The Union County Legends Historic Interactive Mural Exhibit(Completed September 6th, 2024)

Located From L-R: Jack Lance; Glenda Gooch; Harlan Duncan; Ethelene Dyer Jones; Ed Mauney; James Lon Duckworth; Byron Herbert Reece(Sitting); Thomas Slaughter Candler; Wiliam Henry Duckworth; Joseph Emerson Brown; Charles Simpson Reid; Bascom Sine Deaver; Glenn Gooch; Carlton Colwell; Ed Jenkins; Maude Haralson; Pat Haralson; George Berry; Micajah Clark Dyer; Arthur Woody; Bonnell Stone; Mary Jo Miller; Eric England; M.D. Collins; Doris Colwell.

NOTE: Some of these people listed on the mural still have to have some adjustments made. This is NOT the “official” finished mural, but is what’s currently seen in Downtown Blairsville at 44 Blue Ridge Street, right off of the Blairsville Square. So, if you are one of the family members who wanted/wants something fixed, either know we are working on it or contact me! Also, know that adjustments/revisions will be coming in a few months.

 

Trailer Video Telling About The Meaning Of The Interactive Mural And Who Is On It(NOTE: This video was made in Spring 2023 before the Union County Legends mural was completed, hence the reason for why the video says “Coming Summer 2023” and shows the “Greetings From Union County, Georgia” mural sketch)

 

Getting There(Scroll To/Click On The Yellow Marker In The GPS Google Map Provided Below For Directions To Get To The Mural)

Introduction

The Union County Legends Historic Interactive Mural stands as the final piece of a long-cherished project. One that has taken me over three and a half years to bring to fruition. From the inception of my vision, which was to create a mural that celebrates the legendary individuals from my hometown who embody the potential, success, and enduring legacies that can also be achievable by other Union Countians, to the moment the last stroke of paint was applied, this endeavor has truly been a labor of love(And costly). If this dedication doesn’t convey my pride in my origins, then I don’t know what will. I pose a challenge to the people of Union County: How deeply do you cherish your hometown and its rich history? How much do you truly want to keep the best parts of it alive? How much do you want visitors to town know that while they are welcome to visit, that you take a pride in Union County’s best parts of its history and don’t want that to change? I invite you to explore further and uncover the hidden, lesser-known stories of our community. Challenge the notion and belief that our smaller town cannot yield success comparable to that of larger cities. Prove to me that my efforts were not in vain. Show the world the pride you hold in coming from a place with a wealth of history, despite its lack of major conveniences available, and a legacy that has fostered influential figures who have made significant impacts, not only in Georgia, but around the globe as well. Though I relocated to Atlanta a few years ago, I carry with me the pride of my roots. I can reflect on my efforts to raise awareness of the many people, places, and stories that unite us as Union County natives. I aimed to inspire through the narratives and stories of those who came before me, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to emerge from Union County and achieve even the most ambitious aspirations. Let’s see what you’ve got Union County! Now, let’s jump to the unanswered questions of the mural. Who is on it? What are they known for? Where can go online to learn more about each person? When did they live their lives? How did their impacts and legacies positively influence society? And more. Let’s jump to it!

 

Photos of the mural during the painting process in order from the last day to the first day

The Criteria:

How was each legend picked? Why were they picked? Why were some people not picked? What was looked for during the selection process? What made it possible to make this mural interactive? These are all a few of the questions I have gotten between the time that the mural was started and after it ended. Most liked it, but at the same time, don’t understand it. Some, unfortunately, didn’t seem too happy that their relative wasn’t on there, and seem to have taken it personally. Some, ridiculously, seem to want to diss the mural and the meaning behind it before they even give it a chance, and the most ridiculous thing I have heard yet is the complaint/mockery that “People don’t even know who half the people on the mural are”. And to that complaint, sorry, not sorry, I have to say, “No sh*t Sherlock!”. Some were alive in the 1800’s, while others were around in the early 1900’s, and only so many of them will be remembered by only certain groups of people who are old enough to have remembered them when they were alive. You’re not supposed to remember them all. They’re all from different periods of time. The ENTIRE point of making this mural interactive was to spark the interest in others who wonder who these people are. So, if you want to know exactly who these people are, purchase the bare minimum $10 day pass that is required to figure out who they all are. Need more time? There’s also the $25 weekly pass, the $50 monthly pass, and the $120 unlimited, annual pass. Anyway, back to the main points and questions.

1. This mural is not a popularity contest. Most people picked were people that I found the most research material for, including historical newspaper clippings and photos. Most of these people were covered by or written about by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for the impressive careers that they led and the accomplishments they attained. So, the more material I found/had during research, the more likely they became to be chosen because I could give them all their own Indvidual pages, with their own unique, historic profile videos, their own newspaper clippings/historical photos album, their own GPS maps(meant to give others the chance to do self-guided touring) to show locations that had relevance to their lives, and additional links that included online articles and news footage about them.

2. For those that were not picked, it is NOT PERSONAL or anything against you and your family. Like I already stated, I could only use material I had. If I didn’t find enough information online or in newspaper clippings, I didn’t have enough to write scripts. Also, not every person I originally selected to be on there is on there. I remember very well reaching out to some different members of different families and either being ignored or turned down. I feel like this was in large part due to the fact that I had a legal document that was required to be signed following this incident that stemmed from the Greetings From Union County, Georgia mural. And that’s ok. So, there’s that. I tried going with the original plan as best as I could, but clearly things happened, and things changed. As far as 3 of my family members being picked is concerned, let me be vey clear about something. My standards for my selections for this mural did not change to accommodate my family members AND I even questioned(have the screenshots to prove it) putting them on the mural for fear that the wrong message would be sent which is that I am making this mural/project about my family. Not the case. Bottom line is, when I realized that I couldn’t add a few people as originally planned, and I assumed that it was going to be hard to get most folks to sign my legal document for me to work with them, I did then consider my family members. And all of them fit the standard of having left behind big legacies and/or impacts, video and research material(newspaper clippings/photos), known locations to use for self-guided touring maps, some additional links, and just overall good stories to share. So, this should address all questions concerning that. I eventually had to start somewhere. Simply understand that.

