We are made by the history that surrounds us. Just walk the streets of Clarkesville, Georgia, and you can feel the threads of history intertwining themselves with the existing present. It has been a year of celebration for Clarkesville, marking the 200th anniversary of its founding in 1823.
Main Street Director, Colby Moore, reminisced about the year, its celebrations, successes, and what he has learned about Clarkesville.“Clarkesville has done an amazing job of retaining its history. It can be seen everywhere you go,” Moore reflected.
History is Everywhere
The Old Clarkesville Cemetery, currently receiving a face-lift, reminds us of the greatness of those who have lived before us. The tombstones honor Civil War veterans; Richard Habersham, U.S. Congressman and nephew of Colonel Joseph Habersham; Revolutionary War soldiers Matthew Rhodes and R.D. McCroskey; and Habersham County’s first Ordinary, Judge C.H. Sutton, among others.
Idus and Vertie Lee Brewer probably had no idea that the home they built in the year 1920 at 751 Washington Street would still be enjoyed in 2023. Mr. Brewer owned Brewer’s Drugstore and served as Habersham’s County Clerk of Court.
On Jefferson Street, the Toombs-Bleckley House served as the summer home of General Robert Toombs, a U.S. Senator who later became the Confederate Secretary of State. The home later was owned by Judge Logan Bleckley, a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia. A fun note of trivia is the entire Supreme Court of Georgia would often meet at this house to write their decisions.
Dr. J. K. Burns and Judge I.H. Sutton both lived at different times in the Burns-Sutton House on 855 Washington Street, which is now the Norton Agency. This Victorian Home, built in 1901, has served the community well in various ways, including as a restaurant and Bed & Breakfast in the early 1990s.
A Year of Firsts
For Colby Moore, the year has been overwhelming at times but also reassuring.
“I’ve experienced a lot of firsts this year. Becoming Main Street Director at such a pivotal point with the Bicentennial celebration in the forefront added some anxiety to say the least. But I work with an incredible Board of Directors who just simply get the job done,” Moore added.
One such event, Mardi Gra 2023, raised more money than ever before. The funds went to a matching grant known as the Façade and Sign Grant which is a 50/50 matching grant to add new awnings, park benches, signs, and such. The Mural at the Copper Pot is one example of the benefit of this grant. Amanda Stewart Realty benefited from the grant. They were able to add a new sign to their place of business using the grant.
Looking Forward
Downtown Clarkesville Christmas highlights the joys of small-town living with Santa Photos, a Cookie Crawl, a parade, and vendors. This event will be December 2nd in Clarkesville Square. It is one to add to the calendar. Becoming a vendor is possible by calling the City of Clarkesville. Moore pointed out, “There are scams on Facebook which entice people to go to different websites. These are not the correct avenues to become a vendor for this event.”
December 18th marks the moving Candlelight Christmas Walk from the Burns-Sutton House to the square. It is a musical night celebrating the meaning of Christmas. This year there will be a Live Nativity and the reading of the Christmas Story. To top off the evening and something everyone waits for – hot chocolate with yummy marshmallows.
Experience Clarkesville
Every day is a history lesson, whether it is looking back at our founders or walking in the present day. As we move through time, let us not forget to treasure those who have gone before us and those who will be here when we are long gone.
Whispers fill the air in Clarkesville as history retells the stories of old. As this writer walked through the gardens around the Haywood English Cabin at the Maulding House, I noticed 4 children sitting at a table coloring. It could’ve been 1850, 1950, or 2050. The laughter heard and the hope on each face reminded me of the beauty of time, people, and place.
History is made by those who participate in life – don’t miss out.
