WELCOME TO CAVE SPRING, GEORGIA

EST. 1832


   

Downtown Cave Spring   *    Log Structure under Green Hotel   *    W. S. Simmons (Lake) House


2011 PLANNED EVENTS IN CAVE SPRING

              Date       Event            Time            Location


February 1, 10 & 15 T- Ball Sign-up Community Center


March 4 - Steak Dinner 4:30 - 7:00 Community Center


March 27 - Story Telling Hearn Academy


March 29 - T-Ball Starts Ball Fields


April 2 - Smoked Butts Sale 12:00 Welcome Center & Museum


April 23 - Easter Egg Hunt 12:00 Old Fire Hall


June 4 & 5 Soft Ball Tournament Ball Fields


June 11 & 12 Cave Spring Arts Festival Rolater Park


July 4 - Parade Downtown


July 2 BBQ Welcome Center & Museum


July 2 Fireworks @ Dark


September 21 - Decorate Fall Scene Downtown


September 23 - The Pig Out (Arts & Craft only) 12:00 - 6:00 Rolater Park


September 24 - The Pig Out 10:00 Rolater Park


October 22 - Ghost Tours 6:00 Welcome Center & Museum


October 22 - Founder's Day Ball Hearn Academy


October 29 - Trick or Treating 5:30 - 9:00 Downtown


Costume Contest 6:00 Gazebo


November 7 - 11 Decorate Christmas Downtown


November 12 & 13 Christmas Open House Downtown


December 4 - Singing in the Park 6:00 Old Baptist Church, Rolater Park


December 7 - Candle Light Service on Square 6:00 Gazebo
 

 December 10 - Christmas Parade 6:00 Downtown                                                                        

 


   

(click to enlarge)

 CAVE ENTRANCE  *   CAVE ACROSS POND   *   ROLATER PARK LAKE (POOL)



MUSEUM/WELCOME CENTER

4 ROME ROAD DOWNTOWN


SPONSORED BY THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

      DONATIONS  GREATLY APPRECIATED! 

TO DONATE TO THE museum BUILDING PURCHASE FUND 

   Contact:  Rip Montgomery,DDA     706-777-8608   Email:  thepeddler13383@bellsouth.net

HISTORY WORTH SAVING!!


NOW YOU CAN KEEP UP WITH NEW GOODIES AND EVENTS

HAPPENING AT THE PEDDLER ON FACEBOOK



  

(click to enlarge)

Secure donations may also be made through your pay pal account

to the log cabin fund with much gratitude from the restorers.

       In the summer of 2010, this ancient two story log structure was discovered under the facade of the old Green Hotel in Cave Spring.   Testing and determining the origin, builders, age and species of trees from which the  the structure was constructed is in progress now.  The possibilities for opening up the early history that has been forgotten, lost  or hidden in this area with such varied and interesting resources both geological and  historical dating back to earliest man, make this a most exciting opportunity to add to the beneficial knowledge of our progeny and open a dialog that  could help mankind make the hard decisions that will preserve the earth for many generations.  We at least may learn to appreciate the toil and motivations that enabled the future progress in all the things that we richly enjoy.

     Theories of its origin and use are many. Perhaps it was a late 1700 to an early 1800 building that may have been used for a trading post, with or without a tavern, and hostelry, and built by the  Cherokee who often had two story structures, and certainly lived here, and matches the description of an establishment run by a son of Avery Vann  for whom our lovely Vann's Valley was named.  New research is now possibly connecting it with other very famous names in the Cherokee Nation.

    Perhaps it may have been used later to house students for the famous Lott Hearn Manual Labor School, (now known as simply  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 building with apartments, a portion being a library at one time, a doctor's office for Dr. Harvey Norton, Jr., and finally an antique shop with a nursery and landscaping business.  The Cave Spring Historical Society is diligently working toward buying the property and its ultimate preservation.  

 Come and visit soon and catch our CABIN FEVER!


Become a member of Cave Spring Historical Society


Exciting new Georgia Trail of Tears information

 road ROUTES REDISCOVERED RUNNING through Polk and Cave Spring on Google Earth (link)

Requires Google Earth 5.0



see WHAT A great VIRTUAL museum CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTY!

murraycountymuseum@aol.com

CURATOR/WEBMASTER/ORIGINATOR IS HERMAN MCDANIEL


DETAILS OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

in cave spring AND OTHER AREA EVENTS:


ROLATER PARK (LINK)



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. 1847). 

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WEBSITE CONTACTS:  cavespringga@gmail.com,

bwabernathy@gmail.com, or vabern1246@hotmail.com

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INTELLICAST WEATHER-ATLANTA

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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.

F

See listings at Merchant Links

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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.

MEMORIAL BENCHES,  LANDSCAPING  &  FLAGS TO HONOR THE 5 SERVICE BRANCHES

   

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HISTORICAL CAVE SPRING:

welcome TO CAVE SPRING, GEORGIA

past & present

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1. RICH'S BAKERY,  2.  SPRING ( RAM PUMP CAGE), 1915

3. Wright & Ford & early wooden bldgs that burned

 

Bird's Eye View of Mill St. and Cave Spring looking North, 1908

\

FROM THE ELLIS DICKERSON ALBUM, VIEW OF DOWNTOWN CAVE SPRING EARLY 1900 (FROM G S D AREA)

IN PIC IS ERWIN HOTEL (CHURCH &  RIVER ST.) IN UPPER MIDDLE, CAVE SPRING HOTEL MIDDLE ABOVE WATER, GREEN HOTEL MIDDLE FAR LEFT.

