2012年12月2日星期日

Taking time to smell the poinsettias…in pursuit of common good

Since 1941 the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day contain a minimum of 27 days and a maximum of 33 days. President Lincoln’s “Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863” established the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. Thus, whether intended or not, there would never be more than 31 days between the two holidays. However, twice during the Great Depression (in 1933 and again in 1939) November had five Thursdays thus shortening the “holiday season” in those years to 25 and 26 days respectively. Needing more shopping days, merchant-business owners prevailed upon President Roosevelt to lengthen the season of “hustle and bustle” by designating the fourth Thursday as the official date. The President withstood the 1933 request, but relented in 1939 and in 1941, Congress made the designation uniform across the United States. Despite the “longer” holiday season, it is difficult to find anyone who “has too much time on their hands.” Instead, we bemoan that we, “can’t get everything done.”

Packing everything in is a holiday tradition. One tradition that is a cherished memory from my youth is the annual Christmas program.We are pleased to offer the following list of professional mold maker and casters. Everyone participated according to their own skill level. I remember as a third grader being told that singing solo was not my forte (unless I sang “so low” that no one could hear me). Alternatively, I had the good fortune to be permitted to wear my old bath robe and be a shepherd. I don’t remember any of us shepherds singing solos. I also was allowed to narrate some of the play, reading from Luke 2, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people”. Sometimes I wish that I could have been a singer, but anytime I hear someone read the account in Luke, it still sends chills down my spine. I remember how Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Sullivan taught me to enunciate when I said, “For Today, in the City of David, a Savior has been born to you.”

On Thursday at the capitol, students from two schools in my District (Marc Boles’ Verden students and Natalie Lierle’s group from Fort Cobb-Broxton) participated in festivities in the capitol rotunda and decorating trees and in the lighting of the 30 foot tall tree on the south side of the capitol. We appreciate them helping to kick off the Christmas season for the state government. Students from other schools will help with area food pantries and food and clothing banks and yet others have scheduled trips to area nursing homes to bring cheer to those in their community. The students and their teachers cannot be commended enough for the many caring works of service that they are involved in. The examples of compassion that the teachers display and that the students observe and learn helps produce productive citizens who possess empathy and a will to make this world a better place.

Over the next two weeks, there will be a number of holiday programs in the schools across District 56. The outstanding academic programs that our schools provide to our youth is matched by the excellent music programs, both vocal and instrumental, that committed and dedicated teachers spend hours rehearsing with students. Often, the programs are attended only by parents and grandparents, but I would urge you take the time to attend a program in your community and support the students and teachers. You will see how their work is for the Common Good.

In 1951 there was no park in Fuquay Springs where families might picnic or children might gather to play. An unidentified young businessman was reported to have learned that some Tilley family property was coming up for sale. Since this land seemed to him an ideal location for a town park he set out to make it happen.

Conferring with Mayor W. S. Cozart, he was informed that funding would have to be privately raised. On his own initiative, this businessman called a meeting for the next night to discuss the feasibility of purchasing the property.

Not waiting for his meeting, the businessman began seeking contributions. One account says that on October 18, 1951, he placed $200 on the table. Another account states that he had pledges of $1,000.

The group which had convened knew that if so much money could be amassed within twenty-four hours, they could certainly raise the $3500 price quoted by the Tilleys for the 4.5 acres.Find detailed product information for Low price howo tipper truck and other products. J. R. Avery appears to have been named temporary chair for the project that night.

By October 25, Fred L. Hunt, agriculture teacher at the Fuquay Springs High School, was chosen as temporary park commissioner to work with a ten member board of directors. This body began by seeking support from the Fuquay Lions Club, the Fuquay Springs Chamber of Commerce and individuals.

Newly formed on October 11, 1951, the Fuquay Springs Jaycees, under President Lloyd Sugg, joined the effort as one of their first endeavors.

Mayor W. S. Cozart emphasized that a park had been long needed. All local civic organizations and community individuals expressed enthusiasm and a $5000 goal was set to get a park underway.