3. I wanted to pick from a wide variety of occupations, backgrounds, ages, time periods, etc.. On this mural, there is a governor, supreme court justices, U.S. and state senators, U.S. and state representatives, a county commissioner, a mayor, superintendents, educators, historians, a pharmacist, attorneys, a federal judge, veterans, foresters, a poet, inventors, athletes, aviators(Or at least those that played a part in aviation), and the list goes on. There are backgrounds ranging from the success stories of those who went from poor and unknown to those who came from the rich and wealthy and carried on their family traditions. Some overcame big health battles, and some survived war battles. Some were pioneers, while some did many similar things. Both men and women are clearly on the mural, but unfortunately, there are only 5 women included while there are 20 men. This, again, is nothing personal. It just comes with the territory of picking from a wide timeframe ranging from the 1800’s to today and the fact that through my own research, I just didn’t find much material about many women. The ones I did pick had just enough information that I could find. Hopefully, though, with the future plans of voting on/adding different people to the mural, more women will be added and there will be enough material gathered to make for an interactive web page for them. As for age, the youngest person seen on the mural is 8 years old and the oldest lived to be 95 years old. This was meant to inspire and welcome the belief that people of all ages could one day become part of this mural. Another thing, NO ONE HAS to actually be born or raised in Union County or have the “right last name” to be considered for a spot on the mural. All that is required is that as long as someone has lived in Union County or has called themselves Union County citizens at one point in their life, and has contributed to a lasting contribution or impact, they can be chosen(Example: Bonnell Stone). Lastly, if you think someone that’s alive should still be on the mural, then I hate to tell you, but as for this mural, I don’t expect there to be, now or in the future, anyone alive looking at themselves on this mural as a “legend”. That invites way too much ego in and I am not for it.

4. The planned, upcoming voting process is clear cut. The criteria for what will actually be looked for to help decide who will be next is pretty much explained in points 1-3, so, no need to cover that again. Eventually I plan to have guidelines in a better organized format though. The criteria to actually vote and/or nominate someone REQUIRES at least at $50 membership or $120 membership. These are the month-long and annual, unlimited access memberships. The month-long membership clearly gives you full website access up to 1 month and is intended to give the most time to those not looking for a whole year of unlimited access to see the website. This should be plenty of time to see as much of the website as possible at a cheaper rate. The annual, unlimited access membership clearly gives you access to the website all year long so you can go onto the website whenever you’d like. If you want to NOMINATE someone and then VOTE FOR THEM in the voting process, you will be required to pay for an annual, $120 membership. To VOTE ONLY, you will be required to purchase at least a month-long $50 membership. The reason for requiring this? Well, for starters, I would like a large group of people to partake and vote and nominate others to go onto the mural, but I want to leave it at a limit, of course. if just any membership holder could vote, then the voting process could easily get out of control. At the moment, I don’t necessarily know exactly how many people will be helping me count votes, so I don’t want to overwhelm myself either. Most importantly, the murals didn’t pay for themselves, and neither will the website, and on top of that, half of the profits are intended to go to the Union County Historical Society for preservation and renovations projects. With all of this said and kept in mind, if you want to vote, you will have to pitch into at least the 2 memberships that help supply the most affordability to do this process. The mural is not supposed to be just a mural, but is also suppose to give a unique, cultural experience for Union County that isn’t something just any other town has. If we want to see this experience continue, to see the mural to get more people on it, and to keep this unique to Union County, then the most support that can be given from the community is what it will take. Any changes or updates to come with this will be announced sooner to the time that the voting/nomination process takes place.

5. I’ll try to make this a lot shorter and simply put. The criteria to enjoy the interactive aspect of this mural, the Greetings From Union County, Georgia mural, as well as the 2 other online tours will require the bare minimum purchase of a $10 daily pass. If you really focus and take the time to search the website, you can purchase daily passes 2 days in a row and see most everything on the site(Doing this saves you from paying the extra $5 when purchasing the weekly pass). Visiting for the week and want more than a day or 2 to explore the website and the different pages? Pay $25 for the week(7 days). There is also a Trivia and Rewards program I run on the Gooch & Fifty Facebook page that ANYONE who purchases ANY membership pass can play to win on as well! It also happens 3X a week and you can win multiple rewards for from multiple different Union County businesses. Find yourself busy during the day, but want to have the option to look at the site for at least a month? Pay for the $50 monthly membership AND receive voting rights for the mural AND play to win on Gooch & Fifty’s Trivia and Rewards! Do you want the whole package? The nomination AND voting rights to the mural? The chance to play to win Gooch & Fifty’s Trivia and Rewards? The ability to pull up the website at any time you’d like and enjoy it to yourself or with friends and family members who come to town for visit and are looking for something fun and unique to do? Pay the $120 fee for the annual, unlimited membership.(NOTE: There are at least 3-5 people so far who have won their money back from the membership money that they paid for through rewards won from playing Trivia and Rewards! So, its worth it!)

