From left, Ann Pullen, Paula Blalock and Melanie Everett Caldwell.
Media release: Several individuals and families were recognized Sunday for their commitment to saving and preserving portions of Floyd County history at the Rome Area Heritage Foundation’s Summer Soirée.
This year’s gathering took place in the Everett Springs community in north Floyd County and featured several locations with docents at each stop. The main awards event and social hour was hosted at the original Everett Springs Seminary, now the private home of Suzanne and Terry Dobson. Attendees also visited the Everett Springs Baptist Church, Mount Tabor United Methodist Church and the Old College.
The late George Pullen, who passed away suddenly in January, was acknowledged during the event for his contributions to RAHF as a lifetime member. Ann Pullen graciously accepted the award, which also recognized the recent announcement of the new Dr. George Pullen Scholarship grant, which will be given annually to an outstanding history student at Georgia Highlands College, where Pullen was a charter member of the faculty.
“George was committed not only to academic excellence but also to helping students succeed in their college careers. He would be extremely proud to know that this award will be given in his memory,” said Ann Pullen.
Many attendees remembered Pullen’s smile and conversation as one of the bartenders at RAHF’s annual events.
The Rev. Warren Jones was also recognized for his commitment to preserving Rome’s history, specifically with the legacy of First Lady and Rome native Ellen Axson Wilson. Jones is credited with spearheading the efforts to have two portraits commissioned of President Woodrow Wilson’s wife. One painting hangs in the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, and the other hangs in the library at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Jones was presented with a copy of author Kristie Miller’s biography, Ellen and Edith: Woodrow Wilson’s First Ladies, and another copy was given to RomeFloyd
County Library, which was accepted by director Delana Hickman.
“This particular event has been very special to RAHF as we were not only showcasing historical property, but historical property that many were unaware of. We became aware of the properties through my copresident Melanie Everett Caldwell. RAHF is grateful for the support of Rome and Floyd County and our very old, but new friend, Everett Springs.” said Paula Blalock, RAHF copresident.
Everett Springs natives were also recognized for projects that recorded community and family history, and were recognized with awards presented by RAHF copresident
Melanie Everett Caldwell, also from the area.
The Rome Area Heritage Foundation remains closely affiliated with governmental agencies and other nonprofit groups involved with the planning, implementation and preservation of local heritage and resources. Meetings of the Rome Area Heritage Foundation are held quarterly and the public is welcome to attend. For more information on the foundation, contact 706-506-5704 or visit www.facebook.com/RomeAreaHeritageFoundation.