Page 33 - Blairsville NCG 2023

BYRON HERBERT REECE FARM Farm Life
Poetic Window into

Appalachian

EXPERIENCE BYRON HERBERT REECE FARM & HERITAGE CENTER
by Lydia Cobb

yron Herbert Reece (1917-1958) is North Georgia’s
treasured poet whose homestead preserves
B Appalachian life as it was in the early 1900s
in a deep valley beside Wolf Creek.

Visit the Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Farm. “Everything inside is very well
Heritage Center to explore the restored documented and shows people how
farm buildings and exhibits that things were done when the Reeces
illuminate stories about the “Farmer had their farm there.”
Poet.” Known as Hub, Reece was born
in the Choestoe District of Union Beginning April 12 through mid-
County. His family homestead has been November, you can interact with
preserved for generations of visitors exhibits featuring living farm animals.
to offer a window into the soulful Whisper to donkeys, goats, and
connections Reece had with the lands chickens and feed them! Admire the
and life of the region. The Reece Farm vegetable and fruit gardens – produce
honors both his literary achievements you can buy onsite when it’s in
and his dedication to Appalachian farm season. The Reece Farm holds many
life in the early 20th century. surprises for visitors who explore the
“Visitors enjoy the peace and quiet restored barns, corn crib, chicken
and the history of all the items in the house, smokehouse, and spring house.
exhibits in the barn and Mulberry Hernden added that kids relate to things
Hall where Byron did a lot of his in everyday life, like calling the spring
writing,” said Michelle Hernden, special house a country refrigerator that kept
events manager with Union County the eggs and milk cool. And kids love
Recreation Department at the Reece to explore the streams.

30 Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce