The American Legion is an organization composed of veterans of World War 1, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada/Lebanon, Panama, Gulf War, Iraq War and Afghanistan War. It is the result of the Paris Caucus, a meeting of many people who served in the United States Armed Forces in World War 1, held in Paris, France on March 15, 16, & 17, 1919. Steve Mitchell of Tifton attended this meeting in Paris. Another Caucus was held in St. Louis, Missouri on May 8, 9, & 10, 1919, at which time the American Legion was formed with the Congress of the United States later granting the charter for this organization. Changes in the National Constitution of the American Legion must be approved by the United States Congress.

Immediately after the founding of the American Legion, the Department of Georgia was granted a temporary charter on May 24, 1919. Soon a group of veterans from Tift County met together in Tifton and petitioned the Department of Georgia for a charter. The petition was approved and charter was granted to Tift County Post #21, the American Legion on September 15, 1919. This being the 21st post charted by the Department of Georgia. It has maintained its charter continuously since it was first granted.

Membership in the American Legion is made up of veterans, both men and women, of the wars and conflicts as stated above. The only specific criteria, for membership is a discharge, other than dishonorable.  However, Congress amended the charter to include both the Reserves and the National Guard personal, who served active duty during one of those military actions.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 21 COMMANDERS

There has been many good Commanders to direct Post 21 since it's organization. A list of these men and women are as follows:

- Year  Members Commander       - Year  Members  Commander

* 1919   57   Steve F. Mitchell      * 1963  294   J. Ledford Hood

* 1920   28   W. B. Bennett            1964  298   D. J. Nobles, Jr.

* 1921   47   W. B. Bennett          * 1965  334+  William T. Parkman

* 1922   58   William T. Smith         1966  249   Henry Lee Marchant

* 1923  140+  Roy Thrasher           * 1967  256   Loy W. Morgan

* 1924   63   M. C. Owens              1968  304   Thomas U. Gibson

* 1925   38   O. V. Barkuloo Sr      * 1969  362+  Melton D. McMillan

* 1926   58   Roy Thrasher           * 1970  294   Eugene Roysden

* 1927   69   W. R. Lytle            * 1971  321   Clyde Beggs

* 1928   47   A. B. Scaife           * 1972  330+  Rodger E. McClain

* 1929   60   W. J. Davis              1973  275   Denton S. Coleman

* 1930   58   B. K. Hardison         * 1974  315   Dorothea Marchant

* 1931  104+  A. B. Phillips         * 1975  299   James O. McLean

* 1932   36   C. W. King             * 1976  407+  William T. Parkman

* 1933   61   B. K. Hardison           1977  343+  Thomas U. Gibson

* 1934   45   Roy Thrasher           * 1978  355+  R. H. McMillan Jr

* 1935   77   Roy Thrasher           *  1979  327   Vernon Harris

* 1936  101+  Sam A. Bradshaw        * 1980  313   J. Alton Mitcham

* 1937  106+  M. L. Webb             * 1981  313   Dorothea Marchant

* 1938  120+  M. L. Webb             * 1982  312   J. Cecil Barnes

* 1939  176+  H. L. Bolton             1983  354+  George C. Free III

* 1940  184+  J. C. Randolph           1984  307   Fred A. Matthews

* 1941  143   J. C. Randolph         * 1985  302   James T Barrentine

* 1942  142   J. E. Newton           * 1986  276   Paul A Prefontaine

* 1943  102   Orion Mitchell           1987  246   Thomas D. Maze

* 1944  156   J. Ferrell Jolley        1988  282   Thomas D. Maze

* 1945  180   J. Ferrell Jolley        1989  351+  Fred A. Matthews

* 1946  353+  J. G. Whigham            1990  357+  Thomas U. Gibson

* 1947  311+  Steve F. Mitchell      * 1991  339+  Chris P. McMillan

* 1948  260   C. W. Chapman          * 1992/1993    Ed J. Irby, Jr.

