Documentary Premier A Huge Success

The Legend Of The Smith House Mine documentary opened at the historic Holly Theatre on Monday, October 1 2007.  The evening began with a private party for the cast and crew, as well as, dignitaries from Dahlonega and Lumpkin County.  The Smith House provided a wonderful array of food items, and attendees could sample a variety of custom bottled “Legend Of The Smith House Mine” wines. 

After the party, The Holly Theatre quickly filled to capacity as everyone waited in anticipation for the movie to begin.  Freddy Welch, owner of The Smith House, raffled away several prizes that included some of the custom wines, free dinners to The Smith House and DVD’s of the documentary.  With two short presentations from Freddy Welch and Scott Gray, owner of Video Craft Productions, the show was under way.  The audience sat fixed on the movie as many watched themselves for the first time on the “big screen”, and as the history of Dahlonega and mystery of The Smith House gold shaft began to unravel. At its conclusion, applause erupted as the many credits rolled across the screen.  “This was an evening to remember”, recounts Scott Gray who spent the last year married to the project.

As people filed out of The Holly Theatre, the general consensus was that The Smith House and Video Craft Productions hit a homerun with this documentary.

“That production was done very well.  I’m very impressed.” -Bill Hardman, President of Southeast Tourism Society

"You deserve a standing ovation…and you got one last night.  We were very impressed with the documentary from beginning to end.  As a musician, I particularly enjoyed the music in the film and though it was especially appealing and appropriate." -Anne Amerson,  Author and Historian

"On behalf of my family, I wanted to tell you how much we appreciate the opportunity to participate in the documentary, Legend of The Smith House Mine.  We will always treasure the interviews that Video Craft Productions has captured of my father and aunt, Tom and Annie Laurie.  Dad is very happy to hear that photos of Versatie Howell were eventually located.

Again, thanks for this wonderful chance for our family to be a part of the documentary.  We are quite pleased with the final product.  We believe that you have presented our family well, and the DVD will be a cherished family heirloom for all of us." -Greg Smith, Great Grandson of Henry and Bessie Smith