Participants eat dinner on a table made from repurposed wood from the mill.
It was all over but the counting. In the Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) offices today the tallies were in from the Fall fundraiser held at Historic Habersham Mills on Saturday. Close to 150 people feasted on a carribean themed dinner under the glowing lanterns in the old Mill. A terrace overlooking the Soque was the perfect seat to listen to local musicians. A silent auction offered art, gift certificates, baskets and much more. Tours of the historic property gave attendees the chance to see the recently completed renovations and hear about the plans for the full property. An exhibition of the “Soque River Days” project was staged in the former post office and general store. Justin Ellis, SRWA executive director, said it was one of the best events they have had. “It is rare to showcase a historical landmark like Habersham Mill for an event,” he said. “Everything exceeded our expectations and we were able to introduce the community to the mill owners.
The event brought in $9,172.00 and organizers say that it is about $3,000 more than the event has produced in the past. The funds will be used to support and develop the SRWA programs. The mission of the SRWA is to work together with individuals and organizations to protect and restore Habersham County’s Soque River, its tributaries and watershed. For more information about the programs or to join and support go to https://www.soque.org.
Laura Sutter, right, and Meredith Harkness share a laugh during the silent auction, while Lisa Guzzeta gets her bid in.
Rustic wood beams and flooring provided ambience for the evening in the mill.
Rosemary Dodd, left, and Nancy Kollock enjoy visiting after dinner.
Musicians Paul Glaze, left, and Bob Brooksher provided entertainment.
Thom Williams, architect and one of the mill owners, leads a tour outside what was once the mill barbershop, upper left. It is now lodging.
Artist Willette Mote of Demorest displayed her artwork showcasing mill history.
Edna Holcomb, left, was on hand to sign copies of her book “A Time That Was” that recounts the history of the mill.
Aubrey Motz, center, talks about the mill’s history. At left is architect Thom Williams, one of the owners of the mill.
Participants enjoy food and music on the deck overlooking the Soque river
Participants eat dinner on a table made from repurposed wood from the mill.
Barb Williams, left, and Molly Lay relax on the porch of what was once the old company store at the mill, and most recently had served as the community post office. The building now serves as a multipurpose space with a full kitchen. The upstairs, which once housed mill offices, is now lodging.
The Soque River Watershed Association held their annual fall celebration at the historic Habersham Mill on the Soque River near Demorest Saturday. More than 150 people participated in the annual fundraiser which featured mill tours, historic memorabilia, a Carribean inspired dinner, music, a silent auction, and views of the beautiful shoals. Justin Ellis, SRWA executive director, said it was one of the best events they have had. “It is rare to showcase a historical landmark like Habersham Mill for an event,” he said. “Everything exceeded our expectations and we were able to introduce the community to the mill owners.”
