How The Tradition Of “Southern Hospitality” Began

Westville is an RV destination of pure delight. Life before machines, before the Industrial Revolution was different, very different than today! Take a trip back in time to a living history village, designed as an educational museum and experience a community at work and play in a town where you can smell and taste the magic of 1850. Westville is not a historic town, but a collection of over 30 authentic historic buildings relocated on 83 acres of land and brought to life every day by craftsmen, artisans and “interpreters” in full period costume. Ten year old Alundra Thornton demonstrates an 1850’s ring toss game called "Graces". Potter Stephen Hawks demonstrates his craft using the ancient potter’s wheel and hand fired kiln. What did they do before central heat and air conditioning? The Moye House demonstrates how they “rigged” their homes for the changing seasons. In winter they used heavy curtains and laid down heavy carpets to keep drafts from coming up through the cracks in the wooden floors and to help hold in the heat from the fireplace. During the summer they removed the carpets and heavy curtains. They used grass mats on the floors and light colored slip covers on the furniture and light weight and airy curtains. Air circulated under, around and through the house to help keep it cool. Nice big shade trees also helped them keep cool. The Chattahoochee County Courthouse was rescued from destruction, carefully dismantled board by board, brick by brick and reconstructed on this site. Former President Jimmy Carter’s grandfather was a tax collector in this building. The 1840 Harris Farmhouse is one of the last remaining two story “dog-trot” open breezeway log homes in the world. “Southern hospitality” has its roots in the traveler’s guest room located at the right hand side of this structure. In homes like this it was the custom to have a separate room set aside specifically for travelers to spend the night. If the door was open it was a signal that the room was unoccupied and available for use.

What in the world is this building? It’s a working replica of an 1851 cotton baling press with a real cotton gin in the bakground. Cotton was placed in the bailing box and animal power turned the huge wooden vertical “screw” pressing the cotton into a tidy 500 pound bail. These bails were then shipped to New England, Brittan and Holland.One of the interpreters cooked up some gingerbread muffins and boy were they good, washed down with some of the best tasting lemonade on the planet. Ever get frustrated untangling power cords? Just look what weaver Janette Greene has to contend with. She takes this tangle of threads and turns it into beautiful fabric. Not many people know how to do it like this anymore. Leviticus Williams demonstrates candle making - they didn't have electric lights back then.Don’t forget the gift shop where you can purchase Stephen’s pottery, period reproduction toys and all from inside an authentic 1850’s store.

While there ask shopkeeper Debbie Pope why the door and window shutters have hundreds of extra nails in them.Westville is located in Lumpkin, Georgia and is open 10-5 daily. RV parking is available in the top parking lot on the grass. Make an immediate left turn after entering the gate for RV parking. There is also an RV park next door. This magical place has so many wonderful buildings, craftsmen and interpreters I can't begin to describe it all. You'll just have to hop in the RV and check it out for yourself. Admission is $10.00 adults, $8.00 for military, college and seniors and K-12 $4.00. Call them at (888) 733-1850 or visit them on the web here: Westville