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The Society publishes a monthly Newsletter containing articles about Upson County's history. The Newsletter is edited by Penny Cliff. Below you can find summaries of newsletters of previous years (when we had a member who volunteered to make these summaries). You may subscribe to the newsletter by becoming a member.
Index to past issues:
- Program for April 24 meeting: Ed Cliburn will share some of the adventukres, toils, and challenges of writing a history of R.E. Lee Institute.
- "I Remember" by Hartford Pryor
Mr. Pryor relates memories of Easter 60 or 70 years ago -- big hats and new outfits for the ladies, white shoes even for boys, and the flamboyant church piano player who designed his own clothes. Other spring memories were of the old remedies used to prevent worms and cure colds.
- The Bombardment of Battery WagnerAs told by Upson's Captain John Ferrell Lewis, Co 1, 32nd Georgia Regiment, CSA
This story of the July 1863 bombardment of one of the defenses of Charlestown is rich in the small details that show what it was like to be there: the acres of dead, dying, and wounded in front of the battery; an entire day spent burying the dead under a flag of truce; the fatally wounded sergeant threatening with a pistol the surgeon who intended to probe his wounds; and the General disdaining to scramble out of the way of a bouncing incoming shell.
- A Report on the Pettigrew-White-Stamps House
This house, one of the oldest houses in Thomaston, is maintained as a museum by the UHS. The story mentions two recent groups who have visited the house: the Traveling Ladies Club of LaGrange, GA and the fourth grade class of Westwood School. It also discusses plans for repairs and maintenance to the house.
- Program for March 27 meeting: Dr. W.M. 'Mack ' Dallas will speak on "Upson County and the Dallas Family." Dr. Dallas is a Thomaston native whose family has lived in Upson County since it was formed.
- "I Remember" by Hartford Pryor Mr. Pryor tells of the different covered bridges which used to be in Upson County. Noting that deer are now a nuisance to gardeners, he relates how the first 20 deer were brought to Upson County and deliberately released.
- Professor George W. Drake Professor Drake, born in 1879 (just 13 years after his parents were freed from slavery) became one of Thomaston's premier educators. Little is known of his early years, but the 12 signers of an 1880 appeal to the Board of Education urging serious attention to the black schools included four Drakes; apparently his family appreciated the importance of education. The Star School (for blacks) was established by 1883; much depended on voluntary contributions as disbursements to schools were based on the percentage of taxes paid by each race, leaving the black schools seriously underfunded. Professor Drake attended Star School and then Morris Brown University. He taught in the county schools, and then at Star School for 25 years. His importance for local black education was so great that the Thomaston Training School was renamed Drake School. When the schools were desegregated one of the buildings at R.E. Lee was named the Drake Building.
- A Story of History Recovered After exhaustive research for his history of Lee, Dr. Cliburn still knew almost nothing about John F. Lewis, one of the original trustees. Then, very recently, a story in the local newspaper provided a lead which resulted in his discovery of a descendant with family scrapbooks and photos, providing important information for the Lee history. Lesson: Those old family scrapbooks are important; donate them to the Archives!
- Program for February 28 meeting: Herb Bridges, the collector of the world's largest private collection of Gone With the Wind memorabilia and the author of a number of books on the film, will speak.
- "I Remember" by Hartford Pryor
Franklin D. Roosevelt came to Barnesville in August 1938 to throw the switch for rural electrification in the area. Mr. Pryor recounts that FDR told the audience that it was his experience in building a house at Warm Springs that made him realize the need for a national program for rural electrification.
- Photo Biography of Lily White Lily White, Thomaston native, 1886 graduate of R.E. Lee, and for a short while a music teacher at Lee is shown in pictures at ages 3, 10, late teens, mid thirties (?), and mid seventies, with a brief description of her life.
- A Valentine Advertisement from 1889 is reproduced.
- Program for January 24 meeting: Dr. Stan Deaton, Director of Programs and Publications of the Georgia Historical Society will speak on Button Gwinnett, one of the 3 Georgia delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence.
- "I Remember" by Hartford Pryor
Mr. Pryor relates humorous anecdotes about Mr. Albert Matthews, one of the Thomaston Mills executives, and then points out that the reason the present high school football stadium is called Matthews Field is that Mr. Matthews gave the land for it. This 1951 gift was valued at $70,000.
- A Unique Public/Private Partnership Several years ago, the Upson Historical Society, the Upson County Commission, the THomaston City Council, and the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education formed a partnership to support a local archives. Each year the Upson Historical Society contributes $6,000 for this purpose. The story is accompanied by a picture of UHS President Simmons presenting this year's check to the county manager.
- Thomaston in 1900 Mr . Cliburn describes the Thomaston of a century ago, including the beginning of electrical service to the city, and plans for a city water works and fire protection. New businesses that year included a bank, a buggy factory, and a ten cents store. Mrs. E. B. Thompson gave a large gift to purchase 1200 books for a school library.