 

Meet The Union County Legends(From L-R As Seen On The Mural):

 

Jack Lance

 

Glenda Gooch

April 6, 1985-January 29, 2008

***Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-Not Yet Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/glenda-gooch/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 12:24

Script Credit: Jake Gooch Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 179

Number Of Locations Associated With Her Life On Her Self-Guided GPS Map: 20

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 1

What She’s Known For: Her 1993 Christmas miracle of a heart transplant at 8 years old; The Glenda Gooch Foundation; The Glenda Gooch House

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: Her “I GOT A NEW HEART FOR CHRISTMAS ’93” T-shirt she received following her heart transplant.

Occupation(s): N/A

Facts of Interest:

1. She had 4 open heart surgeries by the age of 4 years old.

2. She was given a heart transplant in miracle fashion at 8 age years old on Christmas Day, just days after her parents were told she would die if the operation wasn’t performed within the next year.

3. She was just 1 of 4 people in the world to survive her specific type of heart transplant at the time of her operation.

4. She is the namesake of the Glenda Gooch House located at Union General Hospital.

5. She is the namesake of the Glenda Gooch Foundation, an organization that helps families in need and helps give hundreds of children Christmas gifts and a Christmas party that may otherwise not be able to have one.

Reason She Was Picked:

Yeah, I know. As word has gotten back to me, many believe “I only picked her because it’s my sister”. Again, that’s incorrect. Not only should her presence on the mural inspire kids to believe that they can also make impact in just a short time, but her presence can also remind those with disabilities to not let their disabilities define them and understand that they too can leave behind strong impacts and legacies. The annual Glenda Gooch Foundation Christmas party that held is also inspired by her story.

 

Harlan Duncan

September 14, 1918-May 5, 1985

***Possible Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-May Not Yet Be Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/harlan-duncan/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 2:26(Has longer video on his Union County Crime and Murder page)

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones and Jake Gooch Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 59

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 12

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 1

What He’s Known For: Union County’s most iconic and legendary Sheriff of all time.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: He is just 1 of 2 people to be placed onto the mural with an animal, and the only one with a horse, which he named Lucky and was known and seen riding around town on during his tenure as Union County Sheriff.

Occupation(s): Union County Sheriff; Union County Police Department Deputy; Georgia State Patrol Trooper

Facts of Interest:

1. He used to ride his horse Lucky around town while on duty, even deep into the years of cars and automobiles.

2. He served for over 40+ years in law enforcement through state and local levels.

3. He and his wife both lived in the old Union County Jail(Now City Hall) at one point.

4. He was involved in and survived a shootout in Blue Ridge, Georgia as a Georgia State Patrol, saving his fellow deputy’s life.

5. He has a great-great grandson named in his honor.

Reason He Was Picked:

The man is literally a local legend and set the standard for Union County law enforcement and is still talked about like he was still around just yesterday. Clearly, he is a great inspiration for those in law enforcement to look up to and model themselves after.

 

 

Ethelene Dyer Jones

May 13, 1930-November 25, 2021

***Possible Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-May Not Yet Be Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/ethelene-dyer-jones/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 11:20

Script Credit: Cyndi Jones Berenguer Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 89

Number Of Locations Associated With Her Life On Her Self-Guided GPS Map: 13

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What She’s Known For: One of Union County’s most iconic historians and one of the driving influences for the interactive “Greetings From Union County, Georgia” and “Union County Legends” mural.

Unique Mural Art Add-On Feature Included: Pen in hand to represent her time as an author and the author of the many scripts used in many of the interactive profile videos.

Occupation(s): Historian; Preservationist; School Teacher; Author; Publisher

Facts of Interest:

1. She helped to save and preserve the historical Choestoe Schoolhouse which she attended as a student and taught at as a teacher.

2. She graduated as the Union County High School Class of 1947’s Class Valedictorian.

3. The roadway named Jones Circle on the Truett-McConnell University campus was named in her honor.

4. She was a longtime teacher and media specialist/librarian at neighboring Fannin County High School for over 30+ years.

5. Her online blog known as “Through Mountain Mists” saw hundreds of articles published from 2003-2012.

Reason She Was Picked:

Well, clearly, when its a historical mural, and you are given her permission to use many of her articles as scripts, AND without her articles, you may have forgotten about half of the history your grandpas taught you if it weren’t for her online historical blog, this is kind of a no-brainer. She and her work are an inspiration to local historians and history buffs to look up to. The woman showed the truest form or pride in where she came from and shared and passed it down to the rest of us to keep alive! She is by far one of the most deserving people to be selected to be put on this very mural!

 

 

Ed Mauney

May 12, 1897-October 7, 1979

***Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-Not Yet Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/ed-mauney/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 5:56

Script Credit: Don Byers Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 34

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 16

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What He’s Known For: Union County’s first ever state-appointed historian

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: He is just 1 of 2 people on the mural with an animal, and the only one with a bear, his pet bear, Bozo

Occupation(s): Union County Historian; WWI Veteran; Mail Carrier; School Teacher;

Facts of Interest:

1. He once owned a “pet bear”.

2. He was once rumored to have been “romantically involved” with a “princess indian”. This, however, couldn’t possibly be true as there is no such thing as a mythical “princess indian”.

3. He is believed to have been one of the first ever Union Countians to fly a motor-powered airplane.

4. He once used to be one of Union County’s rural mail carriers.

5. He was a big collector of antiques and owned one of the famed Gillespie Rifles.

Reason He Was Picked:

How would you ever do a historic Union County mural of legends and NOT pick the first ever official state appointed historian? Also, how could you not pick one of Union County’s coolest and most eccentric people of all time? He even had a PET BEAR who also made the cut!

