G. Sidney Waits

Fotos of Friends 2008


Sr. y Sra. Jaime Lasso in Panama
Our close friends who live in the Republic of Panama. This photo is taken at their Condo at the Beach about an hours drive from downtown Panama City. Note the lovely decorations and the comfort expressed with their bare feet.It is a great place to relax and enjoy.Jaime and Silvia are great friends from many years back. Their children have lived with us and attended school in the USA.We have visited in their condo in Panama City many times and enjoyed seeing their country through their eyes. We stay in touch via phone frequently. Jaime is in real estate (also retired). He has a host of friends throughout the Country. Note the pet alligator under the coffee table !! One child is an outstanding medical doctor in Panama with medical schooling in the US. Another is a dentist. One is in the booming Panama real estate business. The fourth is a leading businessman in Cenral and South America. The family is very close and considerate as is true in much of Latin America.



Recently the Historical Society in connection with the Alabama Historical Commission, erected a Historical Marker on US84 East near the Conecuh River. This marker commemorates the location of our first County Seat Montezuma. Established in 1826, Montezuma was not only the first county seat, it was the location of our first Post Office which was called Covington Courthouse. There was a ferry across the river before establishment of the village. Great plans were made for development but floods and sickness plagued the village. An effort was made to move to a new County Seat and the move was slow and gradual over several years. In July 1844 the Post Office was moved to the new seat and the town was called "Andalusia". No doubt the name came from the influence of the principal trade community of Pensacola, where the Spanish influence dominated over many years.


My father graduated from Auburn in the Class of 1914 and I am very proud my son is also an Auburn graduate. I attended the University of Alabama because I won a scholarship as a State Champion Debater. My education was interupted by WWII so I was not able to complete my schooling. George and Shepherd (above) along with other children are great Auburn fans. Grandson Luke, grand daughters Libby and Marianna are students at Auburn and it has a special place in their hearts. George IV is a summa cum laude graduate of Faulkner University in Montgomery. In the above photo George and Shepherd had attended a football game in Auburn and they were celebrating. Shepherd gathered in a few souvenirs while he was there.


Warren Merrill and I were in school together. We are both in our 80's and about the last of the males in our class who reside in Andalusia. Warren is a "clown" and keeps you entertained. Sometimes he gets his words and ideas twisted and all sorts of words are used. He is a kind and gentle person and he even bought me a hot dog and drink at a recent open house at the local Museum. Warren is really proud of his son who is employed as Executive Secretary of the State Opthamalic Group of eye professional. Warren is confined in the local nursing home and doing pretty well.




Roy Windham served as Andalusia Postmaster for several years and is now retired. Roy is a quiet likeable soul and I was in school with his wife Eleanor who is now deceased. Roy was a year behind I believe. Roy has been a great worker in our Church over many years and has filled many places of responsibility there.




Joseph Cecil Wingard is a retired English Teacher at Andalusia High School. He served the school over a longer period of time than any other teacher in history. Joe is an avid history fan and heads the Church History post. He loves to travel and visit historical cultural places in and out of this country. He writes a column in the local paper about the places he visits and does a great job of sharing his experiences with the readers.


JAKE MERRILL is a retired automobile dealer and headed the family operation " J.M.Merrill Motors". He loves to play dominoes and does so at every opportunity. Jake has his favorite phrases that he uses to greet his friends and often he is sharing a new bank coin. Jake's wife is the talented pianist at the First Baptist Church where they are both members of long standing.



ESKER THOMASSON has lived in the Andalusia area all his life. He spent his working years working and the Post Office and was one of the more popular employees. He comes from a long established family in Covington County and has lived all his life down the Brooklyn Road area. He visits McDonald's frequently where he joins the crowd in having coffee and fellowship.


Old Crow keeps us abreast of all the news in town. He owns and operates "The Crow's Nest", an excellent BarBQue Restaurant on the west side of town along the busy beach route. His wife Judy assists with the restaurant and has just retired from teaching school at Straughn School. He and his family own several horses and they love to attend events involving horses. He and his wife participated in the Long Horn Cattle drive from Andalusia to Montgomery.


Aus Prestwood was one of our early citizens of Andalusia. Mr. Prestwood was a man of vision and he built an empire. He operated a sawmill along Prestwood Creek. His very large farm was located north of Andalusia on the Firetower road. His cotton gin was located on what used to be Prestwood Street. Prestwood was an extensive property owner and he built the building on Court Square we know as the "Prestwood Building".


Here is friend Ottis Reynolds with the three youngest of our grandchildren. With Ottis is Abigail Elaine, Sterling Shaver and Mark Shepherd Waits. They all live in Titus, Alabama on Lake Jordan. They were fascinated with the antique Model A Ford Coupe owned by collector Reynolds. They enjoyed a ride in the rumble seat about town. Ottis is a good neighbor and is always looking for a way to assist me in any way. The kids enjoy riding his golf cart when they visit us.


Bill Law has just retired after serving as a Probation Officer here in Covington County. Bill is a faithful member of First Baptist Church where he is involved in many areas. Following his retirement he has busily engaged himself playing the game of dominoes. Bill is Chaplain for the local Historical Society and always brings the ice for refreshments to our meetings. He is keenly interested in our Museum and has contributed many items for our collection.