-Chapter V- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Clubs And Organizations
Over the years, several clubs and civic organizations have been formed in Murray County. A note in The Chatsworth Times of 1916 said that "A Corn Club for boys in Murray County has died out." Since then other groups have come and gone. Among the various organizations which have existed are those which submitted histories that follow. Others include the Jaycettes which have been active at various times, assorted agriculture related groups, local community improvement clubs, PTA's at most all of the schools, and still other groups which have been formed jointly with organizations in Dalton and Whitfield County.
Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa
Chartered on June 25, 1977. Chatsworth, Georgia
The Georgia Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta was chartered on June 25, 1977, in Chatsworth, Ga. This group formed Murray County's first organized fraternity for women educators. Charter members and officers included: President; Carolyn Peeples Anderson; Vice-President: Kin ma Huffstetler Bond; Recording Secretary: Nell Sexton Wilburn; Corresponding Secretary: Betty Rogers Henry; Treasurer: Shelia Spivey Rich; Chaplain: Estelle Coffey Townsend; Sgt.-at-Arms: Leslie Haney Jackson; Historian: Nancy Brooks Dunn; Amy Tarpley Fields. Maxine Tracy, Sharon Stafford Klippert. Ann Green Bailey, Carolyn Zelinsky Luffman, Brenda Duncan Penland, Donna Whitlock Jones. In 1978 the following members joined the sorority: Karen Ross Waters, Hazel Smith, Nancy Turner Kinser, Sharon Leonard Young, Phyllis Parrot Bagley, Ranelle Hannah West. JoAnn Hensley Huggins, Fayna Gleek Nunley. In 1979, Frances Westfield Townsend, Rickie Elrod CaldwelJ, Gwen Childers Bailey and Grace Peeples Davis joined Beta Phi.
Alpha Delta Kappa was incorporated in the state of Missouri in 1947 with the privilege to organize chapters in every state. The first national convention was held in 1955 with authorization to establish international chapters. Steady growth of the sorority, based on emphasis on the professional stature of teaching and on its altruistic programs, necessitated the decision to build an International Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
The sorority recognizes outstanding women educators who actively engaged in teaching, administration, or in some specialized field of the teaching profession. Alpha Delta Kappa promotes educational and charitable projects, awards scholarships, and builds fraternal fellowship among women educators. In carrying out the international purposes, Beta Phi has awarded three scholarships to local recipients. In 1979 Beta Phi sponsored the prospective educator who was awarded the district scholarship. Beta Phi has contributed by various ways and means to many community projects of both a charitible and altruistic nature.
American Legion and Auxiliary Post 167
The American Legion and Auxiliary has made many contributions to the county since it was chartered on Dec. 1, 1943 by the National Executive Committee. Charter members of Post 167 were; Willie Evans, Leach Richards, Thomas Harrison Gryder, Walter M. Davis, Russell S. Presley, W.S. Scott, Kimsey Dyer, Fred F. Long, A.C. Bradley, Hill Jones, Thomas W. Colvard, Jr., Dock Adams, John B. Johnson, Hill Wilbanks, George Robinson, Frank Westfield, Homer Adams, Car! Groves, John Langford, A.B. Thompson, Vernon H. Mock, Andrew M. Middleton, Otto J. Oscher., J.F. Charles, J.S. Jones, O.M. Keener, Grady Adams, Ben Leonard, A.F. Terry, G.H. Phillips, James W. Winkler, Barnie Pierce, William Tyler Stafford, John Hemphill, J.G. Robinson.
Gus Terry was president 1949-50. Officers for 1950-51 included: Ben Leonard, president; Tom Peeples, 1st vice commander; Arnold Wilbanks, 2nd vice commander; Mack Coffey, adjutant; Ronald Richardson, finance officer; Jack Greeson, seargeant at arms;CarlTanksley, service officer;Dick Kenemer, chaplain.
American Legion Post 167 Auxiliary was granted a charter on March 13, 1945. R.H. Gregory was commander.
Specific contributions include the Veterans Monument located at the Murray County Courthouse. Tyson W. Haynes, 1978
Murray County Arts Council
The Murray County Arts Council was organized in 1979 to locally promote various art forms. Iris McGill was the first president. In 1980 the Council purchased the old Fort Theatre and planned to renovate the structure as an arts center for Murray County. Several successful music and art activities and events were sponsored by the organization during the next 2 years. However, by 1982 the active membership had dwindled and despite numerous attempts to increase support and participation, the organization was dissolved in 1983. The Theatre property was sold to repay the original loan. The last officers were president Iris McGill; vice-president, Lynn Murphy; Secretary, Reba Daniel; and treasurer, Carolyn McCraney.
The Chatsworth-Murray County Chamber of Commerce
The Chatsworth-Murray County Chamber of Commerce was organized March 5, 1948 at Murray County High School. J.T. (Dick) Kenemer was the first president. Charles A. Pannell was vice-president and R.E. Chambers was secretary-treasurer.
After the purchase of the Vann House and the delivery of the deed to the Georgia Historical Commission the organization began dragging. Due to lack of attendance at meetings etc., it was decided to disband and organize under another name. A new organization was formed under the name of Chatsworth Enterprises, Inc. and was chartered January 17, 1956. The purpose of the organization was to promote industry and tourism. This organization was also disbanded in a few years due to a lack of interest.
New Chamber Formed
A new Chamber was organized in the early months of 1977. The first recorded minutes of a meeting was May 31, 1977 by the already appointed board of directors. The meeting was called to order by Lawrence Knight, temporary chairman. All 17 directors were present: Luther Carter, H.Y. Dangler, Carl L. Davis. Olivene Godfrey, Tom Greeson, Lawrence Knight, Jerry Leonard, Jerry Lifsey, James B, McCraney, Calvin Means, Bobby Hosteller, Doug Mosteller, Ed Ralston, Thomas Ramsey, Carlton Petty, Paul Rosa, and Gordon Wilson. A copy of the May 31 meeting follows:
The meeting was called to order by Lawrence Knight, temporary Chairman. All seventeen (17) Directors were present; Luther Carter, H.Y, Dangler, Carl Davis, Olivene Godfrey, Tom Greeson, Lawrence Knight, Jerry Leonard, Jerry Lifsey. James B. McCraney, Calvin Means, Bobby Mosteller, Doug Mosteller, Ed Ralston, Thomas Ramsey, Carlton Petty, Paul Ross, and Gordon Wilson.
A Treasurer's Report was submitted by the Organizational Treasurer and presented to the meeting by the temporary Chairman, indicating a donation and membership dues of $5,058.00, expenses of $1,142.97, a bank balance of $3,915.03 on deposit at the First National Bank of Chatsworth.
The following Directors were appointed to serve on the nominating committee to elect the Chamber Officers to serve until December 31, 1978: Calvin Means, H.Y. Dangler, Bobby Mosteller. The offices to be filled are: President, four (4) Vice Presidents and a Secretary-Treasurer to serve in lieu of an active Executive Vice President.
Jerry Lifsey agreed to proceed with necessary actions to incorporate the Chamber.
The following were appointed to the by-laws committee: Jerry Lifsey, Chairman, Tom Ramsey and Doug Mosteller. Copies of proposed by-laws were to be sent to all Directors.
H.V. Dangler was recognized by the Directors for his generous contribution of free office space during the organizational period of the Chamber and for the remainder of the year.
The Board voted to name R.E. Chambers as an honorary member of the Board for his role as consultant to the Chamber and for past efforts to promote Chatsworth and Murray County.
Tom Ramsey suggested an agenda be sent to Directors prior to meetings. The following were appointed to secretarial committee: Lawrence Knight, Ed Ralston, and Olivene Godfrey.
Mr. Knight was asked to contact the Dalton - Whitfield County Chamber of Commerce, Murray County Commissioner, Kirby Patterson, and the Chatsworth City Council regarding financial assistance to the Chamber.
Mr. Knight was also asked to investigate the possibility of having the State Highway Department designate U.S. 411 between Atlanta and Knoxville, Tenn. a scenic highway with signs to be erected along the route highlighting Murray County's tourist attractions.
Bobby Mosteller suggested the Chamber investigate the possibility of having all charities work through an annual Community Chest fund drive.
The next meeting of the Board of Directors was scheduled for Thursday, June 9 at 5 p.m. ai the First National Bank of Chatsworth.
The meeting was adjourned.
Lawrence Knight, President
Andrew Becton, Secretary
On June 9, 1977, at a special meeting of the Board of Directors, the first officers were elected. Charles Etheridge, President; Vice-Presidents Lawrence Knight, Ed Ralston, Ben Messer, and Sam Burchfield; Secretary-Treasurer, Bennie Becton.
The Chamber was incorporated as Chatsworth-Murray County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. on June 27, 1977. The first office at 114 ½ 3rd Avenue was donated by H.Y. Dangler. The office now is located at the Federal Building that is connected with the post office on Fort Street.
The Chamber was oranized for the purpose of advancing and encouraging development of the City of Chatsworth and Murray County and the best interest of all citizens of the entire Community; to advertise the City and County and aid in procuring new industries and business enterprises.
Mr. Lawrence Knight was employed as a part-time executive director. Mrs. Bobbye Smith was the first full-time executive secretary hired March of 1978 when Lawrence Knight moved from this area. Mrs. Wylene H. Richards was hired in December 1979 as executive secretary after Mrs. Smith resigned.
