Over the past few months, the Forest Blade has been working on a special project dealing with some of the facts and fiction concerning our town’s history. As you would imagine, this has required a good deal of research and in many cases, has created more questions than an-swers, but it has been fascinating and intriguing work. I was born and raised in Swainsboro and had the honor of serving as Mayor for 16 years, but lately I have learned just how much of the story of our hometown I have yet to learn. When you begin with the 1800s and the Yuchi Indians that settled areas of northern Emanuel County, then move into the time of the land grant charters from English royalty and various governments, you see how a whole new world begins to unfold of the 200-year story about this place where we now live. The knowledge that most of us think we have just barely scratches the surface. The incredible part of it all is that many of the old family names from those very early days are still around and thriving today.
It's no surprise that the political side of Swainsboro’s history has all the human drama and richness of a good novel. Do you know how many courthouses mysteriously burned down in Swainsboro during the same early morning hours over a 50-year period? That’s an interesting story. During Sherman’s March through middle Georgia, one Confederate soldier was cap-tured by Union troops in Swainsboro. He later made his way home from a Northern prison camp and served as an Emanuel County official. The record for the longest serving Mayor of Swainsboro is 18 years. Mayor Ralph Smith, Sr. was elected in 1948. He was regarded as the “picture perfect” Mayor. During Mayor Smith’s term, Swainsboro gained more population and general prosperity than at any other time in its history. Seventeen new manufacturing firms moved into town. City utilities were extended and improved. New streets were paved. New subdivisions were developed. One of these was Lake Luck, and at one point, an effort was made to create an entirely new town in that area. Swainsboro’s growth and its quality of life was the reason Mayor Smith considered the position of Mayor to be a full-time job. He never missed a ribbon cutting, a committee meeting, or a conversation on the loafer’s bench. In a comment from Mrs. Ida Belle Williams who was a college professor and published au-thor, Mayor Ralph Smith was described as one who could, ” mingle with Congressman and Presidents or mix with the most illiterate of people with genuine interest and respect for all”. Mrs. Williams said, “We never had to squirm in our seats when Mayor Smith got up to speak. He could address any group with poise and polish."
No matter where we may live, the pace and purpose of life changes in a natural fash-ion. What must not change, however, is the commitment to the idea of “community” and the sense of pride in what has been built by those of earlier generations. As we approach the completion of Swainsboro’s 200th year, we can best honor the heritage of our hometown by accepting the obligation of learning, understanding, and taking part in what this place is really all about. It is an inspiring story, and it’s our job to pass it on.
