Thomasville Magazine Spring 2022

COMPLIMENTARY Please Take One

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

Historic

Al Dixon Men’s Wear has thrived for over 60 years

LET’SPLAY! FLAUNT2022 creates a fun public art display with a Monopoly theme

SPRING’SBeautiful

BLOOMS ’

FROM THE ROSE SHOW TO LANDMARKS’ DERBY PARTY TO DUE SOUTH

An ExpEriEncE You cAn SmilE About AlAn G. SAnderS, d.M.d.

ZAchAry J. chAndler, d.M.d.

FAMily · SedAtion · iMplAntS

229-227-9070 New Patients Welcome 396 Liberty Street | Thomasville, Georgia 31757 www.thomasvilledentalcenter.com

When it comes to healthcare, there’s no place like home.

Choose Archbold.

Minimally-invasive surgery | World-class cancer care | Award-winning heart & vascular

“Your s u c c e s s is our s u c c e s s ” — STEPHEN H. CHENEY I CEO

M AGA Z I N E The first and finest in the Red Hills Region

FOUNDER

John D. “Jack” Kelly | March 15, 1931 - July 8, 2015

A bank’s success is never an idea alone.

Thomasville National Bank’s success lies in our community of customers, in their character, in their loyal response.

They value trust: the handshake agreement.

They are proud of Thomasville: its families, traditions, and prosperity.

“He spent his life giving back to the community he loved!”

• EDITOR IN CHIEF

Karen “KK” Snyder| kk@thomasvillemagazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lauren Vann | Adele Creative Marketing & Design

GRAPHIC DESIGN Lauren Vann | Jacob Welch

ADVERTISING SALES Wendy Montgomery

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS This is what banking should be.

For you. About you.

Sarah D. Shearer | Meme Greitzer Lindsay Field Penticuff | Stephanie Rice Amy Leigh Tyson

PHOTOGRAPHY 301 NORTH BROAD STREET TNBANK.COM

I

I

229.226.3300

MEMBER FDIC

Whigham Images | Emily Tucker Photography

CONTENTS

34 Let’s Play!

FLAUNT2022 presents a fun Monopoly-themed art installation with a twist

10

IN EVERY ISSUE

Best Dressed Men

Al Dixon Men’s Wear has long been a staple in downtown Thomasville, and for good reason.

8

80 Events 82 Social Scenes

20

p.34

Blooming Beauties Thomasville Garden Club’s Standard Flower Show and the Thomasville Rose Show are both around the corner.

65 Marking a Century Get a peek inside Imagine Thomasville’s recently buried centennial time capsule.

72 Thomasville History Some of Thomasville’s most historic cemeteries have fascinating stories to share.

78

56 Head North An Atlanta road trip packed full of food and entertainment sure to leave lasting memories.

Editor’s Letter

50 Downtown Guide

Due South One of Thomasville’s most popular events returns in full.

SPRING ON THE TABLE

Enjoy these recipes perfect for celebrating spring.

PAGE 28

HEY, SUGAR!

Not just a term of endearment, sugar can be serious when it comes to optimal health.

PAGE 42

p.10 5 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest.”

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Thomasville Magazine is published four times each year. Subscription rates are $15 for one year.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Spring is the prettiest time of year in South Georgia, with the azaleas, dogwoods, and other flowering beauties showing off their short-lived colors. Thoughts of beach trips, Easter, and baseball begin floating around at my house, the possibilities creating a real case of spring fever.

Spring in Thomasville means many things, from the century old Thomasville Rose Show to the Standard Flower Show to the latest art installation blooming throughout downtown. We’re bringing you all the details about where to catch these Thomasville traditions, and we hope you’re able to get out to enjoy and support them.

Many of Thomasville’s beloved businesses boast a longevity to be admired, and that holds true for Al Dixon Men’s Wear in downtown.

Since 1959, this refined men’s shop has dressed the gentlemen of Thomasville and beyond, whether in classic threads or the latest

SUBSCRIPTIONS ThomasvilleMagazine.com Subscriptions@ThomasvilleMagazine.com Checks may be mailed to: Thomasville Magazine 15125 US Hwy 19 S Box #375 Thomasville, GA 31792 Be sure to specify your delivery address when submitting a check.

in casualwear. This issue brings you the full story of this beloved downtown business.

An Atlanta road trip weekend full of shopping, dining, and entertainment, recipes perfect for Easter or any spring day, the inside scoop on Thomasville’s recently buried time capsule, and an article from the Thomasville History Center on historic cemeteries―it’s all in here!

As always, thank you for reading Thomasville Magazine and for supporting the advertisers that make it possible to provide this publication to you free of charge. Remember to think local every chance you get!

Happy Spring,

KK

Karen (KK) Snyder EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

6 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2 022

DIGITAL EDITION & SOCIAL You can follow us online on our social media accounts @ThomasvilleMagazine.

thomasvillemagazine.com

There is a reason Tallahassee’s best builders buy their appliances in Thomasville!

We are the Sub-Zero / Wolf regional showroom with a live demo kitchen

Full Size Refrigerators t Ranges t Cooktops & Rangetops t Built-in Ovens t Wine Storage t

Undercounter Refrigerators t Microwaves t Range Hoods & Ventilation t

Coffee Systems t Module Cooktops t Warming Drawers t Outdoor Grills t

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229-228-5112 www.BOBBYDOLLAR.com

Business

WORTH THE TRIP

AL DIXON MEN’S WEAR A Downtown Staple

WRITTEN BY Lindsay Field Penticuff PHOTOS BY Emily Tucker Photography

S

ix-plus decades. More than half a century.

Nearly 65 years.

This is how long Al Dixon Men’s Wear has been a staple in downtown Thomasville, as well as calling the same location off South Broad Street home since the late Al Dixon first opened the store in 1959.

The business has also been owned and operated this whole time by family, and it continues to sell highquality men’s clothing to residents

and visitors in Southwest Georgia.

So, whether you’re looking to rent a tuxedo or purchase a new suit, sport coat, slacks or custom-made dress shirt, Al Dixon’s is your place.

IT ALL STARTED WITH A GI BILL Al Dixon, who passed away 25 years ago, was born and raised in Climax.

He left home in the 1940s to serve in the Army, where he was a sergeant major. After World War II, Al returned home to Southwest Georgia to work.

10 THOMA SVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

There weren’t many professional offerings at home, so he moved to Thomasville, where Al managed the men’s department at Neel’s Department Store.

“After he left Neel’s, Dad wanted to open up his own men’s clothing store,” shares Ron Dixon, Al’s son and owner of Al Dixon’s today. “He got a GI loan back in 1959 and found the location at 124 S. Broad St. in Thomasville—the same location that it’s at today—and opened up his own

STILL GOING STRONG

“He got a GI loan back in 1959 and found the location at 124 S. Broad St. in Thomasville— the same location that it’s at today.”–Ron Dixon, Owner, Al Dixon Men’s Wear

Business

WORTH THE TRIP

THROUGH

THE YEARS “I’ve enjoyed watching our brand grow and us try to increase the awareness of

men’s store that October.”

Dixon says that his dad fell in love with men’s clothing and apparel while working at Neel’s, and he had a great knack for it, so opening up his own store was just a natural next step.

And while Al passed away nearly three decades ago, the store has remained in the family. Ron has owned and operated the store for more than 42 years.

“I worked here during high school, and when I was in college, I would come home on weekends and work,” he says. “Dad was also ill for quite a while and he wasn’t able to work, so I ended up coming home to run the store for him.”

