Walton Couhty - James Gideon Tanner

James Gideon Tanner (Gid) was an influential old-time fiddler and was one of the first stars of what would later be called counry music. Gid and his band, The Skillet Lickers, recorded between 1926 and 1934.  This song, Down Yonder, was one of the last recorded by the band in 1934.

Mr. Tanner was born in Walton County.  Most of the sites I find say he was born in or near Thomas Bridge.  I have not been able to find where Thomas Bridge is located.  So if anyone knows I would love to hear from you.   When he was not performing Mr. Tanner spent time on his farm in Gwinnett County. He died in Dacula, GA in 1960. 

Between 1913 and 1935 Mr. Tanner a regular at the Georgia Old-Time Fiddlers' Conventions held in Atlanta. His main rival during these years was Fiddlin' John Carson. it is said that it was usually either Carson or Tanner who won these competitions. Although he stopped recording in 1934, Mr. Tanner continued performing well into his 70's. 

I hope you enjoy the song. It is a treat from the early days of recorded music in Georgia.
 

Stephens County - Toccoa

Stephens County was created in 1905 from parts of Franklin and Habersham Counties. It was named for Alexander Stephens who was a US Representative, VP of the Confederacy, and the 53rd Governor of Georgia.

 

On Nov. 6th, 1977 the Kelly Barnes Dam collapsed after a period of heavy rainfall.  39 people died that day including many at Toccoa Falls Bible College.

 

Morgan County (33) - Jason Aldean "1994"

 

This week's song is from Jason Aldean. Mr. Aldean was born in Macon, GA.  This video is from his concert at Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA on April 13, 2013. On the bill with him that night was Thomas Rhett, who was born in Valdosta and Luke Bryan who was born in Leesburg.  Also performing that night was Florida native Jake Owen. It was a very special night in the Classic City.

Walton County (46) - Good Hope - Moina Michael Veterans Memorial Dedication - August 17, 2019

Unveiling of the Moina Michael Veterans Memorial

 Love the reflection of the flag in the memorial

Former Mayor Randy Garrett, Trey Thompson, Mayor Jimmy Guthrie, and Dennis Walters

Baldwin County (27) - Georgia Military College

Georgia Military College is located in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, GA.  Their motto is Start Here...Go Anywhere.

Mascot is the Bulldog.

Sibley Cone Library

Georgia's Old Capital (1805-1868)

Madison County (38) - Dr. Crawford W. Long (1815 - 1878)

Courthouse Sq. Danielsville, GA

Dr. Crawford W. Long was a surgeon and pharmacist. He is remember as the first physician to use ether as an anesthetic in surgery on March 30, 1842.

Born in Danielsville, GA (Madison County) on November 1, 1815, Long was the son of James and Elizabeth Long. His father was a state senator. It is said that Dr. Long was named after  Georgia statesman William H. Crawford.

Long attended the University of Georgia and roomed with Alexander H. Stephens who would go on to become the vice-President of the Confederate States of America. There is a plaque on the building at the University of Georgia commemorating the roommates. 

Old College, University of Georgia. The plaque is located on the second floor between the last two windows.

A monument to Dr. Long was erected by The Woman's Club of Danielsville on March 30, 1926.

Clarke County (25) - Moina Michael's First Poppy

Moina Michael, the Poppy Lady is the originator of the idea of using the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for our fallen servicemen in World War II.  In November 1918 Ms. Michael was inspired by John McCrae's poem, In Flanders Field to her poem, We Shall Keep the Faith. She also went to Wanamaker's Department store and purchases several poppies. She also vowed to wear a poppy in remembrance. She campaigned not only to have the poppy adopted as the symbol of remembrance but also for the sale of poppies to support returning disabled veterans. as a result of Ms. Moina's efforts the American Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance in 1921.

This is one of the original poppies. It is now on exhibit at the University of Georgia Special Collections Library in Athens, Georgia. 

To learn more about Moina Michael check out the Moina Michael Poppy Project.

We Shall Keep the Faith

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,

Sleep sweet - to rise anew!

We caught the torch you threw

And holding high, we keep the Faith

With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led;

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies,

But lends a lustre to the red

Of the flower that blooms above the dead

In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red

We wear in honor of our dead.

Fear not that ye have died for naught;

We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought

In Flanders Fields