David and I actually had a pretty busy weekend- right here in Thomasville. We did several touristy things that we (or more namely, I) have never experienced right here in my backyard. I had a great weekend and I got a few things marked off my "Thomasville Bucket List" in the process!
This weekend, Thomasville had it's historic Rose Show and Festival. I have lived in Thomasville since 2007 and I have never once gone to the Rose Show or watched one of the Rose Parades (unless I count last year when I got caught in traffic trying to get home after work and had to watch some of it). On Saturday, David and I loaded up and hit downtown. The weather was gorgeous and the perfect temperature to go look at some roses! The Rose Show has been a staple of Thomasville since the early 1920s. Just about every variety of rose is on display at the Rose Show.
Some of Broad Street downtown was blocked off for the car show and block party.
I was able to grab a beloved snow cone and stroll the streets with my man, enjoying looking at all the interesting cars. I was also excited because I got to see close up the progress on the courthouse restoration.
It looks like they are FINALLY getting close to finishing it!
Another item I got crossed off of my list was a trip to the Old Cemetery downtown. I must have been the worst Thomasville History docent on earth, considering that I just this weekend went to a few historical sites that I always got asked about on a regular basis!
Maybe I am morbid or something, but I just love old cemeteries. I love the history that is there. I love the beautiful craftsmanship of the tombstones, ironwork, and vaults. Every grave has a story and going through the graveyard seeing some of the people that are laid to rest and remembering their stories from the ones that I told tourists during tours at the museum.
Above is the memorial dedicated to Thomas County's Confederate soldiers. The War between the States greatly changed the course of Thomasville/Thomas County. Before the war, Thomasville was your typical, sleepy plantation area. Not much going on other than farming. After the war, is where Thomasville's history took a turn. The town could have died a slow death, like many other southern towns. But thanks to a doctor and his "discovery" that Thomasville's pine scented air and climate had great benefits, Thomasville became the resort town of the Victorian era. It was because of this influx of Northerner visitors that came and bought up the properties, that Thomasville's plantations were preserved, the downtown was built and thrived, and the lovely homes that are prewar and after are still here.
All of the symbolism in the cemetery is fascinating- but don't worry- I will spare you! Although, I will touch on the sea shell covered graves...
It is really unknown why this particular grave (and a few others) are covered in shells. Some believe, that it is because this particular family had strong connections with the Florida coast. Or it could be because they crossed water to get here, or rebirth in their Christian faith. Either way, it is interesting!
This is the Mitchell family marker. The man that is buried here is the brother to Thomasville's first millionaire- T.C. Mitchell, who was the owner of the famous Mitchell House, that was popular during the late 1800s.
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| The Mitchell House, circa 1890 |
Well, that is part one of my Thomasville Tourist adventures! Coming up- Pebble Hill Plantation
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