Pine Mountain, Then and Now

This week on Pine Mountain, Then and Now, we travel back to 1895 — when Pine Mountain was still called Chipley — and a moonless summer night turned sinister. What began as a small-town dispute over firecrackers exploded into one of the most infamous feuds in local history.

Listen as I share the true story — with a few dramatic twists just in time for Halloween — of pride, vengeance, and a scar that never faded.

Featuring voice performances by Phil Evans and Andy Cunningham.

Today I’m sharing my interview with Amy Skinner — many of you know her as the creative force behind the Pine Mountain Art Alliance (PMAA)!

In this episode, Amy talks about the PMAA, plus two exciting events coming up: the grand opening of the ArtSprout Gallery with a ribbon cutting on October 18 at 2:00 p.m., and the Plein Air Event happening right here in Pine Mountain on October 25.

Tune in and hear how art is blooming all around Pine Mountain!

In this episode, Polly Waters shares the story of The Silver Bells, a circle of widowed women in Pine Mountain, GA who gather each week to share lunch, laughter, and community. Their bond is a beautiful reminder that joy and connection can always be found around the table.

Season 3 of Pine Mountain, Then and Now kicks off with the story of the Man O’ War Trail—once a busy railway line, now a 13.4-mile path connecting our community.

I’m joined by Dawn Hiers of Chipley Cycle, who shares how she and her husband built their downtown bike shop into a hub for cyclists of all ages.

And in the Memory Lane segment, the late Pope Davis recalls a 1937 fireworks explosion in Chipley—a small-town story that’s as funny as it is unforgettable.

I’m on a short summer break and will be back on August 26rd!

Most folks know Dowdell’s Knob as one of FDR’s favorite picnic spots—but not everyone knows about the B-25 bomber crash that happened there on a foggy October night in 1953.

In this solo episode, I share the powerful true story of a plane crash and the 19-year-old sailor who miraculously survived. Nearly 60 years later, the community came together to honor the five men who were lost—and the one who lived.

This week, I’m joined by author Chris Skates to talk about his historical novel, Moonshine Over Georgia — inspired by true stories from his grandfather, who served as a revenue agent during Prohibition right here in West Central Georgia.

Chris dives into the real history behind the book, talks about our local legends that shaped it, and reflects on what makes our town so special. He brings the past to life — and his love for Pine Mountain really shines through.

Check out his work here: Chris Skates on Amazon
And check out his YouTube station here: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisskates1038

Once upon a time, you could buy a brand-new Ford right here in downtown Pine Mountain. In this episode, we trace the story of Wisdom Motors, the town’s longtime car dealership — from its start in 1917 to its final days in the ’80s.

PLUS — don’t miss our Memory Lane segment featuring Pope Davis, who just turned 101. Pope shares his memories of growing up in Chipley, including a humorous story about his wife Evelyn’s early days as a cook..

And be sure to stop by the Chipley Historical Center Open House this weekend for their new exhibit, Harris County Cooks in the 1940s.

In this episode, I’m sharing two special stories from Pine Mountain’s rich past.
You’ll hear how President Franklin D. Roosevelt thought he pulled off a brilliant deal when he bought a mule from the legendary Uncle Henry Kimbrough — a classic tale of true “horse trading.”
And I’m excited to introduce a new segment called Memory Lane, where longtime residents share stories in their own voices. Today, you’ll hear Pope Davis share Pine Mountain’s golden secret.

Today’s episode isn’t your typical history lesson. This amusing and wildly creative tall tale about the origin of Chipley is steeped in Southern charm, touched with a little moonlight magic, and — let’s be real — packed with more than a few questionable facts. It’s 100% storytelling, 100% fun, and absolutely unlike anything you’ve heard before.