2025 has been a remarkable year for the Union County Historical Society, and its caring members had a chance to review what made it so special at their annual Christmas Banquet on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Held this year at United Community Bank’s Brackett Community Room, the event was packed with members and their families who enjoyed good company, good food and good news.
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Historical Society President Mike Cook introduced past-president Judy Carpenter, who administered the blessing over a dinner catered by The Blairsville Restaurant Grits & Greens. After giving folks time to eat, Cook returned to the podium to recognize key members of the Historical Society, such as officers, staff, the board and the new position of Volunteer Coordinator, belonging to Kathy Garcia.
On a similar note, Cook wanted to thank some people outside of the Historical Society who have made a difference in its continued success. That included Mayor Robert “Buddy” Moore, former Union County Commissioner Lamar Paris, Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce President Steve Rowe and Dr. Kathleen “Kathy” Thompson.
The tone shifted into something more solemn as Cook read off the names of Historical Society members who passed away this year. William “Bud” Akins in particular was recognized as a prominent part of the community, and Cook noted that he was dearly missed.
In terms of the Historical Society’s achievements, Cook mentioned the organization’s acceptance of the Business of the Quarter Award from the Chamber of Commerce and thanked Rowe for the honor along with the latter’s frequent collaboration and uplifting of the Historical Society.
Kathy Thompson took her place alongside Cook to help talk a bit about what went into earning the 2025 Governor’s Award for the Arts & Humanities. Thompson was the one to nominate the Historical Society, and after its selection, it became the only group dedicated to historical preservation north of Atlanta to take home the prestigious award.
“I made the nomination because I was impressed,” Thompson admitted, referring to all the work the Historical Society has accomplished, especially regarding preservation and community involvement.
Most recently, the Historical Society saw its largest parade in the form of this year’s Christmas Parade, which is estimated to have garnered at least 80 participants. Cook was pleased especially with the spectator turnout, as the square was “packed,” and there are already plans to include more kids’ activities next year.
The Historical Society is looking forward to 2026 with a hopeful eye. The Heritage Festival may soon hold wing-eating competitions, and Cook expressed a desire to incorporate more community involvement and educational elements in the celebration of all things Appalachia.
Robert “Bob” Aumack kicked off the awards section of the celebration by earning the Volunteer of the Year Award. Credited for his work on the Collins Cabin and fixing up the rocking chairs on the porch of the Mock House, Aumack has been visiting Union County for nearly three decades and finally settled as a permanent resident three years ago.
“I’ve always loved this little town,” Aumack said. “It’s just beautiful.”
Ken and Jayne Jones also earned recognition for their staunch dedication to helping maintain the Historical Society. For that, they earned a joint Volunteer of the Year Award. Jayne holds the title of Historical Society Secretary, though she isn’t shy about helping where necessary, such as cleaning bathrooms.
Kathy Thompson returned to the front to accept the first Preservationist of the Year Award, claiming it had “been a pleasure to work with the Historical Society.”
Historical Society past-president Mickey Cummings earned the second Preservationist of the Year Award thanks to his tireless dedication to the Collins Cabin, whether that meant putting the roof together in rain or sun or mustering other volunteers to do the same.
A number of other awards were handed out that evening, including certificates of appreciation and recognition for perfect attendance. Afterward, Kathleen Cook received a surprise gift of a framed photo of the Butt-Mock House. An emotional Cook was thanked for her work curating and managing the historic homestead, a position from which she will soon retire, though she will be joining the Historical Society Board.
In the spirit of giving, raffles for door prizes and for a 50/50 shot at the night’s fundraising efforts offered some incentive to donate to the county’s preservation of history. A brief round of Christmas trivia also saw the tables’ centerpieces off to new homes; the items were fittingly made with clippings of trees around the Butt-Mock House.
Matching with the merry and bright sense of hope and support for the Historical Society’s efforts throughout the evening, the winner of the 50/50 raffle gave back his portion of the funds to the organization so that 2026 can have a report even more stellar than this year’s.
