By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–In honor of his dedication in spearheading the restoration and renovation of the historic Paris Academy for the Arts building, a ceremony was held Saturday dedicating The Ray Harding Lunchroom at the facility.
A large crowd of friends and family was on hand for the ceremony, which included remarks by Tommy Wimberley, Andy Hooper, Martin Paschall, and Suzanne Richter, and the unveiling of a plaque in his honor and a portrait painted by Paris Artist Dan Knowles. Musician Sammy Goldstein of New York City, who is currently visiting his hometown, provided musical accompaniment.
Harding himself was a student when it was Lee School and recounted the history of the building–specifically the former Lunchroom of the school. He said the lunchroom was built in 1909 and the cornerstone on the building says, “Erected by the Pupils”. The room initially was a gymnasium and possibly a basketball court, but as time went on, the school officials “decided they needed a lunchroom more than a basketball court,” he said.
For some time after the lunchroom was installed at Lee School, it served lunches at both Lee and Atkins-Porter School, with lunches to the A-P building being transported to there every day.
Harding described the work that had been involved during the years that the building was being renovated. “It was a wreck when we started,” he said, noting that a building of that age requires a lot of regular maintenance.
The Lunchroom today provided a meeting space for the community, service groups and a central location for art shows.
Hooper recounted his lifelong friendship with Harding, including their time at Lee School. Their friendship, he said, began in Room 8 and included their childhood days through their college days, marriage, and building families. They both were Best Men at each other’s weddings, he said.
Paschall noted that Harding “makes you want to be on his team” and he thanked Harding for his hard work in helping to create a space for art and creativity in Paris.
Richter spoke of the history of renovation of the building and how it was a labor of love for Harding (and herself). “This school and this building has been a part of his childhood and a major part of his adulthood”, she said.
Harding spearheaded the project and became the public face of the restoration and renovation, she said. “He never faltered. Many days he was here morning, noon and night. He always tried to solve problems without taking shortcuts.”
Wimberley, who is Vice President of the Academy board and served as emcee, said that Harding’s “commitment to this work was beyond anything I’ve seen”.
Photo: Ray Harding speaks while Tommy Wimberley looks on. Photo by Shannon McFarlin.