 Volume 24, No. 4 • Winter 2006 ARCHIVES RECEIVES NHPRC SCANNING GRANTThe Troup County Historical Society and Archives (TCHS-A) recently learned that the Archives will receive a grant of $75,000 from the National Historical Records and Publications Commission (NHPRC) to digitize 19th century Troup County court and county records. Once digitized, the records will be added to the website of the Digital Library of Georgia (DLG).This grant is part of a pilot project by NHPRC to fund archival digitization projects. This grant will become official only after the U. S. Congress passes its 2006-2007 spending bills (the federal government is currently operating on contingency spending bills).
These Troup County records were first organized in 1985-86 as part of a grant from NHPRC which was awarded soon after the Archives opened. All of the materials processed in the 1985-86 grant and the current project were saved from the Troup County Courthouse during the devastating November 5, 1936 fire. Two women died in the fire, but still local citizens organized themselves into bucket brigades of sorts and passed historical documents from the burning building to safety. During that 1980s grant, records formerly in boxes marked simply “old cases” and in no order were reorganized and put into chronological order. A detailed finding aid was produced which gives folder level control over the records. 1) The records will be of interest to a variety of researchers investigating a broad range of topics, from the settlement of the western frontier (West Georgia in the 1820s), the Civil War and Reconstruction and effects on the home front, immigration, slavery, economic depressions, capital punishment and much more. 2) Digitizing these records will allow the Troup County Historical Society and Archives to take advantage of modern technology and make an important advance in our ability to serve researchers. The collection dates from 1825 to 1900 and consists primarily of court cases. The 159 boxes in this collection (53 linear feet) are organized chronologically and by type of case. The finding aid transformed an interesting but unusable assortment of old papers into a nicely organized collection of local government records. Having the records digitized and available online will significantly improve access to these records. 3) Researchers will gain easy online access to records dealing with many different nineteenth century historical topics, ranging from settlement to the Civil War, to the coming of Industry. These researchers include academics, History Day participants, local historians, genealogists, students, and many others. The records will be available to all researchers free of charge. Being able to use the records online will mean that residents who live within a mile or two of the Archives or researchers living across the country or abroad will all be able to look at 19th Century Troup County records with a few clicks of a computer mouse! Having the materials on DLG’s heavily used site will help ensure that the digitized records are easily available to as many people as possible.
Staff at the Troup County Archives, and at the Digital Library of Georgia, including Archives’ Director Kaye L. Minchew and DLG Director Dr. Toby Graham, are excited about joining together on a new project to digitize nineteenth century Troup County government records. The project will be a national model showing how local government records can be digitized and how the Internet can allow county and city governments and small local historical societies to better serve a wide variety of researchers.
 NEW STAFF
We are also delighted to have Ray Curry volunteering for us a few hours each week. Ray has a library degree. He is helping with the newspaper index. Ray is the son of Nan Curry. Nan served for many years as the librarian at Troup County High before retiring. He is also the son of the late Don Curry. Thank you for your hard work Ray! IN MEMORYWilliam DavidsonWilliam Davidson died in late August and our area lost a great historian. William was one of the first people in the West Georgia and East Alabama area to document our heritage through text, historical files, and photographs. He realized that much of our heritage was being lost in the 1950s and 1960s as houses