Since the Chamber was organized in 1977, membership has grown to 139 members in 1984. An Annual Festival called the Red & Gold Leaf Festival held in October of each year was organized in 1980 and is now advertised all over the tri-state area and in southern publications as an event to visit each October. The Annual Meeting is held in September of each year hosting the largest number of 120 members attending in 1984. The Chamber has been very active in the industry development of the City and County and a strong supporter of the Water and Sewer expansion. The Chamber is also a strong supporter of tourism to this area through the publication of brochures and other advertisement inviting people to visit this area and see its natural beauty and potential growth opportunities. The Tourism Committee of the Chamber is very much involved with the Northwest Georgia Travel Association in the promotion of the area.
The following are past presidents: Charles Etheridge, Jerry Lifsey, Ben Messer, Tom Greeson, Edward Lewandowski, Sue Wilson and Doug Ellis 1984-85. Board of Directors at present: president, Doug Ellis; president-elect, Albert Edwards, Sue Wilson, Elaine Butler, Hugh McDaniell, Dan McEntire, Tom Ram-sey, Willard Davis, Sue Mullinax, Ed Ralston, Jesse Jones, Debbie Carpinelli, C.W. Bradley, Dixie Jones, Bert Watts, Bill Yarbrough, Glenda Dunn, Dan Town-send, and Don Phillips, Vice-presidents: Peggy Dunn, Sam Pullen, Jr., W.W. Fincher and Jim Hazel.
Chatsworth Eastern Star
Chatsworth Chapter No. 449, Order of the Eastern Star was instituted May 17, 1955; chartered June 15, 1955; constituted January 13, 1956. Mr. R. Loyd Scott, Worthy Grand Patron, assisted by other Grand Officers officiated in the forming of this chapter. Eton Chapter No. 78 is the mother chapter.
Charter members are the following: Jennie Evelyn Peeples, Pauline S. Middle-ton, Bessie Mae Adams, Alice H. Scott, Alice Hemphill, Edith Bradley, Mary Ruth Middleton, Eunice L. Fincher, Beulah Luffman, Martha E. Middleton, Inez Guess, Willie Mae Fletcher, Clarice Foster, Pearl B. West, Laverne S. Thomas, Docia Meier, Rita Campbell, Mary Hollman, Annie Greeson, Lillian Mullinax, Arminta McCann, Sallie Owens.S.W. Thornton, Parks Adams, Thomas J. Peeples, Andrew M. Middleton, W.W. Fincher, Jr., A.D. Holman, Elmer Hemphill, Robert W, Bradley, Harris Middleton, John L. Guess, R.G. Elrod, Toby McCann, T.W. Burger, Wyatt Mullinax, Fred Robinson, J.M. Owens, W.A. West, and C.H. Greeson.
The first officers were Worthy Matron, Pauline S. Middleton, Worthy Patron, Harris Middleton, Associate Matron, Eunice L. Fincher, Associate Patron, W.W. Fincher, Jr., Secretary, Mary Ruth Middleton, Treasurer, Clarice Foster, Couductress, Beulah Luffman, Associate Condustress, Alice Scott, Chaplain, Bessie Mae Adams, Marshall, Mr. A.D. Holman, Organist, Jennie Evelyn Peeples, Adah, Mrs. Rita Campbell, Ruth, Mrs. Inez Guess, Esther, Mrs. Lillian Mullinax, Martha, Mrs. May Holman, Electa, Mrs. Pearl West, Warden, Mr. Elmer Hemp-hill, and Sentinel, Mr. T.W. Burger.
About three years after the constitution of the Chatsworth Chapter, the Chapter Room was destroyed by fire.
An outstanding member of this chapter is Mrs. Bessie Mae Adams, whose present age is 96 years. She has been a member of the Order for 59 years, has served as Chaplain for 33 years, and has held every office except those of Secretary and Treasurer. She has been honored on several occasions for her services. Present officers are: Mrs. Thelma Jones, Worthy Matron; Floyd B. Jones, Worthy Patron; Helen Thompson, Associate Matron; Bob Thompson, Associate Patron; Jennie Weyman, Secretary; Barbara Tankersley, Treasurer; Debra Lay, Conductress; James T. King, Chaplain; Rick Goley, Marshall; Sandra J. Smith, Organist; Brenda Sue Jackson, Adah; Millie Y. Young, Ruth; Suzette M. Goley, Esther; Martha Gail Walters, Martha; Wanda Jackson, Electa; Jimmy Lay, Warden; and Douglas N. Walters, Sentinel.
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal, benevolent organization dedicated to the principles of Love, Concern, and Truth. Wives, widows, mothers, daughters, and sisters of Master Masons are eligible for membership.
Chatsworth Chapter No. 449 and the remaining subordinate chapters share the honor of supporting Mrs. Helen D. Roquemore of Georgia, Right Worthy Associate Grand Matron, General Grand Chapter, Washington, D.C., who in October, 1985 will be elected Most Worthy Grand Matron.
Stated meetings of Chatsworth Chapter are held every third Thursday, in the Chapter Room, Masonic Building, North Third Avenue, Highway 411 in Chats-worth.
Chatsworth Masonic Lodge
Chatsworth Masonic Lodge No. 664 was chartered November 1, 1916. W.H. Ratcliff was Worshipful Master, S.H. Kelly was Senior Warden, Louis P. Huffstetler was Junior Warden, and G.A. Kelly was Secretary.
Information provided by Jesse Jones, 1985
Chatsworth Merchants Association
The Chatsworth Merchants Association was organized October 12, 1978 to promote Chatsworth and improve business in the city, Officers were: President, Ben Messer; Vice-President, Greg Brown; Secretary, Steve Williamson; Treasurer, Dixie Jones; Membership Chairman, Ruth Delay; Promotions Chairman, Gary Butler; and Publicity Chariman, Albert Edwards.
Submitted by Ben Messer, 1979
Chatsworth Woman's Club
Ratified and adopted at Chatsworth, Georgia, July 24, 1919. Officers 1919-1920: Mrs. J. Roy McGinty, Pres.; Mrs. R.M. Gudger, V. Pres.; Mrs. W.M. Graham, Sec.;Mrs. H.H. Leonard, Treas.
Object: To secure benefits resulting from organized effort, the recognition and promotion of civic ethics, to foster a scientific spirit in educational and civic work, to secure and maintain a proper standard of efficiency, the enlightenment of the public as to better town, the promotion and maintenance of all civic laws, and in general the advancement of all civic and educational interests.
Charter members: Mrs. Parks Adams, Mis. T.W. Brooks, Mrs. E.H. Dickie, Miss Nettie Gladden, Mrs. W.M. Graham, Mrs. Thomas E. Green, Mrs. R.M. Gudger, Miss Martha Holbrook, Mrs. Porter Hufstetler, Mrs. M.D. Jefferson, Mrs. Alvin Jones, Mrs. Clarice Jones, Mrs. Sam Kelly, Mrs. Henry Leonard, Mrs. J. Roy McGinty, Mrs. Tom Moreland, Mrs. Fannie Nichols, Mrs. J.L. Parker, Mrs. W.A. West, Mrs. Guy White, Miss Leila Wilson.
This club was organized as Chatsworth Civic League, May 1, 1919. It was ratified and adopted as Woman's Club, July 24,1919.
The major project has been the establishment of the Murray County Library, begun in 1920. The first home of the library was a small building on Market Street owned by Miss Martha Holbrook and Mrs. T.M. Wright. In 1932 the Clubhouse on the corner of 1st Ave. and Market was constructed and the Library housed there until 1980.
In the early years the club worked diligently on the Chatsworth City Park, greatly improving its appearance. The group also worked on school improvement. Fund raisers included box suppers, ice crearn suppers, and bazaars.
Submitted by Sybil McLemore and Bessie Mae Adams, 1981
Robert Loughridge Chapter — Daughters of the American Revolution
The organizational meeting of the Robert Loughridge Chapter D.A.R. was held on April 2, 1976, with Mrs. W.W. Fincher, Jr., calling the meeting to order. Mrs. C.P. Brindle gave the devotion.
Mrs. Hugh Peterson, of Ailey, Ga., State Organizing Regent, gave an account of the history, contribution, deeds and goals of the National Society of D.A.R.
She introduced Mrs. Sara Yarbrow of Milledgeville who is now Honorary State Regent of NSDAR.
By unanimous consent the Chapter was given the name of "Robert Loughridge." Robert Loughridge was an Officer of the Guard in the Revolutionary War while he was living at Wrightsboro. Ga. He received a land grant in Muscogie Co., Ga., for his service. His son, Benjamin, moved to Murray County and raised a large family. Fourteen members of this newly organized chapter are descendants of Robert Loughridge.
The following officers were installed by Mrs. Peterson: Organizing Regent, Mrs. W.W. Fincher, Jr.; Vice Regent, Mrs. Mae Routh; Secretary, Mrs. Gene Taylor; Registrar, Mrs. Charles Pannell, Jr.; Chaplain, Mrs. C.P. Brindle.
