13 minute read
The City of Epworth is Celebrating an Upgrade of the Old General Store and an Unforgettable History
Founding and Early Settlement
On Sunday morning, July 9, 2023, ACL Mag sat down with two distinguished Epworth, Ga. locals, William Turner and Vernelle Green. Across a roundtable, Craig Scruton, realtor, Rudy and Brenda Naranjo, the developers, and our team asked a plethora of questions, as they delighted us with a wealth of fascinating insights into the town’s history and the cherished Epworth General Store Loft’s history.
Epworth, located in Fannin County, has a fascinating history that dates back to the time when the Muscogee and Cherokee Indians roamed the land. When the first European settlers arrived in the area, they encountered a village known as Walas’-unul’sti, a Cherokee place name that means “place of the plants.” There was a grove of trees, a fresh spring, and a ball field where the Cherokee played their rough and lively game of stickball, known as “anetsa.” Unfamiliar with the sport, the North Carolina settlers mistakenly believed the grounds were used for war, leading them to name the place Fightingtown.
In the following years, the town went through several name changes. Fightingtown later became known as Attalla, named after its first postmaster, Rev. John Henry Dunn, a Methodist preacher from Attalla, Ala. The next name, Flint Hill, was inspired by the abundance of flint in the area. Even today, the sign in front of The General Store Lofts proudly displays the name Flint Hill.
Finally, in 1901, the area was officially recognized as Epworth, named after the picturesque town of Epworth in England, birthplace of John and Charles Wesley. The town received its incorporation in 1906 and established a functional post office that year.
Situated strategically in the heart of Fannin County, Epworth’s early days revolved around agriculture and fishing, shaping it into a farming community. Trout fishing was and still is a prominent attraction in Epworth with Fightingtown Creek, a tributary of the Ocoee River to the north, drawing many fishing enthusiasts who seek the thrill of catching these prized fish. Its convenient location along Georgia State Route 5 positioned it between Blue Ridge, the county seat located just 11 minutes to the south, and McCaysville, situated on the Tennessee state line and only a 7-minute drive to the north.
In the mid-20th century, “going to town” often meant a trip to nearby Copperhill, Tenn. The town had a quaint and close-knit community, as evidenced by the shared phone lines in the 1940s, where one could overhear the next person talking. Life in Epworth revolved around the pot belly stove, where residents would gather to exchange stories and build connections.
Epworth’s journey through time highlights its resilient spirit and deep connection to its roots and continues to embody the essence of its historical legacy while embracing modern progress.
Historic Land
Epworth’s rich history encompasses a significant historical site that tells the story of the indigenous people who once called this area home. The land held remnants of their past in the form of arrowheads scattered underneath flint rocks in the ground. As the new settlers arrived, they shared the ball ground with the indigenous people, leading to a unique fusion of cultures and traditions.
During the 1840s, campers from New York Anglican churches joined the North Carolina settlers and the indigenous community, bringing their livestock and settling in the area. During this time, they held daily services for two weeks straight, starting at 6 a.m., and many Anglican and Methodist churches began to spring up in the region. Among the oldest of these churches was Epworth United Methodist Church, which was founded on June 25, 1865—just three days after the last shots of the Civil War rang out— by Rev. Alexander Haren.
Today, the church stands proudly across from The General Store Lofts as the first Methodist Episcopal church in Georgia. In the Fall of 1903, the church moved into its current location, which we toured. During that same year, the seminary moved up the hill to its last location before closing its doors. Within its walls, a collection of photographs showcases the founder, early preachers, and members, offering a precious glimpse into the town’s early days.
One of the founding families on the town’s first charter, the Waters family, John and Amanda, played a significant role in shaping Epworth’s history. Interviewing Vernelle Green, the youngest fourth-generation granddaughter of the founding family, revealed captivating tales of the town’s early years. Among these stories was a gripping narrative about a mountain lion that almost disrupted the settlers’ expedition through the mountains before they arrived.
