9/7/2010 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting
Chairman Padgett called the meeting to order at approximately 6 p.m. welcoming all in attendance. Minutes from August 2, 2010 meeting were presented for review and approval. David Mitchell made motion to approve; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowski. All voted aye.
Unfinished Business
- Chairman Padgett stated he met with Resaca Battlefield new project director, David Clark, along with Gordon County representatives and architect firm to discuss preliminary plans. All the old existing plans have been thrown out and new plans are in the works. He stated another meeting is scheduled after September 15th, 2010. The trail system is being extended to cover federal lines across Camp Creek Valley. The roadway will not be elevated as previously planned and will be approximately 1.5. miles of roadway into the site and will stop almost dead center in Camp Creek. At the end of roadway there will be parking area, living history area, restroom and a large pavilion. Tentatively located in the pavilion there will be site maps and interpretative items for the site. Hopefully, in the future, when a museum is built this area will be turned into a public use area. Plans for the museum have been to relocate the museum to the plateau on Highway 136. With the relocation of the museum it allows for more parking as well as bus parking area. There will be 3 – 4 pull offs down the 1.5 mile roadway with interpretative signs. Approximately 3.5 miles of walking trails will be constructed with interpretative signage along the trail. He stated an agreement was reached to have entrance to the park up prior to May 2011 with large signs depicting pictures of the park. Chairman Padgett stated at the October 4, 2010 HPC meeting he will bring plans to show HPC members the trails.
- Chairman Padgett stated himself, David Mitchell and R. Stanley Chambers have gathered mileage data to approximately 75 cemeteries as of this date.
- David Mitchell stated he spoke with property owner of the Langston Cemetery and he would be happy for the HPC to have the cemetery cleaned up and offered his equipment for assistance with the clean up.
New Business
- Chairman Padgett stated he will not be attending the September training due to increase of hotel rate.
- Chairman Padgett stated there is a cemetery restoration workshop scheduled for Monday, October 18, 2010 in Gainesville, GA and encourage HPC to attend if possible.
- Chairman Padgett stated an arrest was made early Saturday morning of a grave robber in the Resaca Town cemetery, located above Resaca Baptist Church on Highway 41. Chairman Padgett stated Sheriff’s Office Deputy Clifford Daniel went above and beyond with this case. HPC members are in agreement to award Deputy Daniel a commendation for his efforts.
- There was brief discussion in regards to other cemeteries that have been disturbed in the past.
- Chairman Padgett stated he spoke with Elizabeth Crumley, Calhoun Times, about periodically running articles in the newspaper about preservation efforts.
- Chairman Padgett questioned the HPC members on any further projects they would like the HPC to attend to. He stated he would like to get the black community involved but there is really nothing left on the Roland Hayes end to preserve. Jane Powers Weldon stated the Hayes and Mann families that live on Everett Springs are not sure where the Mann plantation was located. Chairman Padgett stated he spoke with Jesse Mann and he was not aware of the location either.
- R. Stanley Chambers stated he would like to see the Roe House designated historic, as well as the old Dew house in the Dews Pond area and the old mill. Jane Powers Weldon agrees with Mr. Chambers that there are individual sites within the county that need protection. The Yarborough Mill property was briefly discussed as a property to be visited later in the year.
- David Mitchell questioned what the oldest church building standing in Gordon County is. Chairman Padgett stated in Calhoun its Harmony and in Gordon County R. Stanley Chambers stated it’s possibly East Damascus Church.
- Chairman Padgett stated there are four cemeteries on the east end of the county that he would like the HPC members to visit on a Saturday.
Adjournment
At approximately 6:40 p.m. R. Stanley Chambers made motion to adjourn; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowksi. All voted aye.
