By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was a time to treasure the past and look ahead to the future as the Paris-Henry County Bicentennial Kickoff attracted a large crowd Sunday. Proclamations were read from Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway, Paris City Mayor Carlton Gerrell and State Rep. Bruce Griffey, song selections were performed by a Community Choir organized by Jeremy O’Neal, a recitation was presented by Paris Special Schools District Chairman Troy Barrow and a willow oak was planted on the northeast side of the courthouse lawn to replace the ancient oak tree that was toppled in the spring.
The state proclamation read by Griffey outlined the history of Henry County, from the purchase from the Chickasaw tribe in 1818 to present day. He noted, “Henry County was the gateway for settlement” of west Tennessee and is today “one of the greatest counties in Tennessee.
Both Ridgeway and Gerrell reflected on the history of Henry County and what that means today. Gerrell pondered what it must have been like 200 years ago Sunday when Henry County was officially founded. “I wonder if anyone then envisioned anything like” we have in Henry County now. “I wonder what the next 200 years are going to be like as we celebrate our past and look forward to the future.”
Serving as emcee for the ceremony was County Historian David Webb who noted how blessed Henry County has been with its “quality leadership” which has included three Governors (Gov. Isham Harris, Gov. James Porter, Gov. Thomas Rye), noted entertainers, educators, politicians and other prominent figures who have created “the rich tapestry that is Henry County”.
The Bicentennial Committee is planning activities and events which will take place over the next two years to commemorate the Paris and Henry County Bicentennials.
One of the special selections performed by the Community Choir was “The Scene From The Hill” written 75 years ago by L.O. Sanderson about the local community, marking the first time he has been performed for decades.
Barrow’s recitation was called, “The Trees We Will Never Climb”, noting, “We need to start the work of planting today to leave something worthwhile” for future generations.
Webb noted that when the courthouse lot was established, 24 oak trees were planted in 1900. Only three of the original remain today and one of the original group was toppled in the severe storms in the spring, he said.
Several county and city officials joined together to plant a willow oak on the northeast side of the court lawn at the end of the ceremony.
Also in attendance today was former County Mayor Brent Greer and new 24th Judicial District Judge Brent Bradberry.
Top photo: From left, Gerrell, Ridgeway, Griffey and Bicentennial Chair Carl Holder planting the willow oak.
County Historian David Webb at the podium.
Jeremy O’Neal directs the Community Choir.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin.