Dear Editor,

The Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit Key Ingredients: America by Food welcomed 2005 visitors and was a resounding success.  The Butts County Historical Society and the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum were expressly chosen by the Georgia State Humanities Council to host the exhibit as part of the Museum on Main Street project – a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations.  Key Ingredients has one more stop in Buchanan, Georgia before going to either Arizona or Wisconsin. 

Through a selection of artifacts, photographs and illustrations, Key Ingredients delighted the visitors with its exploration of how culture, ethnicity, landscape and tradition influence the foods and flavors we enjoy across the nation.  The local theme, Stirring up the Past, tells the history of food in our area.  The hotel was dressed up with nine beautifully decorated Christmas trees, a children’s kitchen, a Native American room, heritage aprons, and local displays that illustrated the various aspects of this community.  To commemorate the occasion, local residents compiled a cookbook entitled Stirring up the Past.  These cookbooks are available for sale for $15.00 at the Visitor’s Center or through the Historical Society.

“We are excited with the community’s reaction to Key Ingredients,” said Sheri Hudson, Coordinator of the Exhibit and President of the Historical Society.  “By hosting the Smithsonian exhibition, I feel the entire community was involved in the preparation and programs for Key Ingredients.  It is my hope that after the exhibit is long gone, these bonds and partnerships will last for many years to come.  Other benefits realized were increased historical and cultural tourism as evidenced by the attendance numbers, with many visitors coming from outside Butts County.  By working with the Georgia Humanities Council, local cultural organizations and businesses we were able to offer a variety of local programs for the entire community including the Salad Luncheon, Taste and Flavors of Butts County, Miss Millie’s Tea Party, Stirring up the Breads Luncheon, herbal and cooking classes.  During the exhibit, we were entertained with the sights and sounds of the Christmas season with St. Mary’s Bell Choir and the Daughtry Elementary School chorus and bells.   We hope to build on these experiences in our future programs.”

The Butts County Historical Society would like to extend special thanks to all the individuals and organizations for their support and especially Partners of Smart Growth who raised funds for the large tent so that we could present other programs during the exhibit.  And most importantly, a HUGE thanks goes to the many docents and/or volunteers, who prepared for and staffed the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum during the exhibit.  A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!

"Stirring Up the Past" Cookbook

A cookbook entitled “Stirring Up The Past” has been completed by the Key Ingredients Committee of the Butts County Historical Society.   The cookbook commemorates a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute entitled “Key Ingredients: America by Food”, which will be at the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum from November 14 until December 27, 2009.  Fond memories of good food are common bonds that unite the people of Butts County.  Old family recipes, many with stories and memories, were submitted by local citizens and compiled into a one of a kind cookbook aptly named “Stirring Up The Past”.    The collection of historical recipes, have been handed down from one generation to the next.  Recipes from the Native Americans who lived here long before the white man came to Indian Springs are included, along with memories of the grand hotels that once flourished in this middle Georgia resort community during the first half of the twentieth century.  Old recipes and memorabilia from the Elder Hotel (1879-1984) with the hospitality that graced its dining room are remembered. 

We are pleased to announce that the “Stirring Up The Past” cookbook is available now at the cost of $15.00 at the Butts County Visitor's Center.  The cookbooks may also be purchased at the Indian Spring Hotel/Museum gift shop during the exhibit.  If you would like to order a book by mail, please use the order form below and enclose $5.00 for shipping and handling.  

Download Cookbook Order PDF file