ADDING HIS OWN TOUCH Since proudly taking the reins from his dad, Ron has gone above and beyond to make sure the quality established when the store opened remains unmatched. He even helped create a private label for the business.

“We came up with our dog and quail logo about 15 years ago,” Ron

12

it.”– Ron Dixon, Owner, Al Dixon Men’s Wear

says. “We put it on a quality shirt that’s a no-iron, easy care, wash and wear shirt. And the shirt sells itself.

The dog and quail just give you a location as to where it comes from.”

Since that time, they’ve also added the hometown brand to vests, ties, pants, and sweaters.

“It’s our identity that represents Thomasville, which people love,” Ron adds. “The shirts are not made locally, but we pick out the patterns and colors that we want to do, as well as the fit, and then we try to coordinate the colors with the dog and quail to match the shirt.”

That same process is followed with their knit shirts, shorts, bathing suits,

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

and lounge wear.

“I’ve enjoyed watching our brand grow and us trying to increase the awareness of it,” Ron says. “It’s just fun to have people wear your shirt.

If they go out of town and someone says they like their shirt, asking where they get it, they can say they can only get it one place, with us. That’s kind of a neat thing.”

Ron is also proud of the fact that Al Dixon’s offers in-house alterations. In fact, they are lucky enough to have two seamstresses working on site— one of whom has worked there for 36 years—so that the merchandise never has to leave the store.

But their bread and butter, Ron says, is the store’s suits, sport coats, Continued, p.17

Business

WORTH THE TRIP

AL DIXON MEN’S WEAR

HOURS

124 S. Broad St.

Monday-Friday

Thomasville, GA 31792

8am to 6pm

(229) 226-6301

Saturday

aldixons.com

8am to 5:30pm Closed on Sunday

Business

IN THE FAMILY The alterations room has mementos of years past, with photos of friends and family who have been a part of the shop’s long history.

TAILORED LIFE These days you’d be hard pressed to find a full-service men’s shop in a small town like Thomasville, where alterations are made onsite.

WORTH THE TRIP

and dress attire, in addition to all the fixings like ties and bowties. They actually offer the largest selection of suits and sport coats in South Georgia and North Florida.

“Our dressy clothing is what keeps us going,” he says. “We also sell socks, T-shirts, underwear, shoes, and hats, just about everything for men’s wear, the full ensemble. We dress men for weddings, funerals, and everything in between.”

Ron believes his full-service store and offerings are what have helped Al Dixon’s continue to thrive all these years. “We are an old-school men’s shop. We measure, we hem and pin, and we don’t charge for alterations.

Our customers just like the service

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Business

“I think Dad would be proud

WORTH THE TRIP

that we’re still here, still growing and thriving.”

–Ron Dixon, Owner, Al Dixon Men’s Wear

that we provide, and that’s what’s kept us here for so long.”

DAD WOULD BE PROUD The store and Ron’s branded attire have become “home” to so many native to the Thomasville area, too.

He said it’s not uncommon for people to come in and say that his dad dressed them when they were young, and some of their employees even date back three generations.

“We’ve had a lot of people hired through many, many years, and it’s fun to visit with people who come in and

Unlock Your Dream Home!

say they remember working for my dad, and they share that they enjoyed working for him and that maybe he taught them how to tie a tie or how to dress,” Ron says. “I carry that with me to this day. It really means a lot to hear a lot of good comes out of it.”

And while people may have moved away from Thomasville throughout the years, they have continued to place orders online or drop by when in town so that they can continue to sport the high-quality brand and attire Ron and his family have sold for decades.

“I think Dad would be proud that we’re still here, still growing and thriving, that we have our own brand now and are still a driving force in Thomasville, and that his name is still as strong as the day he started,” Ron concludes. “And I hope it does long after I’m gone.” TM

Thomasville’s Real Estate Market Leader

(229) 226-3911 • 401 E Jackson St, Thomasville, Georgia 31792

17 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

Since 1998 Magnolia Place Senior Living in Cairo has offered a supportive family environment for senior care. Units are available in Senior Living with support and Memory Care.

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20 THOMA SVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

Blooming Beauties

BOTH THE STANDARD FLOWER SHOW, HOSTED BY THE THOMASVILLE GARDEN CLUB, AND THE ROSE SHOW & FESTIVAL ARE PLANNED FOR THIS SPRING, HERALDING THE SEASON AND OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES TO CELEBRATE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

21 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

STANDARD FLOWER SHOW · THOMASVILLE GARDEN CLUB

THOMASVILLE GARDEN CLUB

Standard Flower Show, March 18 & 19 For more than a century, citizens have gathered to see the finest florals and horticulture in Thomas County, courtesy of garden enthusiasts and club members alike.

T

The City of Roses is in full bloom this spring, and The Garden Club is thrilled to be hosting the 101st Standard Flower Show on March 18th and 19th at The Garden Center. For more than a century, citizens have gathered to see the finest florals and horticulture in Thomas County, courtesy of garden enthusiasts and club members alike.

The first annual show, in 1921, was held at the historic Neel’s Department Store downtown, and over the years it has moved through a basketball gymnasium, a Buick dealership, and even a tobacco warehouse.

This year’s chair, Mary Carol McCall, is excited for the community to see the theme “The Garden: Planted in Love.” Participants will be judged in five different divisions: horticulture, design, education, commercial, and youth horticulture.

McCall took the mantle of horticultural passion from her mother, who was a long-time member of one of Thomasville’s clubs, the Rambler Rose Garden Club. After McCall retired, she became a member of the same club as a way to honor her mother’s legacy.

Including Rambler Rose, Thomasville boasts a total of 161 members among five garden clubs: Thomasville, Briarcliff, Killarney

Queen, and Lady Banks.

While the annual Flower Show is the focal point of the year, the clubs bloom perennially with activities throughout the year. Members maintain the oncology center garden, provide bouquets for hospice patients, contribute to the Ronald McDonald House charity, and own the Big Oak. It may be easy to associate the happenings of a “garden club” with something our grandmothers used to do in their spare time as housewives.

And, indeed, most current club members are more seasoned blooms, but this is something they would like to change, and they are hopeful for a harvest of younger members.

In an era where social media has

22 THOMA SVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

attempted to take the place of faceto-face interactions, many people right here in Thomasville are looking to build relationships and foster community but might not know where to begin. McCall would like to plant a seed that joining the Garden Club might offer the community one seeks.

Rambler Rose Club member Susan Varnedoe says garden club meetings are the highlight of her month. “The ladies are so dignified and poised—I learn so much by spending time with them. It’s such a refreshing time!”

In addition to the two-day show, there will also be a children’s honeybee activity held on the front lawn of The Garden Center at 10am, March 19. For more info, visit thomasvillegardenclub.com.

ROSE SHOW & FESTIVAL · CITY OF THOMASVILLE

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

ROSE SHOW & FESTIVAL · CITY OF THOMASVILLE

ROSE SHOW & FESTIVAL

April 22 & 23

Now in its 101st year, the Thomasville Rose Festival brings with it a full weekend of events, offering something for everyone—from a 5k run to the popular Rose Parade. This is just a portion of the fun planned for this year. Visit thomasvillega.com for all the details!

Sharon D.M.D. Sharon K. K. Patrick Patrick D.M.D. Laura Ridley Francisco GarciaD.M.D. D.M.D.

