Volume 19, no. 3-4 • Fall 2001

Oracle of the Ages: a memorable program

Mrs. Smith talked about how she first “met” Mayhayley when she attended a meeting of the Lee County, Alabama Historical Society where Dot spoke. An innocent remark about wanting to buy a copy of the book eventually led the two to collaborate on the volume, Oracle of the Ages, published by NewSouth Books in Montgomery. Mrs. Moore spoke about Mayhayley, beginning with the time when she was five years old and first remembers seeing Mayhayley at a church in Heard County. Mayhayley is a genuine character in West Georgia and East Alabama and has been featured in books and movies. Oracle of the Ages is the only in-depth study of her life.

Autographed copies of the book can be purchased for $23.95 from the Troup County Archives at 136 Main Street, LaGrange or by calling 706-884-1828.

Southwest LaGrange and Berta Weathersbee School Celebration

“School days, school days, dear old Golden Rule days—reading, and ‘rithin, and ‘rithmatic…”. The Archives has been busy helping to prepare for the rededication and celebrated renovations of Berta Weathersbee School on Forrest Avenue. Once known as Southwest LaGrange School, established in 1916 by Callaway Mills Company, the school was renamed in 1974 in honor of Mrs. George Weathersbee affectionately known to her students and the community as “Miss Berta.”

The old Southwest LaGrange School stood from 1916 to 1953.

During the past year, the school underwent extensive renovations and will celebrate its 85th year in operation during American Education Week, November 11-17. Jerrie Holmes of the Troup County School System organized a committee of former Berta Weathersbee students and principals, current teachers, and the Archives’ staff to help prepare for the occasion. Events included an Open House with noted Georgia journalist Lee Walburn as the featured speaker.

The Troup County Archives’ staff helped produce a brochure on the history of the school. Clark Johnson wrote the brochure and photos from the Archives were used as illustrations. Archives staff, Kaye Minchew, Barry Jackson, and Clark Johnson, along with Mike and Sandra Moncus, developed an activity book which highlights both the history of the school and present day activities. The activity book was distributed to all student at the school. You may stop by the Troup County Archives to view a copy of the activity book.

The remodeled building looks fabulous. This proved to be a wonderful occasion to remember the long and proud history of Southwest LaGrange School/Berta Weathersbee School!

LAGRANGE COMMERCIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

The City of LaGrange has also received a grant from the Georgia Historic Preservation Division to develop design guidelines for the new district. Jaeger Company of Gainesville has been awarded the contract to develop the guidelines. The guidelines will help property owners and merchants know what kind of changes and new construction will be acceptable in the district. Printed and electronic copies of the guidelines will be available to the public by late spring of 2002.

HCC PRESENTS 2001 ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The Historic Chattahoochee

Kaye Minchew, John Ross & Annie Hawkins receive awards.

Commission (HCC) recognized three individuals for their work in various preservation and history programs at its Nineteenth Annual Supper Meeting in Opelika, Alabama on October 4, 2001. A beautiful four-inch bronze medallion sculpted with the relief of a Chattahoochee River steamboat was presented to Annie Hawkins of Valley Alabama; Kaye L. Minchew of LaGrange, Georgia; and John M. Ross of Opelika, Alabama.

Miss Annie Hawkins was recognized for her untiring efforts to protect, preserve and promote the historic resources of Valley, Alabama. In 1992 she was a founding member of the Valley Historic Preservation Commission which has aggressively worked to preserve and enhance Valley’s special character. She has served as a guide for historic tours in the community and was one of the movers and shakers in the restoration of the LaFayette Lanier Auditorium.

Mrs. Minchew was recognized for her outstanding efforts to preserve, interpret and disseminate the history of Troup County, Georgia. Since 1985 she has served as director of the Troup County Archives, which has often been cited as a model archives organization for mid-sized communities in Alabama and Georgia. She is the author of “Archives Programs for Local Governments” and has contributed significantly to other publications like “Travels Through Troup County: A Guide to Its Architecture and History,” “Treasures of Troup County: A Pictorial History,” and “Guide to Genealogical Holdings in the Troup County Archives.” She has served as President of the Society of Georgia Archivists and as board member of the Georgia Historical Society and Historic Chattahoochee Commission.

Mr. Ross was recognized for his work in the restoration of Bean’s Mill and other historic preservation activities in East Alabama. Today the mill is one of the few operating water driven grist mills in Alabama. As a consequence of his efforts, the Alabama Historical Commission placed the mill on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.

More than 150 people attended the HCC’s annual meeting, which featured a keynote address by C.C. “Bo” Torbert, former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. The HCC is a state agency of Alabama and Georgia whose mission is to develop the Chattahoochee Valley’s full potential for tourism and historic preservation.

For additional information about the Commission’s program of work write: HCC, P.O. Box 33, Eufaula, Alabama 36072-0033 or P.O. Box 942, LaGrange, Georgia 30241.

