Preparations begin for Clay County’s 150th anniversary

Clay County’s 150th anniversary is only a year away but the Historical and Arts Council is already preparing to celebrate the sesquicentennial event.

President Sara J. Smith told Hayesville’s town council and county commissioners that she was giving them a “one year heads-up” last week to ask for support in preparations.

“We believe it is only fitting that CCHAC begin immediately to set the pace and lead the way for celebrating this important milestone in our county’s history,” Smith said.

The council said it is also asking for participation community organizations, businesses and churches.

“We want to make it an ongoing thing; not just a big weekend splash, but something that’s going on most of the year,” Smith said.

Town Council member Harry Baughn said he was glad the historical council was taking leadership in the project, adding that the extra publicity could provide a boost to local tourism.

“We may draw in a lot of outsiders who may want to come and see our beautiful county,” he said, adding in whisper, “and spend money.”

Baughn said UNC Public TV and “Our State” magazine were examples of strong avenues to promote the county.

CCHAC s was already a lot of interest from various county groups that wanted to be a part of the planning process.

Sandy Zimmerman, local representative for Congressman Heath Shuler’s office, said that the school system would be a big part of the sesquicentennial.

“It’s going to be a good educational experience and history lesson for all of us,” she said, noting that a lot of research had already been completed. “We’ve got 150 years to work with so we’ll be able to come up with some good stuff.”

Baughn praised the initiative as a way to preserve a great deal of oral history that would otherwise be lost.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for some young people to talk to their grandparents and great grandparents (if they’ve still got them) to see what stories they can collect,” he said.

Smith asked the Board of Commissioners to plan an opening ceremony as a part of their first meeting in January 2011. The ceremony would proclaim the forthcoming year to honor the forefathers, current citizens and efforts to preserve information for the future.

Commissioner Herbert Cheeks said he recalled the centennial celebration in 1961.

“We had a great time,” he said. “I was a few days younger than I am now but hopefully this will be just as good an experience for all of our citizenry as it was then.”

Smith told commissioners that the CCHAC may want to research the county’s public records in preparation for the sesquicentennial. The council is also considering events suitable for period costumes.

“I think all of us are in full agreement that it’s a great thing,” Cheeks said.

Hayesville Mayor Harrell Moore said the town council would be glad to help in any way possible.

Clay County was established by enactment from the North Carolina General Assembly in 1861.

The CCHAC would like any groups or individuals interested in helping to contact Judy Greenstone at 828-389-0110 or info@claycounty150.org.

Listen to the February 4, 2010 commissioners meeting