Looking at this picture, you can hear Leland laugh! (Bill Giduz/DavidsonNews.net)

Thanksgiving.  As O Henry once said:  “There is one day that is ours.  Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.”  Yes, it is truly American and a wonderful chance to gather with family and friends to count our blessings.

Today Around Davidson focuses on one resident of Davidson we are blessed and thankful to have in our midst:  Leland Madison Park.  We have some notes from Leland and a few remarks about the award he received from the Town of Davidson.

HONORING LELAND

Leland Park laughed as Wednesday's ceremony began. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

On Wednesday, Nov. 23, an overflow crowd of Davidson residents and out-of-town guests assembled in the Davidson Town Hall for the presentation of the 2011 Jack Burney Award for Community Serivce to Leland M. Park.

Town Commissioner Margo Williams read a citation about Leland (download a PDF here) and students from Community School of Davidson presented him with a ceramic bowl they had crafted, with hands symbolizing his “helping hands” for the town.

Each year the award carries a monetary sum of $500 which the town donates to the recipient’s non-profit organization of choice.  A lifelong supporter of libraries, Leland designated the gift to the Davidson Town Library’s Endowment Fund and the sum was graciously accepted by our library’s manager, Ellen Giduz.

WHAT ABOUT LELAND

Sam Maloney, a member of WIMPS, the group that helped found the Burney Award, read a tribute to G. Jackson Burney for whom it is named. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Leland was born in Louisiana while his Dad was serving there in the Army but he grew up in Orland, Fla.  Following high school at McCallie in Chattanooga, Leland entered Davidson College, earning his degree in 1963.  He received his master’s in library science at Emory, worked one year for the Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, and then served two years in the Army.  (Back then Davidson College students had mandatory ROTC for two years and many continued for another two – understanding that they would owe the Army two years of active duty as a result.)

Following the Army duty in Raleigh at the Induction and Enlistment Center, Leland returned to library work at Davidson College from 1967-1972 under the tutelage of Dr. Chalmers Davidson, Director of the Library.  At that time, the library was housed in what is now Sloan Music Center.  Take a look sometime when on campus and note the names of Hugh and Jane Parks Grey (parents of six alumni) on this 1941 building for whom the earlier library was named.

The North Mecklenburg Moravian Band played before Wednesday's ceremony at Davidson Town Hall. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Having earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1974, Leland took over as Director of the Davidson College Library in 1975 when Dr. Davidson retired. He bought his home on Ney Circle in 1976 from Charles and Beryl Cramer and continues to live there. (Since 9-11, he has flown his American flag continuously as a proud American.)  Leland always said he was so fortunate to find a job he liked so much.  He retired in 2006 to devote more time to friends, travel, cultural events, his church (St. Peter’s Episcopal) and fine food!

Retirement has not diminished his laugh, his love for libraries, his service to his town or his friendship to so many.  We congratulate Leland on the Burney Award … and now turn the podium over to Leland to tell us why he is thankful this Thanksgiving Day.

In Leland’s own words:

Leland Park holds the bowl made for him by Community School of Davidson students. The students said the hands represent Mr. Park's "helping hands" for the community. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Thanksgiving time encourages me to pause and count my blessings:

 -it’s being allowed to be a part of Davidson—town and gown–a place where people care for each

other, support one another in sickness and in health, wave as you walk down the street–and know you,

stop to visit at the post office, love their branch library and schools/colleges, love learning, are good

neighbors, good citizens, yes, good friends;

 -it’s being grateful for family…..both actual (cousins, I have no siblings)….and those extended

family members whom I have ‘adopted’….and who I am grateful have ‘adopted me’…..I could

not be more blessed;

 -it’s having the joy of being in North Carolina….. and the wonderful change of seasons, which are beautiful

and even become a spiritual message;

 -it’s frankly, the pride in being an American……a blessing beyond measure….I am so grateful to be counted in that number;

 -it’s the ‘faith of my fathers’……which enriches and sustains my life;

 For all of these I am blessed…..and even more, I know I am blessed and am grateful for those who are a part

of making these blessings a reality..

 Happy Thanksgiving to all.

 Leland Park

proud Davidson resident since 1967

RELATED

Read Sam Maloney’s memories of Jack Burney and statement about the origins of the Burney Award. (PDF)

SEND US YOUR NEWS

Have news for Around Davidson? Write to Brenda Barger at hbarger@bellsouth.net.