Two individuals and two entities were recognized at the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society’s May meeting for their contributions to local historic preservation, according to a press release from the historical society. The society lauded Susan Longley, Dorothy Gray, Murray County Schools and the Murray County Commission for their accomplishments.
“Longley has a helpful ‘can-do’ attitude,” historical society officials said in the press release. “In addition to serving as first vice president, she is secretary of the Wright Hotel Committee. At Wright, she plants and tends porch flowers and hosts hotel events. She is knowledgeable about the history of the hotel and its contents.”
“Gray preserves local history through her persistence in raising money for (the historical society),” the officials said in the press release. “For years she has shared her expertise in sales as a member of the archives rummage sale committee. Her hard work in co-chairing this committee has brought thousands of dollars into the coffers of (the society), enabling our organization to thrive.”
Murray County Schools has preserved the Rock Building and other structures on the campus in the National Register Historic District, the officials said, adding, “The system also preserved the last segregated school for offices and named it for Levi Branham, the county’s first black educator.”
“The Murray County Commission has established climate control for courthouse records and purchased archival materials,” the officials said. “It has also been supportive of (the historical society) in myriad ways, from installation of historic markers to grass-cutting and street closings.”
Scholarships awarded to area students
Scholarships were presented at the meeting to area high school seniors who have done work in local historic preservation.
Max Cowan received the Dalton High School Pete Sims/Mary Gene Dykes scholarship “for his efforts in cleaning area cemeteries, participated in Wreaths Across America, and helped with the Huff House sale,” historical society officials said in the press release.
Joseph Garland, Kylee Johnson and Judah Woodall received Murray County High School James and Nell Ruth Loughridge scholarships.
“Garland has helped with sales at the Spring Place Festival and Wright Hotel,” the officials said. “Johnson has cleaned up historical sites. Woodall has volunteered at the Spring Place Festival.”
Cameron Glass and Meredith Phillips received North Murray High School Paul Ross scholarships.
“Glass has archived old courthouse documents and helped with Vann House tours,” the officials said. “Phillips has given tours at the Wright Hotel and helped with sales.”
Ben Cleek, Tristyn Sutton and Aiden Williams received the Northwest Whitfield High School Dorothy Sapp Seaton scholarship.
“Cleek helped with Prater’s Mill cleanup,” the officials said. “Sutton has metal-detected for local artifacts and visited many historic sites. Williams has recorded and transcribed several dozen (historical society) and Prater’s Mill cassette tapes dating back into the 1970s.”
Viviana Avila, Monica Gonzalez and Isabela Rodriguez received the Southeast Whitfield High School Marvin Sowder/I.V. Chandler scholarships.
“Avila has researched the effects of COVID-19, mental health and inflation in the local area,” the officials said. “Gonzalez researched a local Vietnam War veteran’s experiences. Rodriguez helped organize the Whitfield County Schools’ 125th anniversary celebration and visited many historic sites.”
All of this year’s scholarship recipients have researched their family’s history, the officials said.
Eagle Scout project recognized
David Daniell completed his Eagle Scout project in the Nature Preserve at Prater’s Mill. A senior at Dalton High School, he led members of Scout Troop 2 to build a 25-foot footbridge on the Norma Gordon nature trail. The bridge accomplishes vital environmental objectives to ensure the community can continue to enjoy a peaceful hike along Coahulla Creek.