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 A
Lincoln native in Northeast Georgia
Traycee
likes the weather but not the red clay
Based
on e-mail text from Traycee Ritchhart-Pirkle
[MARCH 2,
2000] When
Lincoln Daily News introduced the Diaspora page, we hoped to give
former area residents an opportunity to renew acquaintances and
reaffirm their Lincoln connections. The first postings came from
people now living in Alabama, Nebraska, Florida, Georgia and
Germany. Through follow-up correspondence, we plan to present
added material from some of the people who have called Lincoln
their home.
Traycee
Ritchhart-Pirkle is a Lincoln native who graduated from high
school here in 1987 and has lived in Georgia since 1996. She says,
"I love it!" She notes that the different areas of
Georgia are like different parts of the country and that Northeast
Georgia, where she lives, is "absolutely beautiful!"
Traycee
joined the U.S. Air Force after high school and lived for three
years in Tampa, Fla., where she met the man she married. They
lived in Lincoln for six years, and their children, Tanner, 8, and
Holly, 6, were born here.
"But
my husband was from Georgia," Traycee explains, "and I
wanted to move where the weather was warmer, the scenery was more
than cornfields and the people acted more like they did when I
lived in the country in Lincoln. Everyone was so friendly!
(Although she and her husband divorced last fall, she has decided
to stay in Georgia.)
With
the following e-mail excerpts, we share some of Traycee’s
observations about her area and comparisons with her life in Logan
County.
The
weather here is one of the best things. I do miss the snow, but
certainly not the bone-chilling winters that I remember in
Lincoln. Most of the seasons are mild. Summers can get hot, but
not terrible.
The
one thing that I do NOT like about Georgia is the red clay! It's
terrible! Especially with two young children, there is not enough
hot water and bleach to get that stuff out!
In
spite of all of the Southern and Georgia jokes that I have heard,
I have to give the Southerners some credit. They know the meaning
of hospitality!
The
Northeast Georgia area (where I am) is what I call the "Old
Georgia." There are a lot of small, quiet country towns,
where country stores; handcrafted goods; roadside stands with
jams, jellies, and vegetables; and the friendliest people are.
Then,
in just a short one-hour drive to Atlanta, it's a totally
different world. I compare Atlanta to Chicago. It's a nice place
to visit, or go to a ballgame, but I certainly would not want to
live there!
Unfortunately,
Atlanta is moving farther north. The Gainesville area (where I
have lived for the last two years) is beginning to build more,
traffic is getting heavier, and the crime rate has gotten worse. I
am on the north side of town, where things are a little quieter.
 The
schools here are wonderful! Both children are at Riverbend
elementary, which is ranked in the top three schools in the
Northeast Georgia area. The teachers are wonderful, and the
parents are a big part. Maybe things have just changed since I was
in school, but this school seems to really encourage the parent's
involvement!
I
have owned and operated a karaoke business for the last seven
years, and when in Lincoln had a lot of opportunity, but since
moving here, it has slowed down, due to the lack of entertainment
spots. In this area, we don't even have bars. Many of the counties
are
dry. So, unless you are an outdoors person and like to go to the
mountains (which I LOVE), there isn't a lot to do, without
traveling to the Atlanta area.
 Almost
any area of Georgia would cater to someone’s vacation ideals.
The North Georgia mountains are perfect for someone who wants to
get away and enjoy a peaceful, serene "vacation from the
world"; Atlanta is great for the more adventurous person who
wants excitement; and South Georgia and the coast are perfect for
the "sun bunnies" and beach-goers.
Some
of my fondest memories of Lincoln were high school (believe it or
not!) and the great friends that I had, and cruisin' the strip and
hanging out at McDonald’s.
I
visit Lincoln once or twice every year. I still do a karaoke show
at the annual Eagle's BBQ in the summer, and I alternate Christmas
and Thanksgiving with my family each year. They come here for one,
and I head north for the other. My kids still spend the summers in
Lincoln with my family, so they still stay near their roots.
Traycee’s
closest relatives live in the Lincoln area. Her dad is Lowell
"Penrod" Ritchhart, and Becky Ritchhart is her mom. Her
stepfather, Louie Cramer; her grandmother, Mary Rowland; and Tom
Rowland, her uncle, are also local residents.
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