WELCOME TO CAVE SPRING, GEORGIA
EST. 1832
downtown cave spring, log structure under green hotel, w.s. simmons (Lake) house
CAVE ENTRANCE CAVE ACROSS POND rOLATER pARK lAKE (POOL)
Scroll down to see lots of
upcoming fun activities here!
Exciting new Georgia Trail of Tears information
New Path/road through Polk and Cave Spring on Google Earth
(link)Requires Google Earth 5.0
Ghost Tours in Cave Spring will be October 23
and
a Tour of Homes will be Dec 4th.
Details to be announced
area activities link addresses follow also:
(lINK)
21ST CHEROKEE HOMECOMING & RIPE CORN FESTIVAL
Sept. 4-5, 2010
info: 706-509-8119, 706-346-6135
&
cHIEFTAINS MUSEUM (link)
"OLD wAYS dEMONSTRATION dAY"
sEPT. 4, 11-4
&
Log cabin: History behind the walls
September 4-october 30,2010
info: 706-291-9494
DETAILS OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
in cave spring:
Labor day weekend
Indian artifact exhibit
All artifacts were found within 50 miles of Cave Spring
Labor day weekend
September 4th, 5th, & 6th (Sat-Mon)
Hours: 11:00-4:00 Daily
at
our New Cave Spring Welcome Center
& museum
4 rome road
asbury house downtown
(between Country Cousins and General store)
All donations to the museum are greatly appreciated and
go to the purchase of the building as
a permanent location for sharing the history of Cave Spring
with everyone.
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and
Don’t cook on Labor Day!
COME AND ENJOY A
Steak Dinner Fundraiser
for the benefit of the
Cave Spring Welcome Center & Museum
Monday, September 6th
2:00 – 7:00 PM
to
be held at the beautiful new Cave Spring Community Centerbehind city hall on georgia avenue,
2 blocks up from the red light downtown.
$20 per dinner
Rib-eye Steak, Baked Potato, Salad, Bread, Drink & Dessert
Cooks: Lamar Montgomery & Team
Tickets available now at The Peddler downtown.
ALL PROCEEDS GO toward THE purchasE OF THE
Welcome Center & Museum building.
Contact: Rip Montgomery 706-777-8608
Email: thepeddler13383@bellsouth.net
Sponsor: Cave Spring DDA
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UMM UMM GOOD!
JOIN THE DELICIOUS & HISTORICAL FUN
Saturday, September 25, 2010
10:00am – 5:00pm
Admission: Ages 12 & Up $5.00 Children Ages 4-10 $3.00
Ages 3 & Under – Free
Artist Demonstrations of “Time Gone By”
Blacksmith, Weaver, Quilters, and more
Antique Tractors & Engines
Living History:
Presented by the Sons of Confederate Veterans
Motorcycle Jackpot Run
Model A Car Show
Taste and Vote for “People’s Choice Award” - $5.00
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Cave Spring DDA Fundraising Event
Hwy 411 yard sale
Sept. 29th-Oct. 2nd
From Leeds, al to Tennessee
right through cave spring!
Cave Spring Picture Show
(Cave Spring Georgia) OR (Historical Cave Spring)
FB Page and Web page were created to help Fans and natives of Cave Spring reconnect,
& to promote the history, events, opportunities, and fun experiences offered by in our community and the area.
THIS SITE PROVIDES A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON LOCAL & AREA EVENTS,
MERCHANTS, RV PARK, LODGING, past MOVIE PRODUCTIONS,
CS COMMUNITY CENTER, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,
LINKS TO NW-GA & NE-AL ATTRACTIONS, PARKS AND MUSEUMS, HISTORY,
PICTURES, & LINKS TO GEORGIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (EST. 1846).
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WEBSITE CONTACTS: cavespringga@gmail.com,
bwabernathy@gmail.com, or vabern1246@hotmail.com
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HISTORICAL DISCOVERY IN
DOWNTOWN CAVE SPRING, GA
HAPPY DISCOVERY IN CAVE SPRING!
Recently an old two story log structure was discovered under the facade of the
old Green Hotel in Cave Spring. Testing and determining the origin, builders, and age of
the structure is in progress now. Theories ranging from its being a late 1700 to an early 1800
building, used for a trading post, with or without a tavern, and hostelry, and built by
the Creek Indians or the Cherokees who often built two story structures and lived here,
or perhaps it was used to house students for the famous Manual Labor School, now known
as the (Lott) Hearn Academy, for which the "Father" of Cave Spring, Armistead
Richardson, donated 200 acres in the middle of town, with the stipulation that the
institution would never allow gambling in any form or the use of intoxicating spirits,
thus making Cave Spring the "first temperance town on the globe."
Over the years the structure has had many uses, a few of which were the hotel, a boarding
house, a portion being a library, a doctor's office for Dr. Harvey Norton, Jr., and an antique shop
with a nursery and landscaping business. The Cave Spring Historical Society is most
interested in preserving the structure and working toward that end.
Come and visit soon!
