Historic Courthouse open house to mark ‘History Day’ in White County

by Emory Jones

Special to the News

The White County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 25, as “Georgia History Day in White County.”

“This is to coincide with our open house and history day celebration at the Historic Courthouse in Cleveland,” says Janet Cox, White County Historical Society president.

Cox says the Historical Society will have all kinds of exciting things going on that day to celebrate the community’s past.

“This open house is to show off our historic courthouse with its new wooden window blinds, doors, and fresh paint throughout. The event will include live music, historical displays, butter churning, and book signings,” says Cox. “There’s no admission charge, so we hope everyone will drop by for the fun. We especially want to welcome the younger people who have so much to learn about our county’s amazing history.”

For example, Cox asks, do you wonder how White County got its name? It’s not because they had lots of snow that winter. Back in 1857, with the increased population, William Shelton thought he had enough political clout to carve this new county out of Habersham. But his fellow legislators disagreed. In fact, they voted Shelton’s proposal down twice.

Then, another legislator named David White went back inside. With what eyewitnesses called “a skillful display of oratory,” he convinced the assembly to pass Shelton’s bill.     

Shelton was so pleased that he immediately moved to name the new county “White” in that man’s honor.    

Then Cox says, Mt. Yonah, the settlement chosen as the county seat, was renamed Cleveland in honor of Gen. Benjamin Cleveland, a hero in the War of 1812.

Later, in 1828, somebody discovered gold on Dukes Creek, and folks flocked in by the thousands. Next, timbermen built great sawmills, and the Gainesville & Northwestern Railroad roared in and stayed until the 1930s.

Cox says that too many people to count have made imprints on White County. The list is long – from Capt. James Nichols, who built the gazebo atop our Indian Mound and the Hardman House across the road, to Xavier Roberts and his Cabbage Patch Kids.

“Speaking of the Hardman family,” says Cox, “we’re expecting a ‘surprise visit’ from former governor Dr. Lamertine Hardman and his wife, Emma, around noon on the 25th. They will arrive in an authentic 1931 Model-A Ford driven by Hardman Farm manager Bob Minish and mingle with the guests for an hour or so. So, if you’ve ever wanted to talk to Governor Hardman, this is your chance.”

Local actors and historians Tom Johnson, Mary Geidel and Bobby Watson play the roles of Dr. Hardman, Emma and Bob Minish, respectively.

“So, come out and join us Sept. 25 from 10 until 3. It’s going to be a fun Saturday!”

Cox says the hot-off-the-press 2022 Historical Society calendars will also be for sale at the celebration.