Since 1987, Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties has represented buyers and sellers alike in the sale of thousands of properties, all of them only at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Our team is connected every day with club operations; plugged in daily with the social rhythms of clubs and events; and not distracted by, or obligated to buyers and sellers of any properties beyond the gates of Reynolds.
Reynolds Lake Oconee is what we do. It’s also all we do, and it shows.
volume xxvii , no . 4, winter 2024 The magazine that reflects the lifestyle of residents of the Lake Oconee area and beyond.
PUBLISHER OTIS BRUMBY III
GENERAL MANAGER LEE GARRETT
EDITOR PATRICK YOST
ART DIRECTOR BETH POIRIER
SALES & MARKETING ALEXIS BROWN
CIRCULATION DAVE GOSSETT
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
EMILY WHITTEN, TIA LYNN IVEY, CHIP BELL, SCOTT KEY, CRYSTAL JACKSON, KEN KOCHER, JUDY GARRISON, DESTINIE BREEDEN
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
CRYSTAL PITTMAN, LEN GARRISON, MAKENZIE EDDY, JARROD BROCK, CLAY BENFIELD, MALLORY AGNEW, CRYSTAL JACKSON
WEBSITE
Please visit our website at www.loliving.com.
SUBMISSIONS
Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and writing not accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Response time varies and Lake Oconee Living cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials. To contact the editor by email, address correspondence to editor@loliving.com.
ADVERTISING
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
Lake Oconee Living is published for the United States, its territories and possessions. Four issues per year: $17. Single issues in the U.S. $5. If you are moving, renewing, or have a question, please enclose subscription label with all correspondence; allow four weeks for change of address. Address all correspondence pertaining to subscriptions to:
Lake Oconee Living, 259 N. Second Street, Madison Ga. 30650, or call 706.342.7440 or fax 706.342.2140.
Crystal Jackson explains why it’s easy to love chickens when you raise them in your own backyard and get the many benefits the birds bring home.
In
the Spirit
Our intrepid cocktail connoisseur crafts some incredible and timely drink recipes just in time for the beauty of the Holiday Season. It’s a sure way to reduce stress, including one time-honored favorite.
Story by Scott Key
Local Treasures
The Lake Country has produced a legend of talented artists including writers, performers, musicians and artists that climbed out of rough beginnings to be honored across the country and the world.
Story by Chip Bell
From the Ground Up
Lorenze Tremonti has put his passion, money and vision into creating a homegrown whiskey in downtown Greensboro that pays homage to both the city’s roots and the area’s long flirtation with distillation.
Story by Crystal Jackson
Photography by Crystal Pittman
A Fortress Unlocks
A man with a vision created a reproduction castle on the outskirts of Helen, Ga. complete with a local vineyard, period activities and rest, rest, rest. Welcome to Castle Uhuburg.
Story by Judy Garrison
Photography by Len Garrison
The Homestead
Rising from a vision of elegance, form, function and fun, Black Sheep Interiors’ Summer Wood creates an immediate masterpiece.
Story by Destinie Breeden
Photography by Makenzie Eddy and Jarrod Brock
19 22 27 32 39 48
59
Selling Spirits
In the 1900s, Madison, Ga. had five saloons and several pool halls on its downtown square. Ken Kocher takes us on an interesting look at the regions’ flirtation with alcohol over time.
Story by Ken Kocher
63
Back To Basics
Cindi Fetch wants everyone to enjoy the health benefits of consuming locally produced vegetables, fruits and protein and she has created Community Roots to serve a health-conscious community.
Story by Emily Whitten
Photography by Mallory Agnew
68
An October Miracle
Once a year Lake Oconee Dentistry’s dentists and staff take a Saturday to serve 100 people for free with dental care on a day that not only changes the lives of patients but also has a transformative change on everyone involved.
Story by Tia Lynn Ivey
Photography by Clay Benfield
75 80
A High Flying Proposition
Theresa Bishop took what she learned traveling the world and turned her passion for fashion and quality into an expansive Main Street shop that focuses on men.
Story by Tia Lynn Ivey
Photography by Crystal Pittman
Refined Elegance
Town 220 has always been renowned and now it is becoming beloved by encouraging community and innovation into its menu.
Story by Crystal Jackson
Photography by Crystal Pittman
We like bold actions in the Lake Country. Take a look inside our pages and you will find a bold vision of a man who, through unbelievable grit and vision, wants to make Greensboro a place where fine whiskey is produced. When Lorenze Tremonti first had the kernel of an idea for the now Broadstreet Infamous distillery he was sitting in his kitchen eating one of his wife’s cupcakes. He loved Alison’s passion and used that energy to transform the idea of creating quality spirits to a reality.
In Madison, Cindi Fetch has taken a personal commitment to locally sourced food and healthy eating to all-star levels with the opening of Community Roots. In a time of massproduced food products, Fetch is counting on the idea that fresh, non-preservative laden food is both better for you and better tasting.
One night, Olaf Gunnarsson was enjoying a meal at Town 220 restaurant. A frequent diner at the famed spot, he was approached by the owner about purchasing the restaurant. Gunnarsson readily admits he knows nothing about the business but knows great food.
A week later, he owned a restaurant.
That’s bold.
So is asking your staff to work an entire day for free.
That’s what the good folks at Lake Oconee Dentistry do every year. For one magical day they work with nearly 100 patients to do free dental work for people who need both their work and their endearing kindness.
Black Sheep Interiors Summer Wood knows bold. Wood transformed the idea of a 14,000 square foot home at The Heritage into a bold reality of both form and function and art. We celebrate boldness, here, including the boldness of Scott Key’s Cocktails for a Bleak Midwinter. A Solstice Paloma in December? It doesn’t get much bolder than that.
Enjoy the read.
Patrick Yost
November/December RELEASES
Where the Library Hides
By Isabel Ibañez
Released Nov. 5
The stunning conclusion to the story that started in What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other.
The Sunflower House
By Adriana Allegri
Released Nov. 12
Family secrets come to light as a young woman fights to save herself, and others, in a Nazi-run baby factory—a real-life Handmaid’s Tale—during World War II.
A Queen’s Game
By Katharine McGee
Released Nov. 12
The New York Times bestselling author of the American Royals series invites you to visit 19thcentury Europe amid the glamor and intrigue of the Victorian era. In this historical romance inspired by true events, three princesses struggle to find love—and end up vying for the hearts of two future kings.
Dust
By Alison Stine
Releases Dec. 3
In this haunting, speculative coming-of-age novel about finding your place in an unforgiving environment, a partially deaf teen questions everything she knows about family, love, and her future.
The Rivals
By Jane Pek
Releases Dec. 2
A prescient literary mystery about corporate espionage, family dynamics, and the follow-up to Jane Pek’s “thoroughly modern twist on classic detective fiction.”
What the Woods Took
By Courtney Gould
Releases Dec. 10
A group of troubled teens in a wilderness therapy program finds themselves stranded in a forest full of monsters eager to take their place. Atmospheric and sharp, What the Woods Took is a poignant story of transformation that explores the price of becoming someone—or something—new
Find your Place at the Lake .
Charity Gives - We contribute a portion of our proceeds to a local charity of your choice every time you buy or sell a home through our services.
Joiner
Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
Wicked
Rated PG
In theaters Nov. 22
Tells the story of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. “Wicked” is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz.
Gladiator II
Rated R
In Theaters Nov. 22
The Gladiator sequel’s story will center on Lucius, the son of Lucilla and the nephew of Phoenix’s Commodus.
Moana 2
Rated PG
In theaters Nov. 27
Three years since her first voyage, Moana is on an expansive journey in search of people beyond the shores of Motunui. Joined by Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers,
Y2K
Rated: N/A
In theaters Dec. 6
Set on New Year's Eve 1999, two high school students decide to crash the last big party before the new millennium. When the clock strikes midnight, the night gets more insane than they ever could have imagined.
Kraven the Hunter
Rated R
In theaters Dec. 13
“Kraven the Hunter” is the visceral, actionpacked origin story of how and why one of Marvel's most iconic villains came to be. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Kraven, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Rated: N/A
In theaters Dec. 20
“Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka — the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny — their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
The Life Of A
Chicken Tender
Raising chickens in your yard can be delightful and profitable hobby
Story and photos by Crystal Jackson
Imagine for a moment that your local ordinance is in favor of backyard chickens and your HOA hasn’t issued a decree forbidding them. You might wonder if becoming a chicken caretaker – or chicken tender, if you will – is right for you.
There’s a common belief that chickens are dirty, smelly, and noisy – and that might be true in factory-farmed conditions where they have little space or care. The idea that chickens are dirty might stem from the fact that they bathe in dirt. These dust baths keep chickens tidy and can prevent unwanted pests like lice and mites.
As far as the smell is concerned, much of that falls to the particular chicken minder in question. Using herbs in chicken nests can cut down odors and keeping coops tidy comes with the territory if unpleasant smells are to be avoided. It can be as simple as adding fresh bedding or spraying off soiled roosts.
When it comes to noise, it helps to avoid roosters. I’m only raising hens– in part because I have limited acreage- but also because I live in a neighborhood that wouldn’t welcome regular crowing. While chickens do make some noise, they are no louder than the wild birds that visit my feeder.
Why
Raise Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens lower carbon emissions.
Chickens reduce food waste, which also helps reduce a family’s carbon footprint. Chickens will eat almost anything – provided it is safe for them. While eliminating food waste reduces environmental pollution, it also helps to raise hens for eggs rather
Chickens are low-maintenance pets that are friendly, inquisitive, suspicious and delightful.
than relying on factory farming and the system of transporting eggs to grocery stores. Skip the middleman and enjoy fresh eggs without an added ecological impact.
Backyard chickens support healthy gardens.
Chicken bedding can be composted and provides a rich fertilizer for the lawn or garden. Free-ranging chickens can also cut down on unwanted pests through their foraging. Any food waste that chickens can’t eat can be added to the compost, reducing waste and enriching our gardens.
Raising backyard chickens creates more self-reliance.
My family enjoys farm-fresh organic eggs with enough
left over to sell. I firmly believe that happy hens produce healthier eggs. Whether or not that’s true, I can certainly say that it relieves some of the guilt I’ve experienced when it comes to feeding my family. I know my chickens are happy, healthy, and pampered unlike many of the chickens you’ll find in the poultry industry.
Chickens just might be my most low-maintenance pets. I use large feeders and waterers to reduce the amount of daily maintenance. I do visit with them frequently to offer treats and check for eggs each day.
The only issue I’ve found with raising backyard chickens is the math. Of course, I’m referring to chicken math. However many chickens you plan on, double that number. You’ll want more when you discover that chickens are friendly, inquisitive, suspicious, and delightful. Soon, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Chickens will eat almost anything, provided it is safe for them.
Chicken bedding can be composted and provides a rich fertilizer for the lawn or garden.
Cocktails for a Bleak Midwinter
Winter is the season for cocktails. The air is crisp. The nights are long. You’re forced indoors with relatives for long spells. Here are a few recipes for whatever your winter reason: holiday conviviality or basic survival.
SOLSTICE PALOMA
Let’s face it. It never gets cold here. But your haughty friends may think that a margarita after Labor Day is gauche. So, fix a Paloma. This is a kicked-up version with the longest of steps for the shortest of days.