* 1949  133   C. W. Chapman          * 1994        J. Van Talley    

* 1950  143   Frank L. Rigdon        * 1995        John C. Zaruba

* 1951  192   Frank L. Rigdon        * 1996/1997   Kermit E. Browning

* 1952  198   Leroy C. Lanford         1998/2002   Thomas D. Maze

* 1953  108   Elwyn Ireland          * 2003        John C. Zaruba

* 1954  233   Warren H. Marchant     * 2004        Dorothea Marchant

* 1955  212   Warren H. Marchant       2005/2006 Michael Clements

* 1956  365+  C. Harold Woellert       2007/2008   Wayne Duffell

* 1957  305+  O. V. Barkuloo Jr        2009/2010   Eugene Barnes

* 1958  305+  Carl Rainey              2011/2013 Paul Moyer

* 1959  323+  Leroy Rogers             2014/2016 Wayne Duffell

* 1960  214   C. F. Green              2017     Paul Moyer

* 1961  193   Hugh J. Thomas           2018-Curr Tommy Treadway   

* 1962  273   A. J. Falatico     

* = Deceased      

     + = over goal

It is noted that two father/sons served as commanders:

     O. V. Barkuloo Sr  (1925)     R. H. McMillan Jr (1978)

     O. V. Barkuloo Jr  (1957)     Chris P. McMillan (1991)

Also, only one husband/wife served as commanders:

     Warren H. Marchant (1954-55)

     Dorothea Marchant  (1974, 81, and 2004)

There has been only one Commander from the National Guard:

     Chris P. McMillan  (1991)

The only women Commander:

     Dorothea Marchant  (1974, 81, and 2004)

The Commander that has served more than any other:

     Thomas D. Maze (1987, 88, 98, 99, 2000, 01, 02) 7 years.

The Senior Past Commander at this time is Warren H. Marchant.

LEGIONNAIRE OF THE YEAR CLUB

Another list is the most outstanding members of Post 21.  It appears that this club was started in the late Sixties.  However, I have listed some prior to that date because they shouldn't be forgotten.

1947  Steve F. Mitchell (P.C.)- The founding father not only of Post 21, but also the American Legion itself.  He attended both Paris and St. Louis meetings and was active at both.  He served as the post's first Commander at the end of World War 1 and again 28 years’ later, at the end of World War II.  He was an Attorney and a leader in community affairs.

1965  Hugh J Thomas (P.C.)- Started Thomas Alarm Co, was one of the first to start development of the fair grounds.

1968  Joe ToTo (P.C.)

1969  Clyde Beggs (P.C.)

1971  Warren H. Marchant (P.C.)- The main Post and District leader for many years.  He has been where he was needed.            

1972  Ledford Hood (P.C.)- The Judge.

1973  D. J. Nobles, Jr (P.C.)- A local insurance agent, he served several offices in Post 21, worked many years on the Fair Committee, and on Membership.

1974  Rodger E. McClain (P.C.)- Manager of the Coastal Plain Experimental Station, he was first to volunteer, he held many offices of Post 21, 12th District, and Department of Georgia.  He engineered the Flame of Freedom.

1975  Eugene Roysden (P.C.)- An engineer at the Coastal Plain Experimental Station, he was called on for the Post's construction, not only for the Legion Home, but he constructed the Fair Exhibit Building restrooms and ticket booths.

1976  James O. McLean (P.C.)- Both a leader and promoter, he has served actively in Post, District, and Department offices, and on National committees. He has maintained the Fair in great tradition.

1977  Thomas U. Gibson (P.C.)- A farmer and merchant,  he is known as the most active Jr Vice Commander for membership.

1978  Dottie Paulk - Served as Post Adjutant many years, summarized the Fair Premiums and checks.

1979  Earnest Yates (P.C.)- The Attorney

1980  Fred A. Matthews (P.C.)- A retired merchant, he did many jobs in the Post.  The two most important, being the Chairman of the Trustees, and the Chairman of the Fair Livestock Committee.

1981  Leroy Rogers (P.C.)- An engineer retired from Georgia Power, A community leader served as Mayor of Tifton, he was a stable member of the post. He was Chairman of the Building Committee.