The organizing members are as follows: Mrs. Moses Bond, Mrs. W.W. Fincher, Mrs. Charles Henderson, Mrs. Addie Herron, Mrs. Marie Kelly, Mrs. Charles Pannell, Sr., Mrs. Charles Pannell. Jr., Mrs. Mae Routh, Mrs. C.P. Brindle, Mrs. T.L. Gregory, Mrs. Helen Harris, Mrs. V.N. Hansford, Mrs, Helen Harris, Mrs. Charles R. Baugh, Mrs. George Mitchell, Mrs. Douglas Scott, Mrs. Edgar Smith, Mrs. Gene Taylor, Phyllis Fincher Parsons and Jane Fincher Peterson.
In 1979 some of the members placed copies of their membership papers in the Crown Gardens and Archives for preservation and research. In December 1979 a flag which had flown over the nation's capitol and a flag pole were presented to the Crown Gardens and Archives, the headquarters of the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society in Dalton.
Submitted by Mrs. W. W. Fincher, Jr., 1980
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International - Murray County, Ga.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was founded May 11, 1922, as an honor society for women in education.
The Delta Kappa Gamma International, Psi State, Georgia, was organized in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 28, 1936.
The Local Chapter, Omega, was organized on May 21, 1949, in Dalton, Georgia. The territory included Catoosa, Murray, and Whitfield Counties.
Mrs. Ruby Sanders was first Murray Co, president of the local chapter, serving for the 1962-64 term.
The Beta Omega Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma was the 72nd chapter to be organized in the State of Georgia (Psi) during recent ceremonies at the Murray County High School Library, with Misses Eva Gardner, Annie Frances past Psi state president, Ms. Malissa Cox, president of Psi state, and Dr. Pauline Noble of Shorter College presiding at a very impressive installation ceremony.
Charter members of Beta Omega Chapter are the following; Joy Cox, Elaine Edwards, Judy Hassler, Billie Haven, Elizabeth Holt, Hazel Langford, Maxine Porch, Edna Jo Butler, Sara Bob Hix, Alwayne Jones, Nell Ruth Loughridge, Lucy McWhorter, Jo Glenn Meyer, Nan Ozment, Peggy Quarles, Marguerite Raber, Eulola Robinette, and Ruby Sanders.
Members who were absent for the installation service were Elaine Butler, Sybil Ruth McLemore, and Renee Whitfield.
On April 24, 1980, the Omega Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma initiated seven new members into its society. The following members were present for iniiiation by Mrs. Lucy McWhorter, chairman of the initiation: Joy Cox Elaine Edwards, Judy Hassler, Billie Haven, Elizabeth Holt, Hazel Langford, and Maxine Porch. Participants in the service were: Harriet Susman, President of Omega; Nan Ozment, first Vice-president; Marian Langford, second Vice-president; Margaret Brown, Recording Secretary; and Gail Lowery, Treasurer.
Submitted by Sybil McLemore, 1981
Eton Eastern Star
The Eton Chapter No. 78, Order of the Eastern Star was initiated May 1909 at the Masonic Hall in Eton. The Chapter was constituted May 18, 1910 with the following charter members; Mrs. JP. Gregory, Mrs. W.Z. Latch, Mrs. S.G. Treadwell, Mrs. L.A. Latch, Mrs. Will Gregory, Mrs. W.M. Harris, Mrs. L.A. Hartley, Will Gregory, W.W. Keith, L.A. Latch, T.W. Brooks, D.S. Butler, L.A. Hartley, A.D. Hitchcock, J.P. Nanney, J.H. Belk, W.M. Harris, Mrs.Annie Harris, Mrs. Lou Hill, Mrs. J.H. Belk, Miss Ethel Petty, Mrs. C.C. Keith, Miss Pauline Keith, Mrs. J.P. Nanney, Mrs. S.A. Brown, Mrs. Sadie Davis. Mrs. J.H. Steed, Miss Eva Moreland, A.H. Nanney, Bob Hill, Mrs, Tay Steed, Mrs. Sybil Steed, Mrs. Gus Pierce, and Mrs. Inez Faith. Mrs. Jennie Brown was the first Worthy Matron and Mr. Walter M. Harris the first Worthy Patron.
Meetings were first held in the Masonic Hall located on the second floor of the Keith Store building during the afternoon. Later, night meetings were held to encourage attendance.
Sister Sallie McElroy was the first of many Worthy Grand Matrons of Georgia to make official visits to Eton in 1926-27. Brother John Pinson was the first Worthy Grand Patron of Georgia to visit in 1952-53. On August 22, 1979 both the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron, Sister Doris Christian and Brother John Perry, visited the chapter.
Some special Eton Star members include Sister Inez Keith who served as Worthy Matron for many years, Sisters Bess Lefurgy and Regina Brown who alternated as secretary for several terms, Sister Bessie Mae Adams of Chatsworth who sometimes had to walk to meetings at Eton, and Sister Johnnie Hartley, the last surviving charter member. Before her death in 1979, "Miss Johnnie" had filled many stations including three terms as Worthy Matron. She also attended Grand Chapter as a Grand Page. Grand officers from the Eton Chapter include Sister Louise Gregory who was Grand Electa 1951-52 and Sister Grace Brown who was Grand Ruth 1956-57. Both also served as Grand Page at various times. Mr. Fred T. Brown was a loyal member and Mr. Glenn Howard, a very active member at the time the first Murray County Hospital was built, helped complete the Chapter's pledge to furnish a room.
Ten members of the Eton Chapter received 50-year membership pins from Grand Chapter over the years including: Brother Fred Brown, Brother Robert E. Chambers, and Sisters Johnnie Hartley, Remmie Keith, Ella Jane Holcomb, Bessie Mae Adams, Naomi Coffey,Louie Gregory, Mary Long, and Ruth Holmes.
In 1979 membership in the Eton Chapter totaled 81 including several emeritus members: Miss Margaret Brice, Ollie Bailey, Naomi Coffey, R.E. Chambers, Aileen Clayton, Geneva Choates, Dell Choates, Louise Gregory, Tom Gregory, Magalyn Gregory, Gertrude Gregory, Ruby Holmes, Annie Laurie Howard, Glenn Howard, Ovilee Hall Macie Jackson, Remmie Keith, Marie Kelly, Mary Long, Grace Mealer, Mildred McCamy, Maurine Neal, Frances Phillips, Ruth Puckett, Nora Reddish, Allie Thompson, and Julie Turner.
Several years ago the Masons built a modern Masonic Hall at Eton. The Eastern Star aided them in the furnishing of the Hall and how meets there on the second Thursday evening of each month. Eton is one of the oldest active chapters in the state. Submitted by Louise Gregory and Robbie Ryan (Worthy Matron, 1979)
Eton Masonic Lodge No. 509 - Murray County Georgia
On November 28, 1907, A.L. 5907 Eton Lodge No. 509 met on call communication in the Lodge room for the purpose of instituting a Masonic Lodge. After being opened in regular form, the Lodge retired to the room below, where 'he same was instituted under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
The following were charter members: W,L. Isenhower. C.C, Keilh, W.A. Latch, S.G. Treadwell, S.A. Brown, E.M. Ellis, John W. Harris, WJ. Peeples, •J-D. Harris, John W. Clements, C.A. Strawn. W.M. Harris.
They were installed by the following Grand Officers: R.W.G.M., T.H. Jeffries; R.W.P.G.M., S.E. Berry; R.W.G.S.W., W.Z. Latch and R.W.G.J.W., C.L. Henry.
The Eton Lodge No. 509 was instituted with the following officers: Bro. S.A. Brown, W.M.; Bro. C.C. Keith, Sr. W.; Bro. John W. Clements, Jr. W.; Bro. E.M. Ellis, Treas.; Bro. W.L. Isenhower, Sec.; Bro. W.M. Harris, Sr. Deacon; Bro. N.B. Bates, Jr. Deacon; Bro. W.A. Latch, Chaplain; Bro. Harley Plemons, Sr. Steward; Bro. Farris Haggard, Jr. Steward;C.A. Strawn,Tyler.
After the institution, the brethren returned to the Lodge Room where the same was closed in due form to meet on the 2nd Monday night in Dec.
The lodge meetings were first held in the old furniture store and funeral home upstairs in Eton. We now have a regular meeting hall.
Submitted by T.L. Gregory
Eton Ruritan Club
The Eton Ruritan Club was organized in 1958, with James Loughridge as President. The following were charter members: James C. Loughridge, B.V. Ozrnent, Bill Presley, W.W. Keith, Martin Dooley, Cecil Petty, Carlton Petty, Howell Brown, Tom Gregory, J.W. Edwards, Paul Huddleston, Kenneth Peden, Bill Bailey, Marvin Childers, J.W. Spivey, Bentley Willis, Walter Richards, B.F. Babb.
W.T. Green is the present President. Some of the projects over the years have been road-side parks, and helping with the recreation program in the schools.
