Back in 2001 at the time of the Beaver Center Centennial, Bernice (Tower) Evens sent me a letter of what she remembered of Beaver Center and I would like to share it with you.

My grandfather and father owned the Grocery and General Merchandise Store, on the southwest corner of the Center. The upper floor was where the

Odd Fellows Lodge met every Sat. night. It was also the meeting place for the Grange. Country dances were held after. It was fun.

Further up the street was a small meat market or a butcher shop, owned by George Sanders. He was Ola Rudler’s father. A bit farther on was a Blacksmith shop owned by George Rathburn. He was the father of Mrs. Fred Harbough, who lived in the house later owned by Ida Lamb. Next to that Fuller big barn and house. across from there was the School House, which covered all twelve grades. Two outhouses outback, One for the girls and one for the boys.

Thelma Hackett and I started to school together and graduated in 1924. We keep in touch, she lives at Ft. Walten Beach, Fla. And I live in Athens, Ga.. We are the same age 94 years.

Across from the Meat Market was where my Mother, Edith Tower, had a Millinery Shop in the front room of her house, witch later became Ida Lamb’s Garage. Keith was born there in 1912.

On down the street on the corner, was another General Store owned by Joe Lawrance and later by Harold Kukla.

Across the street was Elby’s house and much earlier, Dr. Ely had his office in the front room.

Down the north road was the Cheese Factory where the farmers brought their milk to be made into cheese. I remember the big vats where the milk was heated and stirred. The big wheels of cheese were stored to age.

West of Tower’s Store was another Blacksmith Shop owned by Judd Sargent. I remember watching them shoe horses there. Next to it was the Townhouse where the town’s affairs were carried on and the people voted on election time. Beyond that was the open shed where the road equipment was stored.

Across the road and up the grade was the Methodist Church and just beyond that was the Cemetery.

The Christian Church was on the Springboro Road just east of the Center. Behind the Church were the open sheds for tying the horses and buggies. Jimmy Lamb used to ring the bell every Sunday morning and in the winter built fires in the two potbelly stoves.

On the east corner of the Center was a Feed Mill owned by Keith Tower and next to it was Noel Louck’s Bee business. “Those bees could really Sting”

We lived in the first house west of the Church and spent our growing up years there. I had 4 Sisters and 2 Brothers and we were a happy loving family. I still look back as Beaver Center as my home.

THIS LADY HAS A BIRTHDAY MARCH 29. SHE WILL BE 103. She is in good mental and pretty good physical health.

Bernice Evens

Recalls old Beaver Center

Here is her address if you would like to send her a note:

Bernice Evens, 653 Huntington Town Road, Athens, GA 30601.