The event was a huge success and drew large crowds all day.
One of the most precious moments of the day is captured
in this brief video clip.
Representative Ben Chandler congratulates Miss Margaret Ware Parrish, honored by Midway Renaissance with the second annual Midway Living History Award.
He asks her, "How does it feel to be the Town Historian?"
Enjoy expanded videos below- tributes to Miss Parrish from her dear friends, Betty Ann Voigt, Candy Henderson, and Kit Walden - and the Award Presentation
Signs announcing the event
drew many to the Theatre
Thanks to
Thoroughbred Community Theater,
Midway Living History Day 2009
began there at 1pm with a reading of the 1933 Midway Centennial Pageant.
Margaret Ware Parrish (L) visits with Pam Thomas
at the start of Midway Living History Day.
Folks began to gather outside the Theater
Herman Farrell, assistant professor of theater at UK and a Midway resident, introduced the reading of
the 1933 Midway Pageant.
Brenda Jackson (left) read the parts of Chroniclers #VII and VIII. Her mother, Cora Emma Washington, played the role of the 'Spirit of the Past'.
Former mayor Becky Moore in her Pageant appearance - 'Hats of the Decades'.
Lauren Hill appeared in the 'Hats of the Decades'
and also sang in the Pageant Choir.
In the 'Green Room' ready to read, Cecelia Gass, Randy Thomas, and Phil Dare
Leslie Penn (left) and Pam Thomas,
wearing 'Hats of the Decades'
Helen Rentch (left), as the 'Spirit of Midway', prepares to pass the torch to the 'Spirit of the Future'. Also appearing here - Leslie Penn, Pam Thomas, Blythe Jamieson, Phil Dare, and Cora Emma Washington, the 'Spirit of the Past'.
Following the Pageant, the highlight of the day was the presentation of the second annual
Midway Living History Award. Miss Margaret Ware Parrish, author, coach, teacher, and community historian,
was honored in a ceremony that included tributes from her dear friends.
The award was presented by Representative Ben Chandler.
Betty Ann Voigt pays tribute to
her best friend.
Candy Henderson pays tribute to
her best friend.
Kit Walden pays tribute to
her best friend.
Representative Ben Chandler presented the Award to Miss Parrish for her outstanding contributions to the cultural life and the living history of the City of Midway and Woodford County.
A dedicated teacher, coach, author, and community historian, Miss Parrish was born in 1919 and has lived in Midway all her life. Her memory is an historical reference for all who know her.
Miss Parrish is a pioneer in women’s sports and the author of “Outstanding Kentucky Women in Sports”. She was inducted into the Centre College Sports Hall of Fame in 1941. She was a faculty member and coach at Midway College for nearly 40 years. The College’s most prestigious annual athletics award is named the
“Margaret Ware Parrish Athletic Award”
The great grand-daughter of Midway College co-founder James Ware Parrish, Miss Parrish used her keen sense of history to contribute to the establishment of the Midway Historic District and the Midway Renaissance grant to revitalize the downtown streetscape.
Midway Renaissance therefore recognizes Miss Margaret Ware Parrish for her lasting contributions to the history of Midway and Woodford County and for her gifts we are grateful.
The Videos
The Award Ceremony began with a series of tributes to Miss Parrish from three of her dear friends.
Here, Betty Ann Voigt describes a visit she and Miss Parrish made to New York City (adventures following an unsuccessful attempt to hail a cab.)
Candy Henderson's tribute to Miss Parrish includes examples of her joyful and positive outlook on life.
Kit Walden's tribute to Miss Parrish includes praise of her keen sense of history, and her example of what it means to be a good friend.
Representative Ben Chandler congratulates Miss Parrish on her award and commends Midway as a special place.
In a continuation of the video above, Rep. Chandler enjoys the wit of Miss Parrish, and presents the Award.
The 2nd Annual Midway Living History Day continued with an informal ‘show-and-tell’ affair - displays showcasing a variety of artifacts, photographs, and documents primarily from the private collections of citizens. Midway Renaissance wishes to thank Ron Butler, of Hayden & Butler, PSC, for hosting the History Display in the new location of his law offices at 109 East Main.
Brenda Jackson shows Bob Rathbone pictures from the three African-American churches in Midway. Brenda also showed photographs and documents from
Midway's African-American schools.
Debra Shockley (seated) shows Adele Dickerson a scrapbook from the Midway Woman's Club.
Behind them, Gregory Beck shows visitors his
collection of Sanborn Maps of Midway.
Billy Hill shared his collection of antique toys.
Helen Rentch (seated) shares her collection
from Parrish Hill Farm with Nancy Dare.
Mollie Bradley displayed photographs, documents and
awards given to her husband, Walter T. Bradley.
Cecelia Gass (right) staffs the Renaissance Table with Becky Moore, as Sarah Rathbone (left) and Dan Roller renew their Midway Renaissance memberships.
Donna Farmer visited the Midway Historic District display inside the bank vault. The History Day display was housed
in the former home of United Bank,
and the original vault remains.
A small sign on the display above reads, "It’s been 30 years since the Midway Historic District was placed on the National Register. Updating the nomination and expanding
the district will put the potential of tax credits within reach of many people who
right now are not eligible or whose eligibility is sketchy. Kentucky Heritage Council staff
is available to guide the process if the community is interested."
Are YOU interested?
Members of the Midway Living History Committee may elect to pursue this important project. Contact Becky Moore, Committee Chair, for more information.
Nearly 50 children turned out for the History Facts Treasure Hunt for Kids. At right Becky Moore and Cecelia Gass sport the History Hunter Glasses given to each participant. Children followed a set of clues to learn the answers to questions such as, "What was the first name of Midway?", and selected prizes from the Treasure Chest.
Above are stainless steel water bottles bearing
the Midway Renaissance logo - At right is the
new walking tour booklet
The Walking Tour Brochure Committee especially wishes to thank
local historian Bill Penn of the Historic Midway Museum Store for his contributions to historical research that helped make the current
'Walk in Midway' tour a possibility.
Midway Renaissance offers two membership levels this year - Regular dues are $10 - Premium Individual dues are $25 and include a free Walking Tour ($3 value) and a free stainless steel water bottle ($15 value). 'A Walk in Midway' is now available at Damselfly Gallery, Thoroughbred Community Theater, and the Historic Midway Museum Store - more retailers to be added soon!
Special Thanks and Appreciation go to:
Thoroughbred Community Theater for generously hosting the Reading of the 1933 Pageant
Ron Butler, Hayden & Butler, PSC, for generously hosting the History Displays
The Board of Midway Renaissance, Inc. for their guidance and support
Helen Rentch for giving birth to this initiative
The Midway Living History Committee for their great ideas and volunteer time
Becky Moore, Committee Chair, for her tireless enthusiasm and organization
Marcie Christensen for her talent, time, and help
with advertising, design and distribution
Representative Ben Chandler, for presenting the 2nd Annual Midway Living History Award
with Extra Special Thanks to All Our History Presenters!
Woodford County Historical Society
African American Schools in Midway
African American Churches —
St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal
Pilgrim Baptist
Second Christian Disciples of Christ
National Register—The Midway Historic District
Parrish Hill Farm
Sanborn Insurance Maps from the 1800's
Midway Museum, Inc.
Billy Hill's Antique Toys
Miss Margaret Ware Parrish
Memories of Walter T. Bradley
Midway Woman’s Club
and Midway Renaissance, Inc.
with gratitude to Randy Thomas, President, for photos
The Committee always welcomes your participation!
Contact Committee Chair - Becky Moore (846-4237)