2 parts white tequila
1 part grapefruit sage syrup (recipe follows)
1 part lime juice
3 dashes of grapefruit bitters (recipe follows)
Shaken and drained (ice and all) into a collins glass. Garnish with a spring of sage.
Grapefruit Sage Syrup
1 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1 cup sugar
20 fresh sage leaves
Heat sugar, juice, and sage leaves over low heat, until sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
Let cool. Strain out the sage leaves then bottle the syrup.
Grapefruit bitters
2 grapefruits
Grain alcohol
Coriander seeds
Sugar
Peel 2 grapefruits, and mince the peels. Place peels in a quart jar with two cups of grain alcohol and 1 TB of coriander seed.
Seal and store for a week.
After a week has passed:
Heat 4 TB of table sugar over medium heat until the sugar turns lite brown
Remove from heat, and carefully add 2 TB of water. Stir while the sugar dissolves.
Solstice Paloma
Strain the grapefruit peels and coriander from the alcohol. Then return the alcohol to the bottle. Add the caramel mixture to the alcohol and let it all cool. This recipe will yield enough bitters to share with all of your friends and all of their friends.
The Santa Cosmo
THE GIN FLIP
This is an O.G. drink. By that I mean it precedes the cocktail by a couple of centuries. It’s also delicious. And that’s not all. This drink looks a bit like eggnog; but when you make it, you’ll look more sophisticated than the phillistines out there who are mixing Jim Beam with gas station egg nog.
2 parts gin
½ oz simple syrup
1 fresh egg nutmeg
Dry shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, the shake all ingredients for ten seconds. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with nutmeg.
THE SANTA COSMO
This is a holiday riff on the old Sex and the City classic — the cosmo. Let’s be candid because we’re friends: you love a cosmo even as you roll your eyes about it. Before you tell us that 1999 called and wants it cocktail back, hear us out. This recipe calls for classic holiday spices and uses a slice of canned cranberry sauce; the part that looks like the bottom of a can.
2 oz vodka
1 oz spiced cranberry syrup (recipe follows)
½ oz fresh lemon juice
¼ oz Demerara syrup (1:1 sugar in the raw to water, heated until sugar dissolves)
1 dash angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake for seven seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass Garnish with rosemary.
Spiced cranberry syrup
1 cup cranberry juice
½ cup brown sugar
¼ can jellied cranberry sauce
¼ cup water
½ of an orange, juiced and zested ¼ TS of clove
¼ TS allspice
1 cinnamon stick
1/8 TS nutmeg
Set aside the zest. Mix together all ingredients except the spices, and bring to a boil. Add the zest. Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the ingredients to simmer for 30 minutes. Add the spices, and allow the ingredients to simmer another 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool. Bottle it up.
MINIMALIST MAXIMUM Style,
The Old Standby
Going back to the theme of holiday and family time. This recipe is a bit more straightforward than the others. Open a bourbon bottle. Pour it into a glass. Take it to your quiet place. Sip until pitchers and catchers report for Spring training.
| About the Author |
Scott Key
Scott Key is an amateur mixologist with aspirations of owning an upscale establishment where the patrons are sophisticated, low maintenance, and pay in cash. When he is not mixing the greatest cocktails the world has ever beheld, he practices complex trial and appellate law out of his Madison, Ga., law office. And he is a law professor at Mercer University’s School of Law, which he is told is a dry campus. Before you write us; yes, he knows that he shares a name in common with the guy who wrote the national anthem.
Local Treasures Hidden in Plain Sight
BY CHIP R. BELL
The 2016 hit movie La La Land contained a song with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul about the importance of a dedication to dreams. Some of its words are: “A bit of madness is key, to give us new colors to see. Who knows where it will lead us. And that’s why they need us. So bring on the rebels, the ripples from pebbles, the painters, and poets, and plays. And here’s to the fools who dream, crazy as they may seem.”
The Lake Country has a rich history of aesthetic rebels who made ripples from their pebbles. We celebrate Alice Walker, Joel Chandler Harris, Raymond Andrews, and Flannery O’Connor. They make us deeply proud of their epic contributions. But there were others whose light might have been just as bright, but did not shine as long. We resurrect their new colors to see. Who knows where it will lead us.
the first national award to honor contributions to the field of African American art and art history. After curating the Bill Cosby art collection, he wrote a book entitled The Other Side of Color.
David Driskell was born in Eatonton in 1931, the grandson of an enslaved person. Art was already in his genes before he left for Howard University. His father, a Baptist preacher, created paintings on religious themes, his mother made quilts, and his grandfather was a sculptor. David earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Catholic University and, in 1966, joined Fisk University in Nashville as chairman of the art department. He later chaired the University of Maryland art department. In 1976, Driskell curated the groundbreaking exhibition, “Two Centuries of Black American Art: 1750–1950,” a foundation for African American Art History.” He was honored by President Bill Clinton as a recipient of the National Humanities Medal. In 2005, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta established the David C. Driskell Prize,
Linton Ingraham was born into slavery in Hancock County in 1855. Before his emancipation, he was the property of the brother of Alexander Stephens, vice president of the Confederacy, and later Governor of Georgia. Linton was educated at night by Alexander Stephens in the Stephens home. When he graduated from Atlanta University, Stephens secured Linton a teaching position in Raytown, Ga. He would later become principal of the Rome, Ga, public schools for African-Americans. In 1910, Ingraham established the Sparta Agricultural and Industrial School to help Blacks acquire valuable skills to exit solely manual labor roles. By 1916, the school had 135 students. In 1921, while Professor Ingraham went north to solicit funds for the school, he left author Jean Toomer as the school’s acting principal. That experience would enable Toomer to write Cane, and ultimately be inducted into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame.
George Andrews, affectionately known as “The Dot Man,” was a self-taught folk artist from Plainview, Ga. Despite leaving school at age 10 to work on a sharecropping plantation, his passion for art remained undiminished despite his mother’s initial discouragement. Known for his vibrant, dotted patterns, Andrews often painted on found materials, reflecting both his resourcefulness and deep connection to the rural South. His son, Benny Andrews, a world-renowned artist, described him as “one of the most tenacious and imaginative persons I’ve ever
Top: Linton Ingraham, was a noted educator born into slavery in Hancock County in 1855. He would eventually write “Cane” and would be inducted into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame. Middle: David Driskel was born in Eatonton in 1931 and was honored by President Bill Clinton with a National Humanities Medal. Bottom: George “The Dot Man” Andrews was a self-taught folk artist from the Plainview Community outside of Madison. George and his wife Viola lived a share-cropping existence with their 10 children including internationally recognized artist Benny Andrews and noted author Raymond Andrews.
met... a personification of the mythical artist/poet who sees beauty through every pore, who is driven to create regardless of the circumstances.” George and his wife, Viola, emphasized education and creativity for their 10 children, a legacy reflected in the achievements of Benny, whose works hang in prominent galleries around the world, and Raymond Andrews, an acclaimed author honored in the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame.
Gloria Walker and Sonny Terry
No profile of local aesthetic giants would be complete without a mention of singers Gloria Walker and Sonny Terry. Gloria Walker was a soul singer from Milledgeville. In the 1960s, she was the lead singer with bands like The Chevelles, which recorded on the Flaming Arrow Records label of Detroit. She and the Chevelles had a big hit before they finished high school. Gloria’s smooth voice put her in several R&B Top 10 hits. Her biggest hit was “Talking About My Baby.”
Saunders Teddell (a.k.a. Sonny Terry) was born in Greensboro in 1911. At age five, he began learning the harmonica, which his father played at social functions. He developed a harmonica style that imitated sounds ranging from moving trains to barnyard animals, blending his singing and harmonica playing. Sonny worked with such music greats as Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Burl Ives, and Harry Belafonte. In 1986, Terry was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Strength is not always noisy. Sometimes, it is found in quiet determination. And a true star is not defined by the credit they receive, but by the character and generosity they exhibit. We salute these five quiet stars grounded in Lake Country.
Chip R. Bell is an award-winning, international best-selling author. He serves as a board member of Georgia Writers Museum and is the managing editor of the museum’s quarterly magazine, Page Turner
Top: Gloria Walker was a soul singer from Milledgeville. In the 1960s she was the lead singer for The Chevelles. Bottom: Sonny Teddell (a.k.a. Sonny Terry) was a world-famous harmonica player born in Greensboro in 1911. He played with Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Burle Ives and Harry Belafonte.
PIANOS
Tee it up on a stunning, Coore-Crenshaw masterpiece located on Lake Oconee, just 70 miles east of Atlanta. Find yourself in an authentic, private golf community offering a laid-back take on true Southern Hospitality.
THIS IS CUSCOWILLA, home to a lakefront legacy your family will cherish for generations to come.
FROM THE GROUND UP Whiskey BROADSTREET
INFAMOUS
EMBRACES GREENSBORO’S HISTORY AND COMMUNITY IN ITS NEW WHISKEY RECIPE
BY CRYSTAL JACKSON
The energy in the room is palpable at FlowSpace in Greensboro, the new temporary office of Broadstreet Infamous CEO Lorenze Tremonti. Tremonti, a clear-eyed bundle of energy who finishes a sentence with another sentence, aims to sell more than whiskey in downtown Greensboro through his Broadstreet Infamous brand doing business under the name Infamous Whiskey, Inc. The company has navigated a tangle of state and federal regulations to create an opportunity to distill whiskey, legally in downtown Greensboro.
But along with whiskey, Tremonti is selling a vision. He wants to honor the past, build a community in the present, and create a brighter future in Lake Oconee through whiskey.
“We want to stand behind the city and we want the city to stand behind us,” he says.
“We want to be a company that the community depends on.”
The dream began with cupcakes.
It’s an unlikely starting point for a whiskey distillery.
Approximately six years ago, Tremonti was sitting at the kitchen counter of his Madison residence, sipping a glass of whiskey while his wife Alison was baking cupcakes for clients. In baking, he says, Alison is “all that.”
“Everybody knows,” he says. “She’s pretty phenomenal.”
He told her that she was lucky to get to share her passion, creativity, and art with other people and to share their excitement for her creations. A successful former musician, Tremonti missed that
PHOTOS BY CRYSTAL PITTMAN AND CONTRIBUTED
OLD GREEN SUPPLY BUILDING
feeling of purpose and creativity he had when he was a member of Triple Deep, a hip-hop group that released multiple albums and toured the country in the late nineties. When people experience Alison’s baked creations, Tremonti says he sees the joy. “I see the reaction and it reminded me about what I used to see sharing my music with people.”
It was at that moment, with the scent of cupcakes in the air and a Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon swirling in a glass, that he had a thought.
“I want to make this.”
After attending the Orlando Whiskey Festival in 2019 with his friend and former music producer Mark Matuszek, now the president of the Broadstreet Infamous brand, Tremonti found a calling.
“That’s what planted the seed,” he says. He purchased a cheap still from Amazon and began experimenting. “I was bush league,” he says. “I wasn’t even Triple A.” Tremonti, a self-identifying “research addict” began his attempts to create a homemade whiskey that was good enough to compete on the level of the brands he already enjoyed. While many people were baking bread and finding other pandemic projects, he set his sights on refining the whiskey that would one day become Broadstreet Infamous. Within two years, he returned to the festival with a whiskey of his own, which received unanimously positive reviews from attendees.
