Margaret Miller

Woodstock Residents Reminisce

Two Friends in Their 90s Share Childhood Memories

BY MARGARET MILLER

These nonagenarians' roots run deep in Cherokee County. Polly Johnson, 97, and Leslie Edwards, 92, were born and grew up in Woodstock, as did their parents and grandparents.

Though they can’t trace their ancestry back to the gold rush, Edwards and Johnson do have memories of their grandparents discussing what it was like “back when.” Now, they share their childhood memories with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

These friends grew up in the 1920s and '30s, a time when many homes were without electricity, running water and plumbing. They attended public schools, which, at the time, went only to the seventh grade, according to Johnson. After that, some of the girls went to work in private homes. Most men worked on farms and in the chicken factory.

One of Edwards’ favorite memories is the train rides she took to visit relatives and friends. Back then, there was a passenger train that made daily trips between Woodstock and Ellijay, Edwards recalled. She and friends would ride to Canton. Passenger service to Woodstock ceased in 1949.

Though both ladies are relatively healthy today, medical care was limited when they were growing up. Dr. Van San was a general practitioner who provided medical services in Woodstock. If hospitalization was needed, people went to the hospital in Canton.

During the 1930s and '40s, many of the social activities centered around church. The longtime friends have been members of Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church for decades. Today, they are assumed to be the oldest living members of the church. When they were younger, most Saturdays were spent selling dinners and having fish fries to raise money for their church, Johnson said. These activities became social events for the Black community during that time.

The women see their longevity as a blessing from the Lord God. They attended worship services at their church regularly until the pandemic. They have yet to return.

Both live in their own homes, with a relative. Until about three years ago, the ladies drove their own cars around town. Edwards continues to drive; however, Johnson’s family convinced her to stop driving. The two talk to each other by telephone almost every day.

The women still take great pride in their personal appearance. They love pearl necklaces and wear them almost daily, even when they are not going out.

Two of the most amazing things about Woodstock today, according to the widows, are the growth and the traffic. “With the growth, comes the traffic,” they agreed.

Leslie Edwards

Margaret Miller has been a resident of Cherokee County for the past decade. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.