FAMOUS INDIAN PATH MARKER REDEDICATED

FAMOUS INDIAN PATH The Oakfuskee Trail, main branch of the noted Upper Creek Trading Path from the Savannah River to the Creek Indians of Central Alabama, passed this site, running east and west. Beginning at present Augusta, the route led this way via Warrenton, Eatonton, Indian Springs and Greenville. From here it continued westward to Oakfuskee Town, early main center of the Upper Creeks, located on the Tallapoosa River to the west of Dadeville, Alabama. White traders started following this thoroughfare in the early 1700s. Much of the route remains in use today, although the immediate section to the east has long been abandoned.

Mollie Darden Cicle, Loyd Presbyterian

had been missing since at least the summer of 1996. The marker was probably stolen after a car wreck.

At that point, members of the Mollie Darden Circle of Loyd Presbyterian Church who have adopted the spot as part of their efforts to keep Troup County beautiful started calling the Troup County Historical Society and Archives. Then phone calls made by Archives staff yielded no marker stored in evidence or back rooms at the Sheriff’s Department, Police Departments, or Georgia Highway Patrol. The marker was added to the State of Georgia’s Marker Replacement List. Then in 1997, Sheriff Donny Turner and the Troup County Sheriff’s Department found the marker in a field after a fire. The marker was sent back to the state, and after many more phone calls by Margaret Beyer, a member of the Mollie Darden Circle, and Kaye Minchew, the marker was at last refurbished and repainted.

The beautiful marker was rededicated in a service presided over by Troup County Historical Society President Karen Scarborough. Others on the program included Lynn Pauley who played the national anthem on her flute, Rev. Garrett Arnold-Hoffman of Loyd Presbyterian, Kaye Minchew, Capt. James Woodruff of the Troup County Sheriff’s Department, and Margaret Beyer. Troup County Commissioner Ken Smith accepted the marker on behalf of the residents of Troup County.

Markers generally remain stationary. This one endured too many adventures before being returned home! Here’s hoping for quiet times near the old Indian path!

LONG CANE HISTORIC DISTRICT MARKER FOUND!

TOURS AND EDUCATION!

The tours began with one of our most unusual ones, a group of Japanese students accompanied by an interpreter. Kaye Minchew led the tour. The fourteen students were here for a week and stayed in the homes of students who had visited them last year. The fourteen students, two teachers, and a city official walked around downtown. Having to use an interpreter made for a different kind of tour but it was great fun. The students looked at buildings ranging from the theater on Main Street to the old Presbyterian Church on Church Street, to the building which proudly proclaims itself to be a “bank” on Main Street (even though it has not been a bank for decades.)

The enthusiastic group toured the Troup County Archives building, the Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum, sat in on a few minutes of jury selection at the Troup County Courthouse, and later toured the First Baptist Church.

Other groups have included third graders from Cannon Street School who saw the slide show and toured downtown. Third graders from Hollis Hand School also toured. Two gifted classes from Callaway Middle School visited. We also had an art history class from LaGrange High that toured. Instead of just talking about the Victorian design of the old Davis Pharmacy building, we briefly discussed the influence of Queen Victoria and the Victorian era on architecture!

We welcome the students and hope they will gain a greater appreciation for their community, it’s historic buildings, and for the people who have come before them. Plus it is always great fun to be outside with students!

GEORGIA TRUST ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 19-21

Some of the expected highlights for the weekend will be a barbecue at Cloverland, the home of Ted & Ann Beason and Virginia Hutchinson; a progressive dinner which will spotlight Bellevue, the Farmer-Cauble Home, the Oaks, and the Edge-Callaway home; and a driving tour which will include Nutwood, and many fine homes in the Broad Street area. The meeting will conclude with a brunch at Hills and Dales. Both the gardens and the home will be included in the tour. In short, there are too many exciting things to mention them all. Mark your calendar now. All members of the Troup County Historical Society will received notices about the meeting.

Also, volunteers are needed so if you would like to help, call the Archives at 706 884-1828 and leave a message with Kaye.

Recent Accessions

Donated by Freda Reid Turner of McDonough, GA: 20th Century Henry County, GA by Turner; A History of Mu Rho Sigma by Anne S. Larcom; Hostrawser and Butts Kinfolks by Helen B. Hostrawser.

Abbottsford School Photographs, donated by Rachel O’Neal Thornton.

Donated by Stephen Johnson of West Point: As I Live and Breathe: Johnson-Ward Family; Davidson Family of Troup and Harris Counties; Leverett-Davidson-Johnson Bible

Atlanta and West Point Railroad Operating Manual, 1925; 1933 Clarion; 1949 Callaway Mills Co. 25 Year Club; photos & documents of Katherine McCoy Nelson. Try-Me Cola bottle. Donated by Marcia Gorman.

Photographs donated by Glenda Major, included the Board of Directors of The Harbor.

