2/21/2016

Weekly Update 2/21/2016

How boring is this? All day Monday - for 6 hours - I watched CSPAN2, which was airing all the lectures of the Savannah Book Fest that were given in Trinity Church. All the talks I had gone to were at other places, so these were new to me. But SIX HOURS? I need to get a life!

On Tuesday, I went with Donna to a symposium on Savannah Tourism sponsored by GPB (Georgia Public Broadcasting). It was held at the Southbound Brewing Company. We listen to panel discussion History and Tourism in Savannah, and as a bonus, we were able to sample different beers brewed on site. I'm not a beer enthusiast, and I don't even care too much for it, but the topic interested me. And I was able to chug back some suds. The panel included people involved in positions at Historic Savannah Foundation, Fort Pulaski, the Civil Rights Museum, The Tourism Leadership Council, and the coastal Heritage Society. Among the topics discussed were: how to encourage tourism (a billion dollar industry in Savannah) while respecting the wishes of the people who live in the historic area, why people visit Savannah and how that is changing, and how the city must prepare for balancing and promoting the new trends in tourism in the future. The beer may have been so-so, but the talk was great! 

 

Wednesday was another beautiful day here in Savannah. It has warmed up considerably since Sunday when I had to wear mittens to give my tour a BC. The good weather is made even more enjoyable when I heard reports of up to two feet of snow in Rochester! Wednesday is also Georgia Day, and with that comes the Georgia Day parade. Second graders in the schools in Savannah march in a wonderful parade down Bull Street to City Hall, all dressed in costumes, many which were made in their classrooms. It so much fun to watch the kids with huge smiles, waving to the parents, grandparents, tourists and interested local (that would be me) as they march along with their classmates. Each year, there is a theme for the parade, and it's usually a historic person. In past years they have honored Fernando DeSoto and Flannery O'Connor. But this year the theme was not a person, but rather “Waffle Fries to Global Skies”, and the importance of Georgia businesses in the economy. Some major businesses that were founded in Georgia include Coca-Cola, Delta Air, Chick-Fil-A, and Home Depot. I didn't stay for the ceremony at City Hall, but I certainly loved watching the kids. 

 

Thursday, I had an opportunity to tour Laurel Grove cemetery with my good friend Don Teuton. He was leading a group of BHS members to point out highlights that may be added to the app that will be developed. I invited Dave and Lisa to join us, because it was more than just “what to include”, but a wonderful history of the cemetery and some of the residents there. Although the two cemeteries were founded at the same time, Laurel Grove was always a public resting place, while Bonaventure was for the wealthy. However, not all famous Savannahians are in BC. Andrew Low, Juliet Gordon Low, the Davenports, the McKays, James Pierpont, and many other families that go way back in Savannah history. There is also a section dedicated to Civil War soldiers (there is nothing like that at BC) which is quite solemn and moving. 

one of the most famous sculptures at Laurel Grove North

a rebel soldier killed at Gettysburg, but not forgotten

the remains of Isaiah Davenport, moved from colonial park cemetery in 1869

 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were boring - the usual. DH, BC, but I didn't go to the The 90. My allergies are getting bad - the downside to the wonderful azaleas that are just beginning to come alive and color the landscape with amazing reds and pinks - and I'm not feeling all that well.