Annual Meeting and the Hospital
ASHS Column for 1/26 2006
Margaret Collier
In spite of that horrendous weather
on the 17th, folks came from far and
wide (well, at least, from Greenville,
Evergreen, Brewton, Pollard, Atmore,
Bogia, McDavid, Cantonment,
Pensacola and even from historic
downtown Century) to attend the
Annual Meeting of The Alger-Sullivan
Historical Society. The speaker,
genealogist and historian Sherry
Johnston of Evergreen, told us of
the satisfaction of successful
research in genealogy.
President Jerry Fischer recounted the 2005 accomplishments of the Society and spoke of its plans for 2006. Members voted to keep the meetings in the evening but moved the time to 6 P.M. instead of 7. Rev. Willie Carter gave the invocation and blessing for the outstanding covered dish meal that was provided by the members. Those of you who are familiar with church dinner on the grounds know what a gustatory delight that was.
Probably the best part of the evening was the warm fellowship. Of course, we cannot forget the humor provided by Earl Tisdale as he proposed the following toast to the wives:
Here's to the wives that fill our hives with little bees and honey:
they mend our clothes and kiss our nose, but, gosh, don't they spend the money!
When we're sick they heal us, that is, if they love us.
If not we die, and yet they cry and raise tombstones above us.
They're sweet when glad, and when they're sad we have to soothe and caress 'em,
but without them, well, life would be hell, so here's to the wives, God bless 'em.
(Author unknown)
Those of you who were unable to attend missed a most pleasant and informative gathering, so make your plans now to attend the February 21 meeting at six P.M. when we hope to hear from a nonagenarian by name of Newton. Don Newton, now 95, worked for The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company from the mid-1920s until about 1939. His memories should take us way back in time to tell us more about how life was in "the good ole days."
Whilst we are looking ahead, let's look a little further to April 8. Many of you are aware of the historical importance of that date but for the benefit of the few who now need to know, that is the official birthday of the naming of Century. When you visit The Leach House Museum, you may view the letter from Mr. Edward Hauss to General Alger that states: "We have named the new station Century and hope that meets with your approval."
Now a birthday requires celebration and with each added year that celebration should become bigger and more important so this year the Emerald Coast Model A Club will be back and three music groups have committed to perform. If you have an exhibit (antique car, tools, photos, hobbies, etc.) be sure to sign up for a spot and for the publicity. Who knows? We may even have an historic, working grist mill on site. An ole-timey photo op may be available for you to step back in time for your image as it may have been in the early 1900's. That, of course, gives us all an incentive to dress up in vintage clothing as many of the antique car people did last year.
The thing about all of this is that April will be here before we know it so we need for everyone to help by participating. Let us know about entertainment, exhibits, contests, food, etc. that you would like to see and to help provide. Also, lend your muscles. Sign up for physical help. Members are being reminded to contribute their white elephants for sale.
I can't let Jerry's last column about Mr. L. F. Nelson's 1947 speech go by without commenting. One of the items that Mr. Nelson mentioned was the establishment of a hospital by Dr. O'Gwynn and later taken over by Dr. Sam Turberville. That old hospital had a long and honorable history in three different buildings with many other changes until it finally was closed on January 18, 1971. There is an old saying, "What goes around comes back around." I was truly struck by that when on January 17, 2006, after thirty-five years, almost exactly to the day, the hospital door was once again opened for medical services. I do not know if Dr. Bachman knew the significance of that date for his new venture, but we are truly excited and optimistic about this historic new beginning. Long may it grow and prosper in its service.
This page last modified on Friday, February 03, 2006
