Harris County GaArchives Photo Place.....Callaway Gardens- Chapel ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Christine Thacker http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00033.html#0008100 May 15, 2007, 1:58 pm Source: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Photo can be seen at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/harris/photos/callaway12852gph.jpg Image file size: 155.8 Kb Callaway Gardens Rose From Worn-Out Land By Celia Doremtus Guest Columnist Sprawling over 2,500 acres north of Columbus at Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens is laced with 13 lakes, 63 holes of golf, 13 miles of science drives and many more miles of woodland trails, all splashed with hundreds of varieties of flowers, both introduced and native. The main purpose of Callaway Gardens is the preservation and use of native flora to enhance its natural setting, a showplace of nature at its best. But it wasn't always like this, for the Gardens has risen from what once was worn land. To give mankind, for its own benefit, a place of natural beauty was the dream of the late Cason J. Callaway and his wife, Virginia, who cofounded Callaway Gardens in 1952. "Our main emphasis has been. working with native plants in order to make their native setting more attractive. What we've done here in a little more than 20 years would have taken nature much longer to accomplish," said Fred Galle, director of horticulture. "This acceleration of the growth process is unique." In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, Mrs. Virginia Callaway continues to work with the Gardens to improve the aesthetics of the area and see that the objectives of her husband are fulfilled. More than 600 varieties of azaleas grow along the drives and meandering nature trails of the Garden, including the Plumleaf Azalea which grows wild only within a l00-mile radius of Callaway, There also are many, English, Oriental and American varieties of holly. Color knows no season in the Greenhouse Conservatory Complex, where you enter through an authentic 19th-century covered bridge, moved from nearby Troup County and attributed to Horace King, the celebrated black bridge builder. Here, plants native to three temperature ranges abound, with special focus on chrysanthemums in the fall, poinsettias at Christmas and lilies at Easter. To interpret the natural beauty of Callaway Gardens, the Foundation's education department offers year-round nature walks, special programs for schools and other groups, and symposiums and workshops on a variety of horticultural subjects, each designed to help the public enhance their own environment. Another stop is Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden, seven-and-a-half acres of native and introduced fruits and vegetables, much of which is served in season in the Garden's dining facilities. At the Pioneer Log Cabin, built in 1811 and authentically furnished, a Pioneer Life program provides an opportunity to learn of our forefather's relationship with nature as a source of shelter, food and clothing. Cason Callaway once said, "I don't know what a soul is. But whatever it is,a sense of beauty and goodness must be at the heart of it." In the heart of Callaway Gardens is the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. All but its slate roof is built of materials from the heart of Georgia earth. The nondenominational chapel, built as a memorial to Callaway's mother, was dedicated by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale in 1962. It is used for meditation and marriages, and organ concerts are performed at scheduled times. EspeciallyiIn summer, Callaway Gardens strikes a balance between recreation and education, offering an expansion of the muscles as well as the mind. Callaway Gardens' supervised Summer Recreation program offers recreational and educational activities for adults and children. Guests in the 175 Callaway Cottages and in the Callaway Gardens Inn on the Summer Vacation Plan, are automatically enrolled in this week-long program. The recreation segment is supervised by recreation specialists and by students of the Florida State University "Flying High" Circus, who also completely rig their own circus and perform nine shows each week, mid-June through late August under the Big Top at Robin Lake Beach. Entertainment at an amphitheater, daily performances of the Callaway Gardens' water ski shows, rides on a riverboat and train, canoes, paddle boats, bicycles, miniature golf and many other games and activities highlight the beach complex. Year-round are other great sports. Golf is the premier activity, with four courses spread over 63 holes. The Gardens is home of the PGA Club Professional Championship, in which each fall more than 300 pros gain entry through earlier qualifying rounds to determine the nation's best club professional. There is also tennis on 21 lighted courts, fishing on 175-acre Mountain Creek Lake, horseback riding and bicycling. On a separate preserve, skeet and trap shooting is available year-round. with quail hunting October through March. Callaway Garden offers a convention, meeting and banquet space for up to 1,200. What is almost unique is the corporate structure of Callaway Gardens. As a natural garden, and as a full-service attraction, Callaway Gardens has always been owned and operated by the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, a non-profit, state-chartered, horticultural, educational, scientific and religious organization. A subsidiary company wholly-owned by Foundation is Gardens Services, Inc., which operates the resort-type facilities, such as lodging, food and recreation. The programs and events of Gardens Services are supportive of the main purpose of the Foundation, and the after-tax profits of Gardens Services are converted back to the Foundation to maintain the horticultureal excellence and educational aspects of the Foundation. "What we try to do," said G. Harold Northrop, president of Callaway Gardens, "Is give people a serene place with educational and inspirational qualities, plus all the recreational facilities. We want to give people a feeling of being close to the earth. After they've visited Callaway Gardens, we want people to take home with them consolation for the heart, nourishment for the soul and inspiration for the mind." Special Sesquicentennial Supplement III Ledger- Enquirer, Sunday, April 30, 1978,pg S-7. 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