Anticipation in 1950 was great for the Guyton July 4th picnic. Flyers were mailed throughout the county to rural and post office box addresses. This was the reviving of an old custom that had been held until about 1930.
The program plans announced assembly music starting at 10:30 a.m. by “Savannah’s Own” Brass Band.” Milton Arden, president of the Guyton Community Club which was sponsoring the event was master of ceremonies. “America” opened the festivities with the band playing and all in attendance singing. Rev. A. L. Pullen of Springfield Baptist held the Invocation. Special Selections were rendered by the Effingham County Quartet.
Miss Walton Ewing (Burns) sang a solo. Mayor A. E. Norton introduced the guest speakers, Clark Gaines, chairman of the Commerce Department of the State of Georgia and principal speaker, Tom Lindler, commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Georgia. Splendid speeches were presented. Music was played throughout lunch by the band.
Crowd estimates were 1,000 to 4,000. Hurley Barner stated that 1,500 barbecue plates were served. Many chose the basket lunches that were also served rather than the BBQ. Lemonade was available all day as was iced tea. Best estimates were about 2,000, according to the Springfield Herald.
The afternoon saw a variety of activities. Sack races were won by: 1 to 5 years, first-Julian Edward Pace, second-“Buzzie” Ellis and third-Ray Barr; age 6 to 15 years, first-Libby Barr, second-Cordell Exley and third-Linda Reiser (Rahn); age 16 to 100, first -Rev. Ernest Seckinger, second-Carroll Mock and third-Tryon Elkins.
First place in the horse races went to Cordell Bazemore on Tillie with second going to Claude Perkins and third to Dick Davis.
The climax of the day was the baseball game with Clyo defeating Springfield 8-6.
The horse races were preceded by a Horse Show presented by the George S. Cubbedge SA-H1 Riding Academy and featured some of the most beautiful trotting horses in this section of the country.
According to the Springfield Herald, “Probably the most thrilling and satisfying events for the most people present was the opportunity to mix and mingle with old friends and to enjoy seeing once again those they had not seen during several previous years.”
Historic Effingham wishes each of you a safe and happy 4th of July. Please pray for our soldiers who are in harm’s way protecting our rights to celebrate here at home. Enjoy the event with friends and family. Rincon is offering a celebration with a parade for 2009 — please enjoy the day.
This was written by Susan Exley of Historic Effingham Society utilizing the Springfield Herald. If you have photos, comments or information to share, contact Susan Exley at 754-6681 or email her at: susanexley@historiceffinghamsociety.org