 

 

James Lon Duckworth

October 29, 1899-October 31, 1964

***Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-Not Yet Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/james-lon-duckworth/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 4:38

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 231

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 14

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What He’s Known For: An iconic corporation attorney and former Georgia State Democratic Party Chairman. He is also the brother to the longest ever serving Georgia State Supreme Court Chief Justice, William Henry Duckworth.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: None. Looking back, I wish I had him placed right beside his brother, though there is only 1 person between him and his brother. Close enough.

Occupation(s): Corporation Attorney; Chairman of the Georgia Democratic Party; Vice-President of the Georgia Life Insurance Company; President of the Downtown Atlanta Kiwanis Club

Facts Of Interest:

1. He served as Chairman of the Georgia Democratic Party

2. He served as the corporation attorney for the Life Insurance Agency of Georgia.

3. He served as President of the Downtown Atlanta Kiwanis International Club.

4. He worked as an attorney with the former McElreath, Scott, Duckworth and DuVall law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.

5. The former Duckworth Library at Young Harris College was partially named in his honor.

Reason He Was Picked:

Why not pick him? After all, he had more newspaper coverage than most and was a successful businessman and politician known not only in Atlanta, but also throughout the state. Plus, it is pretty cool to have at least one pair of brothers on there, especially a pair as successful and as prominent as the Duckworth Brothers were!

 

Byron Herbert Reece

September 14, 1917-June 3, 1958

***Possible Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-May Not Yet Be Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/byron-herbert-reece/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 7:07

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Bob Reece

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 125

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 17

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 5

What He’s Known For: Once one of the most iconic and popular poets to come from Georgia and the most famous poet to ever come from Union County

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: I had a book placed in his hands that I was hoping to have more detailed showing the title of one of his books, but of course, that is a pretty tough task. Maybe during revisions we will get there. He is also seen depicted sitting on a boulder alongside the river/creek, which was intended to depict his mentions of writing his poetry alongside Wolf Creek.

Occupation(s): Poet; Farmer; College Professor

Facts Of Interest:

1. He was a nominee for a Pulitzer Prize Award.

2. He won 2 Guggenheim awards.

3. He was a writer-in-residence at the University of California, Los Angeles.

4. In total, he wrote 4 volumes of ballad-styled poetry and 2 novels.

5. Today, The Byron Herbert Reece Society operates in his honor and memory from his childhood home.

Reason He Was Picked:

Anyone familiar with Byron Herbert Reece knows that he is one of Union County’s most famous citizens of all time, as well as one of Georgia’s and Appalachia’s top poets of all time. He was famous not only in Union County and in Georgia, but also throughout the nation. How could he not be picked?

 

Thomas Slaughter Candler

December 15, 1890-June 15, 1971

***Possible Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-May Not Yet Be Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/thomas-slaughter-candler/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 8:50

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 89

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 25

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 1

What He’s Known For: A prominent justice of the Georgia Supreme Court(1 of the 5 state justices born or raised in Union County) whose cousin is former Coca-Cola tycoon, Asa Griggs Candler

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: Like all other judges Included on the mural, he has a gavel in hand to represent his main occupation.

Occupation(s): Associate Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court; Georgia Superior Court Judge for the Northeastern District ; Attorney; Mayor of Blairsville ; Union County Schools Board of Education Member

Facts Of Interest:

1. He was a closely related cousin to former Coca-Cola tycoon, Asa Griggs Candler.

2. He was once featured and highlighted in Newsweek Magazine in an article titled “Circuit-Riding Judge”.

3. He drove to and from Atlanta for work every single day, making him the only Union Countian Justice to never leave his native Union County in his 21 years as a Georgia Supreme Court Associate Justice.

4. The home that he, his wife, and children resided in now currently occupies North Georgia Beverage Company on the Blairsville Town Square.

5. His childhood home once stood in place of the building that is now occupied by Cabin Coffee Company.

Reason He Was Picked:

Hands down, Judge Candler(How he is most referred to) is by far one of Union County’s most memorable and respected figures of all time and he is still talked about often today. Not only for his kindness, but for his wisdom and will to help others. Also, he is 1 of the 5 state supreme court justices, and 1 of the 4 who served the state of Georgia, that was either born or raised in Union County.

 

William Henry Duckworth

October 21, 1894-August 9, 1969

***Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-Not Yet Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/william-henry-duckworth/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 6:41

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 44

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 12

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 2

What He’s Known For: Georgia’s longest ever serving Chief Justice of the Georgia State Supreme Court

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: Like all other judges Included on the mural, he has a gavel in his hand to represent his main occupation.

Occupation(s): Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court; Chairman of the National Conference of Chief Justices; State Senator; Attorney

Facts Of Interest:

1. He served in the role as Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court longer than anyone else in history.

2. He was a key decider in Georgia’s “3-Governor Controversy” which still stands today as one of Georgia’s most conflicting legal battles in state history.

3. The former Duckworth Library at Young Harris College was named in he and his brother’s honor and memory.

4. He practiced law with his once best friend, former Young Harris College classmate, and former Georgia State Governor, E.D. Rivers.

5. He earned his law degree through a correspondence course at the University of Chicago, Lasalle.

Reason He Was Picked:

Eleven words for you: Longest ever serving Chief Justice of the Georgia State Supreme Court! This is the highest office one can hold in Georgia, and out of the 159 counties in Georgia that could have the distinction of saying the man who held this highest seat came from their county, its Union County! There’s NO WAY he wasn’t going to be selected!

