HISTORY OF THE CASHIERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Jane Gibson Nardy, historian, Cashiers Historical Society Inc.
On Sunday, November 24, 1996, at 12 p.m. in the historic Hanks House, the newly formed Cashiers Historical Society Inc. held its premiere event—a Champagne brunch. The reservations were limited to 35 people and the cost was $100 per person. A small core group had already met and elected the society’s first officers. Attending were representatives of many of Cashiers’ oldest families, who shared stories of the area’s early days. Ann McKee Austin discussed future plans for the group—identifying and restoring historically significant buildings in Cashiers, sponsoring lectures and walking tours and supporting educational projects in the local schools. During the year following the formation of the Cashiers Historical Society, Tom and Wendy Dowden purchased the Zachary-Tolbert House and soon donated it to the Society with the stipulation that the old house would be stabilized, followed by carefully managed restoration. Eager volunteers with expertise in varied historical fields stepped forward and were generous with their time and their funding. The National Register of Historic Places was presented with an application and the Zachary-Tolbert House was added to the prestigious list. The Plain-style furniture found throughout the house—made by the original builder, Mordecai Zachary—was identified as a one-of-a-kind collection and additional acreage was added to the site. School children from around Jackson County gather on the grounds annually for a “Founder’s Day” program. An annual Designer Showhouse, which has proven to be wildly popular, provides important funding and two seasonal history tours called “Rambles” are offered. A yearly “Village Heritage Award” was established, which encourages the preserving and restoring of our older buildings. To date, a large parking lot and the construction of the “Dowden Pavilion” have been completed. Archeological digs in the vicinity of the house have turned up surprising artifacts from the early years of Mordecai Zachary’s residence in the 1840s and 1850s, as well as rare evidence of the ancient presence of prehistoric man. Each spring, the Society sponsors an academic symposium that runs for several days. As of 2010, this vibrant historical society boasts more than 400 members, has recently finished the restoration of the detached kitchen dependency and continues to provide tours of the Zachary-Tolbert House and the wonderful walking trails around the property. Fourteen years after that TOP TO BOTTOM: Former board member Beth Jones shares teacakes and canning Champagne brunch on a cold November day, the Cashiers expertise at the 2010 Southern Heritage Food Symposium. The Zachary-Tolbert Historical Society is alive and well and flourishing in the House and recently restored kitchen dependency. Board member Betty Smoak welcomes children to the Zachary-Tolbert House for Founders’ Day. 21st century.
Cashiers Designer Showhouse
11