Friends of Historic Woolsey

From Mayor Gary Laggis:

CHRISTMAS TIME IN WOOLSEY, GEORGIA
A MAYORAL LOOK BACK
 

Attracted to its small town charm, our young family moved to Woolsey in 1985. After a few years of growing to love this new close knit community, I began my first term as Mayor in January, 1989. As in most small towns, the Christmas holidays are a special time where families and traditions merge to celebrate the season. Although looking back over 36 years brings a number of fond holiday memories to mind, I would like to share just a few that quickly surface during my time serving as the Town’s mayor.

ANNA GETS LIT!

One of my earliest recollections of Woolsey’s holiday spirit took place while our children were in their pre-teen tears during the early 1990s. Shortly after Thanksgiving the neighborhood gang of youth, numbering between 8-10 of similar ages, gathered together to plan a special Christmas display that would include the entire newly developed subdivision. They decided to highlight Anna Lane on Christmas Eve with homemade luminaries, lining both sides of road, which spanned a distance of about a quarter mile!

Now I’m not talking about them setting out the artificial plastic jugs or electronic versions of luminaries you see today! They went with the ole homemade versions starting with small brown paper bags like the ones that students carried their lunches to school in back in the day. The bags were partially filled with sand and then a small votive candle was placed inside that when lit, would cast a soft glow through the makeshift brown shade.

Once the idea was agreed upon, the young group approached all the residents on the street to ask that they each contribute enough bags and candles to line the road in front of their property, with the responses being overwhelmingly positive. And then there was the need for sand. Fortunately, one of the youth’s father owned a construction supply company and after a polite appeal, that problem was solved as well with a fresh load provided at a common location for the luminary assembly to begin on Christmas Eve.

Then came the big day! The faithful luminair team arrived midday to begin the task of loading sand and candles in hundreds of paper sacks. They divided into two groups, the assemblers and the placers. Multiple wagons and even a mini bike to pull them were recruited for the distribution with numerous back and forth trips made to place the fixtures out. Care was taken to be sure all were precisely 10 feet apart for the entire stretch of road. At dusk the group walked the lane with candle lighters to bring their creations to life. As the sun faded into darkness, the soft glow emitted by the luminaries became magical, that of which no electric string of lights could compare!

I would offer that outside of the wondrous display, the most gratifying time to the parents, residents, and visitors came as we walked quietly down the
lane, enjoying the peaceful awe of the occasion and knowing the youth took it upon themselves to plan, organize and carry out something that brought a warming charm to this special night.

RESURRECTING HISTORY

Another momentous holiday recollection would be the first Christmas after the completed restoration/renovation of our Town Hall that occurred in 2018. The Circa 1880s former Mercantile building that had suffered severe deterioration over the years had been brought back to life to serve as our new Town Hall. The finished project, while maintaining the design, historic features and nostalgic appearance of its original purpose was an inspiring new addition to our community.

Shortly after it’s grand opening in November, the Town Council felt a festive, but period specific decor on the interior and exterior would be fitting for this beautiful historic addition during the Christmas holiday season.

It was arranged for old style candles and wreaths to be placed in the windows along with garland and other period style greenery placed inside. These features, along with the existing exterior soft lighting offers a much anticipated “Welcome Home” feeling as you round the corner coming into town. There must be something about simple, understated holiday decorations that appeals to many as we continually receive favorable comments from the community over the years since they were introduced. 

SNOW IN WOOLSEY TOWN!

Fond memories also come to mind looking back on the rare occasions our small town welcomed snow during the holiday season. I remember walking gingerly through the crunching snow and ice as I ventured from my home to the center of town.

The quiet, deserted streets offered a calm and peaceful reflection for this lovely but brief journey. The views of our Historic Woolsey Church and Cemetery along with the old Bank building and newly restored Town Hall, all framed by snow laden trees, brought a calming realization as to why we call this home!

THAT’S WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT