By Jonathan Copsey / STAFF

The fourth graders of Fellowship Christian School received an unusual visitor Thursday – Roswell King. Well, sort of.

It was in fact Roswell Historical Society President Tom Tarabicos dressed as the historic gentleman as he told the children about a new program offered by the Society for students.

In short it’s an essay project. Write a short essay about the history and inhabitants of the Hembree Farm, complete with independent research and at least one picture. Submissions will be judged by a panel of learned scholars in history (several members of the RHS and professors from local universities) and the winners will get prizes. All in the name of history.

“This is hands-on history,” said Tarabicos to the students. “We want you guys to learn all about the history that’s around you, in your own town.”

Last Spring, the children at Fellowship Christian were given a similar presentation, with essay topics on Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall and the Roswell Mills. This time, there is only the one topic, to keep it simple and put everyone on the same footing. The students will have their work cut out for them, since there is very little source material available on the Hembree Farm that is not located in the Roswell archives. Not only is the project designed to help students with their writing and research skills, it is also hoped that the children will become interested in their local history.

At the November 3 RHS meeting, the winners will be announced and given their prizes.

The Hembree Farm is the family homestead for the Hembree clan, farmers who came to the area in the 1830s and whose names adorn many of the roads around their property. The Roswell Historical Society hadf the historic homedonated to it and has been renovating it to make it suitable for visitors.

The essay contest is to coincide with the Historical Society’s “Flea Fling,” taking place on October 3 at the site of the Hembree Farm. The Flea Fling is essentially a giant flea market full of books, antiques, food and hand-made items for sale, with proceeds helping to restore the old house. There will even be old-time children’s activities. At this gathering of history enthusiasts in need of bargains, the children of FCS should find dozens of people knowledgeable in the history of the Hembree house and those who lived within it.

The Hembree Farm Historic Site is located at 775 Hembree Road, Roswell (across from Hembree Park). The Flea Fling will take place from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on October 3.