“Clarkesville has always been a place of community in Habersham County. Whenever you walk the old brick sidewalks of Clarkesville, a sense of family overwhelms you. Whether you’re walking to the old Historic Habersham Community Theater or the Maulden Garden with a nice book, it has always been a place to spread kindness and inspire awe into the next generations, the future of Clarkesville.”
These are the words penned in a letter by 14-year-old Callie Cueva, an 8th-grade student at North Habersham Middle School to the City of Clarkesville in the year 2074.
The letter will be placed in a time capsule, which will be opened in 50 years. It is the culmination of the Clarkesville Bi-Centennial celebration. A ceremony was held at the newly renovated Clarkesville Community House on Mary Street on Saturday, January 27, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Preserving this ‘historical’ year
Clarkesville City Councilmember Brad Coppedge coordinated the event along with Main Street Director Colby Moore.
“50 years from now, when the time capsule is opened, Clarkesville will be a different place,” Coppedge said. “We want to preserve this historical year with artifacts, photos, and letters selected from community members.”
Mayor Barrie Aycock read a letter she wrote to be placed in the capsule as well.
Four business names were engraved on the time capsule by Piedmont Metal. During Saturday’s ceremony, representatives of these donor businesses – Pinnacle Bank, The Norton Agency, Rainwater Development, and HEMC Trailwave – also read letters they had prepared for the capsule.
A slide presentation played throughout the ceremony, surrounding the event with a rich history of the former courthouses, the Charm House, the old Clarkesville cemetery, the Mauldin House, and so much more.
Looking foward so others can look back
Councilmember Angelia Kiker presented her letter with her 8-year-old son Ben beside her. With tear-filled eyes, she talked about the day when the capsule would be opened, and her hope that Ben would be there in 50 years.
It was a day of reflection and hope for the future.
The time capsule will be on display at each of the businesses that donated for three months. Its final resting place will be at the Clarkesville City Hall, where it will remain until opened.