Fort Mountain Home and Garden Club
The Fort Mountain Home and Garden Club was organized in early June, 1980. Those attending the first meeting, held at City Hall in Chatsworth, included: Charlene Love, Caroline Amis, Sybil McLemore, Reba Westfield, Mary Petty, Debbie Love, Nell Wilburn, Zennia Parker, Diane Gallman, Milma Ernest, Edna Weyman, Ann Bare, Barbara Vice, Geneva Yarbrough, Veda Adams, Mr'. & Mrs. M.D. Jackson, Benny Huggins, Mr. & Mrs. Randall Richards. Iris McGill, Jackie McEntire, Lou Locklear, Wyleene Richards, Susie Leonard, Vadah Ken-drick, and Dixie Jones who presided assisted by Albert Edwards. The club was organized as part of the Governor's Project Competition for community beauti-fication and improvement. The first officers included President Charlene Love, Vice-Pre si dent Geneva Yarbrough, Secretary Edna Weyman, and Treasurer Ann Bare.
Among the projects of the Garden Club have been landscaping at the Murray County Library, the comer of Market Street and Green Road at Chatsworth Elementary School, and other spots around Chatsworth as well as assisting with the Vann House Christmas Candlelight Tours, floats in the Christmas parades, and an annual picnic.
Meetings are now held on the second Monday of each month except during the summer. Active members at this time are President Dodie Anderson, Vice-President Geneva Yarbrough, Secretary Jennie Weyman, Treasurer Ruby Mostel-ler, Chaplain Lucille Weatherly, Sybil McLemore, Reba Westfield, Gladys Mc-Craney, and Carol Miles.
Information provided by Jennie Weyman, 1985
Future Farmers of America
The organization, Future Farmers of America, was founded in 1926 by a Virginian, Henry G. Groseciose, who was engaged in the business of helping leathers of vocational agriculture in his state with the problems of preparing boys for the vocation of farming.
A few local chapters of Future Farmers of America were organized in Georgia in 1928. The movement spread rapidly over the state. During the summer of J929, the first State Convention was perfected. Billy Bowdoin, of Statham, was the first president of the State Organization. Georgia received her Charter from the National Organization in 1929. There is an F.F.A. organization in every community in Georgia where vocational agriculture is taught.
Murray County Chapter was organized by G.I. Maddox, agriculture teacher, in 1935. Mr, M.D. Mobley, State Advisor at that time, signed our chapter's charter. One hundred fifty boys joined the first year.
There are four degrees of active membership: "Green Hand," Chapter Farmer, State Farmer, and American Farmer. A member may attain the different degrees by his accomplishment in connection with vocational agriculture program. Activities Accomplished by the Murray County Chapter include: 1) Built our agriculture classroom in old rock building. 2) With F.F.A. boys and N.Y.A. built ag building. 3) Constructed cannery building. 4) Bought and canned 1,600,000 cans for the public. 5) Lions Club and Mr. V.C. Pickering furnished canning equipment. 6) Chapter operated school farm. 7) In cooperation with Soil Conservation Service, Chatsworth Lions Club sponsored Farm Face Lifting Day, August 1952. a) Cleared 25 acres of land, b) Planted and fenced 35 acres of pasture, c) Built two stock ponds, d) Constructed first pole barn in county, e) Graded baseball field, f) Started herd of white face cattle, g) Cohutta Bank invested $1,000 in Hereford cattle herd. 8) In cooperation with Bowater Paper Company and Hiwassee Land Company sponsored forestry field day. 9) Murray High F.F.A. Chapter attended The Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Fat Steer Show from 1942 through 1968, The Chapter showed 520 steers. 10) Showed swine a number of years in the Southeastern Atlanta Fair and at the State Fair at Macon. II) Mr. V.C- Pickering bought and donated to our chapter a new M-International tractor, mowing machine, tiller, John Deer Seeder cutaway harrow. J2) Our Chapter furnished two State Officers: Raymond Keener, State Treasurer (1944-45), and Allen Terry, State Vice-President (1958-59). David Butler made the National F.F.A. chorus, singing in Kansas City. Randall Richards was selected Drum Major for the National F.F.A. Band in Kansas City.
The following vocational agriculture teachers have been advisors to Murray County F.F.A. Chapters at the high school and the junior high (since 1969): G.I. Maddox, M.D. Jackson, Clarence Brannon, Dwayne Witherow, George Holland, David Forrest, Del Richards, Mike Grantham, Mike Davis, Larry Lough-ridge, Jim Folsom.
The Murray Chapter entered the Tri-State Queen Contest, sponsored by the Chattanooga paper. The chapter won several runners-up and two queens-Miss Mary Hemphill and Miss Edith Robinson.
Melvin Parker received an American Farmer Award in 1975.
A $3,000 scholarship fund was left to the chapter by Mr. Sam Carter's sister. Known as the Sam Carter Memorial Scholarship, a deserving member is awarded the interest from the original principal each year.
In 1980 the FFA String Band was invited to the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Members were Jim Pankey, Mark Tatum, Robert Leonard, Bobby Patterson, and Mike Davis, Advisor.
Submitted by G.I. Maddox, 1981
FFA Alumni Association
The Murray County FFA Alumni Association was organized in September, 1974, to provide support and funds for projects and activities of the Murray County FFA. The group established an annual rodeo to raise funds and had other projects as well, such as the awarding of the Sam Carter Memorial Scholarship to a Murray High Agriculture student.
Among the early members of the Association were: David Forrest, Tom Graves, Jack Ensley (Chairman), M.D. Jackson, Arnold Gray, Kenneth Forrest, Johnny Hickman, Ragan Springfield, Wesley Baynes, Henry Robinson, Alan Ensley, Doug Griffin, Dannie Green, Baxter Lay, Eugene Banks, Harold Harris, Cleve Gallman, Bobby Ballew, Jimmie Witherow, Larry Loughridge, and Willie Fowler. Retired Murray High Agriculture teacher G.I. Maddox was given lifetime membership in the association due to his many contributions to the farm program.
Information provided by Tom Graves, 1979
Georgia Mule Association
The Georgia Mule Association was founded by C.W. Bradley with membership nationwide and headquarters at the Murray Co. Saddle Club. This group sponsors a show the first weekend in October to crown the state champion of Georgia.
C.W. Bradley is active in the following organizations: World Racking Horse Jubilee, N. Ga. Racking Horse Assoc., N. Ga. Quarter Horse Assoc., N. Ga. Walking Horse Assoc., and Lincoln University Alumni Assoc., founder and long-time president.
Submitted by C.W. Bradley
Georgia State Racking Horse Show
The Georgia State Racking Horse Show was founded in 1967 for crowning the State Champion Racking Horse in Georgia each year. The show was held at Dalton Fairgrounds for several years, sponsored by the Cohutta Ruritan Club. It has since been moved to the Murray Co. Saddle Club site where it is now sponsored by the Chatsworth Lions Club.
Murray County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
The Murray County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (Pink Ladies) was organized in the early 1960's to supply volunteer service, hospital equipment, and scholarship funds to local women who were obtaining nursing degrees. The Auxiliary disbanded in 1969 when there was a lack of practicing physicians in Murray County.
As the new hospital on the Old Dalton-Ellijay Road was nearing completion in 1975, the need for an Auxiliary was seen by then Administrator Steve Hammock. Through his efforts and those of Sue Mullinax a former Pink Lady, the group began to reorganize in June 1975.
A meeting was held on July 1, 1975 to elect officers and approve by-laws. The following Murray Countians were present for this meeting: Caroline Amis, Mattie Bagley, Judy Bostic, Ruth Bostic, Peggy Bradley, Anne Brindle, Alta Carter, Ina Cox, Annette Crisp, Glenda Downey, Milma Earnest, Director of Nursing Naomi Fehrle, Betty Gowin, Ruth Lay, Peggy Leonard, Mozelle Little. Viola Miller, Sue Mullinax, Hannah Pendley, Mary Petty, Estrella Ramos, Susan Ritchie, Eulola Robinette, Janet Shields, Carolyn Terry, Pauline Waters, Bobbye Weaver, Phyllis Weaver, and Mr, Hammock.
The members render volunteer service to the hospital and its patients, maintain a gift shop, and care for daily television rentals. Each year needed hospital equipment is purchased from the group's funds. Officers in 1979 included President Caroline Amis, Vice-President Peggy Leonard, Secretary Anne Brindle, and Treasurer Ruth Spencer. In 1980 the officers were President Ruth Lay, Vice-President Robbie Ryan, Secretary Robbie Elrod, and Treasurer Edna Graves.
Submitted by Anne Brindle
Jaycees
The Murray County Jaycees were organized in 1956. Charter members were L.D. Spivey, Rembert Townsend, Tom Clay, Billy Ray Knox, Calvin Townsend, Julian Westfieid, Barren Brooks, Gerald Leonard, Troy Free, Raymond Ballew, and Bobby Hosteller.
In 1976 they celebrated their 20th anniversary. The officers at that time were: Danny Penland, pres.; Dale Brown, internal v.p,;Bruce Kendrick,external v.p.; Doug Smith, sec.; Larnar Dunn, treas.; Kelly Babb, dir.; Jim Reich, dir.; Jeiry Lifsey, state dir. Members included: Byron Bond, Gary Brock, Alton Bridges, Gary Butler, Jerry Cutshaw, Doug Fraker, Danny Harbin, Randall Ingle, Gary Jackson, Tony Kendrick, Ron Lindenboon, Houston Smith, Mike Snead, Jerry (Flash) Leonard, Don Young, Teddy Welch.
Projects included: wilderness, Wagon Train street dance, Little League field, Junior Hiss, STAR student, training center Christmas party, needy family fund, outstanding VMOY, a scholarship, Easter Sea] BAC-A-CHILD, safety break, street numbering project. Cub Scout and Boy Scout troop, Dixie Youth baseball team.