were being torn down and old communities were being forgotten.He wrote Pine Log and Greek Revival using census records, family interviews, deeds, and other documents. Kathryn Hyde’s photographs of historic family homes added greatly to his book. Pine Log was published in 1964 and sold for $12.95. The book was the first significant work on local history published in the area in forty years. Family members have valued their copy of Pine Log ever since. Today if someone is lucky enough to find a copy for sale, the price may be several hundred dollars. Ken Thomas, historian at the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and native of Columbus, remembers Mr. Davidson as “one of the last 20th century historians who truly knew how to ferret out information from the public records and started early enough that many of our now-lost historic houses were still standing when he began and thus got recorded. The books he did stand as a testimony of not only his subject matter but also as teaching tools for those learning how to use local records. The West Georgia and East Alabama counties he wrote about truly have some great source books for all time.” Davidson also published Brooks of Honey & Butter: Plantations and People of Meriwether County, GA and Gentlefolk, 1888 (both 2 volumes) about Troup County and the four volume set, A Rockaway in Talbot. He wrote several pamphlets and contributed to several publications by the Chattahoochee Valley Historical Society. He was the last living charter member of the Chattahoochee Valley Historical Society. He was always charming and gracious. Until recent years, he came to the Troup County Archives or the deed room at the Courthouse often to do research. Historians in the area will be using his books and his research for many, many years to come. Dr. Stan Hall:Dr. Stan Hall renovated and preserved “The Oaks”, the 1848 home built by Phillip Hunter Greene. Stan died in November. He and his first wife, the late Christie Hall, and wife Susan Hall graciously hosted Historical Society events, and meetings of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.John Bell:John Bell, City Clerk-Treasurer for the City of LaGrange, died in November. A longtime friend of the Troup County Archives. He could always suggest where and how to find a particular record and was always willing to help.BOOKS & VIDEOS FOR SALE AT THE TROUP COUNTY ARCHIVESTREASURES OF TROUP COUNTY: A PICTORIAL HISTORY by Glenda Major & F. Clark Johnson, III. 264 pages with over 500 maps and photos. Covers the history of the county from 1827 to present. Hardbound. $25.00TRAVELS THROUGH TROUP COUNTY: A GUIDE TO ITS ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY The 138 page book features 100 photographs by John Lawrence of historic houses and buildings located throughout Troup County. Detailed captions written by Glenda Major, Clark Johnson, & Kaye Minchew. Softbound. $10.00 PAID lN KIND: THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN TROUP COUNTY, 1830-1930 Glenda Major, author. An important reference book about Troup County’s history documenting the central role doctors and medicine have played. Over 300 pages, indexed, with photographs and medical illustrations. Hardbound. $12.50 ESTATE RECORDS OF TROUP COUNTY, GEORGIA, 1827-1850 Compiled by Randall Allen and Danny Knight. 433 pages, hard cover, indexed, includes abstracts of all entries recorded in Troup County Inferior Court’s will books and return books. Sources are listed so researchers can examine original records. Hardbound. $20.00 FAMILY, CHURCH, AND COMMUNITY CEMETERIES OF TROUP COUNTY, GEORGIA Compiled by Dorothy McClendon, Lillie Lambert, and Danny Knight. 