Talladega County AlArchives News.....W. T. prickett Celebrates Eighty-Fourth Birthday April 30, 1928
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Vicki Gentry vpgentry@bellsouth.net March 23, 2005, 11:12 pm

Talladega Daily Home April 30, 1928

  Following a delightful custom of several years, the children, grandchildren, 
great-grandchildren and other relatives of "Father" Prickett, beloved 
octogenarian of the Chandler Springs community, met at his home on Sunday, 
April 29, to honor the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary.
  Not withstanding adverse road conditions, due to recent rains and extensive 
highway construction work, there were more than 120 of Mr. Prickett's near 
relatives and friends who motored from all parts of the state to attend the 
family reunion which has become an annual event of unusual interest.  Cars 
were noted from Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Alexander City, Gadsden, Talladega, 
Anniston, Sylacauga and other places, but it is a notable fact, and bespeaks 
the potency of home ties, that the majority of loved ones who assembly yearly 
to do honor to this good man, have been born and raised within or near the 
community known as the Chandler Springs district.
  Early in the day, scores of cars were parked in the pretty grove near Mr. 
Prickett's home, and the guests were cordially welcomed.  The hospitable 
Prickett home was bright with gay spring flowers, while additional floral 
tributes were showered upon the happy honoree as each guest arrived.
  At the noon hour, huge picnic baskets were brought forth from each car and 
the contents spread upon long tables erected in the grove near a clear 
bubbling spring.  The time, the place and the occasion combined to lend a 
peculiar charm and sacred impressiveness tot he divine commandment, "Honor thy 
father and they number; that the days may belong upon the land which the Lord 
thy God giveth Thee."
  A short prayer of thanks was offered by James H. Hayden, Sr., while heads 
were bowed reverently before the feast of delicacles prepared by loving 
hands.  Country cured hams, pork roasts, beef, kid, and mutton; chickens--
roasted and in pies, fried and baked; sandwiches to tempt every taste, home-
made bread, pies, custards, rich puddings, relishes, and cakes without number--
 all these good things were enjoyed by a laughing merry crowd ranging in age 
from 1 to 84 years.
  After the delicious repast, an impromptu program of music and short talks 
were arranged, with Miss Mattie Triplett, of Sylacauga, granddaughter of Mr. 
Prickett, in charge.  A few old-time hymns were sung in unison by all 
present.  Mr. C.S. Weaver , of Talladega, then offered a beautiful prayer, 
appropriate to the occasion, after which Miss Triplett called upon the Honore 
for a short talk on "What This Occasion Means to Me."  In beautifully chosen 
words "Father" Prickett paid a loving tribute to the children and children's 
children gathered about him, expressing his thanks and appreciation for their 
affection.  In a touching way he spoke of the long years in which he had tried 
in an humble way to to serve his God, and now, he stated in the declining 
years of his life, his greatest desire, inspired by those tokens of love and 
loyalty on the part of his children, was to pledge himself anew to his Lord 
and Master.  Many eyes were moist when Mr. Prickett's talk came to an end, and 
in response to these sentiments, Mr. Knox Triplett, of Sylacauga, Mr. 
Prickett's grandson, rose, and spoke feelingly of what the tender affection 
which all of the younger generation of Pricketts felt for the beloved 
grandsire who would always be, to them, the ideal toward which they would 
strive to mould their lives and characters.  Miss Grace Norton, of Birmingham, 
charmingly expressed, "What This Occasion Means to His Friends," paying a 
beautiful tribute to the influence for good which his friendship inspired.  
Mr. Cabot Weaver, of Talladega, rendered a vocal selection which was greatly 
enjoyed.  Miss Grace Norton sang with feeling, "In My Father's House," and 
Miss Lucille Rhodes' lovely voice was appreciated in the rendition of "In the 
Garden."  A male quartette, composed of Messrs. J.T. Munroe, Jr., Ayer Munroe, 
Barney Roberts and W.M. Triplett gave an enjoyable number, and the program was 
closed by a few words from Mr. Joe Prickett, who unselfishly suggested that a 
free will offering be made and sent to two needy women of an adjoining 
community.
  A social hour was passed pleasantly, and many interesting snap shots were 
taken to be treasured as souvenirs of the happy day.
  As the sun lowered, the guests reluctantly bade farewell to the genial host, 
showering upon him every good wish for his continued happiness throughout many 
more blessed years.

Additional Comments:
Article located on page 2.  This is William Tarpley Prickett (May 1, 1844-
March 1, 1933)

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