1982-83 officers were Tim Bolding, TomCaylor, Jerry Leonard, Witlie Winkler, Tony Jones, Sarn Kemp, Ronald Leonard and Randy Beavers. Jerry Leonard in now president (1983).
Kiwanis Club
The Chatsworth Kiwanis Club was chartered on February 25, 1972, under sponsorship of the Dalton, Ga., Kiwanis Club.
The original slate of officers consisted of: President Olin Cole; Vice-president B.V. Ozment; Secretary Ronald Atkinson; and Treasurer Charles Etheridge.
The first meeting place was the original Kin's Restaurant which was in the south end of Chatsworth,
The Club was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on December 11, 1973. The corporate name is The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth, Ga., Inc.
The Kiwanis Club traditionally has sponsored projects that benefit the elderly as well as handicapped children and those with learning impairments.
The name "Kiwanis" stems from an Indian phrase which, roughly translated, means "to express one's self."
John C. Kenemer, Secretary 1984-85
Murray County League of Women Voters
The League originated in Murray County during the fall of 1983 as a unit of the League of Women Voters of the Dalton area. Credit goes to Louise Stewart for the formation of this group.
Edna Sneeds served as the first unit director followed by Margie Keener.
Betty Hampton has faithfully served as secretary-treasurer since its beginning.
1984 activities included: 1) An indepth study of the water and sewer position in Chatsworth and Murray County. Guest speakers during the year included Mr. Jack Dozier, Chief of Water Quality Control, Environmental Protection Division, Mr. R.L, Vining, Chatsworth Water Commission, State Representative Tom Ramsey, District 3, and Mr. Mike Kelly, Senior Sanitarian for the Murray County Board of Health. 2) Study of the election process and voter registration regulations instructed by Mr. Larry Sampson, County Registrar. We also participated in a county-wide voter registration drive on June 23rd which added quite a number of additional voters to our voting population. 3) Sponsored a political forum. 4) Conducted a "Latch Key Study" among industry dealing with adequate child care for working parents. 5) Had our first study on education with Mrs. Margaret Ball, State Secretary to the Parent Teacher Association.
1985 activities included: 1) Dixie Jones, Martha Young, Betty Hampton, Margie Keener, from Chatsworth, Marilyn Hughes and Margaret Ball from Dalton attended League Legislature Day in Atlanta where various legislators from across the state discussed legislation pending before the House and Senate. Special attention was given to health care for the medically indigent, pre-natal care for the unborn child, and the county's obligation for securing these services. Newcomb of the Governor's staff discussed the Governor's Education Bill fully explaining what it would mean to public education. 2) March llth, the membership elected to request recognition as a seperate unity from that of the Dalton Area in order to better serve our community with regard to issues directly affecting Chatsworth and Murray County and at the same time strengthen League work within our two counties. 3) Met all requirements necessary for state to grant recognition. In less than 2 weeks, our membership increased from 13 to 44. To date, we are at 47 members with 26% being gentlemen from the community. Definitely, we are not restricted to the female gender. 4) In march we studied (he services offered by our local hospital and were fortunate enough to have Mr. Jim Hazel, hospital administrator, give us a slide presentation which was followed by a question-answer session with regard to the DRG Bill and the effect it has had on the residents of this county and the financial impact on our hospital.
5) April 2nd was the official organizational meeting for our group to set bylaws, budget, and select officers and Board members. Lee Wash, President, and Shirley Brother, Membership Chair from LWV-Ga., along with Juanita Edwards, President LWV-Dalton, attended to inform members as to what League is all about, answer questions, and lay the groundwork necessary to attain status as a provisional League.
6) April 23rd, we hosted the LWV-Dalton members at the Mountain Lakes Golf and Country Club for a study on "Sales and Use Tax,"
7) May 3rd, an important date for us! Recognition was granted by state to our group as the Provisional League of Women Voters of Chatsworth-Murray County. Accepting recognition was Betty Hampton, Louise Stewart, and Margie Keener, who were in Macon for state convention and spring workshop.
8) During May we studied the student drop-out rate in Murray County through the direction of Mr. Bill Yarborough, chairman of the "Stay In School Task Force," sponsored by the Murray County Chamber of Commerce.
Information from League i Newsletter, May, 1985
Chatsworth Lions Club
The Chatsworth Lions Club was organized June 22, 1932, Charter members were Dr. R.H. Bradley. Physician; W. Lee Cox. Truant Officer; R.E. Chambers, Clerk, Superior Court; R.E. Dillard, Machinist; Withers Davis, Civil Engineer; Earl C. Foster, Supt. Eton School; L.N. Foster, Supt. Chatsworth Elem.; J.H. Henderson, County Agri. Agent; J.C. Loughridge, Farmer;George T. McDonald, Civil Engineer; J.Roy McGinty, Jr., Publisher and Printer; Mack Trammell, Businessman; Jesse M. Sellers, Attorney at law; Robert L. Vining, Merchant; L.S. Woodson, Merchant.
First Officers were R.E. Chambers, President;L.N. Foster, 1st Vice-President; J.H. Henderson, 2nd Vice-President; Earl C. Foster, Secretary and Treasurer; R.L. Vining, Lion Tamer; R.E. Dillard, Tail Twister.
The Board of Directors consisted of Jesse M. Sellers, Dr. R.H. Bradley and J.C. Loughridge,
Chatsworth Lions Club Charter Night was Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1932 at 8 p.m. ai the Desoto Hotel in Chatsworth, Georgia. Toaster was Lion G.C. McDonald; Song Leader, Lion L.N. Foster; Song America, Assembly; Return Thanks, Lion J.M. Sellers; Welcome Address. Lion Earl C. Foster; Response to Welcome, Lion L.B. Lawton (Dalton Lions Club); Song, Quartet; Introduction of Visitors, Toastmaster; Sponsor's Speech, Cartersville Lion Member, Clayton Henson; Song, Quartet; Presentation of Charter, Lion Marvin G. Pond, District Governor; Acceptance of Charter, Lion R.E. Chambers, President, Chatsworth Lions; Song, Quartet; Song "Lions, Till We Meet Again," Assembly. Some projects sponsored by the Chatsworth Lions Club (the oldest men's civic organization in the county): 1) Murray County Cannery—opened July 20, 1932 in the midst of the Depression at the old county convict camp east of Chatsworth. 2) Fort Mountain State Park. 3) Home economics building (Rock) at high school, 4) County-sponsored face lifting of Murray County High School Farm, 1952: a) Built 10,000 feet of pasture fence; b) Seeded 45 acres pasture; c) Built pole barn. 40x50 ft.;d) Dug 2 stock ponds; e) Cleaned 20 acres of land; f) Graded baseball field; g) Started herd of cattle. 5) Forestry Queen. 6) Apple Queen. 7) Paving around high school, 8) F.F.A. and 4-H Clubs Fat Cattle Steer Show, 1941-1968. 9) Contributed yearly to Cancer, Polio and Heart drives. 10) Contributed yearly to Light House for the Blind. 11) Contributed yearly to Cherokee Boys and Girls Estate. 12) Sent high school football players, 40 in number, to Peach Bowl Football Game for the blind. 13) School Book Fund and a Stay In School program in the 1930's and Rally Day in 1932.
The club's main project is Sight Conservation. In 1975, 85 children and 35 adults received aid from the Club.
Officers for 1977-1978: President, Johnny Peeples; 1st Vice-President, Joe Wiggins, Sr.; 2nd Vice-President, Judy Poag; 3rd Vice-President, Harlan Peeples; Treasurer, Charles Dunn; Secretary, Curtis Love; Tail twister, G.I. Maddox; Lion Tamer, Raymond Co\; Chaplain, W.D. Weatherly; Directors: Wallace Lecroy, C.W. Brad ley, Willard Da vis, Tom Graves and Jack Ensley.
Members in 1978 were: Dale Baggett, C.W. Bradley, Richard Brock, Sam Burchfield, Raymond Cox, James Edward Crisp, Willard Davis, Charles Dunn, (Jack) Thomas J. Ensley, W.W. Fincher, Jim Franklin, Tom Graves, James W. Grider, Lewis Hufstetler, Odell Ingle, Ishrnael Joyce, Elmer Lawless, William W. Lecroy, Jerry Leonard, James Loughridge, Curtis Love, G.I. Maddox. Winston Massengale, J.L. Moreland, Harlan Peeples, John Peeples, (Judy) Charles Poag, Leonard B. Ridley, J.C. Robinson, Wayne Rogers, Orville L. Stuckey Jr., Gene Tapley, W.D. Weatherly, Joe Wiggins, Joe M. Wiggins, Jr. Jimmie Witherow, Oscar Crow (member-at-large), C.H. Greeson (member-at-large) Gerald Leonard (member-at-large) William Leonard (member-at-large) John Webb (member-at-large) and F.C. Leonard (Privileged member).
The Murray Association of Educators
The Murray Association of Educators is the largest prokfessional organization for educators in Murray County. Begun at lest five decades ago as the murray Educator's Association, the l,ocal group was long affiliated with the Georgia Educator's Association and was for many years the only teacher's organization in the county, usually enjoying 100% membership.
