Happy Birthday, Rainsville By DeWayne Patterson The Weekly Post Published October 26, 2006 RAINSVILLE—A small crowd gathered together at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center Monday evening to celebrate Rainsville’s 50th year. All along the center were old pictures of the city and its leaders throughout the years. There was also a slide show as well. “We have many memories of Rainsville,” said Rev. Gary Haymon of Rainsville Church of God. “I can remember walking late at night and feeling the security and peace of living here. We’re blessed. It’s a place where people love each other.” The celebration Monday was for the 50 years Rainsville has been incorporated. According to Tim Eberhart of the Chamber of Commerce, however, Rainsville has been called Rainsville for 100 years. Eberhart said two years ago the Heritage Commission was formed in Rainsville to help preserve the city’s heritage. “Tonight is the beginning of our celebration,” Eberhart said. There was also a presentation to recognize the city’s founders and the early leaders from thet 1950s and 1960s. The first mayor, Roland Daniel; the first town councilmen: Billy Kelly, Leo Grimes, Edmond Burke, U.H. McDonald and Elmer Bailey; and the first town clerk, Joe Thompson were honored. Other leaders from the 1960s recognized include Grady Wade, Genie Lister, Maxine Barron, Sue Bowman, and the original Rainsville Industrial Development Board: Dr. Marvin Barron, R.J. Winkles, J.L. Hendrix, W.C. Shirey, H.G. Johnson, Fletcher Deerman and Harvey Clifton. Some community leaders from the 1910s, including Joe Parker, Tolbert Parker, Will Rains and Susie and Ed McCurdy will be recognized as well. In next week’s Post, there will be a special tab in honor of Rainsville. Eberhart said the celebration will continue and urges citizens to bring old photos of the way things used to be. Eberhart said the city will do a time capsule in the upcoming weeks, which will be preserved for 25 years. Share | Save | Mail | Print | Comment