The festival, he says, “made me start to see a larger picture. It taught me the artistry of it all.”
The location of Broadstreet Infamous, at 208 East Broad Street in downtown Greensboro, is a shell of a brick building that’s soon to be filled with the sounds of construction. The 1960s-era building was once a Pontiac dealership and later, a seed supplier. It has stood empty for many years, and Tremonti’s daughter Ariella, who was 13 at the time, was the one to encourage him to see the property’s potential. Tremonti says his first impression of the building was not flattering. “I looked at it and said, ‘This is a pile of rubble.’
Ariella, however, saw something else. She recalled images of distilleries her father had shared with her in magazine stories. Tremonti looked again, through Ariella’s eyes. “She was totally right,” he says. “The kid’s got vision.” He brought a group of investors to the site before they pulled the literal trigger on purchasing the structure. “They all went nuts. They saw what she saw,” he says.
Not only is it ideally located in downtown Greensboro, but it also has the historic feel that they were seeking. It even has a vintage advertisement on one side of the building that will be preserved, and on the other side, the company plans to allow local art students to create murals celebrating the city of Greensboro.
The site of the Infamous Whiskey distillery has been both a Pontiac Dealership as part of the Wilson Motor Co. and a seed supply store. - Contributed Photo -
Walking through the building, Tremonti shares a dream. He wants to fuse the historical feel of the building with the vibe of the city and the industry but with a modern twist. The building will have VIP areas, tasting rooms, and, of course, the hybrid Column/ Single Pot still that will be the beginning of the magic of whiskey.
Tremonti plans a cut-through spot on the floor covered in glass that reveals to visitors a prohibitionera whiskey operation.
The building’s chimney will belch different colored smoke depending on the type and brand of whiskey being distilled as a sign to residents that a batch is working.
Tremonti says the entire process will be userfriendly and lend itself to interaction with customers.
“I want people to be able to fill bottles up right from our barrels, but I want to take it to the next level with a photo booth that allows visitors to take pictures to produce a custom photograph label on site.”
Currently, the building is closer to Tremonti’s “pile of rubble” than a working distillery. The windows are boarded-over, and weeds are growing through both concrete and the building’s brick walls.
But there is the dream.
Tremonti, ever the entertainer, is able to paint an expansive picture of creating quality spirits in a place that combines history, culture, and community. There is a water tower in sight of the building.
Tremonti plans to honor the legendary Greene County Sheriff Loy Lee (L. L.) Wyatt, who fought to end the illegal moonshine business in the area in the 1940s, with a Legacy Series whiskey dedicated to his memory. The location for Broadstreet Infamous is in walking distance to both the office where the notorious Sheriff Wyatt once served for 37 years and to a local history museum that honors his memory.
Tremonti said incorporating the Broad Street name into their brand was simple. Broad Street, he says, “is awesome.”
“It sounds like a bourbon,” he says.
The city of Greensboro unanimously approved the historic rezoning of the property for the distillery, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau approved their federal Distilled Spirits Plan (DSP) application, which paved the way for Broadstreet Infamous to turn the 30,000-square foot building they purchased in Lake Oconee into their company headquarters and distillery
The Broadstreet Infamous name is also a way of remembering friend and fellow Triple Deep member, George “Infamous” Matuszek, brother to company President Mark Matuszek, who tragically passed away in 2015 at the age of 37. Tremonti doesn’t just want to make good, local whiskey; he also wants to honor his
Infamous Whiskey is going to produce a product that will give a nod for former Greene County Sheriff L.L. Wyatt. Wyatt, a notorious prohibitionera sheriff, had an office around the corner on East Avenue from the new Infamous Whiskey location.
A historic marker details the interesting and amazing life of former
Former Greene County Sheriff’s L.L. Wyatt had an office at 102 East Avenue in downtown Greensboro.
friend’s legacy while making a difference in the community he calls home.
The community involvement extends into the arena of sponsorship. Broadstreet Infamous is an official associate sponsor – along with TRICON Garage – for #15 Toyota Tundra driven by Tanner Gray at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 26, 2024. This will be their largest sponsorship to date and will feature a logo for the city of Greensboro to help promote tourism to Georgia’s Lake Country.
In a press release, Vice President of Creative Shaun Roberts stated, “When we sponsor NASCAR, our primary purpose is to promote our brand to the most loyal fanbase in sports. We also have the privilege to promote organizations that are important to us – our charity beneficiary the Lovely Project and our distillery’s hometown of Greensboro, Georgia – to help them gain exposure and support.” The Lovey Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls through value, voice, and valor and provides mentoring to address bullying, eating disorders, depression, and abuse.
Tremonti now identifies more as a Master Distiller than a musician, but it’s clear that his entertainment experience and connections have helped him create the brand force that is Broadstreet Infamous. The company has also made significant partnerships to promote the upcoming release of their whiskey in stores. Broadstreet Infamous has partnered with Broadway to boost brand recognition and help make this distillery a household name. They are also partnering with lead singer Matthew Kiichi Heafy of hard rock band Trivium, now touring internationally.
The first product they are going to produce in Greensboro will be their signature Act 1 Clear Whiskey. Considered their flagship product, a four-grain all-natural, double distilled, high malt whiskey reminiscent of Prohibition era liquor. Act 1, Tremonti says, “is going give Vodka a problem.”
The clear whiskey has a bold flavor profile that “accentuates cocktails like Vodka cannot,” he says. Working through the Column/Pot still allows the juice to “level out the arc of what the flavor profile is,” he says. The juice will be distilled to an alcohol percentage of between 149 percent to 153 percent, will be barreled at 125 percent and sold at between 98 to 100 percent.
The projected opening date for the distillery is early 2026, but their whiskey will be available in stores before then. Broadstreet Infamous has partnered with national distributors, crowdfunding portals, the largest online distribution company in the United States, and the largest independent retailer of
Broadstreet Infamous is a sponsor of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series #15 Toyota Tundra driven by Tanner Gray. Broadstreet CEO Lorenze Tremonti with driver Gray at a recent race in Miami.
The Broadstreet Infamous Whiskey logo on the back of the #15 Toyota Tundra driven by Tanner Gray in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. - Contributed Photo -
spirits to get the brand out to the public. The company will offer a Legacy Series Bourbon Whiskey, the first of which will honor the Prohibition-era Sheriff Wyatt, a Speakeasy Preferred Prohibition Proof Bourbon Whiskey, a Wheaters Select Summer Wheat Bourbon Whiskey and a Lemon Chill liqueur.
The bourbons, he says, are all being created from sourced whiskey while the company works to create
Broadstreet Infamous CEO Lorenze Tremonti at the site of the new distillery the company is building in downtown Greensboro. “We want to be a company that the community depends on,” Tremonti says.
Infamous Whiskey currently produces several types of whiskey, including its Prohibition Proof Bourbon.
The city of Greensboro’s water tower looms over the site of the Infamous Whiskey headquarters and distillery. The company plans on beginning renovation work on the historic site soon.
60 Years of Innovation in Madison and Morgan County
For more than 60 years, Morgan Medical Center has stood as a beacon of innovation in the city of Madison.
Steered by a dedicated leadership team, including CEO Ralph A. Castillo, CPA, and a nine-member Hospital Authority, our commitment to offering a patient-focused center of excellence shines through every corner of our hospital. From routine check-ups to general surgery and physical therapy, to emergency and critical care for heart attack and stroke, our new state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and top-shelf amenities – including a Wide-Bore MRI machine and physician-assisted orthopedic robot for joint replacements — ensuring our community has the best care available, close to home.
When you choose Morgan Medical Center, you’re not just selecting a healthcare provider or career path; you’re embracing a community of people who will invest in your well-being and growth.
Ralph Castillo, CEO
A Fortress Unlocks in Helen
BY JUDY GARRISON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN GARRISON, SEEING SOUTHERN
The Castle Uhuburg
Top: The first view of Castle Uhuburgas the Red Gate opens. Left: Visitors arrive through the front red gate and join tours on the top of the hour. Right: The Grand Hall is a gathering place for celebrations.
The enormous double red gate unfolds and visitors stream in with enthusiasm to discover the mystery behind the doors. A little girl walks eagerly inside, the youngest of the day’s visitors, and is dressed head-to-toe in sparkles and glitter, complete with a tiara. Without waiting for instructions, she eagerly inquires, “Are there rides?” Those standing nearby couldn’t help but giggle at the question she proposed. Then, the little girl’s excitement waned when the answer to her question was, “No.”
With childhood fairytales like “Rapunzel,” “Cinderella,” and “Sleeping Beauty” shaping our perspective of castles and the life that’s encapsulated within, it’s not hard to think the child’s question out of the ordinary. Adventure and possibility resided within the walls that surrounded these medieval fortresses that we, as children, entered through storybooks. With what we see before us, it is certainly possible that we’ll find adventure, adrenalin, and fantasy within.
Castle Uhuburg (OO-hoo-berg), meaning Eagle Owl Castle—one of the largest owl species with a wingspan of up to 6.6 feet—, is a first in the mountains of North Georgia. A touch of the Renaissance dropped in the Bavarian city of Helen is the perfect addition to one of Georgia’s most iconic destinations. Located north of downtown Helen—just a mile outside of town— Castle Uhuburg invites visitors to arrive for the adventure, spend the day walking the grounds, or enjoy a luxury overnight stay in a castle chamber.
Eighteen years in the making, the castle is the dream and now reality of Bob, Janine and Naomi Marthai.
“Bob is the dreamer, designer and builder of Uhuburg, and he continues to supervise work on the grounds. Janine is the glue of it all and the heart of the operation. She oversees the gardens and orchards, and supports all departments,” explains Naomi Marthai, manager of the destination. She explains how her father, Bob, fell in love with North Georgia when he attended high school at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. Being there was a game changer. “Alpine Helen is naturally a great fit for European inspired castle architecture, and it's surrounded by mountains of lush forests full of waterfalls and impressive biodiversity that is hard to rival,” she continues.
Bob supervised the build which began in 2007. He and a small crew persevered during the long building process. “It's a blessing and a curse,” explains Bob, “when you know how to do a lot of things; it's hard to call someone else to do a job, so the next task just goes on the list.”
The inspiration for Uhuburg lies in its four-part mission: to be an educational place with focuses of philosophy, nature, food production, and celebration. The philosophical element is a series of murals depicted along the surrounding castle wall which explains various religions and philosophies. In time, over 30 murals will teach and inspire visitors. Native plants can be found throughout the grounds
Left: Swordmanship is taught frequently the afternoon hours. Right: Statuary can be seen throughout the gardens,comprised of ponds and green spaces. Bottom: From the tower, the beauty and scope of the estate is breathtaking.
and specifically in the Native Garden. There’s also a small farm, vineyard, and orchard which produce food and drink served to guests.
The Great Hall serves as an ideal place to, as Bob says, “celebrate this good life we have.”
Events sponsored by the castle take place throughout the year, drawing thousands to the mountains. Their signature event, CastleFaire, a winter Renaissance fair, takes place each January. Contra at the Castle and an English Country Ball are also being planned. Expanding events as well as more curated experiences are anticipated to enhance the guest experience. In the coming year, more educational programming as well as other events will celebrate creativity and imagination. Many events require reservations and often fill to capacity due to overwhelming demand.