 

Joseph Emerson Brown

April 15, 1821-November 30, 1894

***Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-Not Yet Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/joseph-emerson-brown/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 6:16

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 72

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 17

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 1

What He’s Known For: Georgia’s Civil War Governor; Union County’s highest-ranking politician ever. The first Union Countian to serve on Georgia State Supreme Court and as a Chief Justice

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: Gavel in hand. While mainly being recognized as Georgia’s Civil War Governor, he is 1 of the 5 Union Countians that went onto serve in a state supreme court and 1 of the 4 that served on the Georgia State Supreme Court. This is turn, got him placed with the other judges.

Occupation(s): Georgia’s Civil War Governor, Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice, U.S. Senator

Facts Of Interest:

1. He has won more elections for Georgia State Governor more than any other governor in state history.

2. He was college educated at Yale University, making him the first person from Union County, and educated in Union County, to be educated at an Ivy League school.

3. As president of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, he would become one of Georgia’s wealthiest men of his time.

4. On the Georgia State Capitol grounds sits a statue of Joseph Emerson Brown and his wife, Elizabeth Grisham Brown. The statue is believed to be just one of only a few statues in the world that includes both a husband and wife.

5. The formerly named Joseph Emerson Brown Middle School(originally high school) in Atlanta, Georgia was named in his honor.

Reason He Was Picked:

Four more words for you: Georgia’s Civil War Governor! Also, when reading these facts above and other things that he is known for, he is probably by far the most iconic political figure to come out of Union County based on roles played and feats reached. Plus, while I do love Zell Miller and realize what an iconic governor he was, it turns out he isn’t the only iconic governor to come out of the North Georgia Mountains!

 

Charles Simpson Reid

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/charles-simpson-reid/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 8:48

Script Credit: Jake Gooch Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 137

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 11

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What He’s Known For: One of Union County’s State Supreme Court Justices who was at one point the youngest Chief Supreme Court Justice in the United States.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: Like all other judges Included on the mural, he has a gavel in his hand to represent his main occupation.

Occupation(s): Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court; Georgia Democratic Party Chairman; Attorney; Judge; Bank Cashier

Facts Of Interest:

1. His childhood home, known today as the Sampson-Reid Home, still stands today on what is known as Rogers Street just behind the Blairsville Square.

2. Interest was shown in him by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a potential candidate for the United States Supreme Court.

3. At the time of his appointment to Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, he was the youngest ever appointed chief justice in United States history.

4. He served on President D. Eisenhower’s WW2 Staff in which he became the first ever person outside of British subject to sit as a presiding judge at the Old Bailey Court in England.

5. He was appointed as Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice by former Georgia Governor, E.D. Rivers, who he was also best friends with and who also a former Young Harris College classmate of his.

Reason He Was Picked:

To be honest, he almost wasn’t picked. When looking at his career, he became the youngest ever judge appointed in the United States at the time of his appointment AND FDR considered him for a spot on the U.S. Supreme Court! So, how could I not pick him, right? Well, there is one questionable thing about him left behind. However, I am one that typically believes you are innocent until proven guilty, and he was never tried to be guilty, and I still question how he actually died. Wait, what? What am I talking about? Well, I won’t tell you right here, but he does have a story to check out on the Union County Crime and Murder Tour page, and really, it is one of the more intriguing and wilder stories told! Go check it out!

 

Bascom Sine Deaver

 

Glenn Gooch

***Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-Not Yet Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/glenn-gooch/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 8:10

Script Credit: Jake Gooch Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 79

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 17

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 3

What He’s Known For: One of Union County’s most beloved and successful county commissioners of all time.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: None specifically. He is sharing a table with 2 other politicians who are meant to be depicted having a roundtable discussion. The book/pile on the table in front of Glenn I’m assuming is supposed to represent legislation?

Occupation(s): Union County Clerk of Superior Court; Chairman of the Union County Board of Education; WWII Veteran; Farmer

Facts Of Interest:

1. He was just 17 years old when he was drafted into the U.S. Army for WWII.

2. He is just 1 of 3 people from Suches who is painted on the Union County Legends interactive mural exhibit.

3. He served a total of 36 years in public service for Union County, also serving on the Union County School Board and as Union County Clerk of Superior Court at 12 years apiece.

4. He was responsible for many of the hundreds of miles of roads paved throughout Union County during his tenure as Union County Sole Commissioner.

5. The Glenn Gooch By-Pass, connecting HWY 515 to HWY 129 South, was brought about under his tenure and named in his honor by the State of Georgia after leaving office.

Reason He Was Picked:

Again, no, it is not because he is my grandfather. Anyone who is being honest with themselves and knows the history of Union County and who played a big part in helping Union County advance to where it is today knows that Glenn Gooch is one of those men who helped Union County do just that. Today, I still hear about what a great job he did as Union County Commissioner from others, both directly and indirectly, and most of the time, the comment I hear the most is how he got the roads paved, and if yours wasn’t paved and you needed it paved, he was the one you would call to make sure it got done. He did many other important things as well, but paving the way for better roadways is what he is most remembered for. Also, if it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t know a 10th of the Suches history that I know, nor would I have near as much appreciation for it either.

 

Carlton Colwell

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/carlton-colwell/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 9:55

Script Credit: Jake Gooch Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 99

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 16

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 4

What He’s Known For: Union County’s longest ever serving State Representative

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: None specifically. He is sharing a table with 2 other politicians who are meant to be depicted having a roundtable discussion. I’m assuming the book/pile on the table between him and Glenn Gooch is supposed to represent legislation? This was included in by the artists themselves.

Occupation(s): Owner of Colwell Construction Company

Facts Of Interest:

1. The Carlton H Colwell Detention Center, located on the Glenn Gooch By-Pass, is named in his honor.

2. The Carlton Colwell Memorial Intersection where the Glenn Gooch By-Pass and Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Highway intersect is named in his honor by the State of Georgia.