1982  Alton Mitcham (P.C.)- Worked very hard on Membership.

1983  William T. Parkman (P.C.)- A farmer retired from the Farm Credit Association, was a careful doer, He was best known at the Oratorical Chairman.

1984  Paul A. Prefontaine (P.C.)- Retired from Tenneco Oil, he worked many years on repairs at the fair grounds.

1985  Chris P. McMillan (P.C.)- Operates the Little Six Washeteria, does the Post paper work that no one else wants to do.  Editor of this History.

1987  Thomas D. Maze (P.C. 7 years)-  The Provost Officer for the Coastal Plain Experiment Station,  he has had more than his share of jobs in the Post.  Most notable is Chairman of the Bingo Committee. 

1991  J. Van Talley (P.C.)

1993  John C. Zaruba (P.C.)- Retired with lots of energy, He was a District Commander, works on Bingo Committee and called a lot of games.

1994  W. Lee Wood -

1995  P. T. Delbridge -

1997  Melton McMillan (P.C.)-

2003  Wayne Duffell (P.C.)- Has been very active in Post, District activities. Has spent countless hours working at the Fairgrounds and assisting the Ladies Auxiliary.

2007  Ed Hintermeier-

2008  Mike Clements (P.C.)- Always willing to help with repairs to the Post home and Fairgrounds. Spent numerous hours assisting the Ladies Auxiliary and has become known as the ‘Candy Man’ for all the cotton candy he has made.

2010  Paul Moyer (P.C.)- Paul has spent a lot of hours in keeping the books and money accounted for during any of the fair events, without fail.

2011  Steve Scott-  Took over as Fair Chairman after no one else was willing to do so and made several major improvements to the Fairgrounds.

2012  Tommy Treadway- Has been active in both Post and District activities, holding the position of Finance Officer for both levels.

2013  Eileen Campbell-

2014-2016 Terry McStott- Has brought the Post into the 21^st century with social media, establishing a Facebook Page, and building a website. Is always available to help with the fairgrounds and even organized a new interior painting of the Post home.

TIFT COUNTY POST 21, THE AMERICAN LEGION

The Past Commanders Banquet, January, 1991.  This was a very good time remembering "been there, done that."  1st row: Warren Marchant, Cecil Barnes, R. H. McMillan, Clyde Beggs, Paul Prefontaine, Rodger McClain. 2nd row: W. T. Parkman, Vernon Harris, Fred Matthews, Dottie Marchant, Tom Maze, Melton McMillan, Chris McMillan, Tony Falatico. 3rd row: Loy Morgan, George Free, Leroy Rogers, Jimmy McLean, D. J. Nobles, Gene Roysden, and Tom Gibson.

POST 21 PROGRAMS

Post 21 is very proud to sponsor American Legion programs.

The oratorical contest is one that Post 21 has participated in since its inception and have meant much to the youth of our community. The oratorical contest for high school students requires the students to study the United States Constitution and prepare a speech, as well as, the poise to deliver the speech. Each high school holds a contest to find the best contestant, then there is an elimination of the high school winners at the Post level. The winner of the Posts go to the District contest and that winner goes to the Area contest. After this is the Department and the National contests. At the Post contest, we are careful to maintain the same standards of competition and scoring that is done at the National contest. 

The contest usually starts with contacting the high school guidance counselor for students interested in participating. Setting the dates in January to match Department and National. The contest itself requires several members, as well as 5 community members, experienced in public speaking.  The students are placed in the back room, then an escort brings them out for their speech and carries them back.  The speeches were given in two parts; first being the prepared, memorized speech, on one part of the US Constitution and the other is an extemporaneous topic selected from an advanced drawing of 5 possible topics.  One member keeps time sheets to hold up, for the speaker, along with time scores.  Two more works on the judge’s tally sheets.  After the tally, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places were given to the Chairman.  He has the students brought out to the stage, introduces them, and presents them with their checks (usually $90, 75, and 60).  After the contest, there is usually chocolate chip cookies and soft drinks. For many years Tom Parkman was Chairman of this committee.  Mary Parkman always had the best homemade cookies and Tom Maze always stuffed himself.

