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LEAVITT FUNERAL HOME
"Service Since 1914"
1800 Morven Road
Wadesboro NC
704-694-2524
Harvey Leavitt III
Ken Caulder
www.leavittfuneralhomewadesboro.com
Leavitt Funeral Home is dedicated to the memory of those departed and is for the use and comfort of relatives and friends.
Three generations of Leavitts have operated Leavitt Funeral Home. H.H.Leavitt opened the first funeral home in Anson County in McFarlan in 1914. The funeral home was relocated in Wadesboro in 1915. In March 1920, it was moved again, to the upstairs of the Smith Building in the 100 block of South Rutherford Street.
A fire in 1922 necessitated still another move to the J.S.Teal Building on 108 West Martin Street. On June 18, 1935, the funeral home was moved to 101 West Martin Street, where it operated until June 1997, when it moved to its Morven Road location. |
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Wadesboro Rotarian Lois Crumpler poses with fellow Rotarian Preston A. Burns prior to slicing a special cake during the "Preston A. Burns Day" observance conducted July 22 by Rotary members and representatives of the Town of Wadesboro and the County of Anson. Burns was honored for 71 years as a Wadesboro Rotary Club member. (Photo courtesy of Todd Moore) |
Ansonian Preston A. Burns has his special day
(July 23, 2010) -- On July 22, Ansonian Preston A. Burns was honored by the Wadesboro Rotary Club, Town of Wadesboro and the County of Anson. He was recognized for his 71 years as a Rotarian.
Burns, who turned 96 years old in February, was given a surprise party at Meadowview Terrace by the Wadesboro Rotary Club. Rotary President Kim Wilson read a resolution extoling Burns for his years of Rotary service, including serving a stint as club president (1988-89) and treasurer. In addition, he was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1986 and was named a Distinguished Rotarian in 1994.
Wadesboro Councilman James David Lee, filling in for Mayor Bill Thacker, presented Burns with a proclamation declaring July 22, 2010, as "Preston A. Burns Day." Anson County Commissioners Chair Anna Baucom followed suit with a resolution and proclamation honoring Burns with his special day.
Rotarian Todd More said Burns' tenure as a Rotarian stands as the longest in the Wadesboro club's district. He also offered a comparison of "How Much Things Cost in 1939":
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Average Cost of new house -- $3,800
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Average wages per year -- $1,730
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Cost of a gallon of gas -- 10 cents
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Average cost for house rent -- $28 per month
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A loaf of bread -- 8 cents
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A pound of hamburger meat -- 14 cents
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Average price for new car -- $700 (Burns commented he paid $450 for his first car)
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Cost of a toaster -- $16
Moore said the most popular films in 1939 were: "Gone with the Wind," "The Wizard of Oz," "Stagecoach," "Of Mice and Men," "Wuthering Heights" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Moore added that the most popular music of the day included Glenn Miller's series of hits, including "Moonlight Serenade"; "Moon Love"; "Over the Rainbow" with Judy Garland; "Stairway to the Stars"; and "Address Unknown" by the Inkspots.
Rotarian Chuck Horne related that Burns was instrumental in the formation of Hornwood Inc. and that he was quite often consulted by members of the business community for his business ingenuity and knowledge of the business climate. Burns was owner of the NAPA Auto Parts franchise in Wadesboro and an investor in numerous business and manufacturing ventures.
Rotarian Bob Garris recalled when a business V.I.P. was visiting Anson County. When told he should talk to Burns, he said that he already had spoken to him on the business matteer.
 Elbert Marshall, former executive director of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, told the audience that when he took the chamber position in August 1994 that he was told that Burns was "Mister Chamber of Commerce."
"Each morning, Preston picked up the chamber mail at the post office and delivered it to the office in the Parsons-Ross House ... and when we moved to the Townhouse ... and when we moved to the Leavitt House," Marshall said. "But when we moved the chamber to the Scarborough Building, Preston retired from his mail delivery chore.
"I don't think he wanted to climb the 'hill' (North Greene Street) to get to East Wade Street," Marshall said jokingly, adding, "Also, he quickly told me that I should become a Rotarian. I went to the next meeting as his guest. By the next meeting, I was a member.
"Preston always was there for me -- for the ups and downs," Marshall said. Burns served as chamber treasurer for several years and the chamber's bylaws were rewritten to include an at-large board seat that Burns filled. Today, he is a honorary member of the board of directors, who meet in the Preston A. Burns Conference Room, where a portrait of Burns hangs.
Lynn Edwards, who succeeded Marshall as the chamber's executive director, praised Burns for his commitment and service to the chamber, as well as the community. She commented that he still comes to visit her and always inquires if there is anything he can do for her or the chamber.
In closing the party, Wilson invited all to try a piece of the cake that was decorated with the Rotary emblem and dedicated to Burns.
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