Overnight in the North Georgia Mountains takes a charming turn at Castle Uhuburg. “Guests are enchanted by the unique experience that staying at Uhuburg offers,” explains Naomi. “Many choose Uhuburg for an escape from the ordinary, seeking a one-of-a-kind experience that typical hotels can't provide. The castle's enchanting charm and the opportunity to explore its grounds captivate guests, offering a sense of stepping into a fairytale. Additionally, the personalized service and attention to detail in each chamber create an unforgettable and distinctive stay.”
The ambiance of a Renaissance castle is certainly a one-ofa-kind and luxurious experience. “Our suites are beautifully appointed,” describes Naomi, “each with its own distinct character and style, featuring ornate furnishings, many curated from world travels. A gourmet breakfast awaits each morning in the dining area or have it delivered to your chamber.” Guests also have access to more interior spaces which are not open to the public, as well as access to the castle towers, grounds and gardens at any time they choose.
Unless one has traveled to Europe, few can say they have slept in a castle. It provides a tranquil sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. “We hope guests leave feeling rejuvenated, enriched by their connection to nature, and with cherished memories of their magical experience,” continues Naomi.
Whether you come for the day or for an extended overnight stay, Castle Uhuburg is an alluring destination that will remind you that when the extraordinary intersects with a dream, anything is possible. And, at Castle Uhuburg, wear the sparkles, ask the questions, and expect inspiration.
To book your Renaissance adventure, visit Castle Uhuburg at www.uhuburg.com.
Top: The tower view of the Appalachian Mountains. Middle: Murals cover the cloistered walkways and are created by local artists. Bottom: Walk through the estate and enjoy the peacefulness.
Known as Georgia’s Outdoor Adventure Destination, Helen delivers the charm of Bavaria as well as nature’s beautiful landscape to provide solitude and adventure. There are endless activities to charm travelers, all located with a few miles of the Castle Uhuburg. To plan your travel, visit Alpine Helen Visitors Bureau.
Get Outside
h Waterfalls: Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, or Raven Cliff Falls.
h Hiking Trails: Andrews Cove Trail, Appalachian Trail, Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail, Helen to Unicoi Trail, Mt. Yonah Trail, Yonah Preserve Trails
h Experiences: Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center, Georgia Walking Tours, Smithgall State Park, Lavendar Lamb Farm, Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, Valhalla Golf Club
Arts & Culture
h Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia: A unique and beautiful experience presenting the skills of grassroot art forms of folk pottery. Functional and inspiring, the artifacts showcase the story of Northeast Georgia and its rich tradition of folk pottery. 283 Ga-255, Sautee Nacoochee
h Sautee Nacoochee Center: Located adjacent to the pottery museum, the Center is a non-profit organization that nurtures creativity. Take in a live show; walk through history at the museum; shop at the gallery shops and support local artisans; stroll through the halls of the 1928 schoolhouse and step back in time. 283 Ga-255, Sautee Nacoochee
History & Heritage
h Hardman Farm State Historic Site: Tour the 1870 Italianate mansion, built by Captain James Nichols and once owned by Georgia’s governor Dr. Lamartine Hardman (1927-1931). See the bedroom where Anna Ruby Nichols grew up, the namesake for Anna Ruby Falls. The Nacoochee Mound, located across the street, is a burial site used long before the Cherokee inhabited the area. 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee
h Nora Mill Granary Grist Mill and Country Store: Built in 1876, Nora Mill Granary is one of the few remaining active grist mills operating in Georgia. Located alongside the Chattahoochee River, the mill produces products like grits, flour and cornmeal. 7107 S. Main St., Helen
h Old Sautee Store: The longest operating general store (est. 1872) in Georgia, go for the history and sample the Swedish Farmer Cheese. 2315 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee
Sips & Bites
h Kaya Vineyard and Winery: Enjoy a panoramic view of the North Georgia Mountains as you sample Kaya blends. Enjoy live music during warmer season and small bites (Tuesday – Sunday) to accompany the wine or red wine selection. 5400 Town Creek Rd., Dahlonega
h North Georgia Wine Tours (Dahlonega & Cleveland): Let another do the driving as you explore North Georgia’s Wine Country. Private tours of up to 14 people. Choose the itinerary and enjoy the ride. 2048 Helen Hwy, Cleveland
h Yonah Mountain Vineyards: A two-hundred-acre family winery offering world-class wines. Listen to live music and take in the mountain views. 1717 Highway 255 South, Cleveland
Eat Well
h Bodensee Restaurant: For authentic German fare, Bodensee is a must. Open for breakfast, dinner and lunch, try Homemade Spätzle, Chicken Schnitzel or Bratwurst and leave satisfied. Add the Bavarian Gravy. 64 Munich Strasse, Helen
h Café International: For the best bratwurst—and some say Reuben—in town, dine waterside and enjoy the Chattahoochee. 8546 S. Main Street, Helen
h Cowboys and Angels Restaurant and Bar: Have a fun time dining in the open air and enjoy everything from Bison burgers to gluten free items. 60 Chattahoochee Street, Helen
h Hofer’s of Helen Bakery and Café: An authentic Bavarian Bakery and café. Get there early and prepare to wait in line. Closed Wednesday and Thursday, so plan ahead. 8758 N. Main Street, Helen
h Valhalla Resort Caledonia Room and Sky Bar: Fine dining in Helen offers private dining in the Abbey Wine Cellar or Chef’s Table Dining. The dining room offers three-course to a seven-course experiences. Sky Bar is open from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and offers a gorgeous mountain view. 688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen
HOME & FLORAL
A Homestead Masterpiece
A CLEAR VISION CREATES A GLORIOUS RETREAT
By Destinie Breeden
Photos by Makenzie Eddy (Tiffany and Makenzie Photography) and The Brock Company
Apicturesque property on Lake Oconee has been transformed into a serene yet sophisticated retreat thanks to the meticulous work of Summer Wood, the owner and principal designer at Black Sheep Interiors. The home in The Homestead community of Reynolds, is a perfect balance of comfort, luxury, and personal expression—a testament to Wood’s expertise and the collaborative process between her team and the homeowners.
Wood’s journey into interior design was shaped by her growing up in a family involved in the construction industry. From a young age, she was exposed to the intricacies of building and design, watching her parents manage their successful commercial construction business.
“Being around construction from such an early age gave me a deep appreciation for how homes come together, from the foundation to the finishes,” she shares. After pursuing a formal education in interior design, Wood’s career took off. However, she paused her professional journey to focus on raising her children, returning to the field when they became more independent. This return marked a pivotal moment when she took the reins at Black Sheep Interiors, continuing a mentor’s legacy and building a business known for its exceptional design services in national and international markets.
The Lake Oconee project, a 14,000 square foot, five bedroom, eight bath home, began with a clear vision from the homeowners: a home that would comfortably host family gatherings while offering a warm and inviting space for entertaining guests.
Wood’s challenge was seamlessly blending practicality with elegance, ensuring the
home was beautiful and livable. “The homeowners had specific ideas for certain design elements but were open to my creative input, which gave me the freedom to take some design risks while still honoring their vision.” This mutual trust allowed the design process to flourish, resulting in a home that was as functional as it was stunning.
One of the home’s standout features is the attention to detail, especially in the lighting design. Wood believes lighting is the “jewelry of the home,” a sentiment particularly evident in the great room, where a nearly 7-foot-wide chandelier hangs from the 29-foot ceiling. “Lighting sets the mood for a space. It’s one of those elements that can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary,” she explains. The choice of lighting fixtures throughout the home adds drama and sophistication, serving as focal points that draw the eye while enhancing the overall ambiance.
The dining room is another space where Wood’s design philosophy shines. The room feels cozy yet
1. The backyard playground offers an unlimited field of fun and vision on The Homestead house
2. The understated elegance of the foyer sets expectations of the home
The design carries through to the adjacent great room, where durable yet stylish furnishings offer comfort without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Wood’s approach to these spaces reflects her ability to merge form and function, ensuring the home is inviting and practical.
In the kitchen, Wood’s design expertise is on full display. Described as the “heart of the home,” the kitchen features two islands and a bar area, both of which are as functional as they are visually striking.
Selecting the suitable materials for this space was no small feat.
“We visited seven stone yards before finding the perfect granite for the countertops. It was a process that was completely worth it,” she recalls. This attention to detail is a hallmark of her work and is evident in every corner of the home. The kitchen, with its custom cabinetry and carefully chosen finishes, is a place for cooking and a central gathering spot for the family.
The home’s rec room offers a delightful contrast to the more traditional spaces. Here, Wood had complete creative freedom, resulting in a room unlike any other in the house. Inspired by the homeowner’s Porsche 911 Turbo S, the rec room is a playful yet luxurious space with custom light fixtures, a pool table by Studio F.A. Porsche, and disco balls from the family’s son’s wedding.
“This room was just pure fun to design,” Wood says with a smile. “It’s where we really got to push the boundaries and create something unexpected.” The rec room is a standout, showcasing Wood’s ability to think outside the box and create spaces that reflect her clients’ unique personalities.
elegant with its wooden beams, stained shiplap walls, and antique mirrors sourced from Round Top, Texas. Custom-made furniture, including a dining table and bench, further personalizes the space, making it ideal for intimate family dinners and larger gatherings.
“We wanted to create a comfortable space but still had a sense of refinement. The homeowners love hosting, and this dining room brings people together,” Wood says.
Outdoor living was also a key consideration in the design of this Lake Oconee home. The expansive outdoor areas include spaces for lounging and dining, all with views of the lake. Wood incorporated personalized elements, such as Miami Dolphins-themed Adirondack chairs, to add a playful touch to the space. A custom fire table in the
The ‘heart of the home.’ The kitchen features two islands and a bar area. 4. Note the light fixtures in the foyer area. 5. The great room bar area.
pavilion serves as the perfect gathering spot for family and friends, especially during the cooler months. “The outdoor spaces were just as important as the indoor ones. We wanted to create a seamless transition between the two so that the homeowners could enjoy the lake views no matter where they were,” she explains.
The setting of the home played an influential role in shaping its design. Wood emphasizes that the location and choice of lot significantly impacted her approach. The large windows and covered outdoor spaces were designed to highlight the views of the lake, bringing the tranquility of the outdoors into the home. Natural materials like wood and stone were incorporated into the design to connect the home to its surroundings.
“The homeowners loved the idea of bringing nature into their space, and we achieved that through these natural materials and thoughtful design,” says Wood. The result is a home that feels at one with its environment, a peaceful retreat that reflects both the homeowners’ desires and the natural beauty of Lake Oconee.
Reflecting on the project’s success, Wood is quick to credit the collaborative effort between her team, the homeowners, and the construction company Dream Built.
6. Black Sheep Interiors Summer Wood allowed location and lot choice to impact her design philosophy
7. The light and airy primary bedroom.
8. The primary bedroom sitting room comes with a fireplace
9. The keeping room near a bar area.
“Collaboration is key in a project like this. It’s what allows us to push creative boundaries while staying true to the homeowners’ vision,” she says. For Wood, each project is an opportunity to blend her clients’ unique tastes with her design expertise, creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply personal.
