REMEMBERING JOHN BLAIR
Last month the Old School History Museum lost a dedicated and beloved member of our team. John Blair passed away after a long battle with cancer and left a big hole in the hearts of many people, certainly the hearts of all of us who serve as museum docents and board members.
At his memorial service, John was described as creative, talented, witty, kind, thoughtful, and a true friend! That’s quite a legacy to leave, but he was all that and more!
The fact that John volunteered at the Old School History Museum in Eatonton for more than a decade is even more remarkable since he lived an hour away in Sparta, GA. The distance didn’t seem to matter, and he was always there for museum events, lectures, and, of course, his scheduled hours to give tours and share the rich history of our area.
John served as Director of Facilities for the museum and was our go-to person for construction or repairs. You might not notice his work when you visit the OSHM because he was skilled at keeping everything beautiful. For example, a few years ago, the board grew concerned that the afternoon sun was beginning to fade some of the historic photos in the museum’s History Gallery. John designed a plan to preserve the 1916 windows, save the photos, and provide more display space. Along with another board member’s help, he purchased the materials and transformed an entire wall of the Gallery. Historic artifacts and documents, previously stored away, are now on display for visitors to enjoy.
When you walk into the downtown section of the museum, the PEX Theater marque lights automatically come on and light up the theater. It was John who installed the lights, and we like to think he is saying “hello” when they light up!
In addition to his carpentry and design work, John was a master wood artisan who created beautiful items for the home. I have a John Blair creation because of a personal story I told one evening at a museum team dinner. We were all sharing childhood memories, and I mentioned that as a kid growing up on a farm, I had a special chinaberry tree that I would climb and hide away to read my books. The tree had a natural seat, and I was quite comfortable with no sibling to bother me!
A few weeks after our dinner, John and his wife Sandy dropped by our house and John gave me a bowl, hand-carved out of chinaberry wood! I know John, also an avid reader, related to my childhood story. The bowl is one of my prized possessions, and I am reminded of John’s thoughtfulness each time I use it.
John went out of his way to help others, and he was as involved in his own community as he was in Eatonton. At home in Sparta, he served as the Fire Chief for his community’s volunteer fire department. His fellow fire-fighters were on hand at his memorial service, evidence of their appreciation and love for a remarkable man.
We are all richer for having had John Blair in our lives.
Sandra Rosseter, Director
Old School History Museum