Become a member of Cave Spring Historical Society(link)
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eating and SHOPPING
IN CAVE SPRING
Shops & RESTAURANTS
SHOPS are usually open daily, 10-5 OR 6.
Sunday hours: 12 or 1 'til 5 OR 6.
Five restaurants and a BBQ stand serve a varied fare of terrific foods.
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DOWNTOWN
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THE VETERANS WALK and Citizens Memorial
with memorial bricks honoring servicemen of all wars and eras and others with connections to the City.
BENCHES, LANDSCAPING & FLAGS HONORING THE 5 SERVICE BRANCHES
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HISTORICAL CAVE SPRING:
welcome TO CAVE SPRING, GEORGIA
past & present
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RICH'S BAKERY, SPRING ( RAM PUMP CAGE), 1915
Wright & Ford and early wooden bldgs that burned
Bird's Eye View of Mill St. and Cave Spring looking North, 1908
(CITIZENS FINALLY AGREED TO ALLOW THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO FIX THE FLOODING PROBLEM MANY YEARS AGO.}
COLLAGE PICTURES: (click to enlarge pic)
TOP LEFT: SERVICE STATION, GEORGIA AVE @ RED LIGHT.
TOP RIGHT: A. J. CASEY'S GENERAL MDSE, CEDARTOWN ST @ ROME RD.
BOTTOM LEFT: LEFT TO RIGHT: VIEW FROM THE TELEPHONE OPERATORS ROOM ATOP WHAT IS NOW THE PEDDLER WITH THEATER'S MARQUIS AT LEFT, A.J. CASEY'S GENERAL MDSE. ACROSS SQUARE, THEN CAVE SPRING (WATT'S) HOTEL, AND BROAD @ ALABAMA, NOW A STEAK HOUSE.
BOTTOM RIGHT: VIEW FROM BROAD STREET ACROSS THE SQUARE TO OLD HOTEL, SQUARE SIDEWALKS LINED BY BOXWOODS (BOTTOM PHOTOS SIGNED BY CAVE SPRING PHOTOGRAPHER, ALTON HOLMAN.)
1907 POSTCARD OF: DOWNTOWN CAVE SPRING SQUARE
LOOKING TOWARD ROME ROAD.↑
(Reference: Per H. E. Mize: Bank at far right was built in 1906)
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EARLY PICTURE OF G S D'S FANNIN HALL, 1925 NOW CAVE SPRING CITY HALL, USED DURING THE CIVIL WAR AS A HOSPITAL FOR THE TREATMENT OF SOLDIERS FROM THE ARMY OF TENNESSEE AND THE UNION, INJURED DURING THE BATTLE OF ATLANTA.
IT'S BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED AS HAUNTED BY
GHOSTS & HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN TENNESSEE, INC
(SEE DETAILS (PLUS PICTURES, AUDIO, VIDEO) OF THEIR INVESTIGATION AT THE SITE.)
(MANY WHO LIVED IN THIS BUILDING HAVE EXPERIENCED HAIR PULLING FOLLOWED
BY A BREEZE AND OTHER PLAYFUL OR UNSETTLING PHENOMENA.)
(CLICK TO ENLARGE)
↑NEW COMMUNITY CENTER AND COURTYARD
BEHIND FANNIN HALL in City Complex on Georgia Avenue
For rental details contact City Hall
706-777-3382
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ALABAMA ST(HWY411S/GA53) @ LEE STREET & PERRY FARM ROAD
CAVE SPRING DEPOT: {1} EARLY 1900'S {2} 1940-1950 {3} NOW
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A BIT OF CAVE SPRING HISTORY
AND INFORMATION:
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Cave Spring, early having been settled by the Upper Creeks and later the Cherokees, began being settled by Europeans in 1829, and is still a small town in beautiful Vann's Valley, so named for the family of Avery Vann, father of Cherokee Subchiefs, Joseph and David Vann. David is known to have lived and farmed 200 acres in Cave Spring, owning 17 houses, slaves, and with a main residence that was described as elegant living quarters in a letter discovered in the 1960's in Gordon County. The Cherokee Kitchen behind the large two story brick home diagonally across from the old Depot, (circa 1880), has always been reputed to be part of his estate. The land and gold lotteries that preceded the tragic history of the Trail of Tears, changed forever the populace of the area and much early history is either not known or unrevealed---yet.
Located about 14 miles southwest of Rome and 5 miles east of the Alabama state line on US HWY411S / GA HWY53. the community has managed to preserve its charm and integrity without excessive modern development, except for a brand new "state of the art" red light complete with crosswalk signals, now in the middle of town, a an occasional facelift and paint updating the facades of the old buildings. In 2010, a two story log structure was discovered under the old Green Hotel with fascinating possibilities for uncovering the earliest history of the town.
Cave Spring's original claim to fame is its namesake mineral spring, flowing from the cave in Rolater Park, its 29 acre site having been given to the citizens of Cave Spring by Dr. Joseph B. Rolater. Thousands yearly enjoy family reunions, picnics, and just exploring the cave, observing the beauty of the area, and it's historic buildings, the pool, the creek, and the fish,ducks, and wild birds that enjoy the park also.
