VOICES

Finding Byron Herbert Reece

For almost eight years a group of dedicated individuals in the Byron Herbert Reece Society have been working to honor and preserve the literary and cultural legacies of one of North Georgia’s own.  Designated as Georgia’s Appalachian Poet/Novelist, Reece was born in Union County, where he lived while writing his poems and novels.  His works provide an honest insight into the people and places of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region he called home.  He attended Young Harris College as a student and then later returned to teach English.  He was both a farmer and a writer.

The Byron Herbert Reece Society has spearheaded the effort to develop the Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center on U.S. 129 south of Blairsville and north of Cleveland, only one mile from Vogel State Park.  The Center will be a tribute to Reece and his literary works as well as a glimpse into life on the farm in Southern Appalachia.  Construction has begun and progress is being made.

Through a Grassroots Arts Grant, the Society was able to produce the enclosed video, which we hope you will use at every appropriate opportunity to educate locals and visitors alike about Byron Herbert Reece and the Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center project.  When completed, the project will truly be a historical and cultural gem.  You will also be interested to know that this “Voices” video will be distributed to public middle schools and libraries in the 37 county Appalachian region of North Georgia.

For more information on the Byron Herbert Reece Society and the Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center project, go to www.ByronHerbertReeceSociety.org. 

You can also contact Mr. Fleming Weaver via email (wataugadr@bellsouth.net) to get details on ordering additional copies to sell in your visitor’s center.  The retail price is $15.00 plus $3.00 for shipping and handling, and we will wholesale them to you at $8.00 for your resale.  This would be a great addition to video libraries at lodging properties and retreat centers in your area, as well as a nice program for groups.

Verified teachers can purchase the DVD for $15.00 with Lesson Plan.  Contact Mr. Fleming Weaver at wataugadr@bellsouth.net.

In Voices, people who knew him bring humanity to the magical presence of Byron Herbert Reece.  These people include Mildred Greear, Philip Greear, Bettie Sellers, Zell Miller, James Mathis, Dora Spiva, Clyde Collins, Sue Collins, Eugene Dyer, Dorothy Dyer, Raymond Cook and Ethelene Jones.