FIRST PASSENGER TRAIN ARRIVES IN MONTICELLO

FIRST PASSENGER TRAIN ARRIVES IN MONTICELLO

By Harvey J. Powell

Guest Columnist

After many delays the building of the Covington and Macon Railroad northward from Macon reached Monticello, and "The first passenger train of the C&M Railroad rolled into our little city yesterday (1st June 1887) amid the blowing of steam whistles, the ringing of all the church bells, the firing of cannon, the waving of handkerchiefs and the shouts of an exultant and happy people. Hurrah! For Monticello: Hurrah! for the C&M Railroad". So reported, The Jasper County News, a weekly newspaper published in Monticello.

For days, plans and preparations had been made for a great celebration in the form of a public barbecue with public speaking by distinguished men. This took place Friday, June 3, 1887.

Eighty carcasses consisting of pork, beef and lamb were barbecued; breads, cakes, pickles were prepared. The Sunday School Association tent, which could shelter 2,500 persons, was erected in the Penn Woods (The location was on what is now College Street) "At the entrance was a beautiful arch decorated with flags and flowers with WELCOME in large letters."

Three trains were required to bring the invited guests. The third train arrived from Macon with Gen. John B. Gordon, Governor of Georgia, Senator Alfred Colquitt, Congressman J. H. Blount, Honorable Thomas Hardeman, Nat E. Harris, Judge Tripp, Bushrod W. Frobel, vice president and general manager of the C&M Railroad and others. "The visitors, after disembarking were greeted by the Reception Committee and repaired to the grounds." All the carriages possible had been secured to ride the most prominent and although several trips were made, some were overlooked and many walked to the grounds.

The large tent, belonging to the Sunday School Association was soon filled to overflowing with every inch of standing room occupied. The platform that had been erected at one end for the dignitaries was beautifully decorated with flowers and flags. Just before the opening exercises and just as the Governor stepped upon the stage, it gave way and came down with a crash. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and after the excitement subsided, the Rev. O. A. Thrower opened the exercises with a prayer.

Mayor B. W. Peurifoy, in behalf of the town, welcomed the visitors, Col. J. W. Preston, chairman of the reception committee, gave the county's welcome. Hon. Nat E. Harris of Macon responded to the words of welcome in behalf of the railroad officers and directors. After alluding to the obstacles met with and the difficulties overcome, he paid tribute to Col. Bushrod W. Frobel, who had shown so much zeal and perseverance and congratulated the people upon the completion of the road to the county and town.

"Dr. W. D. Maddux next followed with probably the most popular and universally appreciated speech of the day. He arose and announced that dinner was ready and invited one and all to go to the tables and help themselves.

"The tables were heaped with barbecued meats of all kinds, breads, cakes, pickles, etc, and for quite a while the hungry crowd appeased the inner man. Vigorously and orderly, a warfare was waged upon the tempting spread."

"After dinner, Card's Band, which had discoursed some sweet music during the meal, struck up within the tent and the crowd reassembled to hear from a number of distinguished men. Short, but eloquent and appropriate speeches were made by Col. J. H. Blunt, Hon. S. B. Price, Major J. F. Hanson and Judge Robert P. Trippe, or Forsyth.

"After the speaking, the exercises of the day were over and the citizens and visitors began to turn their faces homeward. The universal verdict was that the barbecue was a grand success in every particular and was much enjoyed by all."

(Note: The quoted text is undoubtedly the composition of that incomparable newspaper woman of her day, Mrs. Ammie Parks (McNair) Penn (1845-1909) who was owner, published, editor and business manager of "The Jasper County News", Monticello, and the mother of six children)

Additional Comments:
Transcribed by Suzanne Forte (suzanneforte@bellsouth.net) April 2005, from copies of articles contained in The Monticello News.

Copies of articles provided by Benny Hawthorne.