The Gardner Community, like many others in Weakley county, will be taking part in the state's Homecoming '86 activities. Their celebration will begin August 30 at 9:30 p.m. in the town's community center and will continue throughout the day.  It is an informal get-together with a picnic style luncheon at noon.
 
Gardner's community center is located at the site of the former school, that burned in the 1950's.  The school was organized in 1885 and closed in 1952 but once served as the larger school into which smaller country schools would consolidate.
 
Mamie Ennis, a former teacher at the Gardner school and chairperson for the town's Homecoming activities, has been working with other committee members to inform past and present residents, former students and people who once worked in the area of their celebration.
 
All former teachers, as well as persons who have come the greatest distance, those with the largest families present, the oldest participant, and the couple which has been together the longest will be recognized.
 
We wanted out celebration to be casual and relaxed, said Ennis.  "because to give people fellowship and a chance to renew past friendships was what the Homecoming '86 program meant to us.
 
When asked the effect the program has had on Gardner as well as other towns throughout the state, Ennis replied, " I think that it has been good for the state in that it has brought people together and made them more aware of their forefather's achievements.
 
"Not only are people from this area expected to take part, but some who live as far away as California, are coming as well."
 
Gardner, a small community which was established because transportation was limited to horses and buggies, will be revived August 30th by an influx of people who still consider it to be an important part of their past.
 
 
GARDNER HISTORY
 
Gardner, the small village located on Highway 22 between Martin and Union City, was once the business center of western Weakley County.  It was founded in 1856 on land owned by Colonel John Almus Gardner who was also the first president of Nashville and North Western Railroad (now the L & N).
 
Later incorporated in 1869, Gardner's first mayor was William P. Caldwell, and a steam saw and flouring mill owned by Gardner and Peebles was the first business.
 
When the north-south Mississippi RR line was given land in Martin (then known as Frost) to lay its track and a new route, Gardner gradually began to decline and many businesses moved to Martin.
 
(Article in Weakley County Press, Homecoming '86, by Natalya J. Haden)