As Wood looks to the future, she is excited about the direction of Black Sheep Interiors. She is committed to continuing the legacy of excellence that has defined the firm’s work for more than a decade. With several projects lined up for 2025, Wood and her team are eager to take on new challenges, pushing the boundaries of design while staying true to their core values of creativity, collaboration, and client satisfaction.
This Lake Oconee home is a perfect example of Wood’s ability to create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Through her thoughtful design choices and attention to detail, she has transformed a house into a
10. Her office with a view
11. His office with fireplace and elegant leather furniture
12. Custom book shelves in his office.
13. The rec room includes a pool table and bar
14. The rec room area with fireplace and bar
home that perfectly reflects its owners’ vision and lifestyle. As Wood continues to grow Black Sheep Interiors, she remains focused on delivering the same level of passion and dedication to every project, ensuring that each home she designs reflects her clients’ dreams.
For inquiries, contact Black Sheep Interiors at (404) 622-9001 or via email at info@blacksheepinteriors.com.
15. A whimsical sitting area in the bunk room.
16. One half of the bunk room.
17. A guest bedroom.
18. The theatre bar
19. The Ralph Lauren inspired room.
20. The kitchen looking towards the foyer
21. A guest bedroom.
22. A guest bathroom. 23. A guest bedroom.
Happy Holidays from JEDT
At JEDT, we understand that each individual is truly unique, and so are your insurance needs. That’s why we are dedicated to tailoring our services to align perfectly with your net worth and specific circumstances. As your assets grow, so does the necessity for robust protection; we are here to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage that safeguards what you’ve worked hard to build. Allow us to guide you in crafting a personalized insurance strategy that not only meets your current needs but also adapts with you as your financial journey evolves. Your peace of mind is our priority, and together, we can create a secure future that reflects your individuality.
SellingSpirits
By Ken Kocher
The Lake Oconee area has a long history of alcohol production and, at times, illicit sales
Georgians have long had a love/hate relationship with alcohol. This has been certainly true for the residents of Morgan County where the pendulum as concerns the production and sale of alcohol has swung between permissiveness and restriction. The pendulum continues to swing.
Sales
The late nineteen century was the heyday of permissiveness toward alcohol in Morgan County though this is also the time when the seeds of prohibition were planted and growing. During the 1880s and 1890s Madison generally had around five saloons downtown at any given time. The tenor of these establishments, like today, were varied. There was Chambers’ Palace Bar touted as the finest bar between Atlanta and Augusta as well as Little’s Bar where whiskey was sold “cheap enough for anyone to drink who wants to.”
Bars were often connected to billiard parlors. And what would seem odd to us today, they were also sometimes connected to a grocery store. The establishment of W.R. Daniels had all three – a family grocery in the front, a bar and restaurant behind that, and a billiard saloon behind that.
However, pouring establishments, as well as billiard
parlors and ten pin alleys, did not have a free rein downtown.
At least not at first.
An ordinance prohibited these types of businesses from Main Street and East Washington Street. This changed in 1884 when the ordinance was repealed allowing the Bearden brothers to open a grocery with a bar in the back.
The Madisonian, the local newspaper at the time, lamented that now ladies on their way to the post office would be compelled to pass such a place adding, “Surely they are entitled to some little respect, but none is shown to them in this matter.”
Yet two years later when J.L. Griffin moved into the same space with a bar and billiard saloon, the newspaper noted him as a gentleman with a splendid reputation and “as long as the whiskey trade is in the hands of such men, good people need not be unduly alarmed.”
Alcohol was also available for purchase both wholesale and retail. John Orr sold family groceries and fresh confectionaries but also “a fine lot of standard whiskeys” which he kept in a separate apartment. He also sold beer, on draught and in bottles. M.A. Mustin sold whiskeys, wines, cigars, and family groceries. In Rutledge, W.C. Terill
was selling wines, whiskeys, and cigars. Everett Atkinson, in the basement store of the Atkinson building, sold liquor both wholesale and retail, advertising for folks to “Carry your jugs, bottles, etc. to E.G. Atkinson’s for pure liquor.”
J.B. Swords urged all to “Carry your little brown jug to John B. Swords and have it filled with the best whiskey on the market.” A “big pile of jugs” could be found in front of J.L. Griffin’s store ready for the wholesale trade of whiskey.
Production
While the sale of alcohol, wholesale, retail, and by-thedrink, was robust in Madison, Morgan County was also the location of production. W.R. & J. Orr ran a distillery a few miles from Madison where “the purest corn whiskey is made daily for the trade.” Around the turn of the twentieth century, the number of distilleries in the county increased significantly. W.H. Cochran established a distillery near Madison. Later this would be incorporated as the CochranChambers Distilling Company, L.B. Chambers joining as a partner. In 1900, G.W. Aycock moved his distillery from Walton County across the line to Morgan. That same year, R.E. and J.L. Thomas established a distillery near Fairplay.
In the southern part of the county one would find Hearn’s distillery. These were all noted as “government distilleries” meaning they were licensed and taxed by the federal government. The most well-known distiller in Morgan County was J.B. Swords.
J.B. Swords had come to Morgan County in 1888 and established a distillery near Dorsey between Madison and Rutledge. The operation was in a grove of oaks and utilized water from a nearby spring. Buying western corn by the carload, which was ground on site, Swords produced around 130 gallons of corn whiskey a day which was distributed throughout middle and western Georgia and into Alabama. Of course, he also sold it at his saloon in Madison.
Always seeking to build upon his success, Swords began to buy land in the Blue Springs area of Morgan County
where, as the name suggests, there was an ample supply of pure spring water. He moved his distillery here continuing to produce corn whiskey. At the time he built up the town of Swords establishing a cotton gin, bank, black smith, and mercantile business.
On the 2,200 acres he had amassed, Swords produced cotton and timber. The histories written about J.B. Swords state that the Prohibition in the 1920s brought about the demise of the distillery business. While prohibition may have been ended Swords production, it would have been earlier, as we shall see, prohibition in Georgia preceded the national prohibition of alcohol.
The Temperance Movement
While the production and sale of liquor was in a heyday during the late nineteenth century, the pendulum was preparing to swing the other way. This is when a Georgia state chapter as well as a Madison Chapter of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was formed. At the behest of the WCTU’s Georgia chapter, William J. Northen, of Hancock County, presented a local option law to the Georgia legislature in 1881. It failed.
Nevertheless, after four years of false starts, the Georgia legislature passed the General Local Option Liquor Law in 1885. Though it did not prohibit the manufacture or sale of local wines and ciders or of medicinal or sacramental alcohol, the law did allow voters to prohibit the sale of liquor at the local level.
Morgan County held an election on Prohibition in May 1886. Nearly two thirds voted against, many of those being Madison voters. Only three months later an election was held again and the prohibitionists came out on top. Saloons disappeared from downtown. But distilleries were unaffected. They just could not sell in Morgan County and other dry counties.
Morgan County Sheriff W.H. Knight surveys the wreckage of a still found and destroyed off Bethany Road in the undated photo that ran in The Madisonian, the county’s weekly paper at the time.
While production of illegal corn liquor was heaviest from 1910 to 1930, it came roaring back in the 1960s. Morgan County Sheriff’s Deputy C.E. Lay stands next to a large still with an axe gash in the bottom. The photo was taken in 1963.
In 1907, the General Assembly passed a statewide prohibition bill which banned the production, transportation, and sale of alcohol but here was a small loophole. Low-alcohol content beverages were legal to sell per state law and soon a couple of “near-beer” saloons popped up. Madison’s solution was to charged a $5,000 license for such establishments.
The Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors in the United States, took effect in January 1920. Many Americans chafed at the restriction and grew frustrated at the rise of criminal organizations which formed to satisfy unmet demand. The Twenty-first Amendment, repealing national prohibition, was ratified on December 5, 1933, though Georgia was one of eight states never to consider the amendment. State law kept Georgia dry. The Great Depression which had taken a toll the state’s finances pushed the state toward nullification resulting in Governor E. D. Rivers signing the Revenue Tax Act to Legalize and Control Alcoholic Beverages and Liquors in 1938. Yet Morgan County remained dry.
Morgan County legalized package beer sales in 1959.
The motivating factor – revenue. Madison legalized package beer and wine sales in 1971 and package liquor sales in 1972. Beer and wine pouring was legalized by Madison in 1973 and Morgan County in 1974. Madison passed liquor by the drink in 2005 and now has Sunday sales and a brew pub but no distilleries yet. Home distilling of spirits, whether for personal use or for sale, remains illegal in Georgia – though there is a long tradition of it in Georgia and Morgan County.
Blind Tigers & Moonshine
Meanwhile, as the legality and illegality of the sale and production of alcohol swung back and forth, the illicit production and sale of liquor was always present. In larger cities, the term “blind tiger” meant an illicit bar room, a speakeasy. In Morgan County, blind tigers were more mobile, more often a sale in a back alley. Not that there were not
instances of an established location. Henry Harris was arrested in 1919 in Buckhead for selling liquor in his restaurant and soft drink stand in Coke bottles. The Madisonian reported that, “judging from all appearances he enjoyed a large and lucrative patronage.”
There was a spate of blind tiger related arrests in the 1890s and again in the 1910s. Twenty-one cases were on the docket for the 1899 term of the county court. The county court judge at the time issued a policy of issuing a reasonable fine for first offences and a sentence to the chain gang for the second. Some complained that fines were a de facto license to sell. The illegal sale of liquor appeared to be a fact of life as illustrated by an ad from a store in Dorsey, “Get a jug at Eason & Waters before you start to the blind tiger.” Of course, the supply for blind tigers came from illicit stills.
Judging by the reports of raids on stills, the production of moonshine in Morgan County was most active in 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s with revival of activity in the 1960s. Stills were found in the woods and on vacant properties. Raids were conducted by county sheriffs aided by city police and by revenue agents of from state and federal governments. While some operations were modest, many were large with substantial production capacity. Hence the often use headline for the newspaper reports, “Big Still Captured.” Stills raided ranged in size from 60 gallons to 1,000 gallons. The raids captured and destroyed hundreds of gallons of whiskey as well as thousands of gallons of mash or “beer” ready to be distilled. Other supplies and apparatus were confiscated such as sugar and fruit jars.
As the sale and production of alcohol in Georgia and Morgan County became legal, the illicit production and sale has trailed off. One can still find moonshine, but production tends to be more of a “friends and family” operation rather than a commercial production.
This advertisement ran in an issue of the 1886
The Madisonian, Morgan County’s weekly newspaper at the time. The W.J. & J. Orr company advertised their locally made whiskey stating “Morgan county Whiskey a speciality.”
A surveyor’s map shows the 100 block of Madison’s East Jefferson Street contained both five saloons and a billiard parlor.
BACK TO BASICS
Community Roots offers authentic organic selections for health conscious consumers
By Emily Whitten | Photos by Mallory Agnew
For health conscious consumers, shopping at Community Roots Market in Madison is a way to prioritize nutrition in their lives. Dianne Halloran, a regular
shopper at the market, is one such person. “I feel like when you’re spending your money there are certain priorities you have and I feel what you put in your body has got
to be top priority,” she said.
