2004 Meeting in Washington, Georgia
On the first weekend of October, 2004 fifty-four descendants, family, and friends arrived in historic Washington-Wilkes coming from 15 states to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. What better place to honor George Washington than in the town first incorporated in his name on January 23, 1790.
After checking in Friday afternoon at the 1898 Fitzpatrick Hotel, attendees toured the National Register 1832 Tupper-Barnett House. That evening we gathered at the Woman’s Club where we enjoyed a Revolutionary period dinner and heard local historian, Robert M. “Skeet” Willingham, Jr. speak about the Battle of Kettle Creek fought in Wilkes County on February 14, 1779. After dinner we strolled up Robert Toombs Avenue to Wisteria Hall, built in 1775, where we enjoyed a sumptuous dessert buffet prepared by the homeowner.
Saturday morning we boarded the buses for a day of touring. Our first stop was Kettle Creek Battlefield. Next, we toured the 1800 Blackburn home, Kettle Creek Manor. From there we returned to town to visit the Robert Tombs House State Historic Site and enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grounds. After lunch we toured the Washington Historical Museum and two other private homes, one of which served as the home of the first woman newspaper editor in Georgia. Later that evening we were treated to a presentation of “Postmarked Wilkes County.”
Sunday morning found us headed to Augusta where we worshiped at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; the church’s original building had been designed by architect Frederick Ball. The memorial service was held in the churchyard, after which the ladies of the church provided a delicious lunch for us, and even presented everyone with a copy of their cookbook. During lunch Erik Montgomery, Executive Director of Historic Augusta, spoke about George Washington’s 1791 visit to Augusta.
The group then visited Meadow Garden, the home of George Walton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, followed by the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson. We were guided by the very knowledgeable Erik Montgomery. As we returned to Washington we stopped to tour the Griggs home, Mt. Pleasant, built in 1790 and the location where Eli Whitney perfected his cotton gin.
We assembled again in the Fitzpatrick Hotel Ballroom Sunday evening for our final night to celebrate our first 50 years, to pass the gavel to new President General Richard Jordan and to honor Peg Stein for her outstanding contribution of service to the Society.
submitted by Carol Cartledge
