On Saturday evening, the city of Clarkesville and the community came together in grand style to commemorate the city’s bicentennial with the Founder’s Day Gala. The event marked the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Clarkesville as a village on November 23, 1823.
More than 100 attendees from the community joined the celebration, reveling in the historic significance and the recent renovations at Oak Heights, formerly known as The Charm House.
The gala unfolded with elegance as guests arrived in formal attire, gathering under the newly constructed portico and exploring the property to witness the meticulous renovations undertaken by the new owners. Preserving the historic charm of the 1907 building, the most recent enhancements included the addition of a portico that seamlessly matched the architectural design of the house. The only noticeable modernization inside the home was a tastefully updated kitchen.
For many attendees, the gala provided a unique opportunity to step inside the historic building with a storied 116-year existence, serving various purposes over the years, including a residential home, clinic, restaurant, bed and breakfast, and briefly, the county hospital.
Robert “Mitch” and Barbara Mitchell, the recent purchasers of the home, greeted guests as they explored the property. Once renovations are complete, Oak Heights will serve as their private residence.
Entertainment for the evening unfolded on the front porch, where The Elderberries provided music that resonated through the historic surroundings.
Before the dinner was served, Mayor Barrie Aycock took a moment to address the gathering. She expressed gratitude to everyone for attending, thanked the Mitchell family for their hospitality, and underscored the significance of the occasion. Aycock extended special thanks to Clarkesville Main Street Director Colby Moore, Leigh Johnston, city staff, and all those who contributed to the success of the evening.
Barbara Mitchell also addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for their presence at the gala. She emphasized that the event was a celebration of Clarkesville and encouraged everyone to enjoy the evening and explore their new home, while acknowledging that renovations were still in progress.
Dinner, catered by Inger Smith, was enjoyed by the audience, accompanied by music provided by students and graduates from Piedmont University’s music department.
Don Nix, a Clarkesville native and son-in-law to the Mitchells, shared with Now Habersham that the renovations have progressed well. While a few elements required replacement due to age and wear, the overall structure of the building remained sound, eliminating the need for a major overhaul.
The event was made possible through the sponsorship of the city of Clarkesville, the Habersham Chamber of Commerce, and the generosity of Robert and Barbara Mitchell. The Founder’s Day Gala at Oak Heights stands as a fitting tribute to Clarkesville’s rich history and promising future.
