The Wilkinson County Historical Society held its annual fellowship dinner and business meeting on Nov. 27 at the Gordon historic train depot.

After the dinner, which was enjoyed by all in attendance, the business meeting was called to order by president Judy Brown.

Various board members and officers were re-elected to serve another term of office commencing in January 2008.

Another historical event has occurred in Wilkinson County. On Friday, Dec. 7, a large crowd including several members from the historical society met for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Ball’s Ferry for the establishment of a Ball’s Ferry State historic park.

Society member Dennis Holder, also chairman of the Wilkinson County Board of Commissioners and the Ball’s Ferry Historic Park Association, welcomed everyone and introduced the special guests.

C.W. Duke gave the invocation and Marty Dominy delivered the history of Ball’s Ferry. The presentation of colors was performed by the Baldwin County Junior ROTC program. Wayne Sheppard led the group in the pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Noel Holcomb, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, introduced the guest speaker, Congressman Jim Marshall, United States Congress, Eighth District.

Becky Kelly, Director of State Parks and Historical Sites Division, gave the closing remarks followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony.

This day was a dream come true after nearly 10 years of planning for a state park by the five counties consisting of Baldwin, Johnson, Laurens, Washington and Wilkinson. The society look forward to the further development and completion of this park.

The society will not conduct a regular meeting in the month of December due to the Christmas holiday. The next meeting will be held on Jan. 22 at the Gordon historic train depot at 7:30 p.m. Board members are to meet at 6:30 p. m.

The society thanks everyone for their support during the year and looks forward to your continued support in the new year.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy new year.