The Post would provide transportation for subsequent contests.

The Boys state Program is a 6 day (Sunday - Saturday) summer camp for boys that have completed their Junior year in high school and are in the upper third of their class. It is an intensified hands-on study of citizenship and government.  They are divided into cities, counties, and state sections. Each boy will run for an office of his choice and will campaign for election to that office, using only the material given to them. There is also some recreation, for baseball and swimming.  After this week, the student spends one day in the real office he was elected to.  This program is also a forming of friendships though out Georgia. Notification of attending Boys State is placed in the student’s permanent school record.  The cost of this program has been through contributions by local business.  The only US President to attend Boys State was Bill Clinton. Through the years Post 21 has had 2 Boys state Governors and 1 National Representative.

The American Legionis active in sponsoring teams with the Tift County Recreation Department for spring baseball and fall football programs this has been an ongoing sponsorship.  This is a program that provides recreation and teaches sportsmanship to the local youth.

The Boys Scout Troop 321 is not an American Legion program, but is a continuing program sponsored by this post.  We agreed to sponsor this troop on November 6, 1972 by a motion by Hugh Thomas.  It has always had the best leaders and best equipment of any troop in Tift County.  They had many Eagle Scouts to come from this troop.  They have campouts each month.  The troop helps with parking cars each year at the Fair. The Boy Scout Troop closed its Post 321 on Dec 31, 2016 after failing to meet the minimum number of scouts required.

The Veterans Day Program has been observed by the Post since it was established by Congress, first as Armistice Day then changed to Veterans Day.  It was held at the Flame of Freedom at the Court House for many years.  The Post Program Chairman organized the event.  Usually starting at 10:30am on November the 11th with a concert by the Tift County High School Band.  The program started with prayer at 11:00am.  That was to commemorate the signing of the Armistice on 11/11/18 at 11am.  The program continues at the Veterans Park on the Saturday before November 11th each year.  It is organized by downtown merchants. 

OTHER COMMUNITY PROJECTS

In addition to American Legion programs, Post 21 is currently involved in several community projects.  Some of them are:

   SPONSOR RECREATION DEPT LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL, SOCCER, & FOOTBALL TEAMS.

   AWARD AN ABAC SCHOLARSHIP EACH YEAR.

   AWARD HIGH SCHOOL HONOR GRADUATES MEDALS AND ROTC MEDALS.

   DONATE FREE FLAGS TO SCHOOLS/CLASS ROOMS & GOVERNMENT BLDGS.

      (SO THAT LOCAL TAXES ARE NOT USED TO PURCHASE FLAGS)

   CONTRIBUTE TO VETERAN HOMES CHRISTMAS PARTIES.

   CONTRIBUTE TO OLDER AMERICAN MONTH BANQUET.

   CONTRIBUTE TO THE D.A.V. MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM.  

   SPONSOR THE COASTAL PLAIN AGRICULTURAL FAIR.

Community projects we did in past years:

   DONATED THE FLAME OF FREEDOM MEMORIAL IN 1970

   DONATED THE FLAG POLE FOR TIFT COUNTY COURTHOUSE ON 11/11/72

   DONATED THE FURNITURE FOR COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BLDG. LOBBY.

   DONATED EQUIPMENT FOR CIVIL DEFENSE 03/05/86 CUTTING TOOL

   HOUSED 300 EVACUEES DURING ASHBURN CHEMICAL FIRE

   DONATED FURNITURE FOR CITY HALL LOBBY 03/12/86

   DONATED FLAG POLE FOR TIFTON CITY HALL ON 11/11/86

   DONATED 2 BULLET-PROOF VESTS FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

   CONTRIBUTED TO BROTHER CHARLIE RESCUE CENTER

   CONTRIBUTED TO M D A

   CONTRIBUTED TO GEORGIA SHERIFF'S YOUTH HOME

   CONTRIBUTED TO TIFT COUNTY HIGH BAND UNIFORMS

   CONTRIBUTED TO TIFT COUNTY JR HIGH BAND BLAZERS

   CONTRIBUTED TO TIFT COUNTY HIGH FOOTBALL PROGRAM

                  $25,000 for 1/2 field house renovation 

   CONTRIBUTED TO TIFT COUNTY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION TREE OF LIFE

   CONTRIBUTED TO TIFT COUNTY HEART FUND

   CONTRIBUTED TO UNITED WAY OF TIFT CO.

