38. Kennesaw History and Attractions

In this episode of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline dive into a mix of family stories, community updates, and local history. From Japanese school sports day to pest control tips, genealogy surprises, and a deep look at the city of Kennesaw, this episode connects life, learning, and community in the heart of Cobb County. The pair share laughter over field day traditions, offer practical advice for keeping your home bug-free, and highlight the incredible work being done by the Center for Family Resources to combat homelessness in Cobb County. Plus, they take listeners through Kennesaw's fascinating past—from its roots as "Big Shanty" to its growth as a thriving college town—and wrap up with upcoming local events like Cobb Diaper Day and Taste of Kennesaw. Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro and Welcome 01:00 — Family Segment: Japanese School Sports Day ("Undokai") traditions and cultural connections 06:00 — Pest Control Talk: Real-life experience and 5 tips to keep bugs out 12:00 — Home Projects: Art, framing, and family collaboration 13:00 — Genealogy Corner: Céline's surprising connection to The Sound of Music actor Daniel Truhitte (Rolf) 17:00 — AI in Genealogy: How technology is uncovering forgotten stories 18:00 — Community Focus: Homelessness in Cobb County and the work of the Center for Family Resources 24:30 — Volunteer Opportunities: Point-in-Time count and housing partnerships 26:00 — DAR Fielding Lewis Chapter project: Building "Chad's Bracket" wagons for children's hospitals 27:00 — Community Events:  • Cobb Diaper Day (Oct 28) – Donate via Amazon Wishlist  • Movie Night on the Square – The Goonies (Oct 24)  • Taste of Kennesaw – Downtown Kennesaw (Nov 1) 29:00 — City Spotlight: History and Growth of Kennesaw, Georgia  • From "Big Shanty" to "Kennesaw"  • The Great Locomotive Chase and Civil War roots  • KSU's explosive growth to Georgia's 3rd largest university  • Parks, gardens, and community hubs like Swift Cantrell and Smith-Gilbert Gardens  • Depot Park Amphitheater and Big Shanty Festival 40:00 — Controversial Landmark: The Wildman's Civil War Surplus store discussion 45:00 — Reflections on Kennesaw's mix of history, progress, and community spirit 47:00 — Mall Memories and how retail spaces are changing 49:00 — Closing Thoughts: Kennesaw as a hub for families, education, and local life Links Mentioned: Donate to the Cobb Diaper Day Drive → Amazon Wishlist Learn about the Center for Family Resources → thecfr.org