Madelyn Johnson, an 11th grader at Columbia Academy, won the Marion County Historical Essay Contest at the Heritage Festival. First prize carried a $150 award from Zellco Federal Credit Union.
Second-place Winner Kobe Ramos, a 10th grader at West Marion, took home $100, and Brianna Lewis, also a West Marion sophomore, received $50 for third place.
The following is Johnson's essay entitled, "What Marion County Means to Me."
Marion County means many different things to me. One of which is rich history. Founded in 1811, Marion County was once our temporary state capital. Gov. Hugh White's Mansion is located in the city limits and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Furthermore, Marion County is home to the John Ford Home, which is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The John Ford Home is located in Sandy Hook, and it was built in 1809. The Fords made their home available to travelers. Among the travelers were Gen. Andrew Jackson and his troops.
Marion County means everyone knows everyone. With a population of 25,251 and an area of 549 square miles, it is pretty accurate to say "everyone knows everyone." Most of my family was born, raised and lives in Marion County. Therefore, it is easy to stay in touch with them and maintain close relationships. Since several of us are members of First Baptist Church of Columbia, we are able to worship together. Most Sundays we get together after church and eat Sunday family dinner. In addition, birthdays are a big deal in a small town because everyone knows when your birthday is and celebrates with you. Holidays are often eventful in Marion County because we have Christmas and Easter parades and, of course, family gatherings with meals as the centerpiece of the event.
Marion County means Friday night lights. I attend Columbia Academy, and I have a lot of friends from all over Marion County. I love cheering for my friends and schoolmates that comprise our Cougar football team every Friday night in the late summer and early fall. The students and fans of the other area schools including Columbia, West Marion and East Marion love to support their teams as well. Also, I enjoy hanging out with my friends after the games at Azteca Mexican Restaurant. Just about everyone loves Azteca because of the good, affordable meals. Due to this, it is one of the main hangouts for teenagers in Marion County.
Marion County means mild winters and hot summers, so everyone loves to cool down by swimming, tubing and skiing at Lake Columbia. Also, a lot of people have swimming pools so cooking out poolside is a common occurrence in Marion County. My family likes to go to the Pearl River to swim and fish and sight see. We have a Labrador retriever named Brody that loves to be on the water with us so we often make trips to Holiday or Graves Creek to explore.
Marion County means fun outdoors. Among the many fun outdoor activities are hiking Red Bluff, riding four-wheelers near the Pearl River, hunting in the swamps, fishing in the lakes and rivers and playing golf at the Columbia Country Club. Red Bluff and the Pearl River are two beautiful places that people travel from all over to see.
Marion County means unique dining experiences and shopping. Among the many local eateries are Second Street Bean and the Southern Fried Rabbit. Of course no small, rural town would be complete without catfish restaurants and steakhouses, and we definitely have our fair share. Marion County also has many quaint gift shops and boutiques. Main Street Frames and Gifts stocks many unique gift items, many of which are made in Mississippi. In addition, Kelley's Boutique has a great selection of trendy clothing, shoes and jewelry for women of all ages.
Marion County means farming. Since we are in the Pine Belt, pine tree farming and logging are common means for earning a living and supplying valuable resources to industry that help grow our economy. In addition, poultry farms and beef cattle farms are prevalent as well.
Marion County means being unique. We are home to the rare white squirrel. Gov. Hugh White introduced the species to Marion County over 60 years ago. The white squirrel is still often sen in the downtown residential parts of Columbia. Another unique fact about our county is that it is the birthplace to professional football player Walter Payton. Legend has it that he developed his powerful legs by running hills and levees adjacent to the Pearl River. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest running backs of all time. A statue is fittingly situated near the south end zone of Gardner Stadium at Columbia High School in his honor. In addition, famous country music artist Jeff Bates also calls Marion County his home.
Marion County means exciting, small-town area events. Each year many residents flock to watch, or participate in, our local Cattleman's Association Rodeo. Many children enjoy decorating wagons and riding in the downtown Easter parade. At Christmas, the Downtown Association also hosts the annual Christmas parade and Candlelight carols and Claus. For those interesting in golfing, our Columbia Country Club hosts the Four-Ball Tournament. In the fall, you can go to the Heritage Festival held at Friendship Park where area vendors display their crafts and goods.
Marion County is a community composed of several smaller communities. From the open fields and rural areas of Kokomo near its western extent to Enon's hills and creeks in the east, and from the bluffs of Morgantown in the north to the river swamps in Shandy Hook to the south, Marion County is as unique and diverse as the people that inhabit her ... and it's our home. This is what Marion County means to me.
Pictured Above: Madelyn Johnson, an 11th-grader at Columbia Academy, poses with Tammy Riley of Zellco Federal Credit Union after winning the Marion County Historical Essay Contest Oct. 7 at the Heritage Fest. | Photo by Mark Rogers