Sharon K. Patrick D.M.D. Sharon K. Patrick D.M.D. Sharon K. Patrick D.M.D. Laura Ridley D.M.D. Francisco Garcia D.M.D. Francisco Garcia D.M.D. 229.227.1447 303 W. Hansell Street

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M, W, Th, F: 8 AM - 5 PM Tuesday: 1 PM - 8 PM

ORCHIDS ON PARADE Friday & Saturday, 9am–4pm, inside the Municipal Building, 144 East Jackson Street 101ST ANNUAL ROSE SHOW

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303 W. Hansell Street Friday, 1-5pm & Saturday, 10am-4 pm, GENERAL, COSMETIC & ADVANCED DENTISTRY Remington Avenue at Broad Street, under the tent, ERAL, COSMETIC ADVANCED DENTISTRY General, Cosmetic & & Advanced Dentistry downtown Thomasville Sharon K. Patrick Bleaching • Implants •D.M.D. Crowns Bleaching •• Implants ••Crowns • Bridges Bleaching Implants Crowns • Bridges Sharon K. Patrick D.M.D. www.aconfidentsmile.com DenturesBridges TMJ Treatments •• •TMJ Root Canal Treatments •Treatments Dentures Treatments Laura Ridley D.M.D. Dentures ••TMJ Root Canal Treatments ROSE PARADE & STREET DANCE Francisco Garcia D.M.D. Friday, 7pm, Broad Street, downtown Thomasville.

M, W, Th, F: 8 AM 5 PM M, W, Th, F: 8 AMRoot - 5303 PM W. Hansell Street Canal Treatments Tuesday: 1 PM - 8 PM The dance begins at 8:30pm, following the parade.

229.227.1447

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M, W, Th, F: 8 AM - 5 PM Tuesday: 1 PM - 8 PM

www.aconfidentsmile.com

M, W, Th, F: 8 AM - 5 PM Tuesday: 1 PM - 8 PM

M, W, Th, F: 8 AM - 5 PM 303 W. Hansell Street Tuesday: 1 PM - 8 PM 229.227.1447

www.aconfidentsmile.com

303 W. Hansell Street

229.227.1447

www.aconfidentsmile.com

ROSE FEST MARKET AT THE RITZ Saturday, 11am–5pm, The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens Street Outdoor market featuring goods by artisans and makers from across the Southeast. Food trucks, children’s activities, music, and more.

961342

961342

www.aconfidentsmile.com

www.aconfidentsmile.com

Enjoy a free, live concert by the Swingin’ Medallions.

SIP & SHOP Saturday, noon-10pm, downtown Thomasville. Grab a beer or wine from a participating downtown merchant and stroll the bricks for a day of sipping, shopping, and fun.

ROSE FEST FINALE & FIREWORKS Saturday, 7-9 pm, The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens Street Enjoy a free concert by The Company Band. Pick up your favorite beer or wine from a local merchant and enjoy dancing and fun for the whole family. Free admission.

Food trucks will also be on site, and fireworks will immediately follow the concert around 9:15pm.

MAY 06, 2022

Help us Make

History!

Guinness World Record Attempt!

"Most People Dressed Like a Butterfly" BE A PART OF THIS HISTORIC WORLD RECORD & HELP VASHTI END THE STIGMA FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Friday May 6, 5:30 pm Ritz Amphitheater SCAN FOR

Other Festival Events

ROSES IN RESTAURANTS Participating downtown bars and restaurants have masterfully created unique dishes, drinks, or desserts featuring the flavor of roses.

Costume requirements & Pre-registration Antennae Wings Single Color Clothes

THOMASVILLE HISTORY CENTER From April 15-30, view a special exhibit of gowns, memorabilia, and trophies of Thomasville’s Rose Show & Festival. Self-guided tours, 10am–4pm, Fridays and Saturdays, and guided tours Fridays, 11am-2 pm. Call 229-226-7664 for info.

ADELE CREATIVE MARKETING & DESIGN IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THIS AD IN CELEBRATION OF OUR CLIENT, THE VASHTI CENTER

ROSE SHOW & FESTIVAL · CITY OF THOMASVILLE

ONE OF THE MOST BELOVED PARTS OF THE ROSE SHOW & FESTIVAL,

Mark your

THE ROSE PARADE ENDS

calendar for Friday, April 22 at 7pm,

WITH A COMMUNITY-

with a dance

WIDE STREET DANCE

followed at

WITH THE SWINGIN’

8:30pm.

MEDALLIONS!

Capturing Wedding Memories lovesaralynn.com

PLANNING

&

DESIGN

Design for Your Wedding Day & Other Special Events dulce-weddings.com

26 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2 022

Residential Real Estate Specialist

Contact Sonja Clark to view or list homes and downtown properties for sale in Thomasville.

229.224.9901 sonja_clark Sonja Clark

the wright group real estate advisory & brokerage service 109 south broad street • thomasville, georgia • 229.226.2564

wrightbroker.com

THE THOMASVILLE KITCHEN

Season Goodness

a

of

Whether you’re

feeding a crowd for Easter, preparing a weekly dinner for your family, or just celebrating spring with a delicious meal, here are a few new recipes to master.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad 3 cups cauliflower florets 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp za’atar 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 5 cups spring mix or preferred salad greens 1 tbsp tahini 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 1/8 tsp oregano Salt and pepper Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil and za’atar. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until cauliflower is soft but still has some crunch.

Meanwhile ,whisk together the tahini, honey, lemon, olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Let cauliflower cool slightly and toss everything together with the dressing.

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

Dining

THE THOMASVILLE KITCHEN 30

THOMA SVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2021

Chocolate Babka MAKES 2 LOAVES For the Dough: 4½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup granulated sugar 2¼ tsp instant yeast 4 large eggs (room temp)

Dessert

½ cup whole milk (room temp) 1½ tsp kosher salt 10 tbsp unsalted butter (room temp) For the Filling: ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed ½ cup heavy cream 8 oz chopped dark chocolate ¾ cup powdered sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder For the Syrup: 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup water For the Dough: Whisk flour, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add eggs, milk, and salt. Mix on low speed, using the dough hook attachment until combined and a dough starts to form (about 2 minutes).

For the assembly: Butter two 8x4-inch loaf pans or spray with baking spray with flour. Then line with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, divide the chilled dough in half, and return one dough ball to the fridge. Gently roll the dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Spread half of the filling on dough all the way to the edge on three sides, leaving a 1-inch border on one short side.

(The dough may pull a little bit while spreading, but it shouldn’t tear.) Starting at the short side opposite the border, roll the dough into a tight coil, and pinch the seam to seal.

Using a large sharp knife, cut the dough in half lengthwise.

Position each half parallel to each other with the cut sides facing up. Twist the halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, and tuck the ends under. Gently place in a prepared loaf pan. Repeat with the second half of the dough and the remaining filling.

Add the butter a tablespoon or so at a time, waiting for it to be incorporated before adding more. Once all the butter has been added, continue kneading until a smooth elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally. The dough will still feel sticky but will be very stretchy. Transfer the dough to a large, oiled bowl, turning to coat. Then cover and chill overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Loosely cover the pans and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until noticeably puffed. (It won’t quite double in size). Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake the risen loaves for 40 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a wooden pick can be inserted into the center without resistance and comes out clean.

For the Filling: In a small saucepan, combine butter and cream. Heat over medium heat until butter is melted and the mixture is steaming.

Add the chocolate and stir until melted, then remove from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Transfer to a bowl and let cool until thickened to a spreadable consistency, about 1 hour.