The town also cherishes a “miracle spring” that played a vital role in sustaining the community during the early 1860s. The spring had been fenced off, depriving the people of water and putting their survival at risk. In response, the Anglican campers prayed fervently, and that night, a fierce storm swept through the town. Overnight, a rare occurrence unfolded— the spring moved uphill, providing water to the grateful community. Even today, the spring remains a source of pure water and is easily accessible. It’s just a quick skip and hop across the ball field that now serves as a baseball field.
Epworth’s early days were marked by a harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnicities and a multicultural population. Unlike some towns in Georgia’s early 1800s, many indigenous people were not forcibly removed by the first settlers. Records from 1835 indicated 96 indigenous families were still present in the town. However, later during the tragic Trail of Tears, some of them left the area, making their way through Ducktown, Tenn., while others sought refuge in other parts of the Tennessee mountains.
As Epworth evolved, the community continued to celebrate its heritage and the stories of its founding families, ensuring that the treasured tales and rich cultural tapestry are cherished for generations to come. The town’s early history, marked by mutual respect and resilience, forms an integral part of Epworth’s identity, preserving the legacy of those who called this beautiful land their home.
The Focus on Education
During its early days, Epworth stood out as a beacon of knowledge and intellect, with an impressive number of citizens holding advanced degrees, such as PhDs and other academic accolades—an exceptional feat in early Appalachia history. On April 2, 1906, Ella Cochran and Willa Mitchell marked a milestone as the first graduates of the Epworth Seminary.
Notably, Ms. Cochran secured a women’s basketball scholarship at the University of Chattanooga, exemplifying the school’s commitment to both academics and athletics.
This dedication to learning and pursuit of knowledge has left a lasting legacy in the community, shaping its character and values to this day. Additionally, Epworth takes pride in its current high school and continues to preserve the timeline of its progression.
In 1936, the Board of Trustees gave Epworth Seminary to the Board of Education, and it became Epworth High School until 1955 when it merged with Blue Ridge High and McCaysville High, becoming West Fannin High School. Morganton High and Mineral Bluff High became East Fannin High School.
Both schools have contributed significantly to the region’s educational landscape. The two high schools merged to become Fannin County High School with the last graduation of the two schools being in June of 1976, and the first of Fannin County High being the class of 1977.
Epworth’s commitment to education remains unwavering, as the county continues to place great emphasis on cultivating a culture of learning and providing its residents with access to quality educational opportunities. Education is celebrated and treasured as a cornerstone of community growth and prosperity, ensuring that Epworth continues to thrive as a place where lifelong learning is highly esteemed.
Natural Resources and a Thriving Economy
Epworth’s early development was driven by a wealth of natural resources, making it a hub of economic activity. The mining industry, particularly pure and high-quality copper, was at the forefront of the economy, attracting settlers from diverse nationalities who brought with them their expertise and valuable resources.
The Italian population, for instance, who worked the marble mines in Italy, worked the copper mines in Copperhill, Ducktown, and Isabella, Tn., which is known as the Copper Basin area. The British and Welsh settlers contributed to the copper mines as well.
Amidst the flourishing mining industries, Epworth’s fertile lands nurtured a thriving agricultural sector. The community engaged in diverse agricultural activities, cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco, thanks to the region’s bountiful natural resources. The dedication and hard work of local farmers propelled Epworth’s agricultural prosperity, establishing it as a significant contributor to Georgia’s agricultural landscape.
Adding to Epworth’s growth and economic opportunities was the establishment of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. The advent of the railroad system facilitated trade and commerce, connecting Epworth to distant markets and bringing in resources from beyond its borders. The railway served as a vital link, enabling the efficient transport of mined minerals, timber, and agricultural products, further bolstering the city’s economic expansion and development.
The railway also brought with it a thriving travel industry that continues today through Madola Rd., Epworth’s first paved road. Epworth’s dedication to education and thriving tourism, combined with the diverse cultural influences of second homeowners, shape the community’s economy today. As Epworth embraces modern progress while cherishing its historical heritage, the value placed on education and cultural diversity remains at the heart of the city’s enduring prosperity.
