Writing this article for The Blade touches my heart in many ways. Mrs. Mae Vann was my Sunday School teacher in the high school class at the Swainsboro First Methodist Church. She gave me the faith that I have tried to follow all my life. She is honored to have the Community House carry her name. What a fine location with a playground on one side and swimming pool behind. My kindergarten class was taught in the Community House by Mrs. Florrie Coleman who was also a school music teacher, and we learned a lot of songs. As an only child, I learned to share with others and also to enjoy learning. During World War II, Swainsboro was surrounded by bases of soldiers learning to use search light. The “Search Light Boys” filled the streets of our town on their Saturday leave. To entertain them and help their loneness, the Community House became a USO to be a GI’s home away from home and provided square dances. My Mother and Father were in charge of the dance. Music was provided by piano of Mrs. Florrie Coleman, a blind man playing the fiddle and his wife on the guitar. I do believe the dances were called by County Agent, Earl Varner. It was well chaperoned and young ladies attended to be partners. Many homesick Yankee boys learned to do-se-do with a southern belle. The seventh grade Prom was our first experience with boy/girl dates. Of course, this was held in Community House. Girls wore fancy dresses and boys dressed in shirts and ties. Since we were only twelve, you were taken by parents, or you walked. I remember my “date” walked with me from Church Street to the Community House. Throughout SHS, parties and proms were held in a decorated Community House. The reception after my wedding was held in the Community House. My cherish picture of my new husband and I cutting our wedding cake was in front of the beautiful stone fireplace. I am so thankful that I have many memories of my special times in the Community House. Write to Shirley at sptwiss@gmail.com.
