Historic Building Will Get New Life

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A couple of years ago, I attended a conference where one of the speakers told us that our downtown area reflected the mental state of our people. It made sense to me, but I didn’t believe it was necessarily so. Oakland has had some downtown buildings that were being held by people who had no connection to the town, yet, they weren’t willing to sell it or fix it up. We have finally had a breakthrough on one of those properties, and I am so excited that what was once the Herron Hardware Store is now in local hands and work set to begin in the next few weeks to clean out the debris. While I’m not sure what the final use of the property will be, the short-term plan is for an open-air park-like space. 

Mother (Margaret Ross) and I got a little bee in our bonnet last week and decided to ride over to Sumner because they have a similar outdoor space and she wanted to see it in person. Mother loves to ride around, and then wander around and we did both. The Sumner-Bailey Garden was created on the site of a former florist. 

After it burned, a family turned it into an outdoor space. Mother went a few doors down to the Sumner Drug Store and had a nice chat with the pharmacist there, Mr. Spencer Hudson, who was kind enough to answer all of her questions about the history of the area. He knew Oakland well, having traveled through town numerous times in his early years.

Congratulations to Chef Brent Tippitt of Enid Depot, who finished in the top five of his group in the nationwide Favorite Chef Competition, presented in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

While he didn’t win, that is an amazing accomplishment, bringing even more recognition to this top-ranked restaurant in our area.

We all enjoyed a visit from our cousin Candy Dorman Hony from Greenwood last week. While she was there, another cousin, Bradley Ross, dropped by with some excellent chocolate cake he had made. Mayor Stephanie Patterson was also there so we had a grand time.

Speaking of the mayor, a huge thank you and congratulations to her for working with the Mississippi Department of Transportation to get the corner of Hickory and Walnut, by the apartments, fixed. That has been scary and an eyesore. She gave credit to MDOT Area Supervisor Jason Pettit for overseeing the project and making it happen for Oakland!

Happy 80th birthday to Mrs. Georgia Tellis. Her friends and family threw her a beautiful birthday celebration, and Mayor Patterson made sure she received a plaque in celebration of this milestone!

Parrish Grove MB Church is in revival this week through Thursday evening. Nightly services begin at 7 p.m. Each night features a different pastor. I was happy to see Pastor Robert Reed, one of our Chamber board members, scheduled to preach Tuesday night. I’ve told Pastor Reed he has a special talent for breaking into a sermon within his prayers. I love to hear him pray.

Put your dancing shoes on! Cossar State Park is presenting Dancing in the Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5. Vendors are invited and should call the office at 662-623-7356 and press 2 to sign up. They will have a mechanical bull ride for $5 per ride. There will be a $2 entry fee at the park gatehouse.

Oakland Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17. More details will be announced, but organizers are calling for this one to be the biggest and best! Put it on your calendars now!

Let us know if your group is having an event. You can reach me by texting or leaving a message at 601-853-3942. Email the Chamber at oaklandareachamber@gmail.com and I will pass the information along to Chamber Executive Director Sue Donohue Smith.

Thanks for reading and for telling me you are reading! It’s really nice when I get a note or run into someone who lets me know they enjoy seeing what’s going on in Oakland.