Hey Habersham

Standard Telephone Company’s story didn’t end with the first lines in the ground. As the company grew, a new generation helped guide it through changing times.

In the second episode of this three-part series, we follow the company’s growth through the firsthand memories of the Stewart and Swanson families and people who knew the business. From Dean Swanson’s first days selling telephone service to the arrival of new technology, this is the story of a family business learning to adapt—and the people behind that transformation.

Hosted by Peter Madruga and presented by Habersham News.

Have memories or photographs of Standard Telephone Company? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

Before smartphones and the internet, connecting Northeast Georgia took wire, determination and people willing to build something lasting.

In the first episode of our three-part series, Hey Habersham explores Standard Telephone Company’s (STC) beginnings in Clarkesville in 1904 and its growth under H. M. Stewart, who purchased the company in 1939.

Hear personal recollections from Milt Stewart, the late Kay Stewart Swanson, Dean Swanson and Sally Welborn. Their stories introduce the ingenuity, challenges and family spirit behind “the men and women of Standard.”

Hosted by Peter Madruga and presented by Habersham News.

Have memories or photographs of Standard Telephone Company? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

September brings two of Habersham County’s most anticipated traditions: the 51st Chattahoochee Mountain Fair and the 38th annual Big Red Apple Festival.

In this episode of the Hey Habersham podcast, host Peter Madruga talks with Chattahoochee Mountain Fair General Manager Shelley Tullis about this year’s expanded midway, freestyle motocross, Circus Incredible featuring the Wallenda family, livestock shows, contests, live entertainment, rodeo and more.

Then, City of Cornelia Community Development Director Noah Hamill previews the Big Red Apple Festival, featuring more than 150 vendors, a kids zone, petting zoo, hayrides to Chenocetah Tower and live music at Fender’s Alley.

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Veteran broadcaster Joel Williams joins host Peter Madruga for a conversation about the experiences, personalities and unexpected moments that shaped his remarkable career in radio. From his Habersham County roots to an upcoming Hall of Fame honor, meet the man behind the microphone—and discover why we call him “The Man With the Golden Voice.”

Retired college professor and community activist Dr. Audrey Milo talks about her father Dr. John R. Rosser, shares the story of what inspired the creation of the Regional African-American Museum of Northeast Georgia, and much more.

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Artist, Author and Educator Jan Walker invited us in her art studio to learn about her creative process and how she came up her infamous Knee Neep character. 

Head groundskeeper Brooks Garcia and Head of Public Relations E. Lane Gresham discuss the discovery of 237 unmarked graves, the History of the Hemlocks and the meanest man in Georgia. 

Dr. James Mellichamp talks about his illustrious musical career as well as how he became president of Piedmont University. 

Joni Mabe, the Elvis Babe, describes her artwork, Elvis Museum and the Big E Festival. 

Well-known locally for his painting, long time Cornelia resident Johnny Watts shares how he got started, and reveals a whole other side you might not know about him.