NORTH CARROLLTON — The view from 706 Lexington St. in Carrollton had it all in celebration of the good work ahead, including a ribbon cutting with U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, a host of other veterans and many others in attendance. Last Friday, this occasion was on display for the television cameras and everyone in sight in honor of the Veterans Helping Veterans of Carroll County’s new office. It was also a reminder of the significance of a historic landmark that is carrying on its Carroll County tradition of service to the people.
Veterans Helping Veterans of Carroll County began a new chapter for the building, with the grand opening of its office. The first day of my first job was in this office when I went to work for The Conservative newspaper. As a 21-year-old, I was fascinated by the Carroll County history this building had been a part of through the years. This location has been a prominent place in Carrollton that has not only witnessed much history but has been a part of it.
There are countless others in Carroll County who share memories and have a story to tell about this historic landmark. For years before voting machines and the instant technology of today, many from all over Carroll County would gather on the sidewalk in front of the newspaper office to watch the tally of election returns. This would last well into the early morning hours with suspense to learn who would be declared the winner of local races from sheriff to supervisor. There are stories to this day still being told of those long summer nights.
During the filming of “The Reivers” in the 1960s, the office was a cornerstone of the county, as The Conservative had extensive coverage of the filming here in Carrollton. Then there was Agnes’s Café across the street, named for the wife of longtime Carroll County Sheriff Lagrone Nunley. People from far and wide would come to Mrs. Nunley’s to dine there, visit with friends, and pick up a copy of the latest issue of The Conservative.
The old newspaper office, which is owned now by the Carroll County Society for the Preservation of Antiquities, has been leased to the Veterans Helping Veterans of Carroll County. When talking to Johnny Marlow, president of the veterans organization, he told me about future plans for the office, including having murals featuring wars from the past on the walls. This will add to the historical aspects this office has been accustomed to through the years.
Just as I remember years ago looking at the old printing equipment that was there in the back room, I couldn’t help but think about stories of the people and events of this community through the years that were put into print in this very office. These stories live on in bound volumes of the newspaper.
A county office for veterans and their relatives to be able to meet and find out about benefits they are entitled to is a life-changer. I have attended many of their meetings leading up to this grand opening. I’ve been supporting them as the son of a veteran, a municipal official and as a columnist.
Through all of this I have gotten to know these veterans personally and as friends. They are a grassroots success story of helping others to have a better life. Ben Shute, who serves as vice president for the group, said, “We not only are helping veterans, but we want the building to continue the historical context here in Carrollton that has been carried on for generations.”
The Lexington Street landmark will continue as it always has, being a significant part of Carrollton and serving this county.
• Ken Strachan serves as a North Carrollton alderman.