Photos of City Police, 1960s, GA State Patrol, LaGrange Office, 1945, Lilla L. Brittain Dollans Receipts & correspondence, 1908-1965, Donated by Shirley Greene Harris, Ft. Worth. TX

Cousins by the Dozen: Sturgis Family, donated by estate of Susie Fowler.

East Depot High School Reunion Souvenirs, 1996-2001, donated by Johnnie Cato.

Photos from East Side Primary School, donated by Jacque Hornsby.

The Red Book. Frank Edwards, (Army Life, 1861-1865). Reprinted & donated by Harold Johnson.

W. T. Evans Papers, 1881-1924, Mortgages, deeds, correspondence, insurance policies. Donated by Seaborn Lawrence, Elberton, GA.

Extraordinary Circumstances: The Seven Days Battles, donated by author Brian Burton, Bellingham, WA

First Baptist Church, Membership List, 1895. Donated by Elizabeth Harbin, Rome, GA.

Graves Swanson Home, Westover; 1903 photo, donated by Evelyn Biggers, Gainesville, GA.

Hairston Family of Troup County, donated by Mary Nell Traylor, (some info compiled by William H. Hairston, Jr.).

Brick from old homesite, Hammett Road. Donated by Fred Bodine, Hogansville. Interviews With People Who Remember FDR, made in the 1990s by Barbara J. Schaefer, Shiloh, GA. Used for: A Poor Man’s Friend video.

Irwin Family Photos, 1940s-1950s, 4 items donated by Lois Lee about Pvt. Lewis Irwin killed in WWII.

Photos of John Foster & biographical sketch, 1949-1956, donated by Sarah Foster Mickle. LaGrange High School Coaches Notebook, 1919-1929, donated by Mickey McCoy & LaGrange High School - after being sent to them from Colorado. Information about coaches, football and baseball games, players, articles.

Leaves of the Tree by H. Grady Wilson, 1989, donated by Anna Gayle Davidson McClure. Long Cane Community History by Julia H. Gilmore, Long Cane United Methodist Church 1841-2001, donated by Mary Nell Traylor.

Long Cane F&AM Lodge Bible, 1850, placed on Deposit by the Masonic Lodge.

Loyds/Homeland Home Economics Club Certificates & Records, 1954-1966, donated by Vivian Prophett.

Macon & Birmingham Railroad, 1915-1925, information & map, donated by Scott Robinson, Griffin, GA.

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Photo Plate, 1939 from Joan Hollis.

Murphy & Cardwell Family Photographs; World War II, Casualties (Biographies), donated by Lillian Murphy.

National Genealogy Magazines, donated by Mrs. Harvey Reid, Atlanta, GA.

Photos: St. John’s Methodist Church, Kindergarten, Calumet Mill Employees, 1961 Hill St. Jr. High Class, from Rebecca Moore,

Ward, Horace T (Judge) — Foot Soldier for Justice, video tape. Donated by Horace Ward, Atlanta, GA

CVHS REPRINTS CIVIL WAR LETTERS

This publication received high praise from the late Dr. Bell I. Wiley, noted Civil War author and Professor of History at Emory University. Dr. Wiley singled out one letter as “one of the most poignant letters that I have ever read”, in which a Virginia hospital nurse writes to Mrs. N.W. Miller of West Point, describing the last days of her husband’s life. (Capt. N.W. Miller was wounded at Petersburg, VA in March 1865, underwent a leg amputation, and died in the Fair Grounds Hospital on June 5, 1865. His photograph has appeared in several books on Civil War soldiers.)

Also included in this book are several scholarly articles on Oakbowery, an antebellum town in Chambers County, Alabama, plus several other essays on local topics.

Cost of the book is $14.00, plus $3.00 postage and handling. Please make checks payable to CVHS and mail to: Chattahoochee Valley Historical Society, Cobb Memorial Archives, 3419 - 20th Avenue, Valley, AL 36854. The book is also available for sale at the Archives, along with several other CVHS publications.

To obtain a list of all CVHS publications available for sale, call the Cobb Memorial Archives at (334) 768-2050.

DOCUMENT SPOTLIGHT:

This newsletter is a quarterly publication of the Troup County Historical Society and Archives, 136 Main Street, P.O. Box 1051, LaGrange, GA 30241.

Officers: President - Karen Scarborough Vice-President - Bit Taylor Secretary - Sally Macomber Treasurer - Jim Crane Past-President - Glenda Major Board of Trustee Representative - Charles D. Hudson

Staff of the Archives: Director - Kaye Lanning Minchew Reference Archivist - Charles Kelly Processing Archivist - Paul Wetherington, II Reference Assistant - Clark Johnson Accessions Archivist -- Barry Jackson Bookkeeper - Diana Thomas Assistants - Shirley Dykes, Jamie Gossett, Forrest Johnson, IV, Christian Johnson