502 pages, indexed, listed by locations. Includes descriptions of graves and inscriptions. Hardbound. $25.00 MY ANCESTORS’ RECORDS 3 ring genealogy workbook to organize family information. $25.00 FERRELL GARDENS: A GROWING HISTORY is a video produced by the Troup County Historical Society spotlighting the 174-year-old gardens. Includes an interview with Mrs. Alice H. Callaway and historical photos. $15.00 THE LAGRANGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 1903-1984 by Lillian Clark and William Keller, published by the Troup County Historical Society. This 207 page volume gives a detailed history of the school system plus individual histories of each school. Index and photos included. Hardbound. $15.00 TROUP COUNTY IN VINTAGE POSTCARDS by the Troup County Historical Society. A collection of more than 200 vintage postcard images and lively, informative captions. Softbound $19.99 EARLY MARRIAGES, TROUP COUNTY, GEORGIA, 1828-1900 Compiled by Merle Bruce. Listed alphabetically by groom and indexed with bride’s name. Reference given to marriage books created in Probate Office. Hardbound. $20.00 MEMORIES IN MARBLE: HILLVIEW AND HILL VIEW ANNEX CEMETERIES by F. Clark Johnson, III. Complete transcription of tombstones in the two cemeteries which was the principal burial place for LaGrange and Troup County from 1830 until the mid-20th century. Hardbound. $20.00 PEOPLE OF ANTE-BELLUM TROUP COUNTY, GA by F.C. Johnson, III. Includes censuses of the county for 1830 through 1860 plus 1850 & 1860 slave schedules and 1850 mortality schedule. Additional lists include original land owners and genealogical & historical abstracts from Troup County Court cases. Indexed. Hardbound. $20.00 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HOGANSVILLE, 1830-1970 by Jane Strain. An informative pamphlet which traces development of this town. Softbound. $7.00 FROM THE BRUSH ARBOR TO THE TEMPLE BEAUTIFUL: A HISTORICAL COMPILATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHURCHES IN TROUP COUNTY, GA by Oliver N. Greene, Sr. Contains histories of all African-American Churches in the county. Softbound. $25.00 BRIDGING DEEP SOUTH RIVERS: THE LIFE AND LEGEND OF HORACE KING by John Lupold and Thomas French. The first biography of this gifted architect and engineer who transcended slavery and segregation to become a successful builder. Hardbound. $ 29.95 BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS THE OCEAN: LAGRANGE/CRAIGAVON Clark Johnson & Lewis Porter. Pictorial and historical guide to two sister cities. Hardbound. $30.00 CELEBRATING TROUP COUNTY, 1826-2000 A video production which combines vintage film clips and scenes from the Millennium New Year’s Eve Party, to tell the history of the county. $10.00 LAFAYETTE: AN ACTIVITY BOOK, highlights the Revolutionary War hero’s role in American and Troup County history. Softbound. $2.00 HISTORY OF TROUP COUNTY by Clifford Smith, 1933. Reprint of the classic history of the county with a new index. Hardbound. $44.00 HISTORY OF LAGRANGE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH by F. Clark Johnson, III. 528 pages detailing the history of the church, including lists of membership, World War II servicemen, gifts, memorials, and more. Indexed. Hardbound. $30.00 LONG CANE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY YEARS OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY 1841 to 2001 by R. Stafford Clark. A history of the church. Hardbound. $20.00 GEORGIA FARM LIFE IN THE 1940s: THE FARM IN YARN by Annie Lucille Greene. This farm series is a pictorial account of two summers the author spent on her grandparents’ farm. Features photographs of the authors original yarn paintings that were exhibited throughout the state of Georgia. Hardbound $30.00; Softbound $20.00 THE RED BOOK: THE LIFE OF FRANK EDWARDS Edited by Earle E. Griggs. Account of the army life of a Troup County Confederate Soldier from 1861-1865. Reprint. Softbound. $11.00 YOUNG AMERICAN HERO by Kenneth Seymour. Biography of Medal of Honor recipient, Hammet L. Bowen, Jr. Softbound. $10.00 FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY by Dr. John West. Record of over 300 Troup County people who died while on active duty in military service during the 20th Century. Softbound. $10.00
NEW BOOKS:THE HERMENEUTICS OF PREACHING by Rev. Dr. Aubrey M. Thompson of Warren Temple. This is a guide to help ministers and lay speakers interpret the scriptures. Softbound. $15.00WE CALL OUR DADDY “MISTER” by James E. Schell. Recollections of Harrell Family and Rose Hill Plantation of Troup County. Softbound. $20.00 HOLLYHOCKS AND OLD MAID AUNTS: A BOOK OF MEMORIES, FAVORITE POEMS, AND FAMILY RECIPES by Glenda Major. A glimpse into the life of the author through over 180 pages of recipes, family stories, amusing anecdotes, and poetry. Softbound. $15.00
