Comments on: Christmas Memories: Antique Nativity Scene Back On Display In Century

By: Tonya Gulbranson (nee Straughn)

Tonya Gulbranson (nee Straughn) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 06:40:18 +0000

THIS IS MY FAMILY!!!!!
just saw this- Joan is my cousin and I am the 3rd grandchild of Bill and Sara Straughn. My name was Tonya Straughn until I married and changed my last name (bc that happens!). My dad, their son-William Rexford Straughn, just died from COVID. I am all the way in calif and haven’t been to Flomaton/Century in years. This made me smile AND sob bc I miss my dad so much. I would visit Grandmother (Sara) and Granddaddy (‘Bill’/PA) at Christmas with my family bc my dad was in the military and for years visited as an adult. I remember when I would arrive in FLA/AL for Xmas, and I was coming over the overpass or around the ‘bend’, even if it was daytime (and not lit up), I was eagerly looking for the manger scene on their porch. it was ALWAYS there. I remember one year, my husband I and drove there from our home in from Virginia with our 2 dogs and about 20 min before we rolled into Century (formerly known as South Flomaton), I got so excited that our dogs picked up on my emotions and stared barking and panting. That silly little child in me was still there. I remember that at each visit, I would take time to visit the manger alone, gently pick baby Jesus up in my arms (he had small rocks inside his little plastic, lit-up ‘body’ to weigh him down in his hay-covered bed) I would carefully cradle him, staring longingly at him. it was so comforting and familiar, and at THAT moment…I KNEW I was truly home. be well, good people…we are all here but for a moment, yet those connections and that love endures and stands the test of time…(BTW, Joan-the current proprietor- and I would swing on that porch for hrs. One time, we flipped over backwards, and I got a ‘fat’ lip. when my aunt, her mom, told me that I had a ‘fat lip’ —-something , as little gal had never heard of, I was FURIOUS…good times)

By: Sandra

Sandra — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 13:49:54 +0000

I remember the Straughn’s Nativity scene as well, growing up and turning their ‘curve’ in the road. Thanks for placing up again for others to enjoy.

By: Joan and Hal

Joan and Hal — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 18:56:13 +0000

This is a blessing to us and thank you for the warm welcomes we have received. We are so glad to be here in Century. We still have to do a small repair to the nativity and plan to light it up this weekend. We send out our prayers and warm wishes to the community.

By: Just Listening

Just Listening — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:53:06 +0000

I so remember this scene for years that Mrs. and Mr. Straughn displayed. Welcome back to the community Joan and Hal. I am so happy to see life in that home again. Just saying.

By: Willene Bryan

Willene Bryan — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 13:54:17 +0000

What a blessing to be able to put the nativity scene back on display, so many memories for all.

By: clint

clint — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 12:12:38 +0000

I love stories like this to start my day! Sweet Memories, how they linger.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 10:36:52 +0000

Jesus, is what Christmas is about, I could care less for the gifts people buy & kids would be better hearing about him instead of seeing how many gifts they get then bragging about them.