3. He, along with 2 of his brothers, started what is today known as Colwell Construction Company.

4. The Union County football stadium is named in honor of his late son, Mike Colwell.

5. One of his grandsons, Candler, is named after longtime Associate Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Thomas Slaughter Candler.

Reason He Was Picked:

As of the present, and through most of my life, Carlton was known as one of the most respected and well-known citizens and politicians in all of Union County and the North Georgia Mountain region. On top of that, he is the longest ever serving Georgia State Representative in Union County history. Definitely had to pick him!

 

Ed Jenkins

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/ed-jenkins/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 16:35

Script Credit: Jan K. Jenkins and Jake Gooch Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 83

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 17

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 13

What He’s Known For: The only Georgia United States Representative to come from Union County.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: He is seen holding a piece of paper intended to be seen as a piece of U.S. legislation.

Occupation(s): United States Representative of Georgia’s 9th Congressional District; Attorney

Facts Of Interest:

1. The Ed Jenkins National Recreational Area, an area he fought to help preserve from development, was named in his honor.

2. He pushed to protect the southern textile industry during the late 80’s, early 90’s.

3. He ran for House Majority leader in 1989.

4. He was one of the key figures that investigated the Iran-Contra affair and is most notable known for interrogating Oliver North.

5. He fought and pushed legislation to preserve thousands of acres of forest lands.

Reason He Was Picked:

Like Carlton Colwell and Glenn Gooch, he was one of the more respected well-known politicians from Union County in my lifetime and that you heard about often. He is also the 2nd highest ranking politician in terms of highest seats attained, just behind Joseph Emerson Brown who became a U.S. Senator.

 

 

Pat and Maude Haralson

Interactive Mural Links: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/maude-haralson/ https://goochandfifty.com/legend/pat-haralson/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 7:03

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 94

Number Of Locations Associated With Their Lives On Their Self-Guided GPS Map: 16

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What They’re Known For: Maude is believed to be the first woman from Union County to ever receive a college degree. Pat was one of Union County’s most influential and iconic attorneys of all time.

Unique Mural Add-On Included: None. They are seen sitting together, but they are the only married couple on the entire mural.

Occupation(s): Pat-Attorney; State Senator; Assistant Secretary in the Georgia Senate; President of the Union County Good Roads Association Maude-None that I’m aware of. In her days, women, especially of the higher class, were housewives that took care of the children and chores around the house.

Facts Of Interest:

1. Pat Haralson Drive from the Blairsville Square to the Murphy Highway is named in Pat’s honor.

2. The Haralson Civic Center in Downtown Blairsville is named in honor of this couple, with the land it stands on once belonging to the couple.

3. Tanyard Apartments in Downtown Blairsville earned It’s name for the tanyard that once stood in It’s place which was owned by Pat Haralson.

4. This couple’s daughter, Patricia, married famous pianist, Franciszek Zachara.

5. The former home of this couple once stood where Bob Head Street sits today and was then moved about 3 miles west of Blairsville where it ran as a Bed and Breakfast and wedding venue for many years.

Reason They Were Picked:

This couple was so dynamic in the sense that both are still highly thought of and respected by those who knew them, as well as the fact that they were generous and giving to Union County hence the Haralson Civic Center which is built on land donated to the county by the couple. I felt having the first possible college educated woman on here was a must to represent 1 of the 5 women on here, and Pat Haralson, of course, is still one of the most iconic and talked about attorneys in Union County history. Also, yes, they both have separate pages due to the fact that I wanted each person to have their own identity/page on here, but their material is all the same.

 

George Berry

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/george-berry/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 2:44

Script Credit: Jeff Berry Voiceover: Jeff Berry

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 62

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 18

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 13

What He’s Known For: The man responsible for expanding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport in the world

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: A pin with the logo of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport on his right-side chest to represent his years, career, and role at the airport; A pin with the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympics logo on his left-side chest to represent his role as the Chairman of the Metropolitan Atlanta Olympic Games Authority(MAOGA) for the 1996 Centennial Olympic games. There’s also a toy plane on the table he is sitting at to signify aviation.

Occupation(s): Chief Administrative Officer of City of Atlanta; Atlanta Airport Manager; Commissioner of Industry, Trade and Tourism; Board Chairman of the Metropolitan Atlanta Olympic Games Authority; Vice-President of Cousins Properties

Facts Of Interest:

1. He was part of the 1955 Union County High School basketball team that became the program’s and the school’s first ever region/district championship team in school history. He was known as 1 of the seniors known as the “Fighting 5 of 55”.

2. He once ran his stepfather’s furniture store business known as “Penland’s Furniture” following his stepfather’s sudden and unexpected death. The store occupied the space where Rebecca’s Off The Square sits today.

3. He was Chairman of the Metropolitan Atlanta Olympic Games Authority(MAOGA) for the 1996 Centennial Olympics where he was over governmental and financial oversight for the planning and management of the event(s).

4. He served as Vice-President of Cousins Properties, LLC. out of Atlanta. One of the cities largest and most famous property firms.

5. He was one of the few who welcomed Nelson Mandela when he came to visit the City of Atlanta.

Reason He Was Picked:

Imagine not picking the guy whose facts you just read above and who oversaw the construction and budget of the expansion of the airport that became the busiest and most efficient in the world and trying to tell yourself you don’t look crazy for it. He was also well-known as a “man behind the scenes” in bigger circles and got things done in the city of Atlanta and state of Georgia. Of course he was picked.