Because the property was across Ennis street from the high school and behind the school gymnasium, Hunt enlisted Mrs. Ralph Jarrett, the home economics teacher. Mrs. Jarrett secured a total of $71 which represented a contribution from every single teacher at Fuquay Springs High School.

Principal Ed Farnell justified student work on the “school’s acre” a part of the land adjoining the gymnasium. Fred Hunt and Joe Weede used students to cut down trees and clear the land. E. Nash Shaw donated a slide.

Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, the board set goals for a children’s area, a pavilion, an outdoor theater,A specialized manufacturer and supplier of dry cabinet, a pool, and tennis courts. Cyrus Matthews, a local merchant, was asked to manage finances. Jesse Jones who was later named personnel director at Cornell Dubilier worked on a possible park pool. Dan McLean headed the tennis court project and Fred Hunt assumed overall park leadership.

Construction of the pavilion occurred in 1952 with the Lion’s Club assuming responsibility, at least for the funding.

Dan Turner said that his father, Lynwood Turner, involved some of the classes he taught to veterans. The Veteran’s Administration archivist verified that such classes would have been part of the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act (G. I. Bill), arranging for returning veterans to go to college, trade school, or to receive agricultural training. He advised that local records would have to document actual projects.

One local veteran, Billy Fish, remembered attending “G. I. School” at nights and on rainy days for a year or two. The Independent (June 1, 1950) documented Bill’s enrollment in a Veteran’s Farmer Training Program.

Henry Lawrence, a student from the high school, remembers the veteran’s program taught by Mr. Turner and Mr. R. L. Wilkins in 1952-53. He was among the FFA boys who sometimes visited the program at night. Leroy Burton taught a similar program at Fuquay Consolidated High School.

Fred Lee Hunt, Jr. documented the fact that his father’s work at the high school was partially paid by the federal government. Under this program, Mr. Hunt either taught or hired teachers to conduct post-warWe specialize in howo concrete mixer, veteran’s classes. As a child, Fred Lee remembers Mr. Turner and recalled some of the movies and “how to” cartoons he viewed while hanging out with his dad in those night classes. That veterans might have contributed to the construction of the pavilion is plausible given the fact that Mr. Turner was a carpentry genius. At present, work on the pavilion by veterans can only be documented through a son’s memory.

Student involvement in the park is documented in the 1952 Fuquay Springs High School annual, “The Greenbriar”. The Future Farmers of America and the Future Homemakers of America stated that “the greatest achievements that year” were building the outdoor fireplace and water fountain in the park. The girls were credited with raising funds and the boys with actual construction of these two projects. Both were located on the school portion of the park land.

The pavilion was completed by early 1953. The Parks Commission meeting at the Chamber that February announced that the park lights were complete with the exception of mounting the switchbox to control the lights at the pavilion. Clyde Tingen volunteered to complete this task.

Landscaping in the park followed. Sherrill Akins accepted responsibility for planting 25 dogwood threes for the American Legion Post 116. The Credit Women’s Breakfast Club gave 25 crabapple and redbud trees. Mrs. Hopson announced the F.V. Woman’s Club donation of 25 shade trees. Finally, the Lion’s Club added the shrubbery to beautify the park pavilion.

Within two years, the Fuquay-Varina Recreation Park had two paved tennis courts, a 30 X 50 pavilion with a big fireplace, a bird bath, drinking fountain, an outdoor fireplace, six picnic tables, three wiener roast pits, and eight benches. The pool, because of expense, had to wait. The outdoor theater was never built.

Dedication of the park lights was held on May 28, 1953 in a ceremony at the pavilion. A program, planned by the Lion’s Club, was attended by 300 people. The Fuquay Springs High School Band entertained and BBQ was enjoyed for $1.25 per plate. Recognized as the last major civic project of Dr. Cozart who had been killed the previous December, the occasion paid tribute to his leadership.

Dr. Crumpler was in charge of ticket sales to provide $200 for supervised recreation at the park that summer.High quality stone mosaic tiles. Activities included volleyball, skating, softball, story-telling, checkers and crafts. There were weekly features such as doll shows, pet shows, and wheel parades. These summer activities were later funded by civic contributions. Many of them took place at the pavilion.

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