Demorest City Hall has been operating out of the old Demorest Elementary School building for five weeks, but the move is official now. The city hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the repurposed school building on Alabama Street Monday evening.
City residents joined government leaders and employees, former students, and other community members for the celebration.
Approximately 150 people trickled in and out during the two-hour event, which included tours of the renovated space. Many who attended were either former students who attended Demorest Elementary School or educators who taught there at some point in their careers.
Demorest City Manager Mark Musselwhite thanked Public Works Director Brian Popham and his crew for the construction work they did. He called it “fantastic!”
The city set up a history center with the building’s storied past on full display. For those who did not attend Monday, it’s worth a visit.
“I appreciate everyone coming out to take a look at our new city hall. Know that we will be working on the expansion of the city hall. A lot of great things will be coming up,” said Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness.
“Wonderful. It was wonderful,” retired teacher Deloris Wilson said after touring the old schoolhouse. “It brought back so many memories walking up and down these halls.”
Wilson reminisced about the 24 years she spent as a teacher at the old school. And while the evening was full of joyous celebrating, there was still a tinge of sadness as she remembered former colleagues who have since passed.
“It’s sad, but it’s good at the same time. I love it, I love what they [City of Demorest] are doing,” she said.
Former students echoed that sentiment.
“I loved it. I thought it was a great turnout, and it was really cool to go back into the building that I was at in elementary school and get to walk through those halls one more time,” said Mandy Wilson.
“Demorest Elementary will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am so excited and so thankful to the Demorest City Council,” said Susan Newsom. “As a former student, I was extremely pleased to be able to tour my old classrooms, walk the halls, and enjoy so many memories of my childhood.”
Habersham County Commissioner Bruce Harkness, who previously served on the Demorest City Council, said he was pleased with how the evening turned out.
“I am very proud of my son Jerry (Mayor Harkness). He is working to bring peace and harmony to our wonderful little town,” he said.
Commissioner Harkness expressed gratitude to “all of the wonderful employees” of Demorest who helped make the evening a success.
“All three of my children went to this old school which brought back so many good memories. I wish Demorest well in their new facility.”
