The Sumner Civic Club and the Plantation Garden Club have had the very fortunate task of locating a garden spot to fulfill the wishes left in Bob Bailey’s will.
He wanted it to be as close to the courthouse as possible and on the Sumner town square.
With almost zero green space to work with, the committee members — Judith Mitchener, Libby Whitten, Lyn Gates, Harriet Catoe and Pam Fortner — got creative.
Mike Wagner and Graham Flautt were most generous and donated the property that once held the Williams Grocery owned by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams. Mike and Graham’s only concern was to take care of the beautiful mosaic tile floor, the only remaining feature after a fire destroyed the building.
Work began in the winter months with club purchases of iron gates and cement planters from the Vowel house organized by Harriet Catoe, and continues today with a soon to be installed wind feature resembling fireworks organized by Lyn Gates.
Libby Whitten, with the help of Harriet, has literally had her hand in the planting and growth of the garden for all to enjoy.
There will be a dedication of the Sumner-Bailey Garden on Wednesday, May 10, at 2 p.m. Please come and enjoy this beautiful space and think of Bob and all the stories he told and tell a few of your own.