For the Syrup: While the babkas are baking, combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from the heat. Brush the loaves with the syrup immediately when they come out of the oven. Let the babkas cool for 30 minutes in the pans. Serve warm or at room temperature.

31 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

THE THOMASVILLE KITCHEN

Grapefruit Gin Fizz Cocktail 1.5 oz gin 4 oz freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice 2 to 4 oz sparkling mineral water or seltzer water half-moon shaped slivers of thinly sliced red grapefruit a few rounds of fresh cucumber, washed and sliced thin fresh green sprigs of rosemary ice

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2 022

Drinks

In a rocks glass, add the gin and pink grapefruit juice and top it off with fizzy water. You can add ice at this point, or you can also mix this in a shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass to change up the presentation. Garnish with a half-moon shaped piece of grapefruit, a few thin slices of cucumber, and a fresh sprig of rosemary, if you’d like. Cheers!

WE SELL LAND

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LAND SPECIALIST TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING HUNTING, FARM, RANCH AND TIMBERLAND.

DANIEL FOWLER

Southwest Georgia Land Specialist

229.561.5097

DANIEL.FOWLER@WHITETAILPROPERTIES.COM

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Photos by Emily Tucker Photography 34

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2 022

Annual Public Art Display Returns to Thomasville

Thomasville Center for the Arts

Let’sPlay

PUBLIC ART IN

THE CREATIVE DISTRICT

The annual FLAUNT public art installation takes on the Thomasville version of a well-loved boardgame, with Monopoly icons scattered through downtown.

Let’sPlay

D

arlene Crosby Taylor has been sprinkling art around downtown Thomasville for nearly a decade. An architect by formal training, Taylor made a career pivot 12 years ago and took a visual art teaching position with Thomasville Center for the Arts (TCA).

Today, she’s the center’s public art director and the mastermind behind FLAUNT. “FLAUNT is my baby,” says Taylor. “It’s something I’m so passionate about— bringing fun, joyful art to the streets.

And it’s free, so it’s something everyone can experience just by driving down Jackson Street or strolling through the amphitheater.”

Conceived 10 years ago to connect generations, inspire community, and expose visitors to new ways of thinking and seeing, FLAUNT is a temporary public art explosion that inks the walls, windows, and alleyways of downtown Thomasville. Fueled by the imaginations of local and regional artists, each FLAUNT exhibition takes on a new persona and, in turn, brings fresh new life to historic facades.

Visitors to FLAUNT 2022, running through April 14 in Thomasville’s creative district, will enjoy exploring downtown’s nooks and crannies to find playful art in public spaces.

The overarching theme for FLAUNT 2022 is “Let’s Play!,” a larger-than-life public art experience created by the artists, makers, and designers of the region. The idea came last year when TCA began creating THOMOPOLY, Thomasville’s very own of the

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

IT’S ALL FUN & GAMES

This year’s project involved students, teachers, and other volunteers, led by Darlene Crosby Taylor (far left).

TOKENS OF THE GAME

From giant playing pieces to the use of origami to represent the bank, visitors to the Thomopoly-inspired exhibit will recognized the life-sized game. Over 100 local and regional artists will exhibit during FLAUNT 2022

Housing Market MEET THE CONTRACTORS

Students from Brookwood School built larger-than-life Monopoly player tokens in Brookwood’s Foundations of Innovation class. Thomasville-based International Design and Display Group oversaw the Monopoly house production. In addition, Marlo Ransdale’s Studio D class at Florida State University created furniture miniatures for the exhibit, allowing students to display their furniture designs.

Let’sPlay popular board game, Monopoly.

“Our game is about the goodness of a small town,” says Michele Arwood, executive director of TCA. “It was designed by the many passionate spirits who work together every day to creatively connect our community.”

To build upon the game, the center wanted to visually move the themes of play and community onto a larger canvas, and that’s where FLAUNT came in. Featuring juried public art exhibitions in eight Monopoly-inspired categories scattered throughout the creative district, FLAUNT 2022 includes interactive game stations, playful photo opportunities, prizes for winning artists, and the official unveiling of the THOMOPOLY game.

“When our team at the center was brainstorming the exhibition design for FLAUNT 2022, we kept asking ourselves what was happening inside those little green houses and red hotels on the Monopoly gameboard,” explains Taylor.

“Who’s inside, what are they doing, and what does it look like in there? That’s how the structures you’ll see in the exhibition were dreamed up.”

The structures Taylor is referring to are custom-built life-sized houses and hotels similar to those you might find on a Monopoly gameboard, each with multiple viewing windows for visitors to sneak a peek into how artists imagined life inside the game.

UNEXPECTED ARTISTS Over 100 local and regional artists will exhibit during FLAUNT 2022. For Dr. Arsalan Wares, this type of public art experience is new. A mathematics professor at Valdosta State University, Wares has a research interest in how paper folding can be used in classrooms to teach basic concepts of geometry, algebra, and calculus. Considering the money used in a game of Monopoly, Wares was challenged to use his paper-folding techniques and his deep understanding of math to create an origami display using money as his medium.

“The challenge that I faced was more

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linked to thinking outside the box. I can do origami all day,” Wares explains.

“That wasn’t challenging. However, the presentation part made me think.”

Local business owner Johnny Barnes explored another unique medium as part of the exhibition. Barnes operates j.b. crumbs, a catering and prepared dinner provider on East Jackson Street. His installation uses bread as the foundation for his art, and visitors can see his fresh baked creation through one of the homes’ windows.

Marlo Ransdale’s Studio D class at Florida State University is creating furniture miniatures for the exhibit.

“We began working with Thomasville Center for the Arts in 2018,” says Ransdale. “This partnership allowed students to display their undergraduate and graduate level furniture designs in various locations throughout Thomasville.

Our FLAUNT installation highlights student research and their creative process and gives our students an opportunity to interact with history, culture, and art in a place that they are not familiar with.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY The end goal for FLAUNT2022, and all public art experiences put on by TCA, is to connect community through the wonder and beauty of art.

“We hold a fantastic opportunity in our hands every time art is exhibited locally,” says Joanne Thomas, development director at the center. “We are building up artists, opening the eyes and minds of

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

BANKING ON SUCCCESS

The THOMOPOLY game board features local businesses that participated in sponsoring the Thomasville Center for the Arts’ mission. Properties, utilities and corners all reflect local storefronts and businesses, while the game’s money is “banked”

by Thomasville National Bank, founded by the community more than 25 years ago.

residents, attracting visitors, and bringing people together in collaboration. And we don’t do it alone. Over 85 businesses and organizations have come together to make FLAUNT and THOMOPOLY possible. It’s a true community effort.”

Ashley HomeStore/1915 South is presenting FLAUNT 2022 alongside TCA. Russell Turner, CEO of 1915 South, recognizes that experiences like FLAUNT are what makes Thomasville special.

“It’s what people see and feel when they arrive to our town, things like public art, that makes Thomasville special,” says Turner. “And it hits us most when we travel away from Thomasville. We can see and feel a difference. Here, we have community, and not everyone has that.”

For a map of all “Let’s Play” exhibitions, visit thomasvillearts.org. THOMOPOLY games can also be purchased on the center’s website. TM

39 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

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Oh,

Sugar!

Enjoying the Sweet Life this Spring

BY STEPHANIE RICE

W

ith warmer weather on the rise, and spring break and summer right around the corner, the desire to grab something cool and refreshing is getting stronger and stronger. We all have those fond memories of childhood, sitting in the summer sun, eating a giant ice cream cone.

