Leigh Place: Courthouse to residence to offices
ASHS Column for 03 08 07
Margaret Collier

Things have been going on in the
James Houston Jones Historical
Park. No, #100 hasn't arrived
yet because all of the prepara-
tions have not been completed,
but with all of the spring-like
weather of late we hope that,
by the time you read this
column, the track-laying will
be complete which will make
possible the moving of the
boxcar. By the time all of
that is done we assume that
the snow will be gone from
#100 enabling her to be loaded
up and trucked home to
Century.
Meanwhile, we have been busy
painting the exterior of The
Briggs Building. Also, paint
has been applied to the
trophy cabinet and the new
shelves
that have been made for it.
Again, by the time you read
this we plan to have all of
those trophies from
Century High School proudly
displayed in this fine showcase
that was donated by the Town
of Century.
The pantry has been restocked
and reorganized, the utility
closet is now accessible
without endangering one's life
and, you just won't believe,
the improvements made in The
Mole Hole (office)!
These transformations have
not been accomplished by the
waving of a magic wand. Oh,
no! Only the willing hands
of members and friends of
the Society have wrought these
changes.
Regular workers, John and
Dorothy, have just exceeded
all expectations. John, in
addition to keeping the grounds
neat has proven himself as a
master paint brush wielder.
Dorothy, in addition to being
a great hostess and receptionist,
has shown talent in organizing
supplies and keeping The Leach
House presentable after many of us come rooting around looking for various items and making a mess. Our Jerry F. and Jerry S. duo, plus Don and Margaret, have also been working at various chores. Also have to mention
Helen Mincy who has volunteered to paint and who, most recently, acted as a most effective hostess with visitors from Alabama when we were short-handed.
By all of this, you can tell that your help is always appreciated. Just call or come by to see what needs to be done at any given time. Curator Jerry S. is usually available Mon., Wed., or Fri. He can put you to work in the office or outside - wherever your talents lie - so if you have time on your hands just speak up.
While you are working or just visiting you may want to avail yourself of a new honor system refreshment center. Don Sales has made cold drinks and snacks available in the small refrigerator in the meeting room. He has a jar for your contributions to keep this going. The proceeds will be used to restock the supplies as necessary.
Enough of the mundane, already! Several of us went to the February meeting of our sister historical society in Brewton and what a joy it was! Tom McMillan gave a power point presentation on The Leigh House. Later we toured and enjoyed refreshments in that handsome and historic building.
We learned that in 1885 it became the first official courthouse in Brewton. Seventeen years later it was deemed inadequate, so was put up for sale in 1902. While awaiting a buyer it was used as an armory for the Brewton Rifles. It did remain idle for a number of years after the armory was moved, but in 1909, it was bought to serve as a tobacco warehouse.
In 1910, the building was again sold. This time it was renovated for a colonial style home. In 1919, the house was sold to Mabel C. Leigh, hence its name. The Leigh Place as it stands today was remodeled in 1969 by Thomas E. McMillan and is now in use as an office building.
I can tell you that this is not your average office building. The various wood and exposed brick walls, plus the tasteful furnishings just breath atmosphere and make one thankful that this structure was not abandoned or razed, but was used, adapted, loved and made into the treasure that it is today.
I was going to wax into a long discussion of the importance of preserving or commemorating the old - whether buildings, sites, things, yea, even people, because of their historic significance, community contributions, or just their emotional appeal, but that column will have to come another time as our space is running out. Think about it though.
Also, get out those pictures, anecdotes, and recipes and get them to us at P.O. Box 1002, Century, FL 32535. The sooner you get them in the sooner we can get that nostalgic cookbook ready. It is shaping up to be a best seller!
P.S. Does anyone out there have a recipe for Green Tomato Pie? Aubrey Ross remembers his "Momma" making his favorite dish but does not have the recipe. Help! We need it for our keepsake cookbook. Let's hear from you.