Do you know how Ball Ground got its name? Or how Cherokee County got its name? These questions and many more can be answered by attending a Ball Ground Historical Society meeting. While at the meeting, consider joining, so you can learn more about the history of where you live, work, and play.
The Ball Ground Historical Society is the brainchild of a reunion committee for Ball Ground Elementary School. The committee was originally formed to organize a reunion of people who attended or worked at Ball Ground ES. The reunion was a huge success! Everyone enjoyed visiting with old friends and reminiscing. After hearing so many stories and seeing historical pictures at the reunion, the committee thought it would be a great time to preserve the history of Ball Ground.
On June 26, 2012, the Ball Ground Historical Society held its first meeting. Charter Members present for the meeting included Leonard and Betty Clayton, Jennie Byers, Paula Dorris, Joe Kitchens, Jerry McCard, Tim and Pam Cavender, Dr. Rebecca Ray, Mark Popham, Hayden Holcomb, Karen L. Jordan, Patsy and Franklin Jordan, Kim Locke, Connie Johns, Randall and Beth Ingram, Janice Prather, and Lucille Rich.
A Special Charter Committee of members was appointed to draft a mission statement and bylaws, and establish a slate of officers and a board of directors. On July 6, 2012, Lucille Rich was elected the first president of the newly formed Ball Ground Historical Society.
To date, the group has 54 members. Many of the charter members have come and gone — only six are currently active — and they are just as passionate about preserving the history of Ball Ground now as they were eight years ago.
When we are young, many of us don’t realize how important history will become later in life. As Ball Ground’s city clerk for more than 34 years, I have witnessed and documented many important events. The municipal clerk is the oldest public servant position in local government along with the tax collector. Early keepers of archives were often called “remembrancers,” and before writing came into use, their memory served as public record.
Come see what you can learn about Ball Ground! Meetings are held at 7:00pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Ball Ground City Hall (215 Valley Street). For more information about upcoming programs, visit the Ball Ground Historical Society Facebook page.
to your business!