A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the founders of the town of broadway on the town's centennial anniversary.
Whereas, the Town of Broadway, located in Lee County, was founded in the 1870s by settlers who were mainly involved in the turpentine industry; and
Whereas, the Town's first post office was located in the General Store, which was owned by M.M. Watson, who served as postmaster; and
Whereas, the area began to thrive in part due to the development of Atlantic and Western Railroad in 1905; and
Whereas, the Town of Broadway was incorporated on March 8, 1907, with its boundaries established as one‑half mile around the Atlantic and Western Railroad depot; and
Whereas, the Town's charter provided that its first officers include M.A. McLeod as Mayor and J.M. Langley, M.M. Watson, and A.P. Thomas as Commissioners; and
Whereas, education has always been of great importance to the citizens of Broadway beginning with the establishment of the Broadway Normal School by Professor M.A. McLeod around 1890; and
Whereas, after the turn of the century, agriculture and lumbering became the prominent businesses in the area; and
Whereas, some local businesses that helped Broadway prosper were Chandler‑Farlow Lumber (1907), the Bank of Broadway (1909), Broadway Drug Store (1913), Stevens Milling Company (1945), and many other businesses and services; and
Whereas, religion has been a cornerstone in the growth of Broadway with the development of many strong churches, including Cameron Grove A.M.E. (1876), Broadway Methodist (1907), Broadway Presbyterian (1907), Broadway Baptist (1924), and many others; and
Whereas, Broadway has become a unique and thriving community of 1,200 citizens, preparing for the future with pride in the past; and
Whereas, plans have been made to celebrate the Town's centennial throughout the year, including a Centennial Celebration Weekend on April 20 and 21, 2007, with plans for several community events; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of the founders of the Town of Broadway and congratulates the Town on its centennial anniversary.
SECTION 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor of the Town of Broadway.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.