Darlene Wofford's Newsroom

From 1967-69 I worked at the Atlanta Gas Light Company on Moreland Avenue at the corner of Caroline Street.  My dear departed uncle Hubert Bennett had retired as a big shot there, but alas his passing was so early on my dropping his name carried little-to-no influence didn’t do me one bit of good.   I worked in the secretarial pool and upstairs in the credit department.  I was one of about six employees that opened and sorted the monthly bill payments.  Sounds pretty boring?  Well, it was EXCEPT when I was lucky enough to run across an envelope with a stamp that missed being canceled by the Post Office.   I considered those little 8 cent beauties as a bonus and my mother was thrilled when I brought home a handful. This past Saturday, the 22nd, I had an occasion to revisit the site of the old Atlanta Gas Light Company building, but sadly it was no more. 

In its place is the beautiful new Edgewood Retail District, there less than two years.  It even has a covered parking deck.  I was amazed at how the place had been re-developed with beautiful condominiums, town-homes, new and refurbished homes in the surrounding area.  I was there for a book-signing at the enormous Barnes & Noble, and as usual, I had a blast greeting and meeting some pretty amazing folks. For example, I met the Montgomerys, Gerri and her husband, Rodney and his mother Louise—the salt of the earth.  Gerri and I bonded as she shared how her eldest son died suddenly in May just prior to his daughter’s graduation. I encouraged her to write about the good times—and how cathartic it was for me.   Then there was Kwabena, just the nicest young man you would ever want to meet.  He is an elementary school teacher who really and truly loves his job, helping young students discover their talents and develop their minds.  I wish ALL teachers could be that passionate about their life’s mission!  And Terry was another super nice lady I met by chance, just as I was leaving the store.   (See photos in my “Fun People and Places” album).  

I would like to thank Swann Marsh and David at B&N, and all the customers there for making my two hours fly by while I was having so much fun!  If you’re ever in the Moreland Avenue area outside of I-20, stop by and check out the Edgewood Retail District.  You’re sure to be impressed! It’s most DEFINITELY an improvement over the old Atlanta Gas Light building of days gone by, but not forgotten. 

Until next time,

Just call me Dah'ling, The Spirited Southerner!

Darlene Ford Wofford

www.darlenewofford.com