Jackson deserves historical thanks

Visitors to the Memorial Gardens behind the Columbia County Library in Evans, on the hillside next to the new parking lot and playgrounds, will see a new granite marker next to the stone arch and columns.

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The marker, recently dedicated by the county's Historical Society, literally sets in stone the name Harry B. Hennis as the builder of those relics from the original Evans School.

It also provides valuable context: Before the monument was unveiled Oct. 7, visitors to the popular parks might have wondered about the significance of the fieldstone pillars and arch on the site. That marker gives just enough historical reference to create a few "ah-ha" moments.

In addition to memorializing Hennis, the marker also serves as more credit to the love state Sen. Bill Jackson continues to demonstrate for Columbia County history.

Without Jackson, it's doubtful those stone structures would have made the half-mile trip from their original site on Washington Road. And it's unlikely the marker to Hennis would have been produced.

Jackson also is the man behind the granite marker in Appling that memorializes the legendary John Pierce Blanchard, the one man most responsible for the quality of modern Columbia County schools.

With this latest marker, Jackson has cemented a reputation as the man most likely to give future Columbia County residents a concrete reminder of the community's history. As such, he's earned an eternity of gratitude. Set that in stone.