   CONTRIBUTED TO AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

   SPONSORED THE OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOL AND RECREATION CENTER,

      IT WAS REPLACED IN 2003; REBUILT WITH LOCAL OPTION TAXES.

   SPONSORED THE TIFT THEATER RENOVATION.

   SPONSORED THE 7 STATE HIGH SCHOOL RODEO FOR 5 YRS.

   SPONSORED THE BLOOD MOBILE

   SPONSORED THE DOWNTOWN VETERANS PARK.

A special project led by the American Legion and Post 21 was to celebrate the naming of Highway 319 through Tift County as the "Pinkey" Durham Memorial Highway.  Pinkey died during the Vietnam War helping his comrades.  He is the only Tift County recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

THE VALUE OF MONEY PLACED BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY DURING THE YEARS IS LISTED BELOW:

      YEAR     COMMUNITY GIFTS       FAIR PRIZES    TOTAL AMOUNT

      1980        $ 4,144             $ 7,905        $ 12,049

      1981          4,284               8,022          12,306

      1982          5,076               8,404          13,480

      1983          4,562               8,817          13,379

      1984          4,379               8,108          12,487

      1985          5,431               7,748          13,179

      1986          9,600               7,496          17,096

      1987         11,064               8,162          19,226

      1988          7,855               8,601          16,456

      1989          7,535               7,835          15,370

      1990         14,673               8,975          23,648

      1991         14,786               8,850          23,636

      1992         18,892               9,149          28,041

      1993         19,604              10,306          29,910

      FIELD HOUSE  25,000                 -            25,000

      1994         18,543               9,832          28,375

      1995         19,163               8,580          27,743

      1996         10,051               8,201          18,252

      1997          8,830               8,063          16,893

      1998          9,002               8,479          17,481

      1999         10,893               8,336          19,229     

      2000          7,844               8,879          16,723

      2001          8,152               8,076          16,228

      2002          9,646               9,215          18,861

      2003                              8,133

TIFT COUNTY UNIT 21,

THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

There is a saying that behind every good man stands a good woman. Soon after the founding of the National American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary was formed. The Auxiliary membership consists of wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and grand daughters of veterans eligible for membership in the American Legion. The members of Post 21 promoted the organization of a local unit of the Auxiliary, as soon as the National American Legion Auxiliary was formed. The local unit, Tift County Unit 21, the American Legion Auxiliary was granted its temporary charter on March 28, 1923 and its permanent charter on June 28, 1923. The local auxiliary unit has always been that "good woman." Post 21 would never have been able to make the achievements and attain the goals that it has since its founding.

Tift County Unit 21 also has many programs of its own in which it participates. Among these programs is a scholarship to ABAC and the Girl's state Program. In past years the Auxiliary has had 5 girls to be elected as state Governor.

For many years after the founding of the Auxiliary, Tift County Unit 21 had more members than any other Unit in the Department. There has been 2 ladies from Unit 21 to serve on the Department level.

         Mrs. Mary Parkman   Department President    1964

         Mrs. Marie Morgan   Department President    1985

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION,

SQUAD 21

The Post has a group of Sons (and Grandsons) of the American Legion members or of a veteran (during the wars qualifying membership).

At present, there are approximately 30 members of SAL Squad 21. 

It meets once each year for electing officers and renewing its Bingo License to play Toy Bingo at the Fair each year. 

The wide ages and various locations, makes it hard to have a monthly meeting.

