Richard Jabaley Jr. signs his book at The Art Center in Blue Ridge

Richard Jabaley Jr. signs his book at

The Art Center in Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association is proud to present  Richard Jabaley Jr. for the signing of his book  “Growing up in Copperhill” at the Art Center on West Main Sreet in Blue Ridge. It is the story of the Jabaley family of Copperhill, the historic  mining town in Tennessee. He tells how this large and  close knit family met the Great Depression of the 30’s and of their lives in this community today. Everybody is invited to meet Richard Jabaley, Saturday, February 20’th from 5-7 at the Art Center.  In his book he takes you back and  refreshes your memory, by walking his readers through the streets of Copperhill and McCaysville. He writes about generations of families who lived, worked and raised their children with the same ambition as his own parents did. Richard’s father Richard Sr. owned  a store in Copperhill, selling women’s, men’s and children’s clothing. Also about Luther Abernathy, who had his furniture store on the first floor and a funeral home on the second floor of the building where now Mexican food is served. He recalls how the two movie theaters and six car dealerships were forced to close a long time ago  but how  many of the present stores, selling from fishing poles to antiques, are doing a thriving business with the

families of the Copper Basin and visiting tourists from all over the country.

Before Richard Jabaley even had the idea of writing his book “Growing up in Copperhill”, he worked and still does, as photographer of weddings and anniversaries plus the school pictures of many children and their parents.

The date: Saturday,February 20…the time: 5-7pm… the place: The Art Center in Blue Ridge… the event: Richard Jabalay’s book signing… Admission : FREE! For more information call the Art Center: 706-632-2144