Reviving The Vestal Store
The Epworth General Store, established in 1938 and located at the town’s heart, served as a vital merchant providing essential goods to the local community for many years. When transforming the building into modern luxury lofts, the developers, Rudy and Brenda Naranjo, and remodeler, Keith Hyatt, thoughtfully preserved its historical architectural features, incorporating original pine staircases, wainscoting, exposed brick walls, and structural wood beams into the newly built residences.
Originally owned by the Vestal Family, the store was built by Lee and Charlie Vestal, the sons of Joseph Pierce Vestal, whose grandfather, David Vestal, migrated to Fannin County from North Carolina. The Vestal Family operated in the timber business and owned a significant landholding of 15,000 acres. Over time, the Vestal descendants continued to operate the store, with Ruby Vestal being the last owner of the Vestal family. Ruby lived in the house behind the store before it burned down in a fire. Today, many of the Vestal family members have ventured into real estate in various cities, including Nashville, Marietta, and Atlanta.
After Ruby Vestal, Tom Carroll, owner of Blue Ridge’s Carroll Barbeque, purchased it and continued to uphold it as a thriving cornerstone of the town. It served as a hub for the entire community, selling an array of products ranging from carotene (kerosene) oil, fabric, feed, and groceries to oilcloth, candies, and cookies priced at one cent, and refreshing Cokes at five cents. Over time, the store underwent transitions and became known as the Handy Corner before eventually adopting the last name it was known by, The General Store.
The store’s upper floors showcased a diverse array of products, with boots, leather goods, belts, and outdoor products on the second floor, and fishing poles, guns, and ammunition in later years on the third floor. Notably, the store also operated as a service station in its early days and offered a few auto services, including oil changes and small engine repairs.
The Developers
Rudy Naranjo, President of Casitas USA LLC, is a highly accomplished real estate veteran renowned for his successful business model, which focuses on purchasing properties in need of substantial renovation. As an investor and developer, he assembles a team of skilled professionals, including architects, designers, contractors, builders, and real estate experts, to orchestrate comprehensive property rehabilitations within short timeframes, followed by reselling.
Based in Phoenix, Ariz., Rudy and his team have completed an impressive portfolio of over 100 renovations and sales throughout his illustrious career. Notably, one of their recent projects in Georgia was the renovation of a beautiful Ellijay home.
Rudy and his wife, Brenda, initially fell in love with the captivating beauty of North Georgia during a holiday trip a few years ago. The majestic mountain vistas, fresh air, and charming ambiance of the region’s quaint towns left an indelible impression on them. Upon returning home, they diligently researched the area’s growing population, increasing property values, and robust economy, ultimately deciding to invest their time, resources, and efforts into renovating properties in this scenic region.
During one afternoon visit to Epworth, they encountered the old General Store, which tugged at their hearts with its promise of revitalization and community value. Rudy and Brenda knew they were the ideal team to transform the store into magnificent luxury residential lofts with five opulent residences, breathing new life into this historical property while paying homage to the building.
Hailing from Costa Rica and Ireland, Rudy and Brenda found a special sense of belonging in the Appalachian Mountains, where they saw their vision for revitalizing the store and preserving its grandeur, making it a true home for the community once again.
The Designer
Keith Hyatt, the esteemed President of K.R.H.C., Inc., takes charge as the general contractor overseeing the construction of the Epworth Lofts project. Known as a prominent high-end custom home builder and remodeler in the North Georgia region, Keith’s reputation precedes him as a master craftsman. Headquartered in Mineral Bluff, he has earned acclaim for his exquisite mountain-style homes and exceptional renovations, characterized by impeccable workmanship and an unwavering commitment to intricate detail. With his expertise and dedication, Keith Hyatt brings an unparalleled level of skill and artistry to the Epworth Lofts, ensuring the transformation of the historic General Store into a beautiful luxury residential space. ACLM
We’re all waiting in anticipation to see the final result of the Epworth General Store Lofts. Come be a part of the Grand Opening and Open House!
