Author: Marty Willett
Date: 6/1/2010 3:45 pm EDT
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Our very first Fort Hawkins Memorial Day Rememberance was a grand success, and on so many levels - with some great pre-event publicity, a wonderful turnout at Fort Hill Cemetery (with the Mary Hammond Chapter NSDAR attending with their new Regent Carolyn Hammonds), and nearly 100 visitors to the Blockhouse Replica during the afternoon. Thank you to all the FHC members that could attend and congratulations to FHC Member Sandra Adams representing the Nathaniel Macon Chapter NSDAR as their new Regent. My attached comments from our brief but poignant ceremony should attest clearly and powerfully to why we should be doing this patriotic and educational program - and ALL of our guests appreciated our efforts. Lisa is preparing her photos of the ceremony to share with you and I have already sent you the great piece that WMAZ Ch 13 did. WMGT Ch 41 and WGXA Fox 24 also covered the event, thus giving our efforts even more needed exposure. After the ceremony, the group discussed the Fort Hill Cemetery (and I had maps displayed at the fort site). I pointed out that besides the many unknown soldiers buried here that we know that a daughter of Major Philip Cook and the widow of Col. Benjamin Hawkins are also buried somewhere here. It was also pointed out that FHC Member & City Councilman Ed DeFore, who we continue to wish well in his recovery from surgery, has family here and that he was instrumental in getting the cemetery roads finally paved. Lisa made a discovery that for me was truly astonishing (and so way pass mere serendepity!) - I have kin at Fort Hill Cemetery too!! and the accompanying photo is the gravesite of my Willet(t) "Cousin" - Joseph Willet (spelled with two "t's" in Butlers) who came to the area in 1818 with the McCall Brothers to begin river boat operations. Joseph would begin the ferry service on the Ocmulgee in 1819 at the current Otis Redding Bridge area and would "fell the first tree" to begin building Macon in 1823. Joseph's son is handsomely buried at Riverside Cemetery and is the namesake of the Mercer University Willet Science Center. Wow what a day! - on so many levels!! - Truly a Memorable Memorial Day - hope yours was too! |
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