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December 22, 1996, marked the 300th anniversary of the birth
of Georgia's founder. To celebrate the special day, Oglethorpe University
hosted a Tercentenary celebration at Hearst Hall. Many of those who had
traveled with Governor Miller to England in October reassembled to share
photos and memories just days before Christmas. |
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One very special guest at the gathering was none other than
General Oglethorpe himself (portrayed by actor John Carson). |
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In vivid and well-researched narrative, the General recounted
the story of his life, including his tribulations and victories in Georgia.
(Photo by Carl Griffin) |
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Paul Hudson led the group in a chorus of "Happy Birthday,
Dear Jamie." |
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Then it was time to celebrate with wassel and birthday cake.
(Photo by Carl Griffin) |
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A great photo of Oglethorpe blowing out a candle on the birthday
cake appeared in the December 23 edition of the Atlanta Journal- Constitution.
(Photo by Rich Addicks) |
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About 40 members of the Friends of Oglethorpe in Godalming,
England, held a birthday party simultaneously with that in Georgia, and
a conference telephone call allowed both groups to unite with toasts and
greetings during the joint celebration. (Photo by Carl Griffin) |
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A number of Tercentenary souvenir items were available at
the commemortion, including this cacheted cover bearing a 1933 Oglethorpe
stamp and two other Georgia-related stamps, canceled with a special U.S.
Postal Service pictorial postmark. |
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These special postmarks were only available during the celebration--and
only at Oglethorpe University--and many of those present used the cancels
to create a variety of souvenirs to mark the James Edward Oglethorpe Tercentenary.
(Photo by Carl Griffin) |
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Meanwhile, from a portrait above the fireplace, General Oglethorpe
looked down on the festivities being held in his honor. Hopefully, he was
pleased with what he saw. (Photo by Carl Griffin) |