Preservation Tours Give Residents Inside Look at Historic Sites

CANTON, GA -- The Cherokee County Historical Society is launching a series of Preservation Tours as part of a campaign to boost its membership.

These tours allow visitors to go behind the scenes at a variety of historic sites around Cherokee County to experience history and preservation firsthand. Local experts and property owners will be the guides.

Another bonus: $25 provides admission for one person for one tour, in addition to a 1-year individual membership in the Historical Society.

A $40 family membership includes admission for two people for one tour and the Historical Society membership. Existing members may register for one free tour or any additional tours for $25 (at membership levels noted above).

Citizens should note that none of these tours are handicap accessible, and not appropriate for children under the age of 12.

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“These tours provide a wonderful opportunity for the public to see historic sites up close and personal,” said Executive Director Stefanie Joyner. “If we have a good turnout for these, we will arrange another series during the fall.”

To sign up for a tour and a membership, call 770-345-3288 or visit http://shop.rockbarn.org/.

Historic Loom Demonstration, Jasper, Sunday, May 15, 3-5 PM

Experienced weaver Skip Spears will show you how to make an overshot coverlet on his historic floor loom from Sutallee. The Spears' have rehabilitated and integrated four historic log structures into their Pickens County property, including one dating to 1780. Please note that this tour includes a steep and narrow flight of stairs. With appreciation to hosts Skip & Helen Spears; limit 12.

Edgewater Hall, Canton, Wednesday, May 18, 6-7pm

Join Dr. Donna Haley for a view beyond the doctor's office at historic Edgewater Hall. Built by Augustus Coggins in 1922, the Georgian Revival style home was the centerpiece of Crescent Farm, Coggins' horse breeding facility which also included the Rock Barn. Dr. Haley will reveal the ups and downs of renovating a local landmark as well as the benefits of historic preservation tax credits. With appreciation to host Donna Haley; limit 20.

Canton Grammar School and Cotton Mill Office, Canton, Monday, May 23, 4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Real estate agent Randy Saxon and Canton Economic Development Director Matthew Thomas will lead us through the Canton Grammar School and Cotton Mill Office buildings, saved from demolition in 2015. This is your chance to view the buildings before their renovation this summer into a new mixed use development. Please note the interior of the buildings may contain mold and that breathing masks will be available for those who choose to wear them. With appreciation to co-sponsors City of Canton and Atlanta Communities; limit 20 each tour.

The Wheeler House, Ball Ground, Monday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m.

Lee Lusk, owner and manager of the Wheeler House, will share the story of preserving this historic Queen Anne style house and adapting it for a contemporary use. Built in 1906 by John Wheeler, owner of a local lumber yard, the house was purchased by Lusk in 2010. A major renovation-sensitive to the history of the house-and the construction of a separate barn have turned the Wheeler House into a popular event venue. With appreciation to host Lee Lusk and the Wheeler House; limit 20 each tour.

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Photo 1: former Canton cotton mill office
Photo 2: Edgewater Hall
Photo 3: Wheeler House
Photo 4: former Canton Grammar School
Photo credits: Cherokee County Historical Society