Rod Andrew, author of Long Gray Lines: The Southern Military School Tradition, 1839-1925, spoke about his book, which includes North Georgia College in Dahlonega. NGC's original purpose was to train teachers, engineers and farmers.

Mr. Andres also discussed William Price, who was called "Colonel" but had been a sergeant in the Civil War, and went on to be elected to Congress where he served from 1870-73. He sponsored a bill to have land donated from the old mint in Dahlonega to start the college in 1873.

Military education at Dahlonega was more than just drills. It was a means of instilling moral and civic values, as well as Christianity. The 1898 catalog stated taht the college is "non-sectarian, but decidedly Christian in character."

"The Lost Cause" was a set of beliefs that helped southerners deal with the loss of the war. The students and faculty of NGC honored the legend of The Lost Cause by playing leading roles in Memorial Day exercises, which included a march to the cemetery, poems, speeches, hymns and songs in honor of the Confederate dead.

In recognition of the loss of our beloved member Marion Stribling, Calvin Stovall and George Grant provided moving tributes to him, as Mr. Stribling not only was a valued member of the Historical Society, but offer his generosity and far reaching efforts on behalf of the entire community. He inspired and touched all those with whom he came in contact.

Our building houses an extensive collection of telephone equipment and information, as well as historical maps of the county and surrounding areas. (Early photograph of Cornelia. Click on image for larger version)