While records of the association before 1960 are lacking, MAE has been very successful since then. Many events of the past 25 years are highlighted in the history of MAE.
Since all teachers and administrators were MEA members, the opening convocation for each year was also the first MEA meeting. (This practice continued until 1971.) Successive monthly meetings were rotated among all the schools and the county office. Then the Murray School System included schools at Ramhurst, Spring Place, Eton, Northwest, Southwest, Chatsworth, and Murray High.
In the early 1960's, MEA established a scholarship fund with each teacher contributing 10 cents and also sponsored a Plan for Improvement of Education and listed needs of the Murray Schools in 1961-2.
In 1963, under the leadership of Lucy McWhorter, the organization worked with the Board of Education to get teachers in the Social Security program. A major reason for the existence of MEA then was to obtain group health insurance. Not until 1971 did the Board of Education begin paying a portion of insurance costs. The first grievance committee was formed in 1963 with one representative from each school serving on the panel. Also that year, Superintendent Ray Bagley asked the association to study the county's sick-leave policy and present a new or improved plan to the Board of Education.
The association first persuaded the Board to allow teachers to accumulate sick leave in 1964-65. The group first asked to carry over just one-half of the days not used. (Recently the Board voted to let teachers accumulate up to 60 days.)
The association also sponsored an annual banquet each February. In 1965 the guest speaker was George T. Smith, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. The next year, former Georgia governor Ernest Vandiver was the speaker.
In 1966 the local association printed a full-page advertisement in The Chatsworth Times to support the proposed bond issue. This was successful as in 1969 the Murray Junior High and the new Spring Place Elementary School (combining Spring Place, Ramhurst, and Chatsworth) opened-a record expansion for the Murray schools.
MEA asked the Board to consider its first local supplement to the state teacher's salary in 1965. The amount requested was $250. In May, 1969 Mr. M.D. Jackson was appointed chairman of a committee to work on a tenure policy to present to the Board of Education—the first action of this nature ever taken by the local group.
During 1969 and 1970, MEA was confronted with two major issues-a proposed merger with GT & EA (the black educators association) as well as a stronger tie with the National Education Association. At this time 122 Murray teachers were members of GEA while only 19 joined NEA. After numerous local and state meetings as well as many constitutional revisions, GEA and GT&EA were united to form the Georgia Association of Educators. MEA became MAE to reflect the name change and merger. Though a United Teaching Profession was discussed in 1972, not until 1974 were the three levels of educational organizations truly united.
An MAE committee was appointed in 1970 to examine local board policy and cooperate with the board about policy statements. Board members also participated in a forum on taxes and local supplements. Teachers then received a 5200 local supplement-when the average Georgia teacher's salary was $8,010. By 1972 the county board had a policy that teachers either have liability insurance or join MAE & GAE which provides liability insurance for members upon payment of dues.
MAE began sponsoring an annual county-wide Spelling Bee in 1971. Mrs. Ruby Sanders coordinated this event for several years. In 1973-74 MAE members met with the Murray County Grand Jury concerning the drug problem among Murray students. Also in the early 1970*s, the group began giving retiring members appreciation plaques and in 1975 nominated Senator W.W. Fincher for GAE's "Friend of Education" Award.
Two very important MAE goals were achieved in 1977. For the first time members could pay dues through payroll deduction and the Murray County Federal Credit Union was formed. MAE paid the charter expenses for the credit union which has loaned over $100,000 to school employees and now has over 200 members.
MAE President Reba Daniel attended the NEA convention in 1978 and in January. 1979 GAE President Barbara Munteen was the guest speaker for the local association. Several teachers were nominated for the GAE Teacher Hall of Fame including Mrs. Ruby Sanders, Mrs. Estelle Townsend, Mrs. Nancy Kinser, and Mr. Easter Elrod. In 1980 MAE's constitution was revised and the group attempted to develop a written procedure for parents with complaints about a teacher to follow.
During 1981 MAE assisted in the developing of a bonus plan for teachers who did not use all of their sick leave.
The next two years were very busy as MAE worked on a bus problem, assisted in obtaining athletic passes for all school employees, brought a change in the state sick-leave policy to the attention of the Board, and later brought the flexible fringe benefit plan to Murray County, being one of the first systems in the state to offer this program,
The activity of the local association is financed through dues and some fund raisers.
Membership in MEA has varied over the years from 1961 when all teachers were members to 1984 when we had 200. In 1968 MEA had 108 members, while in 1969 the membership was 125. By 1972 this number was 160. Following the merger, membership declined for a while, but has now been growing every year since 1977.
Presidents of the local association since 1960 have included: Howell Brown 1960-61; Lucy McWhorter 1961-63; Jim Witherow 1963-65; France Adams 1965-66; Bain Johnson 1966-67; Urry Kresse 1967-68; Charles Lewis 1968-70; Ruby Sanders 1970-71; Ed Campbell 1971-73; David Forrest 1973-75; Jerry Ridley 1975-77; Reba Daniel 1977-79; David Fleming 1979; Lynn Murphy 1980-81; Troy Beasley 1981-83; Elizabeth Holt Could 1983-84, 1985-86; Kinma Bond 1984-85;Tim Howard 1986-87.
Submitted by Tim Howard, 1985
Murray County Fair Association
Murray County Fair was chartered on June 14, 1965. It was organized in 1964 with the first officers being M.M. Dunford, Pres.; Mrs. Ruby Sanders, v-pres.; Olen Cole, sec.-treas. Board of Directors: 1964-66, Otis Burger, Mrs. Morris Phillips, Clarence Ridley; 1964-65, C.W. Bradley, T.C. Kendrick, Ben Messer; 1964,Mrs. R.F. Hill, Aaron Leonard, Jim Mashburn.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunford, Olen Cole, Mrs. R.F. Hill, G.I. Maddox, and Wilene Foster were the first ones to really work on the organization of a fair.
The fair has shown steady growth. C.W. Bradley has been manager and director for the past three years until January, 1980.
In January, 1980, a meeting was called to discuss the future of the Fair due to the resignation of C.W. Bradley as president of the Murray County Fair Association.
New officers were elected as follows: Mike Davis, president; Dutch Jones, 1st vice-president; Del Richards, 2nd vice-president; Louie Canova, secretary-treasurer. Board of Directors includes: Jerry Bryson, Jim Folsom, Ben Messer, Lou Locklear, and Iris McGill.
Tentative dates for the 1980 fair were set for Sept. 22-27. The fair will be held at the Murray County Saddle Club grounds. The association has now disbanded.
Submitted by C.W. Bradley
National Association of Saddle Riding Clubs
C.W. Bradley founded and organized the National Assoc. of Saddle Riding Clubs in 1963 and remained its president until 1969. The Saddle Clubs were largely in Ga., Ala., Tenn. with others across the nation. The goals of the club were to promote horseback riding for pleasure and show along with family recreation and fellowship. The Appalachian Wagon Train in Chatsworth was an outgrowth of NSARCA.
Submitted by C.W. Bradley
History of Northwest Georgia Travel Association
Organization date November 7, 1979, Chickamauga National Military Park with 46 in attendance. Phil Francis hosted the meeting.
Dick Borden chaired meeting. Dan Biggers with Martha Berry and Oak Hill Museum, Rome, Georgia, was nominated and elected President. Bill Chapin of Rock City agreed to chair a committee to select a name for the organization to be decided by next meeting.
Committee chairpersons were nominated as follows: Marylyn Moore, Weyman Mineral Center Museum, Cartersville, Georgia. Membership— Diana Shad-day, Rome Tourist, Rome, Georgia. Dues, Bill Chapin, Rock City. Bylaws, George Wilson, Conasauga Magazine, Dalton, Georgia. Projects, Jane Harrell and Judy Alderman, Praters Mill, Dalton, Georgia.
The first meeting was held at Cartersville with Marylyn Moore as hostess. December 12, 1979 at 10:00 at which time we selected, as name of the organization, The Northwest Georgia Travel Association.
Our purpose is to promote tourism in the 16 Northwest Counties known as Pioneer Territory.
With the talents of Don Ritchie who lives in Crandall, Georgia, and is now employed by Dalton Junior College, we came up with a booth built by Coosa Valley Tech to look like the back of a Conestooga Covered Wagon, with a map of the 16 Northwest Counties. It has served us well at travel shows and many other places including the Georgia Tourism Conference; it has won two awards. Our best known travel show is the Annual Stay and See Georgia at Lenox Square in Atlanta. Our booth is manned by volunteers and has brochures from all 16 counties.
In September 1984 we hosted the Governor's Georgia Tourism Conference in Rome, Georgia. This was a notable event usually held in a much larger city; only as an organization were we able to attract this conference.
Active members from Chatsworth-Murray County included: Charter member Dixie Jones, Board of Directors of Chatsworth-Murray County Chamber of Commerce and Board of Directors, Northwest Georgia Travel Association. Hugh McDaniell, Vice-President Northwest Georgia Travel Association, of
Fort Mountain Estates is also chairman of the Legislative Committee. Wylene Richards, Secretary of Chatsworth-Murray County Chamber of Commerce and 1984 Secretary for Travel Association, also Board member. Floyd Franklin, Cohutta Lodge; Albert Edwards, Chatsworth Times; Tim Howard, Chief Vann House; Galaxy Carpet; City of Chatsworth; Fort Mountain State Park; Cohutta Banking Company; First National Bank of Chatsworth; Milton Clarke, Little Rome Pizza Restaurant; and Wolf Jedamski, Cohutta Springs Aventist Center are all members of the Travel Association.
