You’re invited to take a step back in time for a couple of hours.

On Oct. 23 at 7 p.m., the walls of the historic Hearn Academy in Cave Spring will sound with music and dancing not heard in that building for perhaps 100 years, organizers say.

The historic Founder’s Day Ball is planned on the exact date 79 years after Dr. J.B. Rolater deeded the land for Rolater Park to the citizens of Cave Spring. The event’s purpose is to honor all the founding fathers and mothers of Vann’s Valley and Cave Spring and their descendents, many of whom still live in the area.

Founders honored at the ball include Cherokee Indians such as the Vann family, Pathkiller and Big Rattling Gourd; Maj. Armistead Richardson, the “father” of Cave Spring; educators such as O.P. Fannin and Wesley O. Connor; Civil War veterans such as Max and Felix Van Den Corput and Wesley Connor, founders of the Cherokee Artillery Unit, Corput’s Battery; the Chubb family of Chubbtown, free black men who founded their own community before the Civil War; Joseph Ford, cotton baron; Albert Tumlin, first Park Board Member; and Dr. J.B. Rolater, who gave Cave Spring its park and spring in perpetuity.

Music for the ball will be provided by the Eighth Regiment Band of Rome, with John Carruth conducting. The Eighth Regiment Band plays period Civil War music and arrangements on period instruments. Tim Key will “call” the dances, providing instruction to help newcomers and experienced dancers.

Historic costumes are encouraged but not required. Guests may dress as the Cave Spring founder or settler of their choice. This could mean a pioneer, Native American, Civil War veteran, hunter, trades­man or teacher.

Civil War and Victorian era games will be available for those who prefer to sit out the dancing. Period refreshments will be served as well.

A highlight of the evening will be a silent auction of period arts and memorabilia. Margaret Hollingsworth, descendent of Wesley O. Connor, has donated an original Membership Certificate from the Corput’s Battery, Cherokee Artillery, C.S.A., signed by both Wesley Connor and Capt. Max Van Den Corput for the auction.

Other special events associated with the Founder’s Day Ball include:

A private Cigar and Chignon reception hosted at the Wesley Connor House by Eric and Dianna Haney starting at 5 p.m. the day of the ball. Hal Floyd of HFH Hair Design in Cedartown will provide last-minute period up-do touchups to compliment ball-gown-attired ladies and Haney will entertain gentlemen with cigars in the Connor library. Tickets for this event are $25. Call 706-777-1484 for reservations.

A wreath-laying in Cave Spring Cemetery will take place Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. starting at the grave of Dr. J.B. Rolater.

All proceeds from the Founder’s Day Ball this year will benefit the fund to save the Cave Spring Log Cabin. Tickets are $25 per couple; $15 single; and $5 for children 6-12. For reservations or tickets, call Dianna Haney at 706-777-1484; Karen Wetherington at 706-767-2819; or speak to any member of the Cave Spring Historical Society.

IF YOU GO

What: The Cave Spring Founder’s Day Ball

When: Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Hearn Academy, Rolater Park, Cave Spring

Cost: $25 couple; $15 single; $5 children 6-12