Towns County Historical Society Highlights Progress on Key Projects

A packed house came to learn about Benjamin Taylor, with some of them being direct descendants.

Press Release

The Towns County Historical Society held its monthly meeting on Monday, September 8.

President Tyler Osborn opened the business session with updates on several ongoing projects.

One highlight was the Presley Post Office at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, which enjoyed a

successful year during the 75th Georgia Mountain Fair. Visitors came not only from across the

country but also from around the world to see the historic site, which the society manages and

has recently completed restorations and upgrades on.

Members also heard about the progress of the archival room at the Old Rock Jail. Thanks to a

generous donation, the back portion of the jail is being renovated to house and make the society’s

archival collection publicly accessible. The archives, currently stored in the museum, will soon

be moved into this new dedicated space. Both the archival room and the museum are scheduled

to open next spring in time to celebrate the Old Rock Jail’s 90th anniversary.

Perhaps the most exciting news of the evening came with an update on the Berrong-Oakley

House, one of the few remaining historic homes in downtown Hiawassee. Exterior restorations

are set to begin soon on the 1905 landmark, which the society took on as a major preservation

project in 2023. With strong community support and donations, the society now has the

resources to complete the exterior phase. Fundraising will continue for the interior restorations,

and plans are underway for future fundraising events to bring the home fully back to life as a

community event and heritage center.

Following the business meeting, County Historian and Society Vice President Jerry Taylor gave

a presentation on Benjamin Taylor, a local poet, historian, humorist, and commentator. Taylor

explained how he learned of Benjamin as a child from his family and became interested in his

writings. Benjamin would write poems related to current world and local events, advice for

family members, and even critique the local newspaper. A video of the presentation with images

of the stylistic designs of his poems can be found on the historical society website.

Following the meeting, refreshments were provided by Mama’s Concierge service and sponsored

by Hilda Thomason, granddaughter of Benjamin Taylor.

The Towns County Historical Society meets on the second Monday of each month at the Old

Recreation Building, 900 N. Main Street, Hia wassee. Meetings are free and open to the public.

For more information,visit townscountyhistory.org.