RIDGEWAY – The Black History Celebration at the Isaac C. Thomas Historical Museum in Ridgeway last Saturday was special in many ways. Besides celebrating black history in the town where many of those in attendance grew up, keynote speaker Pastor Eddie Woods took his audience down memory lane, recalling his own time growing up there, mentioning Rays Place, Black Bottom and other neighborhoods that brought nods and smiles from the audience.
Woods talked about the hardships (picking cotton in the hot summertime), his antics (when he and his brother Mac panhandled for nickels and dimes on the streets of downtown Ridgeway, then spending them for treats at Kennedy’s store).
He also talked about memories he’s not proud of today, but experiences that changed his life for the better, such as breaking into homes for small change when he was a teenager.
“But I didn’t break into no Ridgeway homes”, he quickly added to the roaring laughter of the audience. After a stint in prison for other minor crimes during his young adult years, Woods said he saw the light and turned to God.
“I now devote myself to helping young people who were like me, who needed guidance and inspiration.” Now a successful author of several self-help books, Woods’s presentation brought his audience to laughter, tears, and sweet emotion as he told his story.
Woods and others in attendance also celebrated the 108th birthday of their oldest, very special resident, Geneva Bell.
Born Feb. 22, 1917, Bell grew up in the Longtown area of Ridgeway and later was employed by the Charm Corporation, also in Ridgeway.
Bell and her late husband, George, Sr., were the parents of 12 children. She now has 52 grandchildren, 95 great-grandchildren, and 70 great-great-grandchildren. And many of them are scattered throughout the Ridgeway and Fairfield communities.
Always a sharp dresser, Bell still shows up with polished nails, wearing stylish hats, and an ample amount of bling.
In relatively good health, Bell maneuvers nicely under her own powers, and enjoys her Sunday outings to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church on Longtown Road just outside Ridgeway. There she has plenty of relatives to visit with.
She loves her Bible and, during her life, has spent much of it in prayer, study, and doing good things for others. She says doing the right thing is her secret to a long and happy life.
Between 50 and 75 people attended the Black History celebration at the museum. The museum is located on Museum Alley in Ridgeway, behind Laura’s Tea Room. Tours are offered by appointment.
The museum is located at 130 E. Church Street in Ridgeway. Hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Ridgeway Town Councilwoman Belva Bush Belton and Shirley Weldon. 
Jon G Ward, Chair of the Museum Board welcomed guests and introduced the speaker.