THE 12TH DISTRICT OF GEORGIA,

THE AMERICAN LEGION

The Department of Georgia is divided into Districts. The Posts in each District meets to elect officers, who assist posts in their area so, that Legion programs are maintained adequately. From 1919 to 1970 Post 21 was in the Second District. However, in 1972 the Districts were reorganized and it was placed in the Twelfth District. At the Department Convention, the Districts are arranged in the order of percentage of their membership goal.  Several years, District 12 had very good membership and would get to sit at the front of the auditorium.  Post 21 has supplied many District Commanders, who are as follows:

        W. B. Bennett               1922

        Steve Mitchell

        M. L. Webb

        A. B. Phillips

        Elwyn Ireland

        William T. Parkman

        Hugh J. Thomas

        Clyde Beggs                 1972

        James O. McLean             1977, 90

        Rodger E. McClain           1978, 81, 87

        Warren Marchant             1991, 92

        John C. Zaruba

        Dorothea Marchant           2003

THE DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA,

THE AMERICAN LEGION

Post 21 has actively worked in the Department of Georgia and has had several members who were elected to Department Officers.  To name those who were remembered as serving are as follows:

        Steve F. Mitchell   Judge Advocate

        Warren H. Marchant  Jr Vice Commander

        William T Parkman   Jr Vice Commander

        Rodger E. McClain   Jr Vice Commander     1983, 84, & 88

        James O. McLean     Jr Vice Commander     1992

        James O. McLean     Sr Vice Commander     1993

        James O. McLean     Department Commander  1994

THE COASTAL PLAIN AGRICULTURAL FAIR

PURPOSE

The Coastal Plain Agricultural Fair is a community event for the local citizens, young and old, of our area to promote their agricultural interests and to have fun at the same time.  Post 21 brings individuals, clubs, and business establishments together to meet this need.

As soon as the Fair closes, plans are being made for the next year.  If there is no contract for a carnival, then negotiations are attempted at the closing meeting.  

In the December, regular meeting we have the election for the new Fair Committee.  Most members who want to be on the committee make it be known so they can be considered.  That night, after the election, the Fair Committee meets to elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary. 

Should we have been unsuccessful in making a contract with the current carnival, then when we go to the Ga Assoc of Agri Fairs in January in Atlanta, we talk with the carnivals that are available.  This association meeting is a workshop for local committees through out the state.  The association selects topics for discussion and speakers to provide good advice.

During the next few months, the planning is underway for these items and much more:

   1. Making committee assignments to know who will do each job.

   2. Meet with Ag teachers and County Agent for their help.  

   3. Preparing the fair book:

         determine what would be the best theme.

         selling ads.

         obtaining the judging rules.

         obtaining the letters and list of committees.

   4. Ordering the billboards and window posters.

   5. For the judging, of the events.

         order the ribbons that are needed.

         order the gifts for the judges and committee.

         obtain adequate number of judges.

           the animal judges are provided, and we pay their exp.

            the flower show provides their judges.

            we get 6 judges for schools, churches, etc.

            the 4 H club is judged by the Home Agent.

   6. Get parking group lined up.

   7. Get a cleaning person for the bath houses/rooms.

   8. Get night watchman lined up.

   9. Get front gate ticket sellers and doormen lined up.

  10. Get someone to cater the judges lunch.

  11. Invite city and county officials to judge’s lunch.

  12. Making sure the utilities are in working order.

  13. Make sure grass is mowed, yards clean, flowers in place.

  14. Mount billboards and distribute them and posters.

  15. Contact prospective business for commercial booths.

  16. Ads for school, church, clubs, and scout booths.

  17. Organize the booth floor plan.

  18. Be ready for judging Tuesday morning at 9:00am.

  19. Judges Luncheon at 12:00 noon.

  20. Gates open at 6:00pm

Past Chairmen of the Fair Committee include:

     Unknown                18    1936 - 53

     Elwyn Ireland           1    1954 & 56

     Warren Marchant        22    1955 & 57, 59-71, 73-76, 80-82

     Carl Rainey             1    1958

     Leroy Rogers            2    1972 & 79

     William T. Parkman      4    1977 - 78, 85-86

     Rodger E. McClain       2    1983 - 84

     Paul A. Prefontaine     1    1992

        Hospital first day - Tom Maze ran the fair.

