Ringgold Convention and Visitors Bureau unveils its latest Wedding Walk historical narrative tablet in front of the Catoosa County Courthouse. From left, Alice Payne, Ringgold CVB member Ron Henderson, Donna Hullender, Catoosa County Probate Judge Jeff Hullender, and Ringgold Councilmember Randall Franks
photo by Jamie Klementisz
The Ringgold Convention Visitors Bureau added its third historical narrative tablet recognizing the unique marriage history in Ringgold.
“We have couples come from all throughout the region to marry here in Ringgold,” said CVB Chairman Ronal Graham. “The council had a vision to enhance our visitor experience by telling the stories of some of our celebrities who came to Ringgold to marry and the latest narrative tablet marks our Catoosa County Courthouse.”
Councilmember Randall Franks undertook the effort to compile the history creating the three narrative tablets, with the first two placed near the Ringgold Wedding Chapel,the First Baptist Church of Ringgold on Nashville Street.
“The latest took the greatest research because it includes data taken from all our historical marriages and the names of all our county ordinaries and probate judges since the founding of the county,” he said. “So many celebrities from George Jones and Tammy Wynette to Don Everly and Governor Jimmie Davis have walked through the doors of our courthouse. After counting each marriage, it is amazing to learn that close to a half-million people have come to Ringgold to get married. It is no wonder Dolly Parton said our town name reminded her of rings of gold when she tied the knot here.”
The information came from the records of the Catoosa County Probate Office and research began under the supervision of the late Judge Gene Lowery and was completed under Judge Jeffrey Hullender with the assistance of present and former probate staff members Alice Payne, Shawna Cooper and Donna Hullender, Mr. Franks said.
The Wedding Walk tablet was placed by the Ringgold CVB in front of the Catoosa County Courthouse on Nashville Street in cooperation with the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners. Celebrity photos used in the Wedding Walk tablet series are licensed from the work of famed Grand Ole Opry photographer Les Leverett.
“We hope as residents and tourists walk around town, they will enjoy learning more about our history by reading and seeing the amazing celebrity and local history photos on all the tablets,” Graham said. “Projects like the Wedding Walk that enhance the experience of tourists and our residents are underwritten by Ringgold’s guests that stay in our hotels thanks to hotel/motel tax.”
To learn more about Ringgold, visit www.CityofRinggoldGA.gov, and like the Official City of Ringgold page on Facebook.
Ringgold Convention and Visitors Bureau unveils its latest Wedding Walk historical narrative tablet in front of the Catoosa County Courthouse. From left, Alice Payne, Ringgold CVB member Ron Henderson, Donna Hullender, Catoosa County Probate Judge Jeff Hullender, and Ringgold Councilmember Randall Franks
photo by Jamie Klementisz