By Staff
FRIENDS GATHER Quitman Alderman Helen Ann Beeman talks with Sam Box during a reception Sunday at the Quitman Centennial. Nearly 200 people attended the ceremony and more are expected for the town's Centennial Homecoming set for March 31. Photo by Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star.
By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Feb. 19, 2001
QUITMAN You may not always be there, but home is always home.
Sam Box, 84, hasn't always lived in Quitman. He left home at age 19 to make his way in the world, and didn't move back here until he was in his late 60s.
The 100th anniversary of Quitman's incorporation was Feb. 15, and residents held a open house Sunday one in a series of events planned to mark the date. About 200 people attended the ceremony at the Depot, where photos and newspaper clippings about the town's past were on display.
The celebration continues Saturday, March 31, with a day of festival activities. Hoping to attract former residents, and welcome first-time visitors, organizers say the day will have something for everyone.
There will be a parade at 10 a.m., and a historical skit on the west side of the Clarke County Courthouse starting at 1 p.m. Along with the crafts and artworks that will be on sale throughout the day, there will be games and rides for the children to enjoy. There will also be train rides back and forth to Enterprise.
Kramer said local artists are being invited to submit their works for an art contest, and students will be competing in an essay contest.
The activities will conclude with an old-fashioned town dinner on the grounds which will be held at pecan grove next to First Baptist Church on Sunday, April 1. The dinner will begin at noon.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.