Published: October 26, 2007 12:41 am            

Columnist for the People

My dear readers: Today I begin my third year as a weekly, guest columnist for The Meridian Star, and my gratitude to you, the readers, is only matched by my appreciation for the writing opportunity extended to me by The Meridian Star, a reputable daily publication since 1898, but, most importantly, my hometown newspaper.

You, my loyal readership, have given me the name, Columnist for the People. I feel beholden to you for this honor of speaking for you, and by this I mean the ones of you whom have asked me to write about a certain time or location, as a loving memory of reminiscence uplifting Meridian, Lauderdale County, and her people. So many of you have called me, emailed, written to me, and stopped me on the street, or at the grocery store, to express your enjoyment of my columns. You have invited me to speak at your community clubs, your churches, literary clubs, retirement groups, garden clubs, civic organizations, schools, history clubs, and so many other organizations all across the great State of Mississippi. I have been honored to share with you my heartfelt and deep devotion for our state and community. You are the BEST!

When I have asked if you enjoy my time of prattling, of sharing sillies, and humorous commentaries, you have responded with an overwhelming, YES – that you enjoy the chuckles that keep all of the bad news at bay. In October 2005, when I began this column, I purposely selected the conversationalist style of commentary, the chit/chatty warm, and friendly theme, rather than kicking around repetitive issues.

I felt our community would enjoy a time of reading where there are no hidden messages, and no criticizing of others, and on each Friday, when reading The Meridian Star, your day is brightened with help to lighten the heavy burden that each of us must bear, ……….that your day is brightened by my words.

So, dear readers, I shall continue to uplift your hearts, and tickle your funny bone as long as I possibility can. I relish your ideas, and I would like to hear from you. I want to know your special memories of Meridian and Lauderdale County. You may reach me through The Meridian Star, my website, . or by phone (601) 681-8525, and please feel free to leave a message, if I am not available.

There is much, much more I would like to write for you. Does anyone have a memory or perhaps worked at the hosiery mill off of 8th Street, or the shirt factory near the old Village Fair Mall, or how about the old sanitarium located on 22nd Avenue Heights…..you, or your family member, would have probably worked at these places during the 1940’s? I’m interested in the old officer’s lake, Matty Hersee Hospital, and how the war stories touched Meridian, World War II, Viet Nam, and Desert Storm. Also, anyone who attended Witherspoon, Chalk, Welcher, Stephenson, Highland, Tuxedo, Mt Barton, or Marion Park Elementary Schools, plus, Harris High School, and family memories of Ole Beeson College. I would to hear from former students of the former county high schools, such as, Centerhill, Long Creek, Martin, Vimville, Whynot, Toomsuba, Collinsville or Lauderdale….all of these schools are just memories now.

Tell me what kept you in Meridian and Lauderdale County, or what brought you here? Was it to be near family or for love of community? Share with me the special people in your life from the Meridian area. Tell me about your grandparents, great grandparents, children, or about your grandchildren (then, I can tell you about mine!).

Tell me your childhood memories while growing up in Meridian and Lauderdale County. I want to know about your struggles and your accomplishments while living in our community. Tell me about what you miss about our community, about the changes good and bad. Tell me how you and your family (grandparents, great grandparents) celebrated holidays……especially Christmas.

I admit I do sound a bit nosey, but any good news or sweet memories about Meridian and Lauderdale County warms my heart, and I want to write about it. I ask, ‘If we can’t toot our own horn, who will do it for us?’

There is much goodness in East Central Mississippi; good people, kind hearts, generous natures, hard workers, neighbors helping neighbors, all of this makes me proud to be a native Meridianite.

Recently as I entered the waiting room for my doctor, and as I was seated, I noticed a sweet lady punch her husband and whisper, “That’s Anne McKee.” He looked at his wife with a blank stare, and she continued, “She writes a column in The Meridian Star.” He grunted and nodded his head……typical husband? Then, she looked over at me and said, “I love your columns in the newspaper.”

It was on this same morning I had contemplated writing perhaps a little more intellectually, and drifting into more serious subjects, so I thanked her for the kind words, and then I asked. “Do you think I should, perhaps, become more serious, and make the column more of a reading of substance regarding current events or public opinion?” I confided with her there had been a few to question the intellectual scope of my column, and, she answered right away with the most reasonable and beautiful quote. She said, “Honey there’s a lot more of us, than there are of them. Don’t change a thing.”

I don’t know her name, but her advice has stayed with me, for I am The Columnist for the People. I am here for you….the good hearted and hard working people of Meridian, Lauderdale County, and surrounding areas.

You know, it’s true. Meridian, the Queen City, began as a railroad community, a town built by the trains that came our way, so I’m going to ride this train, this columnist train, as long as I can hold on.

Thank you, dear readers, for your encouragement, plus your true and constant support. I love you all, and may God continue to Bless Meridian and Lauderdale County.

        

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