"LET NO ONE BE A STRANGER HERE"

The Cashiers Historical Society’s exhibit, “Let No One Be a Stranger Here”: High Hampton Inn & the Making of Modern Cashiers, was announced as a winner of the 62nd Annual GDUSA Design Awards on Dec. 18, marking the second Graphic Design USA accolade received by the CHS this year. 
The American Graphic Design Awards, a flagship GDUSA competition, honors exceptional work throughout print, digital and interactive media. The exhibit was honored along the likes of Airbnb, Hershey’s and Girl Scouts of America among others.
Designed by graphic designer Lynda Hodge O’Doniel and exhibit designer Charles Gandy, the exhibit features 8 chronological panels highlighting the people who visited, worked and ran High Hampton, along with those who were “integral to the fabric of Cashiers community”. It also showcases the different activities and attractions that drew visitors over time. 
“One of the things that was really kind of inspiring to me was the idea of telling the history of Cashiers through the lens of High Hampton,” said CHS Executive Director Amelia Golcheski. “It allows us to really tell a robust story about Cashiers from the 19th century to today.”
Golcheski said the community response has been overwhelmingly positive since the exhibit first opened in January. 
“The kind of feedback we’ve gotten from the community has been so lovely, and particularly when people come in and see their relatives who are honored as being part of the museum exhibit,” said Golcheski.  “I think it speaks to the quality of work we’re doing, and it speaks to the joys of a collaborative process.”
Hodge O’Doniel, who has worked with the CHS on numerous occasions, has a longstanding connection with High Hampton. In addition to frequently visiting as a child, her family played pivotal roles there: her grandfather, George W. Cobb designed the original 18-hole golf course, her father served as the golf professional and her mother led the children’s program.
“I had this amazing full circle life moment, and that I was proud, not only to win the award, but I felt even more personally proud knowing that I’ve preserved and brought something to life that had such significance to my family and my grandfather,” said Hodge O’Doniel. 
Hodge O’Doniel specializes in work with organizations that have a cultural impact. For this exhibit, she aimed to reflect the inn’s “old, mountain luxury look,” using the fonts, color palettes and design elements originally utilized. 
“Design has the power to shape how people understand, value and connect with the world around them, and I want my work to contribute to something meaningful, whether that’s preserving history, strengthening communities or elevating experiences that matter beyond the brand itself,” said Hodge O’Doniel. 
“Let No One Be a Stranger Here”: High Hampton Inn & the Making of Modern Cashiers will remain open permanently, and the CHS is already planning a new exhibit celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary. The exhibit will explore the legacy of America and Cashiers from its founding to the present.

- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com