On Monday, August 14, Michael Bright, Manager of Main Street Market Antique Mall & Owner of Music Memories Museum, donated the official sign and historical marker of Swainsboro’s Nancy Auditorium to Emanuel Janitorial and its owner, Marcus Simmons, to signify the importance of the Nancy Auditorium in Swainsboro’s history. The Nancy Auditorium was home to Emanuel County’s Record Hop, WJAT Radio Station, and the Peach State Jamboree which featured some of the biggest acts in country music. Throughout its existence, the “Nancy” hosted concerts for major performers including Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Ferlin Husky, The Big Bopper, Bill Anderson, Merle Haggard, Lester Flat and Earl Scruggs, Jerry Clower, Minnie Pearl, Jim Ed Brown, Roy Acuff, Ray Price, Brenda Lee, Webb Pierce, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mel Tillis, The Lewis Family and Ernest Tubb. Most notably, the Nancy Auditorium featured Hank Williams Jr.’s first concert, where at the age of 8, he sang “Lovesick Blues” during the Peach Tree Jamboree on March 22, 1958. When Mr. Williams was recently notified about the place where he first appeared on stage being honored he commented, “All I remember about that night was just being one scared little boy. I sang and then the rest of the time I just stood there with my hands in my pockets.” Many years later, everyone would agree that it was a pretty good start for Hank, Jr.
In attendance to celebrate this significant event, were Phil Wilson of Sam’s Drive-In Band, former Mayor Charles Schwabe and his wife Jean, and Grammy Award Winner, Archie Jordan. Wilson, Schwabe and Jordan all performed on stage at the Nancy Auditorium during its glory days when everything from rock to country to gospel music was featured. Additionally, Ott Stephens who is the owner of WPEH Radio 92.1 "The Peach", in Louisville, was there and was recognized for his efforts in providing many of the exclusive artists that sang at the Nancy Auditorium. In comments, Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Director Ken Warnock commended the Simmons Family for their plans and interest in honoring this special place and its role in the history of Swainsboro and Emanuel County. Others attending the ceremony were Chamber of Commerce staff members, Donna Haddock and Anna Torrance , EMC’s Director of Development, Lynn Brinson, DDA Director, Melissa Kirby, and Swainsboro historian, Mary Ann Smith.