Each year for the past 36 years, except for one, the Cave Spring Historical Society has held a juried art show, "Cave Spring Art Festival," on the second full weekend in June, the proceeds of which are used for the upkeep of their restored historical buildings around Cave Spring. The much enjoyed and well attended annual 5K Road Race is also held on that Saturday benefiting the Georgia School for the Deaf, Alton Holman Heritage Arts School, and Cave Spring Historical Society. Trout Unlimited also sponsors a fun fishing experience for children of most ages, with a Fishing Rodeo held around the large pond in Rolater Park, the 3rd Saturday of June.
New to the agenda of the town for everyone's enjoyment is the annual "Pig Out", on the last Saturday in September, a BBQ cookoff, with Artisans Demonstrations, including a blacksmith, weavers, quilters, and more, antique tractors and engines, a Model A Car Show, Living History by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, including cannons, and a Motorccycle Jackpot Run.
The annual Hwy 411 Yard Sale runs through Cave Spring, too, held Wednesday through Saturday at the end of September or the beginning of October, depending on how the days fall. The route is from Leeds, AL to an end point somewhere in Tennessee.
The Holiday Season begins with the Annual Merchants Associations' Christmas Open House on the 2nd weekend each Novembe r, with refreshments and holiday shopping for goodies to please everyone while enjoying the decorations. The Christmas Parade is the 2nd Saturday in December, and ecumenical activities and other special activities are posted, and greatly enrich the spirit of the season, bringing all that wish to participate in the community and area together in happy sharing.
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Square in Cave Spring '30's or 40"s?
In Rolater Park are the Hearn Inn, the Hearn classroom building, & the Old Baptist Church, restored by and available for rent for lodging and events, from the Cave Spring Historical Society.↓↓
1.OLD (HISTORIC) BAPTIST CHURCH 1940'S PC
2. HEARN CLASSROOM BUILDING 1940'S PC
3. HEARN ACADEMY DORM 1925 PC
1908 VIEW OF CAVE, SPRING, & POND
original cave entrance on hill above
q
1940'S POST CARD IN CAVE 1998 VIEW INSIDE CAVE 1950'S PC
Pictures of Rolater Park
Opening this year at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 28 th, 2010 through Labor Day, in Rolater Park, is the 500 by 100 foot swimming pool/lake in the shape of the state of Georgia, built by the W P A-C C C during the "Great Depression."
One of Georgia's largest swimming facilities, and constantly fed by the spring's clear, cold water, this enduring town attraction has amused many generations of Cave Springers and visitors.
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CAVE SPRING HIGH SCHOOL REMEMBERED
BUILT 1922-23, OPEN SEPTEMBER, 1923*
* CAVE SPRING & VAN(N)'S VALLEY, BY JAMES COFFEE HARRIS
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Link: CAVE SPRING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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G S D FRONT GATE
232 Perry farm road CAVE SPRING, GEORGIA
706-777-2294
LINKS TO RECYCLING PROJECT, BOX TOP PROGRAM, AND BOOSTER INFO ABOVE
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G S D'S first students were admitted in 1846.
The present campus is located at 232 Perry Farm Road.
Link above goes to G S D Web site.
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TALLALAH ESTATES was built by Major Wm. H. Gill, later called "Sunshine", by owner Robert
Perry, whose family loved to entertain at home and on Woodstock Lake nearby on the property.
(NOW DEMOLISHED),
WAS LOCATED ON THE GORDON CAMPUS OF G S D.
BELOW IS ITS BEAUTIFUL LAKE IN 1920'S(1st thumbnail) & 1913 post card (2nd Thumbnail) & Woodstock Lake, 2010
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Come enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere of small town living. Wander through our shops for a sometimes nostalgic look at the past and get a heaping helping of fudge, or a Vera Bradley bag, among loads of goodies offered in our shops.
Relax in the gazebo on the square and watch the world go by, or wade at the spring or in Little Cedar Creek,
and swim in Rolater Lake (the pool) in the summer season.
Honor veterans in the town square at the lovely new winding bricked sidewalk leading from the gazebo to the veterans memorial, complete with flags honoring the services, & memorial benches for repose throughout park and town and don't forget our 4th of July Parade, 9 AM sharp.
tour the cave, and sit on the "Devil's Chair", near the original cave entrance at the top. See the lighted camel head-appearing stalagmites in the main chamber and its other formations and rooms, and the chamber through which the spring runs.
Bring your license and your gear, and fish for trout in Little Cedar Creek, restocked twice a month by Georgia Fish and Game Commission.
Watch for planned events
and JOIN us for the fun!
Now it's your turn!
PLAN YOUR TRIP. ENJOY YOUR TIME HERE. AND THEN
Fill your water bottles for free where the pure spring water emerges
from the cave after your fun-filled day
to enjoy this delicious natural resource at your home.
And PLEASE remember---
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cave Spring is always
WAITING for you!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MANY THANKS FOR YOUR PATRONAGE
and COME BACK SOON!
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WEBSITE Maintained by
Vicki & Billy Wayne Abernathy
(drawing by Curtis Craw)
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