Since organized we have had three presidents who have done an outstanding job, along with our 111 members. The first two years Dan Biggers was our president. Jane Harrell was next and Phil Francis to present (1984).
Northwest Ruritan Club
The Northwest Ruritan Club was chartered the 12th day of October 1976. Lamar Henry was elected as our first president. The following is a list of our charter members: Lamar Henry, Larry Loughridge, Terry Henry, Jimmy L. Tatum, James Burns, Frank Bailey, Arnold L. Hill Jr., James Hammontree, LD. Richards, Grady Bryant, David Causby, C.H. Anderson, Arthur Smith, Fred Stevenson, Paul Ross, George H. Baxter, Donald Carter, Gary W. Beavers, Jerry Joe King, Glenn Earnest, Phil McCamy, George Ross, Jesse Dunn, Dale Richards, James Turner, Billy Caylor, Ernie Ballew, Jerry Noland, Carlton Petty, Jimmy Petty, Edward Calhoun, Marvin McClure, Buddy Crisp.
The club has had some very successful projects. An icemaker has been bought for the school lunchroom and new playground equipment has been purchased. We have bought encyclopedias for some of the school classrooms. All of these things have been purchased with funds from the projects that the Ruritan Club has sponsored.
The Ruritan Club wishes to express its appreciation to the school principal, Larry A. Loughridge, for his great cooperation and support. It also wishes to thank each teacher and all of the members who have made this club a success.
Chatsworth Optimist Club
Late in 1980 efforts began to establish an Optimist Club in Chatsworth and in January, 1981 the group was chartered with 38 members. The Northeast Cobb Optimist Club served as the sponsoring club. The organization focuses on support of youth activities in the county and has made great strides in recognizing deserving students and has organized junior chapters at Murray Junior and Senior High Schools.
The first officers included President Brad Davis, Vice-Presidents Bill Barker and Melvin Welch, and Secretary-Treasurer Charles Etheridge. Other charter members were Jimmy Beavers, John Burgess, Bobby Campbell, Luther Carter, Novis Davis, Reg Dangler, Hilton Dunn, Albert Edwards, Barney Elrod, Terry Grant, Torn Greeson, Jimmy Gregory, Bill Hansird, Macky Holcornb, Jerry Holmes, Paul Hurst, Tony Jones, Gerald Leonard, Jim McCraney, Dan Mc-Entire, Kenneth Moore, Claude Parker, John W. Peeples, Paul Ross, Jerry San-ford, Scott Shull, Huston Smith, Jirnmy Thomason, Billy Townsend, Rembert Townsend, Kenneth Vance, and Fred Welch.
Information from The Chatsworth Times, January 15, 1981
Pilot Club of Chatsworth
The Pilot Club of Chatsworth became an official chapter of Pilot International on February 24, 1973 under the sponsorship of the Dalton Pilot Club. Miss Robbie Cowart, the club's first president, accepted the charter. Friendship and service to the community were the goals the club made great strides in promoting. Furnishing a room in the new Murray County Memorial Hospital was the club's foremost fund-raising goal. The highlight of the first year was an official visit from Miss Gertrude Stanford, 1973-74 Governor of District 1, Pilot International.
During 1974-75, under the direction of the second president, Mrs. Marilyn Holsomback, the club continued to strive for community service and friendship. This year's theme was "Trailblazing to New Horizons" and the club carried out many fund-raising projects to furnish the hospital room. Because of the many hours of service performed by our members, the club was awarded the Club of the Year award. A visit from Mrs. Martha Jones, District Governor, was enjoyed by all members.
"Service Today Insures Tomorrow" was the 1975-76 theme for all Pilots. This theme was carried out under the direction of the club's third president, Miss Inez Deal. The club's annual Ijttle Miss Murray County Pageant was held with great success and proceeds went toward the hospital furnishing project, A variety of community services, such as the Easter Seals campaign, a covered dish supper for senior citizens, a shower for the Murray County Training Center, Mini Olympics, Murray County Fair Queen contest, a bike-hike, etc., totaled over 2,000 service hours. As a result, the club was once again awarded Club of the Year recognition at the District 1 Convention in Macon. Two other awards were also presented to the Chatsworth Club: the Project Hope Award of Merit and the Care Certificate of Appreciation.
The Pilot Club Project for 1978 was beautification of the city and county by the planting of Crepe Myrtles throughout the area.
Succeeding presidents have included: Ann BaiJey (1976-77), Denise Brown (1977-78), Zora Brooks (1978-79), Edna Jo Butler (1979-80), Nell Wilburn (1980-81), Brenda Kilgore (1981-82). Other active officers and directors have included: Edna Young, Cindy Ramsey, Frankie Hufstetler, Laverne Roberson, Mary Helen Swinney, Iris McGill, Becky Jordan, Julia Long, Barbara Kinney, Lynn Cochran, Vivian Ridley, Paula Kelley, Ethel Jones, Donna Boling, Rachel Ridley, and Wanda Poteet.
Murray County Chapter, American Red Cross
The Murray County Chapter of the American Red Cross was organized February 8, 1918 in Chatsworth. Charter officers included: Chairman Donald P, Start, Treasurer T.W. Brooks, Secretary Bonnje Kate Barnett, Chairman of the Finance Committee M.D. Jefferson, Chairman of the Membership Committee Miss Nettie Gladden, and Chairman of the Executive Committee Mrs. J. Roy McGinty. Two other Murray Countians who served in the Red Cross Chapter for many years were Mrs. Johnnie Hartley of Eton and Mr. R.E. Chambers of Chatsworth.
Information provided by Annette Patton and Louise Stewart, 1985
Retired Teachers Association
Murray County Retired Teachers Association, a unit of Georgia Retired Teachers Association, was organized Aug. 28, 1975 for the purpose of promoting beneficial legislation and providing information and referrel services of help to the members.
Officers were: President, Hoke Jackson; V. President, G.I. Maddox; Sec.-Treas., Edna Jo Butler; Reporter. Minnie Calhoun; Membership Chr., Howell Brown.
Charter members were: Marvin Shields, G.I. Maddox, Edna Jo Butler, Howell Brown, Hoke Jackson, Walter Richards, Troy Richards, Icy Plemons, Ray Bagley, Callie Knight, C.W. Bradley, Estelle Middleton, Minnie Calhoun, and Ione Hemphill.
Submitted by Sybil McLemore
Saddle Club
The Murray County Saddle Club was organized in 1957 at Center Valley Church. Charter members were: C.W. Bradley, Jim GlatJdson, James Lough-ridge, Fred Fraker, Odell Ingle, Aaron Leonard, Gerald Leonard. Officers elected were: Jim Gladdson, president; C.W. Bradley, v-pres.; Fred Fraker, secy.-treas. The club grew rapidly and many family activities were enjoyed by the members.
The club was chartered Aug. 17, 1959. C.W. Bradley was president and has continued as president to the present time, except for one term each for Gerald Leonard, Dewey Sitton, R.H. Howard, and Homer Robinson.
The first horse show was held Oct. 11, 1958 at the Murray High School football field. The club bought a house and moved it to the 7-acre tract south of Murray High School. The property was purchased in 1960.
The Appalachian Wagon Train was started in the spring of 1960. Other area saddle clubs joined in the sponsorship. The trail went from Chatsworth to Ellijay, through the National Forest through Mulberry Gap to Ellijay, about 26 miles taking about 8 ½ hours on the road. As the Wagon Train celebration developed over the years, it has expanded into a full week of celebration with various activities in which to participate.
The club built a new block clubhouse in 1965. As the club grew and the county grew, the club concluded a trade with the county and moved to the new site of 40 acres east of Chatsworth in 1975.
Some of the activities which use the facilities are: The Murray County Fair, Georgia Mule Frolic Show, Georgia State Racking Horse Show, FFA Alumni Rodeo, and various other groups' activities.
The club works with the FFA in the schools and also the Cattlemen's Association, works with the county agriculture officials, 4-H Clubs, and sponsored the County Fair for some years.
Officers, 1978: C.W. Bradley, pres., John Webb, v-p.; Martha West, sec.; Dutch Jones, treas.; Miles Winkler, chaplain; Cliff Lewis(?) sgt. at arms; Bd. of Directors: Arnold Gray, James Brown, Ishmael Joyce,Dick Barnes,R.H. Howard.
Submitted by C.W. Bradley, 1978
Senior Citizens Club
The first meeting of the Murray County Senior Citizens Club was held in the old Murray County Saddle Club. The club was started by William Petty and was an immediate success.
Our first five meetings were sponsored by the five Home Economics Clubs that were headed by Mrs. Fay Creel, Home Economist, with the Georgia Extension Service.
The by-laws of the Murray County Senior Citizens Club are registered in the Georgia State Office of Aging Programs. They were formulated by Mr. William J. Petty and H.O.Cole.
The following officers were chosen to lead the club and were elected to serve 3-year terms: William J. Petty, president; James M. Jones, vice-president; Mrs. Blanche Robinson, secretary; and Miss Frances Heart sell, treasurer.