She shops at the market at least once a week to purchase chicken, salmon and whatever other vegetables and produce are for sale. Food quality can be “so questionable,” but she can shop at the market and feel confident she is buying organic and locally grown, seasonal items.
The market’s customers say this makes the food healthier and better tasting. Cindi Fetch, the owner of the market on Hancock Street, agreed. She said it is common for her customers to sample her products and to be amazed at the taste. People will say, “I had no idea that broccoli was supposed to taste like this,” Fetch said.
The same can be said about the market’s beef, chicken and fish. Halloran described the market’s chicken as having a more tender texture compared to chicken purchased elsewhere. She also expressed similar thoughts about the salmon.
Once after eating the salmon, her husband told her, “this is the best salmon I’ve ever had and I don’t like salmon.”
Beth Scott is another regular shopper at the market, often buying vegetables and proteins. “I am a person who likes to eat and I like to cook and I like to use good products so the end result is satisfying and healthy,” Scott said. She recently prepared a “delicious meal” with pork chops, green beans and sweet potatoes purchased at the market.
“We’re all supposed to be eating healthier now and the advice is to eat seasonally,” Scott said. When you buy food from the market, you know it is a seasonal product, Scott said.
Fetch said recently harvested organic food is filled with flavor and nutrition that she enjoys talking about with her customers, often giving suggestions on how to cook the food.
All of the produce, meat and fish in her store comes from organic, local farms and fisheries. She also carries organic pastas, dry goods, herbs, beverages and a great selection of wines.
The food has no added preservatives and chemicals. It also is produced in the
Community Roots, on Hancock Street in Madison, has become a local gathering spot for customers searching for an organic, locally sourced alternative.
Madisonian Beth Scott and Lake Oconee residents Carrie Boyett, McKenzie Hightower and Tonya Fuller enjoy an afternoon at Community Roots.
best way for the environment by strictly following regenerative farming practices, Fetch said.
“It’s basically leaving the soil better than you found it,” Fetch said. And eating food grown locally and consumed shortly after harvest is an important part of that process, she said.
“I think it’s great she’s using local farmers,” Scott said. “That’s good for all of us.”
Often food bought elsewhere does not arrive at the market until days after harvest, meaning the food is long past its peak level of taste and nutrition, Fetch said. Then the food is often tossed away uneaten because it degrades so quickly after purchase.
This leads to waste of food that will never biodegrade properly, Fetch said, using the example of a banana peel. Even it will not decompose properly when it is disposed of in the ground surrounded by plastics, she said.
“Food waste is probably one of the easiest ways we can make a positive impact without too much effort,” Fetch said.
To further aid in the process, all of her products are packaged in biodegradable packages which are good for the soil, which in turn means more nutritious-rich food. It is part of a cycle that benefits everyone.
“If you don’t have healthy soil you don’t have ground to stand on,” Fetch said.
Although organic farming and meat production is a longer process that produces a smaller amount of product, this results in a healthier, more flavorful product even for spices and salt, Fetch said.
“The amount that you use for this salt is so much less,” Fetch said. “You use so
much less; it is so intense in flavor.”
To maintain the quality of her products, Fetch said she visits the local farmers to view their practices.
“They have to have the right practices in place for me to work with them,” she said.
Fetch said she first became interested in eating this way while working in finedining restaurants in Atlanta.
“I quickly understood this was a whole different educational opportunity,” she said “I really sunk my teeth in and learned as much as I could while I was there.”
Now as a mother to two young children, she thinks it is important that people understand the relationship between food and farmers. She wants her children to know where we get food.
“I think they have a good understanding of food,” She said, adding that they have a good connection to the earth and understand what food should taste like.
After relocating to Madison, and going through the COVID-19 pandemic, she realized local farmers needed support in marketing their products. She opened the market in April 2021 to help meet that need. The market’s focus on nutrition goes beyond just food to include a book club where members read books about food culture. The market also advertises a walking and running club.
“I think it shows a healthy community when something like this exists.” Fetch said.
Halloran said she began shopping at the market soon after it opened, excited to
have a local business to purchase food of this type. She says there is value to what Fetch and Community Roots offer. She described the market as a gift to the community. “I think we have to support her and support what she stands for, which is healthy food and healthy bodies,” Halloran said.
Scott said she has found a community of people who are regular shoppers of the market. Like Halloran, she lives close enough to downtown to walk to the market several times a week.
“We’re really fortunate that she opened up that store,” Scott said.
Community Roots offers a wide selection of interesting wine at its Hancock Street store.
Community Roots offers an interesting book selection, along with fresh dill from Diamond Hill Farm, along with its selection of fresh produce and protein.
Fresh produce is always on display
Community Roots owner Cindi Fetch says she sources for items from local farms that meet certain standards. “They have to have the right practices in place for me to work with them.”
EXPERIENCE THE WONDER MAKE IT
A TRADITION
Presented by the UGA Offi ce of the President, Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden in Athens is a festive way to celebrate with friends and family this season. Visit the Winter Wondercave, purchase a hot chocolate or other beverage and continue your stroll along Jingle Bell Lane. Stop to purchase a sweet treat at the s’more roasting stations and see why this was voted Best Local Event for three years in a row.
IN A SINGLE, PROFOUND DAY, LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN 100 LIVES
By Tia Lynn Ivey | Photography by Clay Benfield
It has been said that a smiling face is a beautiful one, but if you’re insecure about what lies beneath your smile, you may be reluctant to flash a grin from ear to ear.
But that’s a problem the team at Lake Oconee Dentistry was hoping to solve for as many people in need as possible. In October, a group of generous doctors, hygienists, and assistants hosted the Smiles from the Heart event, offering an entire day of free dental care to the local public, giving nearly 100 people back their
beaming smiles.
“Smiles from the Heart is a way for us to help those who have no means of affording much-needed dental care,” said Dr. David Bradley, co-owner of Lake Oconee Dentistry. “Oral health plays a significant role in a person’s overall health. Most of these people haven’t had care in quite some time.”
In the early morning of Friday, Oct. 4, a total of 99 patients arrived outside of the Greensboro dental office hoping to receive sorely-needed dental care they
Te’Amber Gilbert, Makayla Mathis, Dr. Shelly Pound and Bri Smith take a moment during the Smiles from the Heart event.
otherwise could not afford.
This year’s Smile From the Heart event provided over $30,000 worth of dental care, as patients chose between a free cleaning, filling or extraction.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve been happy about my smile and y’all changed that today,” said Brittany Moore, one of the patients who received care at the event. “I’m so grateful for your whole staff. They were beyond awesome.”
The staff at Lake Oconee Dentistry were encouraged by the turnout, happy to see patients leave their chairs with healthy mouths and sparkling teeth to confidently flash their refreshed smiles.
“It was a day full of smiles,” said a statement from the staff.
“We helped so many amazing people,” said Makayla Mathis, a dental assistant for Lake Oconee Dentistry who volunteered to work the event.
Mathis was touched by the stories of the patients she saw throughout the day, learning many delayed dental care for years due to the hefty costs.
Lake Oconee Dentistry’s Dr. Patti Bradley works on a patient during the Smiles from the Heart event in October.
More than 100 people were given a clean bill of dentistry health for no charge at the Smiles from the Heart event in October.
“One of my patients told me she had been watching the newspaper for years hoping to see us extend the invitation to the public,” said Mathis, who noted the charity event in previous years had only been open to first responders and not the general public. “She was very thankful.”
Mathis said volunteering to work on patients who cannot normally afford dental care was both empowering and humbling.
“Helping people who can’t afford regular dental care was a deeply humbling experience. It reminded me that access to health should never be a privilege, but a right. Seeing the relief and joy on their faces showed me that even the smallest act of care can have a profound impact on someone’s well-being and confidence. It was a powerful reminder of why I chose this path,” said Mathis.
Michelle Alexander, a dental assistant at Lake Oconee Dentistry for eight years, has served as a long-time volunteer for the free dental work days at the practice.
“It has been an honor to be a part of many free dentistry days. The reason I chose to be a dental assistant was to help improve people’s smiles and build confidence,” said Alexander. “Smiles from the Heart was a heartwarming, special day. As a team, we were able to get over a hundred people out of pain and help prevent pain. All the patients were so appreciative and kind. It is so important for people to help one another. I get way more out of giving than receiving. I am so blessed to get to work at such a giving practice.”
Another dental assistant, Tarin Lawrence, found the event particularly moving as she worked on patients from her hometown in need.
“I am a Greensboro native. This event really impacted me because we were able to help so many people from my own community,” said Lawrence.
Jessica Stanley, who also volunteered to work the event, says it was a rewarding experience to give her time to help a good cause.
“Serving at Smiles from the Heart was truly an honor. People come in needing help and it’s great knowing we have the ability to help,” said Stanley. “Volunteering allowed me to help make a positive impact in our community. I’m thankful the Bradleys have put together such an amazing event to help give back to people.”
Lake Oconee Dentistry Co-Owner
Dr. David Bradley explains the process to a patient at the Smiles from the Heart event at Lake Oconee Dentistry.
More than 100 people were able to have dental work free of charge during the Smiles from the Heart event held at Lake Oconee Dentistry including this woman who receives care from Dr. Patti Bradley.
Registration for the Smiles from the Heart event began bright and early at 7:30 a.m., with a line beginning to form several hours earlier than that, as patients hoped to secure their spot in the program.
According to Lake Oconee Dentistry, Drs. David and Patti Bradley, Dr. Shelly Pound, Dr. Andrea Feldman, Dr. Grant Dawson and Dr. Jamie Crowley were joined by Dr. David Miller of Lake Oconee Oral Surgery Center to treat as many people as possible that day.
This year’s event broadened the scope of services and resources as other community partners volunteered to attend, connecting those in need to a variety of helpful programs. The event touted informational packets concerning help with domestic violence, food insecurity, housing, social support and community groups for children and families, and other vital services to those in need.
“While Lake Oconee Dentistry has hosted free days of dentistry since 2008, this year the practice expanded its vision for the event by inviting a variety of local community groups to share information about their organization and the services they provide,” said Lake Oconee Dentistry.
Community groups who volunteered at the event included Circle of Love Women’s Shelter, Greene County Habitat for Humanity, ATLAS Ministry, Greene County Food Pantry, Greene County Christian Outreach, The Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, and Victory Train.
“The response from the community groups was amazing,” said Bradley. “It’s our hope that, in having these groups present, we were able to help connect people with resources that they were unaware of and are available to them.”
Volunteers from Lakeside Church also joined in to provide refreshments and entertainment while patients waited to be seen by the dental teams.
“[They] were on hand to assist, setting up a tailgating trailer with big screen t.v. and grilling hot dogs for attendees. Marco’s Pizza generously
donated lunch for the volunteers,” said a release.
“This event was really a community-wide effort,” said Bradley. “It was a privilege to be able to care for so many people.”
Drs. David and Patti Bradley opened Lake Oconee Dentistry in 1998. According to the office, “In addition to providing standard preventive maintenance exams and professional cleanings, Lake Oconee
Dr. David Miller, owner of Lake Oconee Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, teamed with Lake Oconee Dentistry to handle extractions during the Smiles from the Heart event.
Dr. Shelly Pound spends a minute with a patient during the Smiles from the Heart event.
