Ray and Louise McCray Buchanan, Granny and Pappy for Pioneer Day, 2010. - Photo: Linda Smith

Mayo, a tiny little town in Lafayette County, was incorporated on September 28, 1893. The area has always been an agricultural community and still is today. Most of the early settlers earned their living from the land, and many in the county still do. This rich, colorful heritage is celebrated each year with the annual Pioneer Day Festival, which showcases some of the happenings of days gone by, such as cane grinding, and cooking the cane juice in a huge cast iron kettle over an open fire in order to make syrup. Back in those early days folks had hog killings and cured their own meat. They had chickens, both for meat and eggs. They had cows for milking, and used the milk to make butter, as well as for drinking. They tended their gardens, where they grew vegetables of all varieties mostly for family consumption. Another preserved aspect of Pioneer life is the old homestead in the town park. This cabin was an actual homestead of several early pioneer families in the county. In fact, in 1890, Ray’s grandparents, Frances Roberts Turlington and Charles Edwin Turlington were the ones to actually build the cabin that now sits neath the old oak trees in the town park, for folks to enjoy.

In an effort to honor these long-time residents of Lafayette County,  the Pioneer Day Committee selects a special couple each year, just before Pioneer Day, to hold the title of Pioneer Day Granny & Pappy.

The honor this year goes to Ray and Louise McCray Buchanan. Both were born in Lafayette County and have been married for 49 years. The Buchanans have five children, Milly, Jesse, Tommy, Tammy and Heath. Up until about 1960, they  still farmed row crops and kept livestock. Ray served in the Army for two years at Fort Bragg, N.C. He also did bulldozer work in service and for the Soil and Conservation Service in Live Oak. He was involved in politics in the county, for 21 years, serving on the Town Council, School Board and County Commission. He also ran the Bay Station and the Chevron Station in Mayo at one time.

They raised chickens for some 34 years. Both Ray and Louise have picked cotton and worked in tobacco over the years, as well. Ray, with the help of Louise, coached  Little League for about 20 years. Ray taught little boys that had never played before, how to play ball. As one can see, they have always led a very busy life.  As an added thought, they were one of the last ones in the county to still plow their crops with a mule.

In addition, Louise was a homemaker. She enjoyed her children and they are now enjoying their 15 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Louise enjoys quilting, crocheting and embroidery. And loves to make things for her children and grandchildren. She has also completed three family trees.

During a special ceremony on Sept. 28, at the Lafayette County Courthouse, with friends and family in attendance, they accepted the traditional “Bonnet and Kerchief” from last year’s Granny & Pappy, Junior and Mozeta Buchanan, and were officially sworn in by Judge Darren Jackson, as this year’s new Pioneer Day Granny & Pappy.

Watch for Granny and Pappy in the Pioneer Day Parade which begins at 10 a.m. and stop and visit with them during the day at the park, on Pioneer Day, Saturday.