Or splashing in the ocean drinking an oh-so-enjoyable adult beverage. There’s really nothing like the sound of a soda can opening after a hot day. I think you get my drift.

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Local Health “Live a life that’s in balance!”

SAYS STEPHANIE RICE As the weather gets warmer, so do our tendencies to beat the heat with a cold drink, many of which are chock full of sugar.

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As satisfying as all these things are, summer habits can pose a huge risk to our health and waistline. Everything mentioned above can raise your blood sugar to unhealthy levels.

Blood sugar is raised by glucose, which is the sugar we get from eating or drinking anything that contains carbohydrates. And this is any carbohydrate, from ice cream to quinoa. Blood sugar, aka glucose, is our main source of energy.

It dictates how hungry and energetic we feel.

The key to blood sugar is balance. We feel best and lose fat when our glucose is balanced: not too high, not too low.

High blood sugar occurs when the insulin is unable to transport enough blood sugar out of our blood. Elevated blood sugar levels maintained for an extended period can push someone into being prediabetic. Or it can push someone who is prediabetic into Type 2 diabetes. Both preventable and reversible, Type 2 diabetes will affect one in three adults in the U.S. by 2050, if current trends continue. For people who aren’t necessarily at a high risk for developing diabetes, poorly managed blood sugar can lead to common complications, including fatigue, weight gain, and powerful sugar cravings.

But remember, the key to healthy blood sugar levels is balance. Low blood sugar is

THOMA SVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

also dangerous and still needs to be addressed because high and low blood sugar can go hand in hand. Often, people unknowingly mess up their blood sugar by going on a glucose roller coaster. They eat something high in sugar, let’s say a sweetened iced coffee and a Danish, and glucose gets released into the bloodstream in large amounts all at once. The body tries to find a “balance” and ends up transporting too much sugar back out of the blood. This can leave you feeling tired, hungry, weak, shaky, lightheaded, and anxious. As a result, we once again crave sugar and carbohydrates, thinking they will pick us back up. And thus begins the roller coaster of blood sugar highs and lows. In this process, our body also stores more fat.

So how do we balance our blood sugar naturally? Most of the habits are fairly simple to adopt and carry out. However, some might also surprise you, especially if you think it will be tough to start managing your blood sugar better.

Let’s Start with Food Eating the right amount of protein, fat, and fiber at each meal can help you naturally stabilize blood sugar to burn fat and have consistent energy, even if you are still eating carbohydrates. These slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, help manage your appetite, and are important for your metabolism and digestion. Aim for 25-35 grams of protein per meal, with about two tablespoons of fat.

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Local Health

Whether it’s summer or any other season, getting your body moving is always key to a balanced lifestyle and helps with energy, stress, weight, sleep, and more.

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THOMA SVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

If you are going to continue eating carbohydrates, try sticking to the ones that offer fiber, minerals, and vitamins like sweet potatoes, fruit, or quinoa. And remember, only eat these with fat or protein to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

Watch out for hidden sugar. Remember those yummy drinks we were talking about earlier.

You guessed it, FULL of sugar. Be especially careful of drinks and foods that contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is proven to increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, leaky gut, and weight gain. Studies have found that long-term consumption of high fructose corn syrup results in abnormal increases in body fat, especially in the mid-section. Almost every single soda, ice cream, and sports drink on the market has HFCS. One of the best decisions for your health can be to stop drinking soda, sports drinks, and sugar filled beverages altogether. Try drinking homemade fruit flavored water, sparkling water, or even Zevia, a soda sweetened with stevia.

Monk fruit and honey are other great sugar alternatives, and both make delicious tea, flavored water or lemonade.

Get Moving!

According to the National Diabetes Association, exercise manages blood sugar in more ways than one. Short-term exercise helps your muscles take up more glucose to use for energy and tissue repair, therefore lowering blood sugar in the process. Long-term exercise makes cells more responsive to insulin and helps prevent resistance.

This time of year can be pleasant for outdoor activity, even exercising on the beach.

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Local Health

Stephanie Rice, B.S. Exercise Science, Jacksonville University ASCM, Certified Personal Trainer, ACE, Weight Management Specialist Owner, Fit Fab Life and Instructor, Balanced Body Pilates fitfablifetraining@gmail.com; fitfablife.biz

Manage Your R and R That’s right. Your rest and relaxation are correlated to your blood sugar.

Excessive stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise due to an increased release of cortisol, the stress hormone. People with high levels of stress are also more likely to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, like skipping workouts, consuming processed foods higher in sugar, and drinking too much caffeine and alcohol.

These self-destructing habits can increase blood sugar and can make it hard to control.

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A lack of sleep can raise stress and increase your appetite, making it harder to avoid sugary snacks, processed foods, and caffeine.

Sleeping too little, getting poor quality sleep or sleeping at the wrong times can impair insulin secretion, which makes your blood sugar levels high.

Try getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep, eat when it’s light outside, and manage stress through meditation, yoga, and finding a community of friends.

Bottom Line Controlling your blood sugar is the key to more energy, fewer mood swings, balanced hormones, less stress, and better sleep. So, the next time you eat out, think about the effects your food choices will have on your body for the next 24 hours. Instead of ordering a huge pasta dish that will set you up for a blood sugar roller coaster, making you sleepy, grumpy, and craving more sugar, opt for a meal with sweet potatoes, roasted chicken, and water with lemon. Enjoy a small dessert, but go for a walk after dinner so the glucose gets used. Live a life that’s in balance! TM

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The Kimpton Sylvan property in Buckhead Village opened earlier this year to high acclaim. One visit and you’ll see what all the excitement is about!

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I

t’s that time of year when a little warm weather starts looking really good and spring fever kicks in full force. Looking for a break for a few days? Pick the dates, call up some friends or load up the family, and head to Atlanta with this guide to a fun long weekend.

Home Away from Home Regardless of how busy or relaxed you are on this adventure, you’ll need to sleep at some point. Most of us tend to book the hotel first, and then plan our itinerary based on logistics. With a celebrated opening in February, The Kimpton Sylvan in Buckhead is a great spot to headquarter from for all the shopping, sightseeing, dining, and entertainment you can fit into one trip.

This boutique oasis in historic Buckhead offers mid-century modern style in a repurposed 1950’s residential building and is a welcome break from your typical cookie cutter hotels. From the doorstep of the hotel, guests can walk to refined shopping, visit trendy restaurants, and take in the robust commerce of the neighborhood’s many Fortune 500 companies.

The lobby, or “living room,” offers several seating areas, including one with a large fireplace and another with a meeting table. The property boasts three indoor and outdoor dining and drinking concepts, including The Betty, a nostalgic supper club; Willow Bar, a tucked-away garden bar; and St. Julep, a vibrant 9th floor rooftop lounge.

Just off the living room, The Willow Bar blends into a hidden garden behind the hotel and provides open-air dining and drinking. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, the menu here includes small plates perfect for sharing. While Executive Chef Brandon Chavannes, formerly of St. Cecilia, created a fun menu for St. Julep, with his twist on nostalgic

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

The Sylvan offers three indoor and outdoor dining and beverage concepts. snack foods, it’s The Betty where he really shines With its plush velvet banquettes and a gorgeous bar showcasing mid-century glassware, The Betty serves both breakfast and dinner. This menu puts a modern spin on classic continental cuisine, including beef cheek stroganoff, shrimp cocktail, and salt-baked fish with artichoke and truffle. His innovative celery ceviche really packs a taste punch, and the duck magret should not be missed.

