Page 2 - Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The Jenkins County Times
jenkinscountytimes.com
Jan Williams and her grandsons, River and Ridge dropped by the Senior
Center last week to share Christmas carols with us. They closed with,
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas. ” River and Ridge are the children of
Amanda and Jason Williams. Photo contributed.
THE
POETS!_
CORNER
Lord Alfred Tennyson
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
’ ANGIE WILLIAMS
Wreath by Shelby Watson
” Crossing the Bar”
by: Lord Alfred Tennyson
Sunset and evening star.
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar.
When I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep.
Too full for sound and foam.
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell.
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell.
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
For the past 67 years, Elva Mills has been gracing
the holiday season with her heartfelt rendition of
"Sweet Little Jesus Boy." What began as a lesson
from her high school music teacher, Mrs. Boykin,
has evolved into a cherished tradition that brings
joy to the Millen community every Christmas.
Elva's journey with the song took a significant
turn after she performed it at a college music
festival, where she emerged victorious. She made
it a point to share the melodic and poignant piece
with the congregants of Bethel Brick Church
during the festive season until 1964.
Upon moving to Millen in 1964 after her
marriage, Elva continued the tradition at the
Millen United Methodist Church, turning her
performances into a staple of the local Christmas
celebration. The song, "Sweet Little Jesus Boy,"
has deep roots, dating back to the Civil War when
it was penned by Robert McKimsy during a
tumultuous period in the nation's history.
Reflecting on the song's origins, Elva notes, "It
was written during the Civil War when there was
such turmoil and strife in our nation, not unlike it
is today." Over the years, the song has taken on
a more personal significance for Elva, especially
after the loss of her son in 1968 at the age of two.
"So many people have shared with me how much
it means to them to hear it at Christmas each year.
I'm just blessed to be able to continue," expresses
Elva, reflecting on the emotional resonance the
song holds for both her and the community.
Green Thumb holds
membership drive
By Kathy Gay, Special Contributor
for
The Times
Merry Christmas everyone and hopes for a fun and
productive 2024!
Green Thumb is looking for new members. If you follow
our page, you know we are busy with The Home Place,
JC Senior Center, the JC Library and The Adult Learning
Center. We would love to have you join us. Our new year
begins in January and dues are only $20.00 per year. We
have programs at every meeting which are on the third
Tuesday night of each month from September through
May. We don't meet in the summer, but we do participate
in several summer projects like bird counts and pollinator
counts. We are not just about gardening. Feel free to contact
Kathryn Godbee Gay on Facebook.
K911 announces gift
basket winners
The Jenkins County K911 Rescue held a raffle for three
gift baskets. The winners were pulled live online Dec. 3 at
Cafe On Cotton. Congratulations to Angie Cates, Henry
Sherrod, and King Rocker. Thank you to everyone that
bought a ticket or donated instead. Your support is needed
and appreciated!
Williams Family Entertain
at Senior Center
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By Sam Eades, Publisher/Writer
for
The Times
The Wayside Hotel
For the next few weeks, I want to
feature a few of the hotels that were
located in Jenkins County at one time
or another. This week, let's take a look at
"The Wayside Hotel".
The Wayside Hotel was located in what is now known as
the Lane Building, which is located on the comer of Gray
Street and Winthrope Ave. It was owned by Mr. Henry King
and later sold it to a Mr. Kermit Chance.
On the second floor of the hotel was the location of the
telephone office and on the bottom floor was a restaurant
and check in counter.
Hank Joyner of Jenkins County stated at one time, "my
mother worked at the Wayside in the kitchen". Where at
one time she received a .50 tip from a local manager from
the Thompson Company, which was very unheard of during
that time.
The rooms were available for nightly rentals and also for
weekly rentals. It is said that, Mr. Harry Dwelle and his
wife, lived at the hotel at one time, along with many other
residents that were moving to the area, prior to purchasing a
home. Next week we will take a look at the old Awtry Hotel
in Jenkins County.
Happy New Year readers!
Sam
Library announces
wreath winners
The winners of the wreath contest sponsored by the
Jenkins County Memorial Library were announced last
week. Congratulations to Hazel Banner, Diane Wasden, and
Shelby Watson. The library wishes to thank the Friends of
the Jenkins County Memorial Library for providing the gift
cards as prizes. Photos contributed.
Wreath by Diane Wasden
Wreath by Hazel Banner
Elva Mills Marks 67
Years of Spreading Joy
with "Sweet Little Jesus
Boy"