 

Micajah Clark Dyer

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/micajah-clark-dyer/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 8:57

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 26

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 9

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 1

What He’s Known For: The man who invented a flying machine and received a patent nearly 3 decades before the Wright Brothers first took flight.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: He is holding his flying machine patent, Patent 154,654. He is also seated at the same table as George Berry, another Union Countian highly involved in aviation. The toy airplane on the table represents aviation.

Occupation(s): Pioneer Aviator; Farmer

Facts Of Interest:

1. Micajah Clark Dyer sits on the “Wall of Honor” as an honoree in the Smithsonian Institute’s Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C..

2. It is believed that other Union Countians of the 1800’s witnessed Micajah Clark Dyer “flying machine” actually getting airborne when taking flight off of Rattlesnake Mountain.

3. Micajah Clark Dyer’s great great granddaughter, Sylvia Dyer Turnage, is the author of the book “Georgia’s Pioneer Aviator: Micajah Clark Dyer”, telling about the life and flight trials of her great great grandfather, Micajah Clark Dyer. This book is available for purchase in the Union County Historical Society Museum.

4. It is believed to be possible that this flying machine was eventually sold to the Wright Brothers years after Micajah Clark Dyer’s death.

5. A portion of Georgia Highway 180 is named the “Micajah Clark Dyer Parkway”, in honor of Micajah Clark Dyer.

Reason He Was Picked:

Two words: Inventor. Genius. It would just be silly to not pick a man who literally created a flying machine that received a patent before the Wright Brothers and possibly even flew it. Did I mention that the man had plumbing and running water in his house in the 1800’s? Again, genius.

 

Arthur Woody

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/arthur-woody/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 9:02

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 90

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 15

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What He’s Known For: The “Barefoot Ranger” who is one of Georgia’s most famous forest rangers of all time and the first ever official Forest Ranger of Georgia.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: He was directed to be sitting on a tree log, which is fitting given that he served in a career of forestry. He is also wearing his forest ranger’s hat.

Occupation(s): Georgia U.S. Forest Ranger

Facts Of Interest:

1. There is an actual robot displayed at the Brasstown Bald Visitors Center Museum depicting Arthur Woody, coming complete with a button that, after pushing it, tells you his story.

2. Woody Gap School is named in his honor.

3. The rock used to build the school was supplied from rock from his personal quarry.

4. Woody Lake in Suches is named in his honor.

5. Today, you can still see his home and his office building as they all still stand in Suches today.

Reason He Was Picked:

The North Georgia Mountains, its forests, its streams, its lakes, and its reality might not even look the same today had it probably not been for Arthur Woody himself. Thanks to him, forestry is well and alive up in the North Georgia Mountains.

 

Bonnell Stone

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/bonnell-stone/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 6:14

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 119

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 11

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What He’s Known For: Georgia’s “Father of Forestry” who helped to inspire and influence the building of HWY 129 through Blairsville, connecting Atlanta, GA to Knoxville, TN.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: The picture used to paint him onto the mural showed him holding books of some sort. In the specific picture, he was visiting and speaking with Pat Haralson who he worked with to help bring Highway 129 through Blairsville. So, I am assuming it is a book of documents possibly pertaining to the project of the highway.

Occupation(s): Georgia State Forester; College Professor; Mayor of Oxford, GA

Facts Of Interest:

1. He helped to inspire the donation of land to the State of Georgia for Vogel State Park to be built.

2. He helped to inspire and promote the creation of HWY 129 from Atlanta and Gainesville to Blairsville and northward.

3. Bonnell Hall at Emory University at Oxford is named in his honor.

4. He served as Mayor of the City of Oxford(GA).

5. He served as President of the Union County Chamber of Commerce.

Reason He Was Picked:

To be honest, I almost didn’t pick him and had another person in his place due to the fact that he wasn’t born or raised in Union County, and the other person was. However, it dawned on me, how can I try to make or say that this mural is inclusive if I don’t show that you don’t have to be from Union County to make an impact and to be remembered? As long as you make a lasting impact and legacy while living in Union County, I think it is fair to say that you deserve a chance to be considered. And so he was. The man is responsible for helping bring U.S. Highway 129 through Blairsville, when before that, folks were taking Logans Turnpike to get to Atlanta. Also, he helped bring Vogel State Park to fruition. He deserved a spot.

 

Mary Jo Miller

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/mary-jo-miller/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 19:06

Script Credit: James Butt Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 32

Number Of Locations Associated With Her Life On Her Self-Guided GPS Map: 18

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What She’s Known For: The first person from Union County and the only woman from Union County to be interred at the prestigious Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: The hat she wore while in service

Occupation(s): United States Army Nurse

Facts Of Interest: 1. She earned the rank of Lt. Colonel. 2. She was the first of three Union Countians to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. 3. She is the only woman from Union County to have ever been buried at Arlington National Cemetery. 4. She once accompanied the cousin of President Harry Truman, General Ralph Truman, and his wife, Olivia Truman, during one of their trips to Havana, Cuba. 5. She never married or had any kids.

Reason She Was Picked:

She was strong. She was smart. She was the first person, and so far, the only woman from Union County to be interred at the prestigious Arlington National Cemetery after a remarkable career with the U.S. Army. I also couldn’t pick a woman and leave her out. Her accolades are too strong not to pick her.

 

Eric England

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/eric-england/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 10:00

Script Credit: Edie Rich and Jake Gooch Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 66

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 13

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 2

What He’s Known For: One of the top USMC snipers in United States history and Union County’s most recent veteran to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: A rifle for him to aim through, intended to represent him as the shooting champion that he was.

