The Dublin Historical Society is inviting the community to a celebration marking 100 years since brick streets were laid in town.
( A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the bricks May 12, 1926 at the corner of Live Oak and Patrick.)
A reception will be held Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. with guests meeting at the Dublin Historical Museum (116 W. Blackjack) for refreshments, door prizes and a contest to guess how many 100-year-old items are in the museum.
Historical Society president Ben Pate will present the story of how the 1,080,000 bricks were provided and laid downtown for a more reliable roadway that wouldn’t get washed out in rainfall.
The reception will also include the presentation of Visionary Awards to the families of Clarence Leatherwood and Harry Bradberry (Charlie Ben’s father) in recognition of the pioneer city council from 100 years ago.
Pate will present the story of the people who made the bricks happen and what their work meant for our town.
“It changed Dublin,” Pate said. “This was all because we had guys at the city who had vision… They knew this was going to be expensive and it was going to be hard, but the long-term benefits would be great. And they were right about that.”
He added that the anniversary is fittingly happening on America’s 250th year, saying the country is made up of small towns working hard for progress and their people.