They had an estate sale the other day on Candler Street, about a block off Green Street, and it was almost as much a history lesson about Gainesville as an event to dispose of family belongings. Ross Apperson was known in Gainesville as a fine teacher and a unique character, and his wife - who died several years ago - was known as a driving force in the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
As could be expected, the old home was crowded with a combination of fine antiques and stuff. Most of the people were there for antiques. I was there to look at the historic stuff, and I was not disappointed. Much to Jean's consternation, I came out with 15 books and a bunch of memorabilia from long-gone local businesses.
But I came out with a bunch of memories, too ... memories of my own and from other people who had known the man. There was one memory that stood out, however. Ross Apperson was a dramatic sort of a guy, and he was often called on to recite that great story about what happened to the Americans who signed the Declaration of Independence. It always brought goose bumps; and for some, tears. You didn't just hear American history; you lived it. There was no way one could hear that dramatic presentation without being proud of our American heritage, and determined to preserve it. It struck me that is a pretty good memory to leave behind.
This is Gordon Sawyer from a window on historic Green Street.
Monday
August 4th, 2025
12:02AM
