10 years ago
* An estimated 400-500 people braved the summer heat to attend the 75th re-dedication ceremony of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest at Rattler Ford Campground. Keynote speaker John Covell – author of “Joyce Kilmer: A Literary Biography,” shared little known information about Kilmer. “I think that is what he had in mind when he wrote the poem, ‘Trees,’” Covell said. Howard Wilson gave a special tribute in memory of Kilmer – 165th Infantry Rainbow Division – who was killed in action July 30, 1918.
* The Joyce Kilmer races highlighted local athletes. Seventy-plus runners took part in a 10K, 5K and one-mile fun run at Avery Branch Boat Launch. Many of the first, second and third-place runners to cross the finish line were from Graham County. Chad Caldwell was the only Robbinsville runner, brave enough to take on the 10K run, placing sixth overall and second in the 20-24 age group. The overall winner of the 10K run was Devin Traub of Murphy. Race coordinator Melissa Duckworth said, “I appreciate all of the help. That was major in everything running so smoothly.”
25 years ago
* The Cherohala Skyway was still under construction, but on clear days it offered miles of beautiful views. Newly poured black-top covered the road from Tellico Plains, Tenn. to Joyce Kilmer Road in Graham County. Completion date for the Skyway was set for Nov. 1 and a formal dedication was being planned. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on July 1, but the road remained under construction.
* Daniel Findley and Johnathan Myers attended a five-day workshop for student leaders involved with the student council. Their chaperone, David Haney, accompanied the young men to Mars Hill and attended the advisors workshops there. The students were involved in many activities that challenged them to use their minds and bodies to gain awareness of the leadership skills inside of them.
50 years ago
* American Motors named the Fontana Conservation Roundup as a recipient of the 1971 American Motors Conservation Award, with an honorarium of $500. Ed Zern, Awards Program Director, announced this accomplishment. Zern was a popular writer on conservation and outdoor sports. Roy Chapin, Jr., chairman of the board of American Motors, said in announcing the group winners: “We are privileged to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to conservation, and whose achievements provide an example for all concerned about our environment.” Organizer of the roundup was Lucille Boyden, former promotion director for Fontana Village Resort.
– Diane West