By Tanna Friday
Editor
TRUSSVILLE — There are a number of years before 2020 arrives, but the City of Trussville and two life-long residents, George Glenn and Ray Foushee, are not lacking in ideas to celebrate the city’s 200th anniversary.
Glenn addressed the Council in their regular meeting last night asking for the their support in celebrating two centuries since the settlers put down roots in August of 1820.
“After you were elected, I came before you to say that you would be the council when Trussville has its 200th birthday,” said Glenn. “At that time, I am sure none of you realized that Trussville would be 200 years old in less than four years.”
Glenn shared that he, along with several other interested residents, are ready to begin the planning stages for this upcoming celebration.
“Fifty years ago, during the 150-year anniversary, Trussville carried out a week-long celebration which we anticipate for 2020,” he said.
Glenn said that during the last celebration, which took place in the 1970s, consisted of different events each day.
“We had one event where the women all wore dresses with bonnets,” he said. “Other events included a watermelon cutting, beard growing contest, pageant, and square dancing. Every day there was something different.”
A program, Glenn shared, was written by Douglas Claire Purcell for the last celebration and included history dating back to 1820.
“The 150 years celebration was made possible with a history by a young man named Doug Purcell who shared his thesis to write the history of Trussville for the first 150 years,” he said. “There is more to be written, but I am sure we can find someone to bring us up to date.”
“We would like the Council to agree to this celebration and that it would be a City of Trussville event,” he continued.
Mayor Buddy Choat responded to well to Glenn’s request in celebrating the city’s 200-year anniversary.
“I hope I can speak on behalf of the council,” said Choat. “We would be honored to be a part of this celebration. I think all of us would love to serve at any capacity that we can. We will work together to appoint this committee for you and appreciate you both bringing it to our attention.”
“I think it is time to start planning the event. It sounds like you have an agenda that was created 50 years ago,” Choat continued. “Some of that will probably change because of the big changes in Trussville in 2020 that we will take advantage of as well.”
Glenn said that he anticipates everyone, including businesses and churches, to play a part in the event.
“In the history of Trussville, we have a lot to be proud of that many people don’t know about,” said Glenn. “Trussville is one of the few places that has been here for 200 years, but yet, it hasn’t changed all that much.”
“You can go down to the traffic light and you will be within 100 feet of where the storehouse of the Confederate army was burned down 200 years ago. It is part of Trussville now and it was part of Trussville then.”
Glenn said if anyone in the community is interested in the 200-year celebration to email Trussville200@gmail.com. Please include your name, address and phone number.
In other business, the Council:
- Approved the minutes from the April 10 regular meeting;
- Approved alcohol from the Cajun Steamer for the April 28 Shrimp Boil;
- Approved a proclamation for the Second Saturday Events with the Downtown Merchants’ Association;
- Accounts payable;
- Training: ARPA Archery Competition Aug. 10-11; DARE International Training July 10-12; USPTA Class May 18-20; AL Assn of Fire Chief’s Leadership Conference June 25-28; ACEA Annual Conference May 8-9;
- Merit increases for Park & Recreation, Fire Department and Public Works;
- Street light for office park;
- Approved contracts for Downtown Quad 1 with Dix Hite, CCI Engineering and Bhate;
- Approved the hiring of a dispatcher;
- Approved the purchase of two police vehicles (2 Tahoes and 1 Explorer); and
- Approved the hiring of a Finance Director, firefighter, seasonal tennis position; seasonal lifeguards.
The next Council work session is scheduled for Thursday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m., and the regular Council meeting will be Tuesday, May 8.