BOOKS Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton Celebrates local and state authors

By Michele Ross

The people around Eatonton say it must be something in the soil. Their proud crop isn’t the sweet onion of Vidalia or the wine-producing grapes of north Georgia. No, this lovely area in central Georgia produces something even better: writers.

Want proof? Visit the Georgia Writers Museum in downtown Eatonton. In a charming building, the Museum celebrates, among other things, three noted authors: Joel Chandler Harris, Flannery O’Connor, and Alice Walker, all of whom were born within 30 miles of Eatonton.

Harris, born in Eatonton in 1845, was a shy child who loved books and writing. A job on Turnwold Plantation was a turning point for him. While the owner, Joseph Turner, taught Harris about writing, enslaved people on the platation told him stories and life lessons that would become the Uncle Remus and Brer Rabbit tales. Harris went on to be an editor at the Atlanta Constitution, and gain worldwide fame for his stories He died at his Atlanta home, the Wren’s Nest, in 1908.

O’Connor was born in Savannah in 1925 but moved with her family to Milledgeville when she was in high school. Various mentors encouraged her talent, and her dark and darkly humorous stories and novels were widely acclaimed, including “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” She died of lupus at the early age of 39.

Walker was born in Eatonton in 1944. The daughter of sharecroppers, she had a strong mother who encouraged Alice’s education in hopes of better opportunities. Her teachers noticed and encouraged her talent. After college, she worked in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi and her experiences inform her writing. Her most famous work, the novel “The Color Purple,” won the Pulitzer Prize in 1983. She lives, works and writes today in California. The museum also displays information about the more than 60 members of Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, in

The Georgia Writers Museum is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. It’s located at 109 S. Jefferson Ave, Eatonton, Ga 31024. (706)-991-5119. For more information: www. georgiawritersmuseum. org.

partnership with the University of Georgia Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The university inducts the writers, and the museum exhibits their works.

But the museum doesn’t just dwell on deeds already accomplished. It is a center for encouraging current and emerging authors and an inspiration for readers of all ages. The museum holds frequent talks and programs. On the first Tuesday of each month, award-winning authors share their stories, inspirations, and tales of how and why they write. There are also programs especially for children.

Impress your kids by knowing what’s happening around town.

Rough Draft

Atlanta’s best morning newsletter.

Subscribe for free at roughdraftatlanta.com

THERE’S ALWAYS TIME TO connect.

Take a little time to discover what life can be like where people authentically connect. Every resident, residents’ families, our staff, their families – everybody matters. And nothing matters more than the genuine connections we create. JOIN US FOR a tour AND GET A WOLFERMAN’S® BAKERY SAMPLER BOX.

Schedule your virtual or in-person visit and get a Wolferman’s® $25 gift certificate or Bakery Sampler Box. CALL NOW TO schedule YOUR TOUR: (770) 651-0080

Wolferman’s is a registered trademark of Harry and David, LLC and is used with permission. Offer valid through November 30, 2021. *Cedarhurst Promise™ program is only available at advertised community. Not applicable for respite or other short-term stays. Refund is available only if move out is a result of dissatisfaction with Cedarhurst community as documented throughout stay. Complete refund includes base rent, level of care charges, and community fee. Ancillary services fees (ex. additional transportation, pet fees and laundry charges) do not qualify for refund. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please contact community for additional details. Void where prohibited.

The Cedarhurst PromiseTM

We promise. If you’re not satisfied and decide to move out within your first 60 days, we’ll give you a complete refund.*

ALPHARETTA • 762 N. Main St. • Alpharetta, GA 30009 • AddingtonPlaceAlpharetta.com JOHNS CREEK • 5050 Kimball Bridge Road • Johns Creek, GA 30005 • AddingtonPlaceJohnsCreek.com RENAISSANCE • 3755 Peachtree Road • Atlanta, GA 30319 • RenaissanceonPeachtree.com ROSWELL • 550 Barrington Drive • Roswell, GA 30075 • AddingtonPlaceRoswell.com