FOREWORD
History to some people means no more than a reference point in time. These reference points are usually dates, or dates of events. The bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 becomes a very important reference point as a prelude to the Great War. The Watergate Scandal, the Moon Walk, and other events of recorded history become reference points. Some people call history “water under the bridge” or “useless information.”
Regardless of various attitudes toward history, newcomers to a small town soon want to know its origin. An attempt has been made to compile a history of the Magnolia Community by collecting pictures, records, maps, and other valuable information. This was started many years ago by talking to some of the older citizens and recording the information as accurately as possible. Information has been obtained from various sources, such as old newspapers, deeds, census records, letters, and even diaries.
The problems become complex when two sources of information do not coincide, but this is inevitable. I am sure every effort has been made to record events as they actually happened.
I have looked forward to this moment for a long time, and hope the book will be enjoyed by all who read it.
T. H. Davenport
Note: T. H. Davenport died November 11, 1993.