In 1953, all across Georgia, towns were painting and paving and sprucing up homes and businesses, churches and schools and any other category of structure or venue you could think of. It was all part of a state-wide contest sponsored by Georgia Power called Champion Hometown Contests. Swainsboro was neck-deep in it. Mr. Jimmy Morgan and Mr. Glenn Segars were Co-Chairman, and it was serious business. I guess Georgia Power figured that the more pride people took in their hometown, the more progressive that town would be, and progress was good for Georgia Power because it made that little wheel on your power meter spin merrily round and round. The contest required every business in town to come up with a written description of their product or service and what they were doing to make that business better and make the premises look better too. In the last few weeks when it came right down to the finish line, everybody in town was out helping clean up, and if you weren’t doing your part, people just wondered what was wrong with you. Swainsboro shined like a new penny.
All that sounds pretty amazing. Almost unbelievable, right? But it was every bit the gospel. 70 years ago, this was a different world. People were still in the process of getting over almost a decade of world war in Europe and the South Pacific and across the globe. Hundreds of men and women left this community and their families to serve this country. Many did not return, but the ones who did had a better idea about how wondrous, yet fragile life is. They were eager to get back to this town and make it even better than they remembered. That Champion Hometown Contest worked, and the prize was not a trophy, or a one-thousand-dollar check from Georgia Power. The prize was a decade of the most robust growth this town has ever seen. Today, we still have a city that is located at a unique crossroads with a charming square and interesting shops. But we should remember, we are still in a contest, a competition with every other small town for the most favorable impression and reputation. A cared-for city has a certain look. It reflects a quality of life that people are looking for nowadays. That’s important for people who may be considering moving here, but just as important for those who are already here, paying taxes and don’t want to move.
Recently, the Mayor and City Council passed a new ordinance dealing with blighted property. It is reportedly a comprehensive and improved version of what was already on the books. We still have areas in Swainsboro in high-traffic entry ways and residential blocks that are snuffing out any growth and development there. This is a problem that can be solved. It takes patience and determination. It also requires resources. It is not easy or simple, but to continue to allow this situation sends exactly the wrong signal. As the council meets to determine its budget for 2024, now is the time to plan to allocate the needed funding to put the words of the new ordinance into action and eliminate these derelict houses and structures throughout Swainsboro. Its just one step in creating a better quality of life and a more impressive city. We may not have the enthusiasm today of the Champion Hometown contestants of 1953, but we still live in a place of promise and potential, and most importantly, it is still our job to look after it. Let’s get it done.
