The popularity of the website “GoFundMe” has made public solicitation requests commonplace and is a great way to allow a community to come together to fund specific projects – but did you know that one of Highlands’ most iconic natural resources was once saved by a successful “crowd funding” initiative?
The Highlands Improvement Society traced its roots to the early 1880s and by the dawn of the twentieth century included in it stated purpose “to guard (Highlands) natural beauties” and to foster “an enlightened public opinion that shall cherish and safeguard its unique scenic and sanitary possessions.”
In 1909 a fear that commercial development – a rumored hotel – might be under consideration for the summit of Satulah Mountain prompted the group to consider its first acquisition. Under the leadership of Miss Marguerite Ravenel, the Society convened on September 1 and decided to raise the $500 purchase price; $250 was secured at that initial meeting, and with outreach to the community the entire amount was pledged by October 6, less than five short weeks.
The donor list reflects many prominent families of the times, including the Ravenels, Potts, Hills, Bascoms, Piersons, Chastains, and Brysons, and many gave generously. Dr. Anderson of Clemson contributed, as did the photographer Henry Scadin of Massachusetts.
But perhaps even more impressive were the youth and other citizens; Ed Potts sold candy, raising $1, while Eva and Dora Chastain contributed a dime each, Lillie Chastain a nickel. Out of almost 80 total contributions, more than half were for a dollar or less. Thus did the nascent town demonstrate the power of community and conservation, banding together to forever preserve the summit of Satulah.
Contributor Professor Thomas Harbison, Highlands’ first school teacher and later employed by Harvard and George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore herbarium, exclaimed that the top of Satulah “is OURS, ours to keep forever. No money grubbing skinflint without any soul can ever acquire this top and then put up a toll gate to charge admission to what he the same as stole from God.”
Strong words from the professor, but thankfully that same passion for conservation burns brighter than ever throughout the Cashiers and Highlands community.
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, the successor organization to the Highlands Improvement Society, proudly continues facilitating the conservation of unique properties throughout Macon and Jackson counties.
And thanks to the foresight of our citizens over a century ago, hikers can still make their way up Satulah Mountain and savor the incredible views from its summit.
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