Occupation(s): United States Marine Corps Sniper; Shooting Instructor

Facts Of Interest:

1. The book, “Phantom of Phu Bai”, written by his cousin J.B. Turner, is based on his life story and time as a United States Marine Corp.

2. He held a national long-range shooting record for 43 years.

3. He lead a a 24-year career on the USMC rifle team, winning national and international competitions as participant and coach.

4. His favorite shooting rifle, which he named “Ole Yeller”, sits on display at the NRA Museum in Fairfax, VA.

5. He is the 3rd Union Countian to be interred at the prestigious Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Reason He Was Picked:

Simply put, he is one of the most iconic and deadliest U.S. snipers in U.S. HISTORY!!! It would honestly be a shame if I didn’t pick him!!!

 

M.D.(Mauney Douglas) Collins

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/m-d-collins/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: 32:24(NOTE: Broken up into 5 parts. Timeframes for each part are as follows: Part 1: 0:00-7:05; Part 2: 7:25-13:25; Part 3: 13:46-18:55; Part 4:19:32-24:28; Part 5: 25:09-32:24. In total, when taking out the pauses between breaks, the average time for each part is right around 5 minutes long.)

Script Credit: Ethelene Dyer Jones Voiceover: Al Haywood

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 13(NOTE: I thought this issue was addressed with my web developer, but there were many more photos showing last time, around 75 I believe, and I will ask to have this fixed ASAP)

Number Of Locations Associated With His Life On His Self-Guided GPS Map: 31

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 1

What He’s Known For: Georgia’s longest ever serving State Superintendent of Georgia Public Schools and the man who is responsible for Georgia’s public school infrastructure that we know today.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: A docket of paperwork intended to be paperwork pertaining to his job as the Georgia State School Superintendent

Occupation(s): State Superintendent of Georgia Schools; Superintendent of Campbell County Schools; Teacher; Preacher; Editor

Facts Of Interest:

1. He was once honored with a high school named in his honor known as M.D. Collins High School in College Park, Georgia.

2. M.D. Collins name is mentioned in the lyrics of the famous song “Welcome to Atlanta(Coast to Coast Remix)”(sang by famous rappers, Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris) when the school which was named in his honor was mentioned as the lyrics mention the famous former big time Atlanta area school rivalry, “The Lakeshore/MD rivalry”.

3. He is partially responsible for the former Campbell County, Georgia becoming part of what we know today as Fulton County, Georgia.

4. Also a pastor of multiple churches through multiple decades, he would build a small chapel at his home in Fairburn, Georgia where he would perform the wedding ceremonies of many friends, students, and family members. Today, his former home operates as a funeral home.

5. The library in what is known today as Union County Elementary School(formerly Union County High School) was named and dedicated in his honor.

Reason He Was Picked:

With everything he did for Georgia, to even ask why he would be picked would be a ridiculous question to me. He is the reason that the public-school infrastructure we know today came along. Not only did that attract my attention, but also just the sharp, all-around, impressive, good guy he was and the things he did outside of education. By this I mean preaching, church planting, wedding his former students and other couples, and writing for the newspapers that he did. Showing how to come out of a tough situation from a place that no one hardly knew of and succeeding and helping others. Teaching at as many schools in a single year like he did. Guiding Georgia schools to new feats. The list goes on. This is probably by far the legend with the most intriguing story to me.

 

Doris Colwell

***Final Revisions and Touch-Ups Coming Soon-Not Yet Fully Completed*** 

Interactive Mural Link: https://goochandfifty.com/legend/doris-colwell/

Timeframe of Biographical Video: Currently, and unfortunately, there is not a video for Mayor Colwell at the moment. However, there are still plans for one to be made. I have been waiting to put together a script with her daughter, Robbie, and have not yet gotten it. Hopefully, in the soon future, this task will be completed.

Script Credit: Pending

Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Page: 18

Number Of Locations Associated With Her Life On Her Self-Guided GPS Map: 14

Additional Links Included On Web Page: 0

What She’s Known For: Blairsville’s first ever and only woman mayor in history.

Unique Mural Add-On Feature Included: The name tag on her left chest stating Mayor to let others know she served as Mayor of Blairsville.

Occupation(s): Mayor of Blairsville; Blairsville City Council; School Teacher

Facts Of Interest:

1. The house she resided in still stands today on Cleveland Street alongside her daughter Robbie Colwell’s attorney’s office.

2. Mayor Colwell Drive along the Glenn Gooch By-Pass was named in her honor.

3. She fought for the improvement of the City of Blairsville’s water and sewage treatment plant.

4. She was a Union County School teacher for over 40+ years.

5. Her uncle, Thomas Jackson Lance, was the Young Harris College President from 1930-1942.

Reason She Was Picked:

She is the first, and so far only, woman to ever hold the reigns as Blairsville Mayor. This means she is the only woman on the mural to hold a political office. So, I feel this is kind of an obvious reason to pick her, right? The only task at hand to finish is putting together a video and gathering more photos and newspaper clippings, but her daughter seems to think most of that has either been misplaced or thrown away, hence the reason is taking me a minute longer to find the material to make her video. Here is to hoping we find what is needed!

 

Mural Interactive Aspect Combined Totals

Total Videos Timeframe: 2 Hours, 55 Minutes, and 46 Seconds

Total Number Of Photos/Newspapers Included On Web Pages: 2,147

Total Number Of Locations Associated With Self-Guided GPS Maps: 387(Note: A few of these same locations may be shared by a few different legends, but most are unique locations to each legend)

Total Number Of Additional Links Included On Web Page: 48