Wednesday, July 2, 2003

When Lester came to Fayette, and my take on Maynard and the torch

By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews.com

When putting together events for the county's sesquicentennial in 1971, Jimmy Carter was governor and Lester Maddox was lieutenant governor. They weren't exactly hand-in-glove, so I thought it best to have the governor in the opening day's ceremony and the lieutenant governor several days later.

I'm sure one of those remembering that occasion is former probate judge, Jimmy White. He marched in the parade, complete with blue jeans and a long beard, right there along with Lester.

When the 1825 courthouse was firebombed in 1982, it was not until August 1983 before it was reopened. Of course, this called for another celebration, and both Carter and Maddox were invited.

Just before the ceremony began on the courthouse lawn, a Georgia State Patrol car pulled up and Lester and Virginia Maddox stepped out.

I will have to admit that when I arrived in Georgia in 1959, Maddox didn't make a good impression on me. By 1983 I decided he had redeeming qualities after all, and I enjoyed his enjoyment when he was with us.

Maynard Jackson made my OK list in 1996. Those of us who were honored to carry the Olympic torch, had to wear the t-shirt, shorts, and socks that were sent to participants. The t-shirt and socks were fine, but the shorts were thin nylon and full of holes. I was not a happy camper.

Maynard also carried the torch and bebopped along mindless of how he looked in those shorts. I decided if they were OK by him, they were OK by me.