A well-appointed private pool, valet parking, an evening social hour with complimentary beverages, yoga mats in every room, use of bicycles, and a pet-loving policy will all serve to make this a new favorite among travelers to Atlanta. Rooms start at $265 per night. For more info, visit the hotel’s website, thesylvanhotel.com.

CityPASS Especially if you’re taking a family trip, consider Atlanta’s CityPASS for some major savings. The pass covers entrance to five major attractions, including Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Zoo Atlanta, plus admission to two more attractions of your choice, such as Fernbank Museum of Natural History, College Football Hall of Fame, and National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

While the major attractions are perfect for families, most offer events designed for adults as well. Fernbank, for example, hosts Fernbank After

GETAWAY TO...

Atlanta

fernbank MUSEUM

Sylvan’s Executive Chef Brandon Chavannes (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)

60 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

GETAWAY

TO ATLANTA

DAY & NIGHT

Whether on a trip with the girls, a couple’s getaway, or a family road trip, Atlanta has something to interest everyone in your group, from dining and shopping to sightseeing and history.

Dark the second Friday of each month.

These “adult science nights” offer a variety of after-hours experiences for grown-ups, including outdoor explorations in WildWoods, museum exhibits, live music, full bars, tapas menus, and science demonstrations.

Exclusively for ages 21+, Fernbank After Dark is a unique date night for couples, a great place to meet up with friends, and a fun experience for travelers. Each month highlights a different science theme and features a variety of fun and immersive programming. Tickets are about $25 for non-members.

The National Museum of Human and Civil Rights is a moving experience that does a great job educating both adults and children and connecting the U.S. Civil Rights Movement to human rights challenges today. For example,

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AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF

Charles E. Pullen, Jr. C.E. Pullen was born in Thomas County 100 years ago. He was often recognized by his black eye patch, from his bluegrass music, or as the man who could build anything. From Hells Half Acre to The Moon tells of his journey from Thomas County to performing with Hall of Fame musicians and working on projects for MIT and NASA.

Now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Space is limited. Apply today!

Brookwood School admits academically qualified students of any race, color, creed, gender, or national and ethnic origin.

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62 THOMA SVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2022

Available at:

GETAWAY

TO ATLANTA

among the permanent and visiting exhibits is the interactive opportunity to learn about the training involved in non-violent protests. Visitors are then invited to participate in a lunch counter sit-in simulation, placing themselves in the shoes of non-violent protestors in 1960. When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that this museum is closed Monday through Wednesday.

The CityPASS is activated at the first attraction you visit and is then valid for 9 days. Prices are $86 for adults and $68 for children 3-12. To purchase, visit citypass.com/atlanta. TM

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TIME CAPSULE

A Future Rose City

By Amy Leigh Tyson Photos by Emily Tucker Photography

Opening Thomasville’s time capsule in one hundred years will reveal a great deal about the town and its residents in 2022.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

L

ike a gift you might tuck away for a friend to receive in the future when they really need it, time capsules are bits of curated history that are intended to benefit future generations.

The finite items placed within time capsules underscore our hobbies, aspirations, and the quotidian aspects of our daily lives. They illuminate the studies of historians, archeologists, and other experts who attempt to correctly depict prior cultures and civilizations.

The concept of an intentionally hidden box has existed for at least 5,000 years, having first been mentioned in an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia. The term “time capsule,” however, didn’t come into mainstream vernacular until the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

In conjunction with the fair the year prior, Westinghouse Electric Company spearheaded the creation of an 800-pound, bullet-shaped, erosionproof vessel to represent life in the 20th century.

Among the 35 items it included were copies of Life magazine; a pack of Camel cigarettes; a Sears Roebuck & Co. catalog; an almanac; a dictionary; major world events recorded on microfilm; 75 types of fabrics, metals, and plastics; and a message from Albert Einstein. The opening of the capsule was set for the year 6938.

Since that significant undertaking, other communities have celebrated local milestone events by compiling and burying their own, unique time capsules.

“We’ve read about some others that have come up here through the years. Most pertained to individual organizations like the one found during the EMS building demolition,” says Ansley Lacy, marketing and membership coordinator for Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, now Imagine Thomasville.

“There had not yet been a time capsule which embodied the entire community spirit,” says Lacy, adding that the chamber marked its 100th anniversary in 2021 and used the opportunity to rebrand themselves as Imagine Thomasville to reflect the effective, prolific partnership with the Payroll Development Authority.

^ Creativity “Not many member-based organizations have stood the test of time,” says Lacy. “We want the citizens living here in the future to know how spectacular this milestone is.”

The idea of a centennial time capsule emanated from a conversation with chamber member and friend Jeff Lovett, owner of Summerhill Creative.

Lovett made the suggestion during a brainstorming session, and it was a hit.

Later, Lovett donated an original script of The Papers, a 2008 play he penned. It was first performed at Thomasville on Stage & Company on South Broad Street. It was a signed copy and included the handwritten stage directions and notations by the actress Molly Clifton, who played Charlotte in the production.

“Our team quickly realized that there was a lot more to the project than we originally planned,” explains Lacy. “Fortunately, Louis Carter, a UGA student who was interning with us, set things in motion with strategic research and forecasting.”

From there, the group collaborated with Thomasville History Center and Thomasville Center for the Arts. The former gave valuable input as to how to bring the idea to fruition and what steps needed to be taken for top-notch preservation of the items chosen for the capsule. The arts center “is shepherding a spirited art installation above

shines among items chosen for the time capsule.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

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ground to mark the spot of the time capsule once it’s buried,” says Lacy.

The team also made sure to have the time capsule and its coordinates registered with the International Time Capsule Society so that citizens who are living in Thomasville in the next 100 years know how to find it.

To get the word out and solicit residents for unique yet pertinent items, Carter placed press releases in the local newspaper. To cast the net even wider, he sent letters to local government, corporate entities, and all chamber members.

“We placed an emphasis on including people of all ages who live in, work in, or feel a connection to this community,” says Lacy. “We also focused on having them write messages to residents of this area in the year 2121. We requested that they talk about their lives, what they relish about living here, captivating memories, and predictions for the future of the community.”

Certain guidelines were established so that participants would clarify if they were writing on behalf of a business, organization, or a church versus as an individual adult or child. And a list of trigger questions was circulated to really boost creativity and depth.

The accumulation of artifacts has an essence that well defines Thomasville as well as humanity at large. There are letters from both Governor Brian Kemp and the current mayor to future residents; a COVID test and a mask; recent visitor and local dining and shopping guides from the Mainstreet Office; and blueprints from the City of Thomasville.

“Perhaps my favorites were the predictions from a group of sixth graders, from Mrs. West’s class at Thomas County Middle School, on what they envision Thomasville will be like in 2121.

“Another stand-out entry was the love story that Mr. Lloyd Eckberg contributed (before he passed away in February of 2022) on how he and his wife Marie met in Thomasville at the post office.”

Fittingly, the time capsule is slated to be buried on the front lawn next to the bench dedicated to Eckberg, who was chamber director for 27 years.

While the capsule’s burial is slated for March 24, there is no specific opening date, other than the year 2121. No doubt those who are present at that time will be mesmerized by Thomasville and its reputation as a bastion for hospitality and citizens who articulately celebrate history while they navigate the present. TM

Thomasville History Center recommended the best methods to preserve the items that will remain in the capsule for 100 years.