The entertainment at the first meeting was presented by Mrs. Clyde Truan, imitating Minnie Pearl, and G.I. Maddox and the FFA String Band, composed of Wesley Baynes, Jeff Robinson, Alvin Deal, and Gary Cowart. Mr. Maddox led the members in singing.
Charter members at the first meeting in June, 1970 were: M/M Frank Hagel, M/M William J. Petty, M/M G.I. Maddox, M/M James M. Jones, M/M Clyde Truan, Mrs. Wyatt Mullinax, Mrs. Bessie Mae Adams, Mrs. W.H. Padgett, Miss Zora Ensley, Mrs. Bonnie Gudger, Mrs. Marie Kelly, Mrs. Hugh Knight, Mrs. Sara Lou Kilgore, Miss Frances Heartsell, Mrs. Sybil McLemore, Mrs. R.D. Waters, M/M Homer Robinson, Mrs. Pearl West, Mrs. George Holmes, Miss Mattie Bagley, Mrs. Caroline Amis, Mrs. Ruth Bates, Mrs. Jewel Gray, Mrs. Wilbur Jackson, M/M W.W. Keith, Jr., and several visitors, Mrs. Nancy Kinser, Mrs. Jean Smith and Joyce, Mrs. Jerry Leonard and Tonjua, Mrs. Sherman Leonard and Mrs. Fay Creel.
Several of the members have gone on to their eternal rewards, some moved away, and a couple are incapacitated. Our membership has grown with the years and today we have a larger membership than ever before. We are proud to be Senior Citizens of Murray County and to have such a fine club.
Submitted by Mary Petty, Sept. 5, 1978
Spring Place Rurilan Club
The Spring Place Ruritan Club was organized in 1950. Charter members were: Loren Ross, B.E. Pritchett, Paul Smith, Odell Ingle, W.C. Petty, Troy Richards, G.I. Maddox, Ben Jones, J.B. Vaughn, Huea Robinson, Barnie H. Pierce, Floyd Cook, H.L. Ballew, Nay Ballew, James Mashburn, Jr., Luther Jones, Chester Hannah, B.C. Wilbanks, W.A. Leonard, Edwin Hilley, Tucker Brown, and Hill Hannah.
Each year the Spring Place Ruritan Club holds a fall carnival during the month of October. The precedes go to support several activities and projects around Spring Place and Murray County. Each year donations are made to Spring Place Elementary School, Scouting program in Murray County, Cherokee Boys Estate, WhitfieId-Murray Historical Society, Special Olympics, Murray County Association of Retarded Citizens, Murray County E.M.T. program, Heart Fund, and Future Farmers of America.
Through these donations, the Spring Place Ruritan Club promotes a better place to live by service to our community and by encouragement to other individuals, institutions, and/or organizations who also serve our community.
Jerry E. Ridley, Secretary, 1984-85
Sumach Masonic Lodge
Sumach Lodge No. 55 was chartered November 1, 1882; John C. Mclntyte, Worshipful Master, W.R. Hill, Senior Warden, and W.H. Ricket, Junior Warden.
CHARTER MEMBERS OF SUMACH LODGE NO. 55
R.R. Bates
R J. Bryant
W.E. Burch
J.E. Cain
E.I.F. Cheyne
P.A. Haggard
G.W. Hall
A.T. Harris
S.H. Harris
W.G.Harris
A.J. Hembree
S..H.Henry
W.L. Henry
W.R. Hill
C.C. Howell
P.W. Ivester
F.M.Jones
D.H. Lacewell
W.R.Loughridge
Thomas Leach
J.W. Mackey
John C. McEntyre
J.L. McEntire, Sr.
J.L. McEntire, Jr.
J.W. McClain
Thomas McClain
J.W. Morjiers
J.M. Poag
W.H. Ricket
J.L. Smith
W.F. Summerour
D.C. Rimmies
C.L. Wasmae
E.B.Wasmae
Jesse Wasmae
Euclid Waterhouse, Sr.
Euclid Waterhouse, Jr.
P.E. Whittles
J.E. Wilson
SUMACH LODGE NO. 55 LODGE OFFICERS FOR 1978
Worshipful Master Tommy Eddie Cowart
Senior Warden William E. Phillips
Junior Warden Frank Ronald Rogers
Treasurer Merial C. Maloney
Secretary Donald Eugene Bedwell
Chaplain Monroe W. Steelman
Senior Deacon Russell T. Miller
Junior Deacon Jimmy D. Sherill
Senior Steward Albert A. Ledford
Junior Steward Edward H. Brown
Third Steward Eddy E. Steelman
Director of Work Donald EugeneBedwell
MEMBERS 1978
James Russell Arthur
William Kavanough Arthur
Johnny Junior Beavers
William Henry Beavers-Past Master
Donald Eugene Bedwell— Past Master
Russell Heartsell Bond-Past Master
Thomas Hendrex Brackelt-Emeritus
Preston Albert Brock
Edward Holmes Brown
Grady Earl Bryant-Past Master
Gib son John Burnett
Thomas William Colvard— Past Master
James William Campbell
Billy James Caylor
Herbert Ralph Cochran-Past Master
Tommy Edward Cowart
Edward Jack Dalton-Past Master
Harvey Clinton Davis
Emmett Oscar Dean-Past Master
Roger Colin Dollar
Frank Paul Dills
Johnny Elrod
Leroy Elrod
James Harold Go ley
Johnny Green
Ralph Howell Green
Homer Chester Hammontiee Jr.-Past Master
William J. Hawkins
John Hayes-Past Master
Dane Walker Henry-EmeritUI
Paul Dean Higdon
Robert Lee Higdon
Samuel Turvey Higdon
C.L.Holcomb-Emeritus
Joe Dunn Holcomb-Past Master
James Arvil Hulett
Floyd Lewis Hulett
William Kenneth Jones-Past Master
Neil Hall Keener
Raymond Fetyzer Keener-Past Master
Lee van Kirk
Albert Allen Ledford
Marvin Clyn Ledford-Past Master
John Loyd McCamy
William Troy McCamy, Jr.
Merial Clifton Maloney
Douglas Terrell Mathis
Raymond Eugene McEntire
Samuel Henry McEntire-Past Master and Emeritus
Russell Thomas Miller
Hugh L. Paige
Kenneth Paige
Jimmy Roy Page
Grady Payne
Bobby Tie Peden
Fred Walter Peden
William Emmett Phillips
Charles Newton Poteet
Frank Ronald Rogers
Wayne George San ford
James Donald Sherrill
Arvil Luther Shields
Edward Putman Slaughter-Emeritus
Jesse Henry Stafford
Donald Eugene Steelman
Eddy Eugene Steelman
Monroe Willard Steelman
Jesse Lee Stewart-Past Master
Virgil Lamar Turvey-Past Master
Bob Henton Weber
Charles Cecil Wheat
Jerry Lebrun Wheat
Charlie Lee Wilson-Emeritus
J.L.Wilson-Emeritus
Charles Lee Young
Clyde Young
Robert James Young
HONORARY MEMBERS OF SUMACH LODGE NO. 55
Worshipful Brother
Henry Ross-Conasauga No. 396
Worshipful Brother
Don Wilkey-Conasauga No. 396
Brother
Frank Rogers-Chatsworth No. 664
Brother J.D. Bostic-EtonNo.509
Brother Glenn Kendrick-Chatsworth No. 664
Worshipful Brother Wendell Chastain -Eton No. 509
For more information see Sumach on the Hill by Conway Gregory, Jr., 1976.
Whitfield-Murray Historical Society
The Whitfield-Murray Historical Society has seen many dreams come true since its organization in the 1950's. The first project was the restoration of the Vann House in Spring Place. Now operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Vann House has already celebrated its Silver Anniversary as a historic site and has some 20,000 visitors each year.
During the 1950's Mr. R.E. Chambers, Mr. Charles A. Pannell, and Mr. Odell Ingle helped provide much support from Murray County to the Historical Society, headed for many years by Mrs, B.J. Bandy of Dalton. Following a period of inactivity, the Society was reorganized in 1976 with Dot Seaton of Cohutta as president. Other officers were Helen Henderson, Thelma Morris, Scott Sapp, and, from Chatsworth, Mrs. Catherine Raine.
Since the reactivation the Society has established its headquarters at Crown Gardens and Archives in Dalton, restored the old Spring Place Methodist Church, assisted with restoration at the W & A Depot in Dalton, restored the Blunt House—home of Dalton's first mayor—surveyed cemeteries in both counties, indexed marriage records, published a Historical Journal in which Murray County has often been highlighted, sponsored open houses and various meetings in Murray County, and established the James Loughridge Memorial Scholarship at Murray County High School. Of course, a major project sponsored by the society has been the writing of this new history of Murray County, Numerous sites have been placed on the National Register of Historic places also—including the Wright Hotel, the Murray County Courthouse, and the Vann House.
Presidents of the Historical Society since the reorganization include; Mrs. Dot Seaton 1976-77, Mrs. Mildred McCamy 1978 & 1981, Emily Davies 1979-80. Mary Gene Dykes 1982-83, and Tim Howard 1984-85. Polly Boggess has served as executive secretary since 1977.
Murray County Heritage