Clay County Progress
It isn’t often that a person gets to be part of history. Those attending the kick off celebration for Clay County’s 150th can now be counted among the few.
More than 100 people crowded into the multipurpose room at the Clay County Courthouse to hear remarks and join in what is shaping up to be a 10-month commemoration of the 1861 founding of Clay County. Even more people were left out of the room, spilling out into the hallways and building’s central core.
From the original inhabitants, the Cherokee, to the next generation of leaders, Clay County students and scouts, all segments of the county’s history had representation and a voice. The hour long celebration included remarks from federal and state lawmakers, a performance by the Hayesville High School band and chorus, prayers from local clergy and “Amazing Grace” sung by Hayesville’s own Annie Lloyd, followed by a version sung in Cherokee by tribal elder Jerry Wolfe.
“We are inspired by the lovely gift of Clay County,” said Rev. Kirk Hatherly in the invocation. “We are thankful on behalf of the first inhabitants and those who call the county home today.”
Wolfe shared a blessing with those in attendance, reciting the Lord’s Prayer in his native language. The Cherokee have many ways to give thanks, including through song, by dance, the smoke of the pipe and the beat of the drum, Wolfe said.
Congressman Heath Shuler, a Swain County native, shared the remarks read into the Congressional record on Friday, Feb. 11, announcing the county’s celebration. Shuler said Clay County is a “community that gives back.” He noted the generations that have come before and the “very bright future” ahead for students from here.
“Clay County is the state’s smallest county,” Shuler said. “It embodies all that is Appalachia.”
Shuler presented Clay County commissioner Dwight Penland and county manager Paul Leek with a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol in honor of the county’s 150 anniversary.
Excerpts of other remarks from elected officials included:
• U.S. Senator Richard Burr, delivered by staff member John Mitchell: “Formed out of Cherokee and Macon counties in 1861, Clay County is home to some of the most scenic land in North Carolina. However the greatest asset of this community is its people. To be on the Tusquittee mountains, Lake Chatuge or downtown Hayesville is to be among some of the best aspects of the state.
“Clay County was formed in 1861, a time of great upheaval and the beginning of the Civil War throughout North Carolina and the Nation. It is fitting to reflect however that while the rest of the nation was breaking apart, the citizens of this county were coming together to build a foundation for a community that has endured for 150 years.”
• U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, represented by staff member Freddie Harrill: “Happy 150th anniversary to Clay County and all of its residents. I believe your founding father, Rep. George Hayes, who introduced the bill to form Clay County, would be mighty proud of the accomplishments of the citizens of this county since its beginnings in 1861. Your first post office was built in Hayesville in 1868 and from what I have heard, some of you believe this was the last Post Office built in the county.”
Hagan’s remarks also touched on Hayesville school’s success, including exemplary test scores and Internet wired campus. “You are also fortunate to have a long-list of forward-thinking leaders who saw the need to build your courthouse and I applaud your efforts to preserve your historical building,” she said.
• Governor Bev Perdue, through her representative Juleigh Sitton, who also represented North Carolina lawmakers Roger West and James Davis, read a declaration commemorating the sesquicentennial. She also presented a state flag to the county.
Presentation of the colors included representatives from the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 from Cherokee, the George Lee American Legion Post 532 and the Allison Bristol VFW Post 6812, both of Hayesville. Local Boy Scout Troop 407 and Girl Scout Troop 30201 also took part.
The event was hosted by Hayesville Town Council chairman Harry Baughn. Resident Melissa Cheeks sang the national anthem and the Hayesville High School band played a selection inspired by western North Carolina written by Robert Sheldon called “Timberline Overture.”
One of the highlights was the high school chorus leading the crowd in the county song, a tribute to former chorus director Willie Hortense “Bill” Standridge, the author of the song. Members of Standridge’s family, including granddaughters Brenda Milton, Carol Lunsford and Cecelia Shook, attended the ceremony.
“Everyone comments on the people of Clay County,” Baughn said. “I can’t help but think that has been passed down from generation to generation.”
Clay County Historical and Arts Council member Sarah Smith thanked those attending the event. “Your presence here indicates you are interested in preserving Clay County’s heritage for the future,” she said.
