Button, Lyman, George and Beer
by duluth, July 1, 2009 | Permalink
When I began research on my blog for the Fourth of July I started with the traditional themes of fireworks, picnics, baseball and the like. In all my readings about American history there was one theme that was more persistent than the others: beer. This makes sense, right? After all, many historians believe that Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence at a tavern in Philadelphia. The so-called “cradle of liberty” in Georgia at the time of the Revolutionary War was not a city hall or a field of battle but Tondee’s Tavern in Savannah, where Georgians gathered to debate the call to arms.
No doubt, the three men that signed the Declaration representing the colony of Georgia were thirsty patriots.
For example, Button Gwinnett became the President of the Council of Safety in Georgia (an early euphemism for governor) and promptly proposed an invasion of British east Florida. A gentleman named Lachlan MacIntosh took umbrage with this as well as other actions by Mr. Gwinnett, and challenged him to a duel. Both men were wounded, but MacIntosh’s aim was a bit better. Gwinnett died but his fervor for liberty did not go unnoticed and a county was named for him.
Lyman Hall was the first governor of Georgia after it became a state. He had to deal with frontier problems and a bankrupt, depleted state treasury. Not an auspicious start, but he did get to do one really great thing—he helped found the University of Georgia. Bulldawgs have been barking in gratitude ever since. He has his own county, too.
George Walton started humbly as a carpenter’s apprentice. He served the Georgia colony as a colonel, and then wore many hats for our state as governor (twice!), congressman, and justice of the state court. His multitasking abilities allowed him to be honored with, yes, a county named after him.
Whole Foods Market Johns Creek may not be Tondee’s Tavern, but we’ve got lots of brews that would make these Sons of Liberty happy. The Samuel Adams folks are going to be in our store Friday the 3rd around 11 am to pour samples of all their great summer beers, so get here before you pack up for the lake, the mountains or the coast. We’ve also got some great deals on locals like Sweetwater and Terrapin, a new Vermont beer named Magic Hat, and of course the classic imports from Heineken and Amstel.
So after you’ve fired up the grill, the fireworks or the Sea-Doo’s engine, kick back and lift a cold one to our own trio of Georgia revolutionaries—Button, Lyman and George. But hear ye, hear ye good patriot—drink thee not to excess. Enjoy thyself responsibly!
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July 1st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Great history lesson, I’m stopping by the store on my way to the lake - there’s nothing like a ice cold beer, on the lake, in a boat on July 4th.
July 8th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
No way i would have ever been able to figure out your riddle without reading this! Very nice…