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Old Mill 75th Anniversary & Re-Dedication |
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Written by Clay Miller
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Friday, 08 August 2008 |
 On Wednesday evening, August 7, the Old Mill officially had it's 75th anniversary. Over 200 people came together to celebrate and re-dedicate the Old Mill as well as T.R. Pugh Memorial Park. In the introduction Bert Turner, the Chairman of the Freinds of the Park, thanked all the people who have supported the park and have helped recent improvements to the park including an ampitheater, an information booth, restrooms, and a new historical sign donated thanks to Brad Smith dedicated to all the couples married in the park. Mr. Turner also thanked the Pulaski County Master Gardeners who have contributed award winning landscaping and maintenance work.
Next up was Mayor Hays who thanked former Mayor Casey Laman who is almost 95 for coming out. The Mayor had also brought with him some children's artwork of the Old Mill, which he showed the audience.
To read more and see more pictures click on our Read More link
 After Mayor Hayes spoke, some of the descendants of the parks builders got up to share thier stories about the Mill. Members of the Justin Matthews, Thomas R. Pugh, and Frank Carmean families spoke. Justin Matthews developed the Lakewood neighborhood and gave the land for the park, Thomas R. Pugh was a business partner and friend of Matthews, and Frank Carmean designed the park. A family member of the artist who created the Old Mill and the sculptures featured throughout the park, Dionicio Rodriguez.. was found but he couldn't attend, he sent a letter that was read. Finally Dr. Salomon Itza read a dedication poem and afterwards Mayor Hays cut the Ribbon officially re-dedicating the Old Mill. Some of the many attendees included Aldermen Charlie Hight and Murry Witcher and Alderwoman Debi Ross, as well candidate for mayor Bubba Lloyd, and candidate for Ward 1 Alderperson position, Beth White.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 08 August 2008 )
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August 08, 2008