RECENT ACCESSIONSBaker, Dan, LaGrange. Lee’s Crossing “Lions” Middle School Yearbook, 1994.Ball, Willis, LaGrange. Model-T Ford Steering Wheel. Bergeson, George, LaGrange. History of LaGrange, school report by Eugene Freeman. Bradley, Dee, Hogansville. 1923 Georgia automobile tag. Gell, Nancy T., LaGrange. Addition of papers and artifacts to Rotary Club Collection. Golden, George, LaGrange. The Clarion, 1923. Jackson, Barry N., LaGrange. Gear used in cotton field irrigation system. Jones, Fred, West Point. 1926 Model T Wire Wheel. LaGrange College. Plaque honoring William Grenham by International Cotton Mill, later Calumet Mill. Grenham was killed in World War I. Latham, Sherrie, P. LaGrange Academy Yearbook, Lagalog, 1983. Lovin, Evelyn, LaGrange. Wheel assembly from push-type plow and receipt from Dr. J. E. Lane. Ponder, Lee, Clyde, NC. Genealogical papers of some Meriwether and Troup County families. Schuyler, Margaret, LaGrange. U.S. Army uniform of Col. John J. Schuyler. Smith, Lataine, Hogansville. 1968 George Wallace campaign tie. Stolte, Sue Knight, Antioch, TN. 1941 and 1988 Aerial maps of LaGrange, 1953 occupancy map of downtown LaGrange, photographs, Polaroid camera, and 1988 LaGrange Multi-list book. Taylor, R. J., Jr. Foundation. Oglethorpe County, Georgia Deaths, 1874-1938. Terrell, Monica Smith, Hogansville. Historical Perspective: Memoirs of West End Schools to Desegregation. Thompson, Aubrey M., Union City, GA. The Hermeneutics of Preaching: Effectively equipping God’s Messenger to Present the Word. Welch, Sara, LaGrange. Oliver C. Evans and Nellie Mae Bray Evans: Their Ancestors and Descendents and An American Portrait: The Family of William and Sara Brady. RECENTLY PROCESSED COLLECTIONSPonder Genealogical Collection. MS 2006.10. Lee Y. Ponder of Clyde, North Carolina donated a lifetime’s worth of research to the Archives this summer. He devoted 28 years to research and correspondence which resulted in this nine box collection. Included are family papers arranged alphabetically by surname and then by individuals within each surname. His father was a native of Meriwether County and many of the families included were from Troup County and West Georgia. There are also family related photographs. Some of the major families covered include: Brock, Lee, Ponder, Thames, and Wideman.SEEKING WHEELSAs part of the Preserve America grant and the Museum project, Museum on Main is seeking donations of historic wheels. “Wheels of Change” is the theme for the permanent exhibit gallery. The Museum is seeking old wheels: wheels from wagons, machinery, locomotives, grinding stones, machinery gears, saw blades, steering wheels, and other wheels once used in every day life. If you would like for your historic wheels to become part of history at Museum on Main, please bring your wheels to the Archives at 136 Main Street in LaGrange or call 706-884-1828.MEMBERSHIP DRIVE BEGINSThe Troup County Historical Society began its annual membership campaign in November 2006. If you are a member of the Society, you should have gotten a letter from us recently asking you to renew your membership. We urge you to consider increasing your level of membership giving this year. To make the renewal even easier, you can call the Archives at 706-884-1828 and put your membership renewal on your credit card!With your membership in the Historical Society, you will receive our quarterly newsletter and will receive invitations to our luncheon programs and special lectures. Your membership is tax deductible. Membership funds of the Historical Society support the Troup County Archives, planning for the Museum on Main, annual History Day contests for middle and high school students, Heritage Education workshops for teachers, and other special programs and projects. We thank you for your past membership support and hope you will continue to participate in the Troup County Historical Society. New Officers ElectedAt its November 10, 2006 meeting, members of the Historical Society elected new officers and trustees for the coming year.Officers: 2006-2007
DOCUMENT SPOTLIGHT:The rich photograph collection at the Troup County Archives includes this postcard from the Nix Price Collection. The card dates from the early 1900s.
This newsletter is a quarterly publication of:
The Troup County Historical Society and Archives
|