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UNDER

GRAVE CONDITIONS Meme Greitzer for the Thomasville History Center

W

Whether you’re interested in Thomasville, history, ancestors or all three, touring local cemeteries can be educational.

alking around a cemetery may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a good time. It certainly wasn’t on the top of my list of things to do as a child, but recently I have learned to appreciate the quiet beauty of some of our local burial places. With the debut of our new cemetery tours this year, I was tasked with researching the grounds and the residents of Laurel Hill, the City Cemetery, and Flipper Cemetery. A stroll through these cemeteries now feels like old home week as I pick out familiar names and think about the lives lived by these fascinating people long before I was born. Their stories run the gamut, from tragedy to triumph, each one woven into the fabric of our history.

While writing and researching for the cemetery tours, I’ve come across some people who have become personal favorites. As a historian, I know it’s considered bad form to judge people of the past through our modern lenses. But as a human, I can’t help but get emotionally attached to the people in these stories while questioning the actions and decisions of others.

Take, for example, Georgie Munson Waterman in Flipper Cemetery. She was born in Thomas County and raised by her grandmother after her mother died and her father remarried. Georgie’s life was spent working, from the age of 16 when she was employed as a maid, to her adult years spent hopping from career to career to support herself when she outlived three husbands.

Her first husband was Reverend N. W. Waterman, the fifth pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, still standing on West Calhoun Street. He was instrumental in raising the funds needed to build the present church, but Georgie also contributed to the church by recording its history. After the reverend’s sudden death, she worked as a dressmaker and learned the science of chiropody (that’s foot and ankle doctoring, for us laymen) from

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History &

PLACES

TIPTOE

There is much history on display during the tours, such as the plot of brick grave vaults (top) and Thomasville family plots.

her second husband, a practice she made into a career after his death.

While Georgie’s story might sound like a lesson in women’s empowerment, she was no stranger to tragedy. Not only did she lose three husbands, but her only child, a son born in her first marriage, died at 15. With each new husband, she gained new stepchildren she supported as her own. All the while she maintained her own home, a little cottage no longer standing, just across the street from the final resting place of her first husband and only child.

After 88 years, she joined them in a shady spot near the road, her gravestone plain and unassuming compared to those around her.

Maybe that was all she could afford. Or maybe she didn’t feel the need to have a fancier stone.

Either way, there’s a certain sadness associated with Georgie Waterman at first glance, but her perseverance in the face of near-constant hardship makes her an endearing figure.

But not every grave in our local cemeteries has an uplifting ending. Just as in our modern lives, some deaths were senseless. Walk across the street from Flipper to the City Cemetery and you’ll find, hidden in the back and shaded by overgrown camellia bushes and oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, the final resting place of Edward Remington Seixas (pronounced “she-shis”). As the son of a wealthy merchant, Edward’s life in antebellum Thomasville would have been considered idyllic. But it was cut short.

Prior to the Civil War, a group of young men formed a militia group called the Thomasville Guards. They functioned much like a police department. The Thomasville Guards was the group to join as a young, white man in our town.

But like all organizations, there was tension between members and their authority figures.

Edward managed to upset one of his superiors, a man named Columbus Sydney Davis Johnson, who also happened to be the sheriff in town. In true gentlemanly fashion, the two challenged

THROUGH THE TOMBSTONES First Saturdays 10am & 2pm Join the Thomasville History Center the first Saturday of every month for a journey through time as you “Tiptoe Through the Tombstones!”

Participants will meet the residents of some of Thomasville’s oldest burial grounds and explore the stunning scenery as well.

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Meme Grietzer shares with tour participants some of the fascinating stories behind the names in Thomasville cemeteries.

each other to a duel, a practice which any Hamilton fan will know was illegal in America and much of the western world by this point, yet that mattered not to our two characters.

Without delving into dramatics, I’ll try to sum up the events of the duel as reported in the newspaper: Edward, being the younger and less experienced, shot Columbus Johnson in the thigh, slightly wounding the sheriff. Columbus returned fire, striking Edward in the head, though not fatally. In fact, Edward lingered another two weeks in this condition, his family and friends certain he was on the road to recovery.

Unfortunately for Edward, they were wrong.

Columbus was arrested and brought to court on murder charges. With a few friends on his side, Columbus paid his bail of $2,500 and skipped town with his wife and small children.

They lived the rest of their lives in the wilderness that lay beyond the Georgia-Florida border. Back in town, Edward was deeply mourned by his family and friends, some of whom wrote into the newspaper with a resolution to memorialize their friend and his tragic ending. Now, nestled among family members and overgrown foliage, Edward serves as a warning against acting rashly to those who visit his end of the cemetery.

There is something to be said for the beauty of our historic cemeteries. Built during a time when greenspace was appreciated and deemed necessary in growing towns, a cemetery’s focus lay beyond merely housing the dead—it contributed to beautifying the town. Through our modern lenses, this idea might seem morbid, and perhaps it is to some degree. But there is a sort of tragic beauty that beckons us to linger among the tombstones, from the plain and

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austere to the beautifully carved obelisks and statues of angels and muses. Learning the stories of the people who now reside in these oftenforgotten corners can not only teach us about our past and the history of our town, it can also cause us to reflect on our own lives and our own decisions that guide us. As genealogists like to say, “the most important part of a gravestone is not the birth or death dates, but the dash that represents the life lived in between.”

If you are interested in learning more about the cemetery residents, contact the Thomasville History Center or visit thomasvillehistory.org/ product/tombstonestours. Staff members lead tours of Laurel Hill Cemetery and the City Cemetery, including Flipper Cemetery. Tours last approximately an hour and take place on the first Saturday of March through June and September through December. TM

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Due South Heading Home

Legendary singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele will play the Center for the Arts’ historic theater at Rhythm & Roots on Friday, April 8.

Rising star and Oklahoma-native Parker Millsap returns to the Thomasville Center for the Arts stage as the Concert & ShinDig headliner on Saturday, April 9.

(Photo: Submitted, Jeffrey Steele)

(Photo: Submitted, High Road Touring)

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“Connecting to community is just good for the soul,” says Mariam Mirabzadeh, festival director at Thomasville Center for the Arts (TCA), speaking about how the last two years have really solidified the “why” behind the center’s artistic experiences.

“People need each other. We need music and spirit and thought and an outlet for expressing all these things, but above all, we need each other.”

That’s why Mirabzadeh and her team decided it’s time to bring Due South “home.” The 2022 event will be held on the grounds of Thomasville Center for the Arts for the first time. A staple event in Thomasville’s music and arts scene, the center and an entourage of dedicated volunteers have been organizing Due South for 12 years.

“Due South has evolved from a simple idea to create a small, outdoor, live music event here in Thomasville into a much-anticipated annual event, where the experience is elevated and unique every year,” says David Middleton, planning committee chair and an original founder of Due South. “Due South really inspired the music scene that now exists in Thomasville, and we are hopeful that the trend continues.”

Sights, Sounds and Tastes Thanks to the longstanding involvement from event presenter Thomasville National Bank (TNB) and the dozens of other businesses that have supported TCA’s mission over the years, Due South weekend brings energy and excitement to Thomasville by celebrating the sights, sounds, and tastes of the South.

“The most important thing is that we continue to help this community flourish in the best way that it can,” says TNB Vice President Charlotte Hodges. “The way that Due South ties into that is by bringing us all together and highlighting the big things going on in a small town.”

