Community Embraces Revitalized Jane Days
Jane neighbors have enthusiastically embraced an old tradition revived after a 20-year hiatus.
A large crowd came out to celebrate Jane, raise money for the old Jane Post Office and visit with friends.
“It was great,” said Jane Preservation Society President Gayla Baker, who headed up the Jane Days revitalization effort. “We had a big turnout. It was good to see the community come together and visit.”
Many people were appreciative of the chance to see others and just simply visit, she said.
It’s been 20 years since Jane neighbors gathered in such a big way. Baker said the tradition used to bring folks together to enjoy an old-fashioned good time. But the tradition fell away and 20 years lapsed before organizers revived the effort.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, neighbors gathered to celebrate the old tradition. The day’s events kicked off with a breakfast, and included a children’s pageant, old-fashioned games, live music, a car show and more.
Approximately 225 chicken dinners were served. Baker estimates 250 to 300 people attended the day-long event.
The majority of people stayed throughout the day for all the activities, including the parade, which capped off the day.
Baker admits that heading up that big of an undertaking after a 20-year break is certainly a learning experience.
Improvements can be made but neighbors primarily offered encouragement to see the event happen next year.
“People kept saying, ‘Are you going to do this again?’” Baker said.
Money raised benefits the Jane Preservation Society, a nonprofit organization which is renovating the old Jane Post Office. While money continues to funnel in from silent auction items, Baker estimates that Jane Days raised approximately $3,500.
Jane Preservation Society members recently completed Phase I of the building’s renovation, including the repairing the roof and porch, and stabilizing the foundation.
Money raised during the Jane Days will help pay for Phase II, which will include renovating the interior, as well as building a gazebo over a nearby well.
Organizers are already working on next year’s Jane Days, which will be held on the last Saturday in September. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to join. Baker also encourages neighbors to join the Preservation Society and get involved.
Numerous people worked to pull off the large event this year. “We had a lot of people help. We had great workers and such talented people,” Baker said, “absolutely the best.”
She also credits Lori Griffith with taking photos of all the activities throughout the day. The photos are now posted on the Jane Preservation Society’s Facebook page.
Baker said it was rewarding to see that many people come out to support the community, support saving the post office and take time to visit with neighbors.
“We get so busy with our lives, but it’s so good to just visit with people,” she said. “It’s good for the soul.”