Hello dear readers. In this note I take the role of one of our society’s past leaders who was well known for her weekly greetings and current news, in order to report on a special event. Last week the society held our annual December meeting and Christmas party. There were about twenty members in attendance, a modest number for our society. The meeting began with the customary opening ceremony of pledges and prayers, and then a short welcome by Mr. Fischer which was followed by games, stories and songs.
Diane and Agnes spent a large portion of the evening with a most fun challenge. Several pages of small cartoons were presented to the group - the cartoons represented songs associated with Christmas. Members were given time to privately write the name of each song and then the group spent several minutes sharing answers. A picture of a hippopotamus with a red ribbon tied around it was one example. I was a bit embarrassed to overlook, “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas”. Twenty-five songs were represented; the most guessed by anyone were nineteen. After the answer period, prizes were presented to the top winners: shiny new kitchen whisks with chocolate kisses filling the beater portions. Attached to each prize was an oversized tag with a holiday wish written on it, “We Whisk You a Merry Kissmas”.
Our friend Barney then spoke up with several humorous stories; this was followed by recollections of childhood by other members. Afterwards Barney displayed for the group an unusual vegetable he discovered nearby. The large, long tuber resembled a type of gourd. It was a light yellow in color, measuring about two feet long and about four inches across. Barney explained that it was a type of radish which has become an off-season crop of some local farmers to re-nourish their fields. Although most farmers plow the crop under, Barney had been told that they are eatable and decided to cook a bit. He reported that it tastes somewhat like turnips and that the harsh radish flavor is only found near the roots. After deciding that Barney appeared no more off kilter than usual after ingesting the root, it was hoped that such a crop was available in suffering parts of the world.
The next part of the evening was filled with music from several seasonal songs presented by Shelby and her guitar. The meeting ended as society members then gathered around serving tables to fill our plates with the Christmas feast and later finished the evening talking of local history with friends.
Our society invites you to visit a meeting in the new year. There is usually a short business section, which is followed by about half an hour devoted to a guest speaker, with good food afterwards. You will meet friends, have fun, and learn something new. Meetings are the third Tuesday of each month, 6pm at our museums on 4th St. in Century.
It is this time of year that we share in giving to remember the holy birth. But, there are many folks who spend all year in the spirit of giving and some of these consider the sharing of our history an important gift. I am lucky in knowing a few of these regional history buffs. One is Mr. Jerry Simmons who for years acted as historian for the border area around Century as well as museum caretaker at Brewton. Sherry Digmon has served her region in a variety of roles while keeping us aware of the history and potential future of Atmore through her Atmore magazine. Mr. and Mrs. Craig Exner keep our farm history alive as long-term leaders of the Barrineau Park Society, and Kevin McKinley and his family give us insight into the history of many old families of South Alabama and Canoe through their newspaper articles and community leadership. And finally, Mr. Jerry Fischer who has spent many years collecting photos, giving lectures, collaborating local history books, speaking on radio programs, and as the driving force of our own. In your prayers of the season, perhaps a moment may be spent on these folks for all the giving that they have done.
Last minute shopping? The society located in old Century sells a variety of hard-to-find local history books, antique books, and slightly used popular novel hardbacks, as well as wooden toys for the kids. Call 850-256-3980 for access. And from us to you, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
