'Rossville Remembered' takes residents down memory lane

6th Cavalry Museum presents collection of oil paintings by Jim Harris

The Dream Cream, a walk-up ice cream, milkshake and hamburger shop, is among 13 pieces displayed.
The Dream Cream, a walk-up ice cream, milkshake and hamburger shop, is among 13 pieces displayed.

North Georgia residents can take a stroll down memory lane with a visit to the 6th Cavalry Museum, 6 Barnhardt Circle in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. A collection of oil paintings by Jim Harris depicting Rossville landmarks is on exhibit, the baby boomer's first art show.

"Rossville Remembered" is the original artwork of Harris, a 1962 Rossville High School graduate. The collection will remain on view through Aug. 31.

The exhibit includes paintings of the Jo-Ann dress shop, scenes from Lake Winnepesaukah, Roy's Grill, Dream Cream and MelloKreme walk-up shops, Rebel drive-in, the annual Christmas Parade and a Rock Spring country store.

photo Jim Harris

Harris retired in 2004 after selling his business. Although he'd spent many years woodworking as a hobby, he wanted to find additional outlets for creative expression. He first enrolled in a basic drawing class at Northwestern Technical College, and found it to be an intriguing activity that led to painting. He enrolled in painting classes led by artist Durinda Cheek.

He's found he loves painting with oils using the mid-20th century as his main subject matter. He particularly finds inspiration in memories from his teen years of the late 1950s and early '60s. Although he paints in color, the artist has developed an appreciation for painting in black and white in keeping with that period. He often signs his paintings "Geeko."

He spent a number of years in banking, served as the first city manager of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and owned and operated ATC Healthcare Staffing, from which he retired.

Harris is a United States Marine Corps veteran. He and his wife reside in Chickamauga, Ga. They have two daughters and three granddaughters.

For more information: 706-861-2860.

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