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(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

  EARLY PICTURE OF G S D'S  FANNIN HALL,  CIRCA 1925 

 NOW CAVE SPRING CITY HALL,  IT WAS 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 

www.ghosttn.com  

 (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.)

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(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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CAVE SPRING DEPOT (LINK)

 circa 1880 

 ALABAMA ST(HWY411S/GA53) @ LEE STREET & PERRY FARM ROAD

  

CAVE SPRING DEPOT:   {1} late 1800'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, attracted Europeans by 1826, and is still  a  small town in beautiful Vann's Valley,  which is named for the family of Avery Vann, father of Cherokee Sub Chiefs,  Joseph and David Vann. David was known  to have lived and farmed 400 acres in and around Cave Spring,  owning 17  houses, buildings and structures with slaves, and with a  main residence that was described as being elegant living  quarters in a letter discovered in the 1960's in Gordon County.  The Cherokee Kitchen bot ehind 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 HWY 411S / 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,  an occasional facelift and paint updating the facades of the old           buildings.  In 2010, a two story log structure was discovered under the facade of the old Green Hotel with fascinating possibilities for uncovering theearliest history of the town. The Trail of Tears Association   is doing extensive research of the early Cherokee history here, and finding wonderful information Though   it is well known that the Cherokees  were removed from Georgia, it was only in 2009 that The Omnibus Public Land Management Act H.R. 146 implemented the extension of the trail into Georgia and NC.  Cave Spring's part of that history   is remarkable and mapping the old Cherokee roads, and following them on Google Earth and the new sites where hopefully new markers will point out the old  history will be of great value in understanding our history and early  attitudes relating to  settlement of this exquisite area.                                                                                                                                                                                              

     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 in the early 1930's..  A major  site in this "Land of Enchantment," 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.   

     Little Cedar Creek also flows through the park and town.  The park has covered pavilions and picnic tables for rent under beautiful trees, near the flowing waters, perfect for family reunions, with a playground  available for the         amusement of the children, and of course, wading.  Feeding the fish (bream, trout, etc.) and ducks in the large spring   fed  pond is also a perennial favorite, food being available at the cave for a very nominal fee.  Several citizens have      donated beautiful memorial benches for the grounds and comfort of visitors.  The Park Board is    continuously       updating the  facilities for the enjoyment of  all.                                                                       

   tu   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 restor      ed 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  sponsors a fun fishing experience for children of most ages, with a Fishing Rodeo held around the pond in Rolater Park stocked with Trout, on the 3rd Saturday in 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 Artisan 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.                                  

     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.                                                 

                                         Date       Event            Time            Location


February 1, 10 & 15 T- Ball Sign-up Community Center


March 4 - Steak Dinner 4:30 - 7:00 Community Center


March 27 - Story Telling Hearn Academy


March 29 - T-Ball Starts Ball Fields


April 2 - Smoked Butts Sale 12:00 Welcome Center & Museum


April 23 - Easter Egg Hunt 12:00 Old Fire Hall


June 4 & 5 Soft Ball Tournament Ball Fields


June 11 & 12 Cave Spring Arts Festival Rolater Park


July 4 - Parade Downtown


BBQ Welcome Center & Museum


Fireworks Downtown at dark


September 21 - Decorate Fall Scene Downtown


September 23 - The Pig Out (Arts & Craft only) 12:00 - 6:00 Rolater Park


September 24 - The Pig Out 10:00 Rolater Park


October 22 - Ghost Tours 6:00 Welcome Center & Museum


October 22 - Founder's Day Ball Hearn Academy


October 29 - Trick or Treating 5:30 - 9:00 Downtown


Costume Contest 6:00 Gazebo


November 7 - 11 Decorate Christmas Downtown


November 12 & 13 Christmas Open House Downtown


December 4 - Singing in the Park 6:00 Old Baptist Church, Rolater Park


December 7 - Candle Light Service on Square 6:00 Gazebo


December 10 - Christmas Parade 6:00 Downtown
                                                                        

                                                                                                                                

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    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.(HISTORIC) BAPTIST CHURCH 1940'S PC

2. HEARN CLASSROOM BUILDING 1940'S PC

3. HEARN ACADEMY DORM 1925 PC   

    The large limestone cave is a main attraction in the park, open to the public for touring for a small fee during the summer, and other days during the rest of year weather amenable, for visitors to enjoy a trek there. {You may call 706-777-3994 or 706-777-9944 to ascertain if open, and 770-748-3057 for rental and reservations for pavilions.}  Inside, the cave is a cool year round temperature of 56 degrees. The mineral spring flowing from the cave has a capacity of several million gallons per day of the "purest water in Georgia", and many people fill their water containers daily to enjoy at home free. 

         1908 VIEW OF CAVE, SPRING, & POND 

original cave entrance on hill above

    

 1940'S POST CARD IN CAVE            1998 VIEW INSIDE CAVE        1950'S PC

   

 Pictures of Rolater Park

 

CAVE SPRING POOL

Opening Memorial day weekend 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 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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GEORGIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

       

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 taught in 1846 at Hearn School by O. P. Fannin. 

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 Middle Pic 

               

1. TALLALAH LAKE           2. WOODSTOCK LAKE           3. TALLALAH LAKE

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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 the 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---

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Cave Spring is always

WAITING for you!

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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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