photo: Towns County Historical Society President Sandra Green
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
Tate City: A tiny town with deep roots
Community, Featured Stories August 15, 2018
TATE CITY, Ga. – Tate City, a tiny town with a population of 32, was the topic of discussion at the Towns County Historical Society’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2018. Historical Society President Sanda Green announced that it was the largest turnout to date, with 110 names penned on a sign-in sheet.
Ralph Nichols presented his memories of the quaint town, which sits nestled deep within the northeastern forest of Towns County, Georgia, bordering the North Carolina state line.
Ralph Nichols
Mr. Nichols’s father grew up in Tate City, as did the generations that came before him, and Nichols had a vivid recollection of days spent in the speck of a city. Nichols grandparents, James and Mary Rogers Nichols, married in 1893, and his grandfather farmed and raised livestock in the valley to provide for his family. Nichols’s grandmother was said to be part-Cherokee, and served as a mountain midwife and medicine woman, traveling by mule over the rugged mountain ranges to assist patients in need of care.
Nichols shared a fascinating story of a time when he stepped on a rusty nail as a child, and a dire infection set in. According to Nichols, his grandmother directed family members to find a sassafras tree in the woods, and bring back the bark and roots to boil as a remedy. Once it had been boiled into a soggy mush, Nichols recalled that his grandmother placed the remnants between two pieces of white cloth, and tightly wrapped his infected foot up to heal.
“The next day, my foot was almost as white as that piece of paper right there,” Nichols said with a smile, pointing to a page of notes. Nichols shared his grandmother’s tried-and-true remedy for toothaches as well, involving parched baking soda. A book in which Mary Nichols wrote her recipes of ailment cures sadly disappeared shortly after her death, allegedly taken to the state of Virginia by Nichols’s aunt. “She had a record of all the babies she brought into the world, and all the people she doctored,” Nichols said.
Tate City, Georgia
Nichols told the attentive crowd that although versions of the story differ – with one claiming that Grandmother Mary walked to Gainesville, and another variation saying that she rode her trusted mule – that the medicine woman eventually traveled to Gainesville, Georgia, and caught a train to Atlanta in order to become a licensed medical professional. Nichols said that during the winter months, his grandmother would, at times, have to be chipped from her riding stir-ups by the towns people, which had frozen her boots to the mule gear after crossing through icy creeks.
Nichols shared memories of loggers moving into Tate City during the yesteryears, and buying land for a mere two dollars per acre, in order to acquire the virgin timber. Miners arrived as well, in search of rubies. Nichols said that in the early days, livestock roamed free, with the owners of cattle, hogs, and sheep marking the ears of the animals with different symbols to identify their owners. It was said that a record of the livestock, and their identifying marks, was kept on file at the Towns County Courthouse.
Nichols reminisced about walking to his grandparent’s home in Tate City with his brother, Willard, from their home near Shooting Creek, NC, as young boys. “It was just the two of us, a dog, and a .22 rifle,” Nichols said, explaining that his family had no way of knowing if the boys had safely arrived each time they set off on foot to travel an estimated ten miles over the vast mountain range.
At the conclusion of Nichols’s presentation, residents from Tate City who attended the meeting were acknowledged, adding additional facts about their beloved town. One resident said that Tate City was the last location to receive electricty in the state of Georgia, in the early 1970s, and boasts the smallest voting district statewide, with only 17 registered voters.
Tate City is located 32 miles from Hiawassee, or 16 miles as the crow flies, over Charlie’s Creek. By road, visitors enjoy a scenic route through the Southern Nantahala Wilderness, alongside the Tallulah River.
Feature Photo: Tate City “Mall”