     Chris P. McMillan       2    1989 & 93

     James O. McLean        14    1987 - 88, 90, 91, 94-2003

     Bobby McClean           6    2004 – 2010

     Steve Scott             7    2011 - Current  

                           ----

Since 1936, Post 21 has sponsored the Coastal Plain Agricultural Fair, except for a few years during World War II, when such activities were drastically curtailed because of the war effort. Through the years it has been held in many different locations, such as the vacant lot between Newton Auto Repair and J. P. Stevens Carpet Plant; west of Ridge Avenue where 4th Street is now located; and Eve Park. At these locations, tents were used to house the exhibits.

In 1953, we negotiated a contract to lease Russell Brothers Warehouse #2 and the lot between it and the Tift County Stockyards was rented for the Fair. The exhibits were displayed in the warehouse and the midway was in the vacant lot for 4 years. In 1956, an area east of, but not adjacent to the warehouses was purchased so that permanent fairgrounds could be established. In 1961, the track of land between the 1956 purchase and the warehouse #1 was purchased also, so the midway could be located directly adjacent to the warehouse, where the exhibits were being displayed. Then in 1963, a track, known as the Martin Theater property, which bordered US Highway 82 on the north, the ACL Railroad on the south, and a county road on the east was purchased to provide for parking and expansion for the midway. The fair continued renting the Russell Brothers Warehouse #1 and developing its land east of the building until 1983, when the Fair Exhibit building was completed. In Dec. 1988, the Legion purchased the land formally occupied by the Russell Brothers Warehouses, which burned the latter part of 1984. The total area for the fairgrounds now amount to approx. 60 acres.

                                              Acres  Cost

   04/20/1956  W. L. Walker Farm              38.    14,000.00

   08/19/1961  Branch Property                 7.77

   01/28/1963  Martin Theater Property         7.

   12/21/1988  Russell Bros/Cozart Property    7.54  90,000.00

                                              60.31

         1990  CSX abandoned railroad (1/2)   10.    approx.

                                              70.31

During the developing of the land owned for the fairgrounds, the county needed an area for a sanitary landfill. In 1971 and early 1972, Tifton and Tift County were faced with the problem of moving the landfill from the airport property or losing a federal grant of about $400,000 for airport improvement. Sites were difficult to locate and no one wanted the landfill in their area of the community. Time was running out and the deadline for moving from the airport was fast approaching. The post offered the use of some of its fairground property east of Tifton in March, 1972.  Arrangements were worked out, for the lease of 25 acres for 10 years for this purpose. The post received much favorable commentary for this action. The city and county used the land until 1981 when it was moved to an area south west of Tifton.

In addition to the Fair Exhibit building, there is a Hog Barn, Toy Bingo-Rescue Building, Zoo Building, Bingo Entertainment Building, 2 Bath-houses, Animal Exhibit Building, an Animal Barn and the Rodeo Arena, with the grand-stands and announcers booth.

Currently the fairgrounds are in excellence condition, and are maintained year round. Several times some of the land has been leased to mobile home dealers.

BINGO

For many years, Post 21 maintained a Bingo License, regulated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, for the purpose of playing Toy-Bingo each year at the Fair.

A committee was formed in order to expand this operation into a weekly game for cash. The first committee was Rodger E. McClain, chairman, Tom Maze, and Chris McMillan.

On 4/23/90 Post 21 held its first game of Bingo for cash. It started as a Saturday night event for local citizens to have an outing. Since then it has been extended to include another night as well, and is attended by citizens of surrounding counties.  Currently the games are held each Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 4:30pm.  These games provide an on-going income for the Post.

It might be noted that the games are regulated by the GBI. The state laws, enforced by the GBI, require that the bingo workers be finger printed and a personal history on each be submitted for approval.  It also requires the members of the Executive Committee to likewise be approved.  The workers earn the money and the Executive Committee spends it.  Therefore, one must be approve by the GBI before they can serve on the Executive Committee.

Due to lack of community support the Bingo games were stopped in 2009