Dentistry offers short-term orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, dental implant placement and restoration, teeth whitening, and oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea. Lake Oconee Dentistry is proud to be recognized as the area’s “Best Dentist” by readers of The Lake Oconee Breeze for 13 years running and has won the award for “Best Customer Service” and “Best Overall Business” for several consecutive years.”
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call the Lake Oconee Dentistry Office at (706) 453-1333.
Technician Breanna Price assists Lake Oconee Dentistry’s Dr. Jamie Crowley during the Smiles from the Heart event.
434 S. Main Street, Madison, GA 30650 706-342-4743 For More Information, Visit: WWW.MMCC-ARTS.ORG
Winter/Spring 2025
Sean of the South - Mainstage Performance
January 24th | 7:00pm | MMCC Auditorium | Tickets: $35
Come for an evening of storytelling and music in our Historic Auditorium with Sean Dietrich AKA "Sean of the South". Sean will be playing songs and sharing stories of growing up in the American South. Sean is a columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the South. His work has appeared in many publications including Southern Living and Garden and Gun. He has authored 15 books and regularly makes appearances on Grand Ole Opry. This event is part of our Open Mic Storytelling Festival on January 24th and 25th! Come share your story!
Mardi Gras Gala - A Midwinter Night’s Dream
Feburary 8th| 7:30-11:00pm | The Hall on Foster | Tickets: $150
Come dressed to the nines to this black-tie affair! Prepare to be dazzled by the fashionable French Quarter stylings of New Orleans. Savor Harvest & Honey’s Cajun tapas and Creole dessert stations while enjoying drinks from the full bar. Wander down a secret entrance to the Casino Lights of our speakeasy and burn up the dance floor like you’re on Bourbon Street! Remember your mask and make sure it's fabulous…prizes will be flowing with the champagne! Tickets for Members are $150. Tickets for Non-Members are $200 and includes one year membership to MMCC!
Madison Antiques Show & Sale
March 21-22| 10:00am - 5:00 pm | The Hall on Foster
Join us for one of our most popular events! This year’s Antiques Show and Sale will feature unique dealers from across the nation who will be displaying the best in American antiques and accessories predominantly from the South. Items range from furniture and vintage linens to silver, pottery, and fine art. Free lectures at 9AM Friday and Saturday before the show. Tickets for show at the door $10. Preview Party Tickets $50.
A HIGH FLYING PROPOSITION
With a recent expansion, TJ Bishops now brings the world of men’s fashion to Main Street
By Tia Lynn Ivey | Photos by Crystal Pittman
A young South Carolinian girl dreamed of leaving her small rural town one day to travel the world. Little did she know, her 30-plus-year career as a flight attendant traipsing around the globe would enrich her fashion tastes and sharpen her eye for style, sparking a new passion in retired life to become a successful merchant after resettling in a new small town of Madison, Ga.
Theresa Bishop, owner of the popular men’s apparel shop in downtown, TJ Bishop’s, is celebrating the store’s growing success with a recent expansion that doubled the size of the upscale store to a sprawling 3,800 square-feet inside of the historic Baldwin Building.
The atmosphere of the shop itself blends historic motifs with modern travel. The walls are exposed brick, a subtle reminder of the Baldwin building’s longstanding history in Madison, built at the dawn of the Civil War in 1865. Model airplanes and propellers serve as decor throughout the shop, a testament to Theresa’s earlier life as a flight attendant sailing through the skies with her beloved husband Dean, who is an accomplished pilot to this day.
“We love our travel theme,” says Theresa. “It’s been a huge part of our lives.”
The crisp scent of earthy leather permeates the shop as customers navigate their way through an extensive collection of handpicked merchandise that mirror both the timeless classics and current popular trends of men’s fashion.
“We can outfit any man from the socks up,” says Theresa, who noted the store offers everything from t-shirts, jeans and ball caps to sports jackets, ties, and formalwear.
Carrying over 50 respected brands renowned for quality, durability, and comfort,
TJ Bishops recently expanded the store into a massive 3,800 square feet shop on Madison’s Main Street. The store is located in a circa 1860s building downtown.
TJ Bishop’s offers a wide selection of men’s clothing and accessories for any occasion.
Shoppers explore the racks to find a diverse variety of shoes and boots, polos and sweaters, and even an extensive selection of UGA merchandise. Customers can even rent tuxedos through the eclectic shop.
While Theresa, and sometimes Dean, are standing by to assist customers, TJ Bishop’s boasts of a knowledgeable sales associates team, with Jill Jubelt, Russell Carter, and Mark Lanier, ready to direct, advise and checkout clients.
The six-month renovation and expansion was a labor of love, as Theresa envisioned the possibilities for the new space, ordering new merchandise for the Fall and Holiday seasons.
“It was finished just in time to put out our new Fall line,” says Theresa, who regularly attends “the big shows” across the country showcasing the latest fashion trends. “We have tons of leather and suede jackets for this season. We have soft and traditional styles and even some youthful looks with hoods.”
Theresa says the expansion has empowered the shop to broaden the scope of merchandise offered in the store.
“There is something for everyone,” says Theresa. “We want everyone who comes into our store to find something for them.”
Pricing also reflects this goal, as the store offers shirts as low as $30 to sports jackets as high as $600.
“There is a huge range in the store,” says Theresa. “We want to offer affordable selections without compromising on quality, so we are not the kind of store where customers come in and find us pretentious. All of our lines are highquality, but we have chosen pieces in a way that makes it possible for customers on any kind of budget to find something for them.”
Theresa, who owns the historic Baldwin Building in Downtown Madison, was operating two shops out of the location, TJ Bishop’s and Madison Square Collection. Theresa decided to move Madison Square Collection into her oldest shop business, BB&G, a local gift shop she opened 21 years ago, in order to make room to expand TJ Bishop’s.
“We combined the spaces and opened it up with the addition of a double doorway,” explains Theresa. “We listen to our customers and what
Theresa Bishop was born in a small South Carolina town, travelled the world as an international flight attendant and settled in Madison with her husband Dean. Her men’s shop blends a historic motif with her love of modern travel and fashion.
TJ Bishops offers both casual, sports wear along with sophisticated selections
kind of things they are looking for, so we knew we needed more space because we needed to offer our customers more brands and clothing selections.”
Theresa says TJ Bishop’s has secured the Peter Millar line, a men’s brand frequently requested by patrons coming through the shop.
“We are very excited about the addition of Peter Millar and are now offering a big selection from the line,” says Theresa. “Peter Millar is something that a lot of customers were asking for. The quality is excellent. It’s a youthful brand that is athletic.”
Other popular brands carried in TJ Bishop’s include: Tommy Bahama, Johnny O, Hart Schaffner Marx Barbour, Kuhl, Duckhead, and Madison Creek Outfitters. The store is also launching its own line offering clothing sporting the store’s logo.
After more than two decades as a successful merchant, Theresa is still surprised by the turn her life took from soaring high in the sky as an international flight attendant to planting her feet firmly on the ground to manage three bustling shops in a quaint historic town like Madison.
“I never thought I’d have my own shops,” says Theresa, whose passion for travel ruled her earlier life. “I was able to travel all over the world and saw things I never imagined. After a while, you start to take notice of the furniture, the clothes,
the styles, all the things I never saw in my little hometown. I started doing these European shopping trips and shipping antiques back here.”
Theresa says her start as a shop owner began with her love of antiques from all over the world and slowly grew into what would become BB&G, her popular gift shop in Downtown Madison. Theresa and Dean relocated permanently to Madison from North Atlanta in the early 2000s, falling in love with the “calmer” way of life and immersed themselves in the local community. Selling antiques was Theresa’s first venture in Madison.
“The antiques didn’t last long, but it did get us started,” says Theresa. Eventually, Theresa’s sharp eye moved toward fashion, opening Madison Square Collection, a women’s clothing store and finally opening TJ Bishops in August of 2020.
“The demand for men’s apparel was something we heard again and again, so when we were opening the store, I was scrambling for a name that would be a good fit,” says Theresa, who chose TJ Bishop’s as a nod to her youth.
“I am TJ Bishop,” laughs Theresa, whose maiden name is Jahnt. “Only my oldest and closest friends know me by TJ, but that is what they used to call me back in the day.”
After settling on the name, Theresa set out to do what she does best as a skilled fashion hunter. Theresa enjoys nothing more than “the hunt” to track down the perfect pieces with which to stock her stores, looking for quality pieces from all over the world that still suit the tastes of the local client base in a rural southern community.
A travel motif is present around the shop. Owner Theresa Bishop and her husband Dean, a pilot, have traveled the world and brought the experience gained home.
Comfortable leather chairs are part of a waiting area inside the warm shop.
“We go to the big apparel shows in New York, Dallas, Chicago, and other cities across the country to find our merchandise,” explains Theresa. “The trick is finding what our customers want. You are looking at things that are being advertised all over the country and all over the world, you have to figure out what would work for your customer base. What people are going to buy in Madison, Georgia could be very different from what someone in New York or California would buy. It’s a completely different market.”
Even with the expansion under her belt and a fully stocked store with new popular brands, Theresa will always be on the hunt for future additions.
“You have to keep looking,” says Theresa. “You can’t just say, ‘we are full and it looks great,’ and that’s it. You have to keep watching to see what you need to add what’s new to keep up with the trends and what is in demand.”
Theresa says TJ Bishop’s is a one-stop shop for all the clothing needs of men, and even offering some accessories for women.
“People come in our store and are relieved they can find everything they need without having to go all the way to Atlanta,” says Theresa.
TJ Bishop’s is located at 137 South Main Street in Madison, Georgia. The store is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Staff member Mark Lanier, owner Theresa Bishop, her husband Dean Bishop, staff member Jill Jubelt and staff member Russell Carter.
Silk handkerchiefs are displayed next to the exposed brick that gives the shop a comfortable ambiance.
Refined Elegance Driven By Community
TOWN 220 WITHSTANDS THE REST OF TIME WITH BOTH CONSISTENCY AND INNOVATION THAT MAKES EVERY MEAL SPECIAL
BY CRYSTAL JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL PITTMAN
The beating heart of any restaurant is its kitchen. Town 220’s kitchen is the staccato beat of chefs moving in rhythm, the door swinging open and closed behind busy servers to let in the murmur of conversation from the dining room, the sound of energetic voices punctuated by laughter, the clang of pots and pans, the wheels of delivery carts rolling in and out, phones ringing, and fresh food creating a fragrant medley of spices.
Adjacent to the kitchen is a modest office, belonging to Town 220’s General Manager Shauna MacKinnon, who masterfully leads the restaurant staff to provide an upscale dining experience renowned for both its lavish atmosphere and authentic cuisine.
MacKinnon has a long history with Town 220, which is owned by Olaf Gunnarsson, an Icelandic businessman who bought Town 220 just last year. MacKinnon spent 12 years on staff as a manager and even navigated pandemic closures and changes, which included losing a valued staff member to COVID-19. She left for a time to explore other opportunities before returning 18 months ago to the place she calls home.
Home is an apt description of Town 220 where the staff has a friendly, family feel to it.
“ We had a review a couple of weeks ago that made my whole entire day,” MacKinnon shares. “The customer was saying that it looks like everybody is happy at their job and that made their whole dinner experience.”
