Historically accurate outdoor drama reveals life in Sautee Nacoochee
SAUTEE NACOOCHEE, GEORGIA–APRIL 2023–The Friends of Hardman Farm State Historic site, in partnership with Piedmont University’s North Georgia Theatre, will present “Valley Voices,” an outdoor drama June 1-3 and 8-10, 2023, at Hardman Farm, 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia.
Written by the multi-talented North Georgia storyteller, local author and playwright Emory Jones, “Valley Voices” tells the stories of those who lived, worked and loved in Nacoochee Valley through the centuries. This realistic and historically accurate play features authentic costumes, live horses and even an antique car.
“Several of us locals, along with Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials, have wanted to see an outdoor drama come to North Georgia for years,” Jones says. “That finally happened when ‘Valley Voices’ made its premiere in June of 2022 to sellout audiences. Hopefully, this outdoor drama will continue to grow and become an annual event at Hardman Farm.”
Hardman Farm Assistant Manager Sarah Summers notes that having Piedmont University’s Theater Department Chair Kathy Blandin direct the play and Piedmont theater professor Bill Gabelhausen be the acting coach and play the role of Calvin Hunnicutt will make this performance special. “Kathy and Bill have assembled an amazing cast of talented actors and musicians to play the various roles,” says Summers, who teasingly adds, “Folks attending may be surprised to find out which former Georgia Governor is playing the role of former governor, Dr. Lamartine Hardman. Seriously. It’s a big deal.”
Tom Johnson, the play’s producer, says he’s pleased with the amount of community backing he’s seen for “Valley Voices.” “We have had tremendous support, financial and otherwise, from the White County Board of Commissioners, Springer Mountain Farms, The White County Historical Society, The Helen Convention and Visitors Bureau, the White County Chamber of Commerce, William M. House, Esquire, the Dean Swanson family and many other local businesses and individuals.”
This year’s event will host a trifecta of performances beginning with live music from Joe and Debbie Lee Whelchel at 5:30 p.m. and continuing with a musical performance by singer Katie Deal. The “Valley Voices” presentation kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Hardman Farm Historic Site, located at 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571.
Gates open at 5 p.m. and visitors are encouraged to come early and bring their own lawn chair or blanket for the outdoor performance. They can purchase food from Mutt and Jeff’s BBQ Smokehouse and a brew from NoFo Cleveland, and have a picnic on the grounds. The site’s numerous outbuildings, including the impressive 100-plus-year-old dairy barn, will be open and guests can interact with the actors prior to their performance.
Tickets are $25 plus taxes and fees. To learn more, visit: www.valleyvoicesplay.com. All proceeds go towards future events and restoration projects at the historic Hardman Farm.
Make it a weekend: In White County Just seven minutes from Helen, the gazebo-topped Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound is likely the most-photographed landmark in the area. Across the road, the Italianate farmhouse, dairy barn and outbuildings of the Hardman Farm State Historic Site show how life was lived in the 1870s through the 1920s. (143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571; 706-878-1077). A shaded and scenic one-mile ADA-accessible trail follows the Chattahoochee River from Hardman Farm to Helen with interpretive panels along the way.
The scenic community of Sautee Nacoochee dates back to the 1800s, but its Native American roots go far deeper. Today, restored historic cabins house artist and artisan workshops and galleries, antiques, home furnishings and mercantile stores. In the old rural schoolhouse, the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center hosts juried events for regional artists. On the campus is the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, a history museum and African American Heritage Site (283 GA-255, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571; 706-878-3300 ext. 307).
Established in 1876, Nora Mill is a historic gristmill alongside the Chattahoochee River that stone-grinds corn and wheat, producing grits, corn meal, pancake and waffle mixes, flours, biscuit and bread mixes along with candy, honey and gifts. The crossroads area includes the Habersham Winery tasting room, Nacoochee Village Antique Mall and Jumping Goat Coffee Roasters. “Explore-Helen-Sautee-GA: The Heart & Heritage of Northeast Georgia Mountains” is an official guide/self-driving tour and map app with stories of the history of Helen and White County featuring the Sautee Nacoochee Arts and Heritage District. For information on where to stay, dining and other ideas, visit https://helenga.org/
“Valley Voices” Media Contacts:
Sarah Summers, Assistant Manager
Hardman Farm Historic Site
sarah.summers@dnr.ga.gov
(706) 878-1077
Or Emory Jones, author/playwright
emory@emoryjonesllc.com
(678) 644-5835