HISTORY & HERITAGE
The recipient of this year’s Hamilton-Williams Award is the daughter of one of the icons for which the award is named.
Jones County History & Heritage Inc. held its annual Hamilton-Williams banquet Feb. 9 at Trish Ann’s Antiques and Tea Room in Haddock.
Jones County History and Heritage Inc. originated in 2002 to help promote and cultivate the rich history and heritage of Jones County, and in 2007, they began recognizing people who have made major contributions in the preservation of Jones County history by presenting the Hamilton-Williams Award.
The prestigious award was named in honor of Ann Hamilton, who was instrumental in organizing the Old Clinton Historical Society, and Carrie White Williams, who is the author of the “The History of Jones County, 1807-1957.”
This year’s event was attended by 26 History and Heritage members and guests, who enjoyed a meal prior to the program.
Local historian Cecil Ethridge provided a narrative of the history of the group’s organization and the purpose for the award. He said the group was celebrating its 20th year since its inception as well as its 15th year of presenting the Hamilton-Williams Award to a recipient chosen by the group as an outstanding preservationist.
Ethridge went into detail about each of the ladies for whom the award was named, beginning with Williams. As he concluded with speaking about Ann Hamilton, he recognized her daughter Earlene Hamilton as this year’s award recipient.
Earlene Hamilton has served as president of the Old Clinton Historical Society for many years and has been diligent about preserving the importance and history of the Clinton community.
The name of this year’s recipient was a well-kept secret and came as a complete surprise to Hamilton. The recipient was accompanied at the banquet by her cousin, Clifford Bowen, and his wife Sandy.