MacKinnon returned to Town 220 at the behest of the new owner, Olaf Gunnarsson, a long-time patron of Town 220 who decided to buy the restaurant when the former owners retired. But his one condition before making the purchase was that MacKinnon return to run it.
“She is the one who really runs the show,” says Gunnarsson. “I am the investor and the beneficiary of her great work.”
Gunnarsson, an Icelandic businessman who has lived all over the world, never dreamed he would own a restaurant in a small historic town like Madison, Ga. As the former president of Rema TipTop, Gunnarsson frequently dined at Town 220 over the course of two decades.
“I had been eating there for 17 years,” says Gunnarsson. “The former owner, Francisco, just came up to me while I was eating dinner there and asked me when I was going to buy the place from him? I don’t know if I was drunk or what, but I agreed,” laughs Gunnarsson.
So in 2023, Gunnarsson acquired Town 220 with MacKinnon back at the helm. Under the pair’s leadership, Town 220 has undergone quite a glow-up with stylish renovations to the bathrooms, private rooms, and the addition of a hanging roof over the patio dining area, as well as some new equipment for the kitchen.
“ We have brightened things up and added some color which has boosted the atmosphere quite a bit for our guests,” says Gunnarsson.
The expansive bar at Town 220 has always been a popular meeting place for people from across the region and features and extensive wine list and cocktail menu.
Town 220 is also poised to release a brand new menu in November, retaining some of the old favorites while introducing fresh mouth-watering dishes that are sure to be a hit with patrons, old and new alike.
Gunnarsson has also brought in world-class chefs from around the globe to cook with the kitchen staff for a week at a time, to whip authentic ethnic cuisine.
“So far we have brought in chefs from Iceland and Italy to cook with our kitchen staff, offering authentic dishes to our guests from their home countries,” says Gunnarsson. “This is something I like to do and I intend to bring in more chefs from different areas of the world to bring more culture to our restaurant and bring authenticity to our food. Our visitors deserve that and it enriches our culinary experience in Madison.”
One thing that has stayed the same is the close-knit staff with a high morale and even higher work ethic. One would be hard pressed to find an unhappy server or disgruntled employee roaming around Town 220. The service flows seamlessly with just enough attention to feel valued without feeling smothered. Servers slyly replenish drinks so the glasses are never empty, while the pace of appetizers, main courses, and desserts arrive in a steady flow as the friendly staff ensures waiting tables have everything they need.
While the restaurant is a business, MacKinnon’s warm tone toward her staff is clearly personal. She talked about the longevity of several staff members and how her chefs love to get creative to
The light and airy dining room at Town 220 provides a comfortable ambience for diners.
Fresh flowers offer a hint at the elegance to come at Town 220.
In cooler weather, the restaurant provides heaters on its outdoor deck for an amazing dining experience.
accommodate dietary restrictions, mentioning that they are always happy to accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dining options and want all guests to feel welcome. Because the majority of the menu is made fresh and delivered fresh daily, the menu changes with the seasons but accommodations are made year round for any diner.
Like any truly great manager, MacKinnon allows each member of her team to play to their strengths, and positive reviews are further evidence of their effectiveness. Her “team-player” management style serves as the underpinning for overall warmth of the working environment. She is never too busy to answer the phone, refill a glass, or welcome guests herself to a table.
The family feeling inside Town 220 also extends outward. Community involvement is an important part of MacKinnon’s plans for Town 220. MacKinnon praised local artist Beverly Jones, who has donated her artwork to hang on the walls of Town 220. Several local farms and bakeries also work with Town 220 to provide a “farm-to-table” aspect of the restaurant. Shoots and Spores Mushroom provides the mushrooms in dishes such as the ham and mushroom barley soup. 2.0 Farm provides fresh, seasonal produce. The cheesecakes on the dessert menu are from Jack’s Cheesecake, a successful business owned and operated by an autistic teenager in Watkinsville. Choate Farms provides lamb for the menu, and Independent Baking Company of Athens provides fresh-baked bread daily. MacKinnon also brings in students from
Town 220 bartender Mitch Bolby puts the finishing touches on an Espresso Martini.
and classical guitar during weekend dinners.
MacKinnon says all of these local partnerships “contribute to our success.”
MacKinnon doesn’t just utilize local businesses for farm fresh meat and produce. She also sees herself as an integral part of the larger community with a pivotal role to play. She doesn’t view other businesses as competition. Rather, she’s far more interested in collaboration and even talked about having her eye on a local coffee company that she would enjoy partnering with to serve their delicious coffee. She mentioned Amici’s live music with admiration and talked about how her live music complements but doesn’t compete with their wonderful music scene.
The idea of community might be as much a heart of this business as the kitchen itself. MacKinnon spoke of community outreach efforts and a desire to make a positive impact locally. Town 220 recently supported the arts by sponsoring a concert at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. They also donated eight three-course dinners to a silent auction benefiting the Greensboro Boys and Girls Club.
Her vision for Town 220 is to enhance what is already working well. A beloved local establishment, MacKinnon doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel but instead just give it that extra shine. The patio is open to diners, and screens and heaters will go up as the
YOUR UNITED BANK Dream Team
A perfect Espresso Martini. The drink, while not a signature Town 220 cocktail, is a popular addition to any dining experience.
temperatures drop to help provide a warm and cozy dining experience with a view of Round Bowl Spring Park. Inside, the centrally-located fireplace – a favorite seating area for guests – is ready to provide a warmer welcome in these cooler temperatures.
Town 220 is more than an upscale fine dining restaurant. It’s a local favorite that has withstood economic ups and downs, staffing changes, and a global pandemic. It’s still serving up an elegant atmosphere with fresh food made by skilled chefs in a spacious dining room that still somehow manages to pull off an intimate dining experience.
As much as they would love to see new diners visit for the first time, they also want to honor the regulars who have supported Town 220 over the years.
“Ultimately, Town 220 is the same place it has always been. The atmosphere is excellent. We have a great staff in the kitchen, a great staff of servers and a wonderful bar,” says Gunnarsson. The location is inviting. But there is more to come for Town 220 as we continue to invest further into the restaurant. Just wait and see.”
Despite the staffing challenges of the restaurant industry, the Town 220 is now fully staffed and open for lunch on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The doors open for dinner Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Town 220 is located at 220 West Washington Street in Madison, Georgia.
Town 220’s General Manager Shauna MacKinnon has been a mainstay at the popular Madison restaurant for more than a decade.
Winter Happenings
December
Dec. 1
The Madison Artists Gallery and Guild will host its 6th annual Holiday Market at 125 W. Jefferson St., through Dec. 31 and “Red,” a themed exhibition of original works by MAGallery Artists through Dec. 28.themadisonartistsguild.orga
The Artisans Village Art Gallery, at 118 N. Jefferson St. Eatonton, will continue to offer Gifts From the Heart during the holiday season. theartisansvillage.org
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens will host Winter Wonder Lights from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on select nights through Dec. 30. Tickets purchased online. botgarden.uga.edu
Dec. 3
The Georgia Writers Museum at 109 S. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton, will host Meet the Author at 7 p.m. with author Tori Whitaker, Tickets purchased online for $40.georgiawritersmuseum.org
Dec. 5
Madison will host candlelight shopping from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays in downtown Madison. madisonga.com
The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton will host One Christmas Night in Memphis at 7 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased online. plazacenter.org
The Lake Country Chorus will perform “A Tinseltown Christmas” from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at First Methodist Church, Greensboro. Tickets cost $25 and are available at Bank South, Greensboro or from chorus members.
A Christmas Evening in Eatonton will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with late night shopping and dining. downtowneatonton.com
Dec.
6
The Plaza Lighting of the Tree will take place in downtown Greensboro from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. downtowngreensboroga. com
The Madison Holiday Tour of Homes will take place Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. mmcc-arts.org
Madison businesses will host Open Late Downtown for the Holiday Tour of Homes from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7 madisonga.com
Dec. 7
Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge will host Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $3. Free for children three-years-old and younger. The cost of parking is $5.
Nathanael Green Academy, Georgia 15, Siloam, will host a Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
University of Georgia Extension Rock Eagle 4-H Center will host Tompkins Inn Christmas from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $5 a person with children four and younger getting in free with a paying adult.
The Plaza Arts Center, in Eatonton, will host an event with Santa from 10 a.m. until noon. plazacenter.org
Georgia Botanical Gardens
Tompkins Inn
Farmview Market in Madison will host its Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. farmviewmarket.com
Dec. 10
First Call Pregnancy Center’s Christmas Concert will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Greensboro. lakeoconeelife.com
Dec. 13
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center will host a Burchfield Family Christmas from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hall on Foster. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $25 and children accompanied by a parent are free. mmcc-arts.org
Dec. 14
The Christmas in Eatonton parade will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown Eatonton. downtowneatonton.com
Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge will host Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $3. Free for children three-years-old and younger. The cost of parking is $5.
Madison will host a parade from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. After the parade, Madison will host Caroling by Candlelight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Town Park featuring a free concert by The Missile Toes. madisonga.com
Greensboro will host the Greene County History Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 201 E. Green St. downtowngreensboroga.com
OPAS, Oconee Performing Arts Society will host Fa-La-La with Vocalist Morgan James and the OPAS Philharmonic. OPAS.org
Dec. 15
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center will host the Community Holiday Concert from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free but tickets must be picked up in advance with a maximum of six tickets per person. Donation of canned goods for the Caring Place is encouraged.mmcc-arts. org
Dec. 19
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center will host the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. mmcc-arts.org
The Joe Gransden Holiday Show will take place at Festival Hall in downtown Greensboro. festivalhallga.com
Dec. 21
Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge will host Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Cost is $3, Free for children 3-years-old and younger. The cost of parking is $5
Dec. 22
Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge will host Holiday Wagon Rides with Santa from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Cost is $3, Free for children three-years-old and younger. The cost of parking is $5.
Covenant Park Church will host David and Kylie Knight, a husband-and-wife Christian illusionist duo, at 7 p.m. knightillusionists.com
January
Jan. 2
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens the garden will offer Wonder Lights Disco Nights, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Jan. 2 to Jan 5. botgarden.uga. edu
Morgan James
Burchfield Family Christmas Eatontonton Parade
Jan. 24
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center will host Sean of the South: Storyteller, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the MMCC’s historic theater.Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $35 per person. mmcc-arts.org
The Madison Artists Gallery and Guild, at 125 W. Jefferson St. will hold an opening reception for Barbara Odil, a mixed media and natural sculpture artist. themadisonartistsguild.org
Jan. 29
The Georgia Writers Museum, 109 S. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton will host Meet
the Author at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $40. georgiawritersmuseum.org
Jan 31
Madison will host Ladies’ Night during Fifth Friday in Downtown Madison. madisonga.com
February
Feb. 1
Madison will host Loving Local Raffle from Feb. 1 to 8 during business hours in downtown Madison. madisonga.com
Feb. 21
OPAS, Oconee Performing Arts Society will host Mardi Gras and All That Jazz with trumpeter and vocalist Byron Stripling at Barrel 118, Eatonton. opas.org
Feb. 22
The Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton, will host its fourth Writers Retreat. georgiawriters.museum.org
Left: Gold and Red by Mark Nelson. Right: Madison Artist Guild Gaia by Barbara Odil
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