And the 2022 Due South artist lineup, plus a full weekend packed with music, food, and art, is sure to draw a crowd. It all kicks off on Friday, April 8 with Rhythm & Roots, featuring singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele, in Thomasville Center for the Arts’ historic 490-seat theater. Steele, named one of Billboard magazine’s top five writers eight years in a row, boasts over 63

million airplays on radio and television. His songs are on the lips of musical legends like Keith Urban, Jimmy Buffett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cher, and dozens more. The intimate venue, paired with an open bar and hors d’oeuvres, will set the tone for the next day’s main event.

The Due South ShinDig & Concert will be held on Saturday, April 9 under the oaks at the center located at 600 E. Washington Street. Patrons can expect the usual favorites—an open bar, the best brews and farm-to-table bites in the region, unique handcrafted cocktails, and an open-air concert with rising Americana singer Parker Millsap.

Hailing from a small town in Oklahoma, Millsap gets his musical inspiration from a hybrid of church hymns and blues, resulting in a raw blend of folk, country, and ‘50s rock and roll. His fifth album, entitled Be Here Instead and released last year, is a body of work based on curiosity, imagination, and insight.

Due South weekend will wrap on April 10 with Gospel & Greens, a new Sunday afternoon concert at The Biscuit Company. Guests can expect a casual, family-friendly atmosphere filled with the familiar warmth and soul of gospel sounds. The concert is free with food available for purchase.

For tickets, visit thomasvillearts.org/duesouth. TM

The 12th annual Due South festival will run April 8-10 at Thomasville Center for the Arts and The Biscuit Co. Sponsorship packages are available now at thomasvillearts.org/duesouth.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

March 19 OakFest The signature St. Patrick’s Day Event in Thomasville, this annual music festival benefits The Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center of Thomas County and is presented by presented by Whitehurst, Blackburn & Warren. A day of family-friendly music, food, and fun. Local food trucks and adult beverages will be available. Tickets start at $25; kids 12 and under free. Visit oakfest.net for details, including performers.

3-11pm; Ritz Amphitheater, downtown Thomasville March 19 Lapham-Patterson Salute to Spring On this day each year, a unique phenomenon occurs on the third floor of the Lapham-Patterson House. Science, history, and creativity collide for a unique celebration of spring’s arrival. The event will also include crafts and activities based on the science of the equinox. To view nature’s trick of light and shadow, please visit 3:30-5:30pm. The peak viewing hour for the “Equinox Effect” is 4pm-5pm. Free; The LaphamPatterson House, 626 N. Dawson St.

Spring heralds a long list of festivals, concerts, fundraisers and other community events.

Spring Through TVL 80

MARCH Through March 25 Covey Film Festival Covey Film Festival is the signature fund-raising event for the Thomasville Community Resource Center (TCRC), which serves underserved children and families in four counties: Brooks, Grady, Thomas, and Mitchell. The event promotes independent films and filmmakers to the Red Hills Region of Southwest Georgia and North Florida. Screenings of films that relate to nature, community and caring—all representative of the great conservation efforts of the region—are shown through March 25. See coveyfilmfestival.org for details.

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March 22 TEF Concert Thomasville Entertainment Foundation’s concert series continues with Swingtime with The Jive Aces and Special Guests—The Hollywood Hotshots. Tickets are $40.50 for adults, $17 for students, and all seats are reserved.7:30pm; Thomasville Center for the Arts, East Washington Street; 229-226-7404 March 26 & April 9 Birdsong’s Annual Old-Timey Plant Sale The sale specializes in native plants and reliable old garden plants collected from local gardeners.

9am-1pm; Birdsong Nature Center, 2106 Meridian Road, Thomasville 229-377-4408

COMMUNITY EVENTS Whether it’s an event you look forward to every year or something you want to check out for the first

APRIL April 1-2 Springtime Tallahassee The event includes Springtime Tallahassee Music Festival, featuring national entertainment acts, the Grand Parade, Jubilee in the Park, Children’s Park, and the entertainment stages throughout the Jubilee with local entertainment acts. Check out the arts, crafts, and food vendors, and visit the Community Stage and the Tallahassee Music Stage at Jubilee in the Park to enjoy great local talent.

Visit springtimetallahassee.com for details.

April 1 Sip and Shop Join us in downtown Thomasville to sip, shop, stroll, dine, and listen to some great music. Starting at 6pm, grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue and stroll the historic streets in style. Participating shops and restaurants will be open late. Bring your chairs or a blanket and enjoy a free concert featuring Garnet & Soul from 8-10pm at The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens Street; 229-228-7977 April 8-10 Due South See pages 78-79 for details.

April 22-23 Thomasville Rose Show & Festival See pages 20-26 for details.

April 26 An Evening with Branford Marsalis The Thomasville Entertainment Foundation welcomes Branford Marsalis back to The Rose City.

Tickets are $40.50 for adults, $17 for students, and all seats are reserved 7:30pm; Thomasville Center for the Arts, East Washington Street; 229-226-7404

time, mark your calendar now for these upcoming opportunities.

MAY May 5-8 Southern Shakespeare Festival This free Shakespeare in the Park Festival is held every spring in Cascades Park in Tallahassee.

This multi-day event features a mainstage Shakespearean production, performances from SSC’s junior performance troupe, The Bardlings, readings from sonnet contest winners, local vendors, food trucks, and more. Visit southernshakespearefestival.org for details.

May 6 Sip and Shop Join us in Downtown Thomasville to sip, shop, stroll, dine and listen to some great music. Starting at 6pm, grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue and stroll the historic streets in style. Participating shops and restaurants will be open late. Bring your chairs or a blanket and enjoy a free concert featuring Southward Soul from 8-10pm at The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens Street. 229-228-7977 May 7 Kentucky Derby Party Hosted by Thomasville Landmarks.

Don’t miss this annual event!

Visit thomasvillelandmarks.org May 14 Pavo Peacock Day Parade 11am, crafts, food, games, rides, music, drawings, Peacock quilt raffle 3pm, family fun for all ages 9am-3pm; 2061 W. McDonald Street, Pavo

May 20 Emancipation Day Event Tallahassee hosts this celebration, rejoicing freedom in Florida’s Capital City. In partnership with the Knott House Museum and the John G. Riley Museum, each year a celebration is held on the steps of the Knott House Museum with performances, speakers, and a historical reenactment of Union General McCook’s reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. For information, visit museumoffloridahistory.com.

For a full lineup of Thomasville events, visit thomasvillega.com/calendar.

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SOCIAL SCENES

GRSP Celebrates 75 Years GEORGIA ROTARY STUDENT PROGRAM

Thomasville was the setting for the Georgia Rotary Student Program’s 75-year celebration, chosen because it’s the home of GRSP founder, Will Watt. The GRSP Foundation partnered with the Rotary Club of Thomasville and the Courtyard by Marriott to establish the GRSP Peace Plaza and Will Watt Memorial Fountain. Will Watt III, the founder’s grandson and namesake, addressed the crowd, which included more than 20 members of the Watt family. More than 3,692 alumni from 108 countries have shared in the success of the program. For more details and photos, visit grsp.org/history.

Photos by Milton Heard

More than 20 family members of Georgia Rotary Student Program’s Founder, Will Watt, joined GRSP.

Will Watt III honors legacy of grandfather Will Watt Sr. at GRSP dedication.

GRSP leadership, including Vice Chair J. Michael Sweigart, Chair Emeritus Ronnie Waller, Chair Bert Guy, Chair Emeritus Dennis Still, Secretary Lorri Christopher, Trustee Emeritus Al Homebroek, and GRSP Foundation Chair Joe Jones highlighted the 75 year success of the program at the gala.

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(229) 226-6074