The Sumter Historic Trust Helps Maintain Americus and Sumter County's Rich Traditions
Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the Lee Council House and general fund, and all auction proceeds will be used by our Revolving Fund project. With your help, proceeds from this event will be helpful in so many ways. Think about inviting houseguests for the weekend and bringing them. Tickets can be purchased at Minick Interiors, Kinnebrew’s, the Maze and Windsor Parlor or from all board members and Spring Party committee members. If you have a friend in this group, please support them. Again this year, the grand prize for top ticket seller will be a beautiful set of steak knives. (Valued at $1.99) Please help out your favorite ticket seller with an advanced purchase or contact Lane Tyson at 229-938-5901.
The Spring Party and Auction will be on May 22 beginning at 6 pm. Chairman Lane Tyson has a committee that has really worked hard to make this the most successful party ever. As usual, John Dean will be volunteering his “Low Country Boil” expertise, and there will be music and other refreshments that continue to make the Spring Party a “can’t miss” event in Americus. Tickets will be priced at $30, but active members will receive a discounted price of $20.
Rent the Lee Council House

The Lee Council House is a great place for weddings, family reunions, anniversaries, office parties, and just about any event where our beautiful home can add to the atmosphere. It is great to have such a nice venue open to the public for events that are truly memorable. We recently had a “sweet 16” party, and it was heart warming to see the respect those young people had toward our historic residence. Following that was a 50th anniversary wedding party attended by over 170 guests. We are also scheduled to have weddings, an Americus High reunion, and a band party this summer. Unknown to many, there is also a beautiful boardroom that has one of the largest seating capacity of any in Southwest Georgia. If you’re planning an event, please contact John Stovall at 229-591-1326 or stovall@gsw.edu if you want more information.
Rentals are $1000 for a wedding that includes access for the entire weekend, $600 for a Friday or Saturday, or $400 for any other evening rental. Use of the boardroom is $250

Presbyterian Church
Sumter Historic Trust Endowment Fund
Donations can be made to the Trust’s Endowment Fund that is maintained by Edward D. Jones Investments. All donations to the Endowment Fund will remain invested thru Edward D. Jones and the interest from these investments goes to support the Sumter Historic Trust. Currently, the Fund is valued at $88,120.53. This is a great way to ensure your donations will continue to support the Sumter Historic Trust for future generations. Also, Memorials and Honorariums donated in memory of family or friends also go to the Endowment Fund. If you would like to donate please indicate it is for the Endowment Fund when you send in your donation or contact James Edgemon for more information, 229-942-6422. sumterhistorictrust@hotmail.com

The Wheatley Administration Building
Georgia Southwestern State University

Windsor Hotel
Join Us At the Pool This Summer
We will again be providing our members a chance to “beat the heat” with the opening of our “all adult” pool this summer. Rachel Arnold, Heather Lafevers, and James Edgemon, among others, are working hard to open in May. There is new paint, tile, and a plan for the filtration system that will continue to make this the place to be for the summer. Memberships for singles are $250 and couples are $325. In addition, we will continue to have our Sunday grill nights and the popular “Old Fogie” Tuesday night picnic. We will also have additional discounts for families who support other pools in the area. Contact John Stovall at 229-591-1326 or at stovall@gsw.edu for more information. The pool was a lot of fun last year, and it’s a great place to take a quick dip after work or hang out with friends over the weekend. Membership ranged from 21 to (age omitted due to my Southern upbringing,) and it was amazing to see how cold water on hot days makes friends of everyone. Porch Tour 2010 Another Big Success The Porch Tour 2010 was again a great success. Special thanks go to all the porch hosts: Stick & Elise Miller, Nick Owens, Lee Harris, Don & Kim Miknis, and Rachel & Justin Arnold. Trust members Genie Bryant, Meredith Owen, Harriett Peak, Hope Henderson, Chet Crowley, Ashley Brown, Leila Case, and Ann Harris helped host. The Porch Tour has become a tradition in Americus, and this 4th annual event was enjoyed by all that attended. Chair Charles Crisp said, “I think that the porch tour has become something that people really look to as a harbinger of Spring.” This 4th tour was on Harrold Avenue. The 1st was on Taylor and Brown streets, the 2nd on College Street, and the 3rd was on Lee Street. There have already been offers of homeowners offering to get neighbors to host the next one. Proceeds benefit the Revolving Fund Project..

First Christian Church
The Sumter Historic Trust has acquired another property in Americus: The First Christian Church. The members of the church donated it along with funds to provide upkeep. This was a very generous donations, and we will work hard to be a good steward for the property. We are currently replacing the roof and interior damage caused by rain damage. Most of the work is now done, and we will have it open again in December for another open house.
Lee Council House Gets Renovations

When you have a chance, check out the new railings on the Lee Council House. Lane Tyson spearheaded this project along with a generous donation by Charles R. Crisp and Jimmy Ferguson. Master woodworker Clint Johnson headed the crew that replaced and restructured the railing for a longer lasting protection against the elements. We thank everyone who was involved in this project.

Carnegie Library
Boosters Get Bonuses
The Board of Directors have decided to award our patrons at certain levels of giving by including tickets to our events. Just fill out the membership form and we'll contact you about how you can help in our preservation activities in Sumter County while enjoying year round events as our gift to you for your support.