Ball Ground Historical Society Celebrates 10th Anniversary

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ball Ground Historical Society. The past 10 years have been filled with many lifelong residents of Ball Ground and Cherokee County recounting memories of the area. Though some members have since passed away, the stories they shared will live on.

The Ball Ground Historical Society is the brainchild of a committee of former educators and students at Ball Ground ES. The committee was originally formed to organize a reunion for anyone who ever attended or worked at Ball Ground ES. The reunion was a momentous success, as everyone enjoyed visiting with old friends and reminiscing. With so many stories and pictures shared throughout the day, everyone thought it would be a shame for all of it to be lost. So, the committee decided to begin preserving the history of Ball Ground.

The Ball Ground Historical Society held its first meeting on June 26, 2012. Along with myself, the following charter members were present: Jennie Byers, Tim and Pam Cavender, Leonard and Betty Clayton, Paula Dorris, Hayden Holcomb, Randall and Beth Ingram, Connie Johns, Patsy and Franklin Jordan, Joe Kitchens, Kim Locke, Jerry McCard, Mark Popham, Janice Prather, Dr. Rebecca Ray, and Lucille Rich.

Patsy Jordan, who serves as the Society's current president, has shared a wealth of knowledge about Ball Ground and its surrounding communities. One of her most memorable programs this year was when she teamed up with Brett Ray for a presentation on the Trail of Tears. President Jordan lives in the Yellow Creek community, which is east of Ball Ground. Several years ago, eight signs were placed along the three-mile section of Yellow Creek Road, recognizing a portion of the route that Cherokee Native Americans walked after they were stripped of their homes and forced to flee the area in 1838.

As in past years, the Historical Society has hosted a special program in September to recognize people in Ball Ground who have made significant contributions to the city as well as to celebrate the city's incorporation in 1883. This year, at 7:00pm on September 27 at Ball Ground City Hall, we invite you to come celebrate Ball Ground ES. President Jordan is also working with the program manager of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to host a stick ball game in October. For additional information about both of these upcoming events, please follow the organization on Facebook

@Ball Ground Historical Society.