Published: July 23, 2008 10:42 pm            

Big weekend planned at Vann House

50th anniversary of historic site status is Sunday

SPRING PLACE — Fifty years to the day the Chief Vann House opened as a state historic site, its namesake support group will celebrate those who made it all possible.

The original Friends of the Vann House observed July 27, 1958, as the day one of the premier structures of the Cherokee Nation was reborn as a state historic site. Since that time the Vann House has played host to between 750,000 to 1 million visitors, said park superintendent Jeff Stancil.

This Sunday, Cherokee tribal officials along with historians, local politicians and other dignitaries will gather to mark the occasion honoring supporters with a program featuring live music by a member of the Cherokee Nation, reflections of the last 50 years, and a re-dedication. The program will run from 2 to 4 p.m. and admission is free.

Although the Vann House fell into disrepair for many decades, it is in its 204th year of existence. This Saturday the historic property will play host to the Vann House Days, an annual festival that features a plethora of 19th-century crafts such as blacksmithing, pottery making, spinning, quilting, blowgun shooting and storytelling, among others. Activities will be showcased from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and regular admission will be charged.

“We’ve sent out 300 to 400 invitations,” said Murray County historian Tim Howard of Sunday’s 50th anniversary. “A couple of our original contributors to the fund are still alive — Ms. Maxine Freeman and Dr. M.L. Carpenter. Ms. Freeman is in her 90s and very frail, but Dr. Carpenter will be here and have a role on the program.”

Howard said organizers are expecting around 200 people on Sunday, and that the day is meant more as a tribute to supporters than the actual Vann House.

“We’re trying to commemorate those who got it started and kept it going,” Howard explained. “It’s a ‘thank you’ to past supporters.”

Since many are no longer living, surviving family members have been invited. Those include not just the families of supporters but also construction workers, former park staff and anyone else who has been involved in the effort to keep the Vann House a viable destination for local visitors, tourists and history seekers through the years.

The Vann House museum will be open both days featuring a film and exhibits on the Vann family and the Cherokee Nation. Park rangers will provide tours through the house and provide information about Cherokee history. Regular admission prices will be charged on Saturday but Sunday is free admission.

The Chief Vann House is three miles west of Chatsworth at the intersection of Ga. Highway 52 Alternate and Ga. Highway 225. For further directions or more information, call (706) 695-2598.

        

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