- "I Remember" by Hartford Pryor
Mr. Pryor describes some of the two-story houses which served as apartments and boarding houses, as well as the two houses for mill executives. Mill executive Albert Matthews, who had the first radio in Thomaston, installed speakers outside his house and people would come to listen to the ball games, boxing matches, and music.
- Editorial
On the eve of the year 2000, Mr. Cliburn reviews some history and also challenges the Society to preserve Upson County's history.
- Hard Times, Good Times A Historical Perspective 1899-1999 -- the story of the Thomaston Mills. Copies available from Thomaston Mills Store - $20.00
- Letter from member tells of his "full size" Creek Indian village which can be visited by appointment for historical programs.
- Ads which appeared for Christmas 1899. Mr. Cliburn gives information about the owners of the featured stores.
- W.A. Odom House
An example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture was chosen by Mr. Odom for his home built in 1937. He once owned 5 movie theaters in the area.
- "I Remember" by Hartford Pryor
Mr. Pryor describes some disabled people who were able to continue to work because of the care and concern of their friends and employers.
- Oral History from a Former Slave
David Paterson introduces us to a WPA oral history interview with John Rogers, born about 1830 on an Upson County plantation.
- Program for Nov 22 meeting: Georgia novelist Sonny Sammons, whose novels "repopulate" the streets of the small town he served as mayor for 10 years, will speak.
- UHS Web Page is being developed by the students of a Georgia Tech graduate class in web page design.
- Jackson-Barron-Wilkins House
An example of an I style house. Since the house was only one room deep, windows in each room provided cross-ventilation.
- Program for Oct 25 meeting will feature Tina Starling Epperson reviewing her 3 week Fulbright Seminar on Russia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
- "I Remember" by Hartford Pryor
Mill Village floors....scrubbing with white sand....chickens under the house! Crank Telephone and party-lines
- One Hundred Years Ago
Details of the meeting held in 1899 and the decision to build a cotton factory - naming those on the committee.
- Tribute to Lt. Edwin Dallas, CSA
Lt. Dallas died 17 Sept 1862 as result of wounds in battle of Sharpburg. This tribute was written by his friend, Chaplain James H. Weaver who served 3 times as pastor of the Baptist Church in Thomaston. Includes photos of both.
- City Council of 1958 Photo
You'll recognize several men who surround Mayor Aldine Barron when he is sworn in for his second term.
- Personal Notes about current members.
- E-Mail addresses: Members: Don't forget to send in your e-mail address to Mary B. Williams. uhswebmaster@windstream.net
- Membership: If you'd like to join, you are welcome even if you aren't able to attend the meetings. Just getting the monthly newsletter gives you historical information about Upson County.
- "I Remember" by Hartford Pryor
He describes the dangers of fireplaces and stoves (the only way they had to heat
their homes) and the coming of propane gas and eventually natural gas. You'll be
amazed at the solution of removing the buried propane gas tanks at that time!!
Minimum wage 40 cents/hr. Loaf of bread 9 cents; quart of milk 16 cents; gallon
of gas 21 cents
- Listing of Programs for 1999-2000
- Feature Article:
J.J. Bell and his wife, who came to work at the Martha Mill and also became a lay
preacher, serving East Thomaston Baptist Church and later Cedar Rock Baptist in
Woodbury. He was known for his "neighborhood preaching" using amplifiers on the
top of his car. Includes photographs of their wedding day and 50th anniversary.
- Historical Home
McDaniel-Atwater-Daniel House built in 1920. The architect is thought to have
been G.Lloyd Preacher, who designed Atlanta's City Hall. The photograph allows
us all to enjoy its beauty with central pedimented portico and side porches.
- New archivist
Penny Howard outlines her priorities as well as two projects:-
Oral Histories
- Photograph Collection
- "I Remember Column" by Hartford Pryor
Describes two humorous incidents at church services: East Thomaston Baptist and; Elkins Creek Baptist Church revival. You also get to see his picture and learn more about him!
- Mrs. Victoria Thompson Thurston Hannah
Features her picture (which has been donated to the Society) and fascinating story of her life. She was the daughter of Dr. John and Elizabeth Cheney Thompson, and married Mr. Edward Thurston during the Civil War. (A romantic tale because he had been brought to Thomaston hospital after the Battle of Atlanta---which ended sadly because after the war her husband deserted her)
Through that and other adversities, Victoria overcame it all....but you'll have to read the story for yourself!!
- Historic Homes of Upson - M.L. Kelly House
This historic house features a wraparound front porch and gingerbread woodwork. It was built in the early 1900's by Mr. Kelly (who worked in the Buggy Factory) for his wife, Lillie Jackson.
- UHS Officer introduced: Faye Pittman
- Special appreciation to: Charlotte McGahee Kelly (circulation) and Elizabeth A. Storey (former columnist)
- E-MAIL ADDRESS
UHS members should send their e-mail address to:
uhswebmaster@windstream.net UHS as subject and in the body "I'm a member with e-mail...."
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