When putting together events

for the county's sesquicentennial in 1971, Jimmy Carter was governor and

Lester Maddox was lieutenant governor. They weren't exactly hand-in-glove,

so I thought it best to have the governor in the opening day's ceremony

and the lieutenant governor several days later.

I'm sure one of those remembering

that occasion is former probate judge, Jimmy White. He marched in the

parade, complete with blue jeans and a long beard, right there along with

Lester.

When the 1825 courthouse was

firebombed in 1982, it was not until August 1983 before it was reopened.

Of course, this called for another celebration, and both Carter and Maddox

were invited.

Just before the ceremony began

on the courthouse lawn, a Georgia State Patrol car pulled up and Lester

and Virginia Maddox stepped out.

I will have to admit that when

I arrived in Georgia in 1959, Maddox didn't make a good impression on

me. By 1983 I decided he had redeeming qualities after all, and I enjoyed

his enjoyment when he was with us.

Maynard Jackson made my OK

list in 1996. Those of us who were honored to carry the Olympic torch,

had to wear the t-shirt, shorts, and socks that were sent to participants.

The t-shirt and socks were fine, but the shorts were thin nylon and full

of holes. I was not a happy camper.

Maynard also carried the torch

and bebopped along mindless of how he looked in those shorts. I decided

if they were OK by him, they were OK by me.