USA > Georgia > Tift County > History of Tift County > Part 23
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Those honest Christians walked to service, rode in buggies, ox carts, and wagons. No matter the type of transportation, they came and all the family with them.
In this little log cabin in the year 1890, Salem Baptist church was organ- ized with only 12 charter members. Wheeler Norman saw the need of a larger and more adequate building and he met with the board of Christian workers and laid his plans before them. He generously contributed the lum- ber for building and $100 to pay on the construction. The men more than gladly gave their time in hauling the lumber to the place of construction. John Y. Sutton and Henry Willis, assisted by Shabe Conger, Ben Hall, and John Castleberry, gave the boards to be used as the covering. J. B. Arlington agreed to construct the building for $100. In June, 1894, John Y. Sutton contributed benches, some of which are still in use today.
Sunday School was organized with Miss Nora Finsley and Mrs. Charlie Thompson as the first teachers. The first pastor was Rev. J. S. Sauls, of Ty Ty. The church now is a member of the Mell association and has been for years.
HISTORY OF TURNER CHURCH by Mrs. Dan Sutton
Turner Church has the distinction of being the oldest church in Tift
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
County. It was establishel July 13, 1866. John McMillan and Ryan Kin- ard built the church out of logs; Later it was covered with boards and changed a little. In 1929 it was repaired and made more attractive as it stands today. It is a very large building and is always kept as neat and clean as can be.
The first pastors were Richard Tucker and Andrew Connell, both serv- ing the first year. Other pastors before 1914 were Jacob Young, John Churchwell, James Gibbs, John McMillan, Joseph Mixon, and Frank Smith.
One lady who has been attending the Annual Meeting at Turner Church for the past sixty years tells of the thrill the young people would always get when on the Sabbath morning Jacob Young would appear on the opposite side of the river on a big fine white horse and someone would row the flat across to get the preacher and his horse. That must have been beautiful in the sight of God on those Annual Meeting days, particularly, as well as on other meeting days, when people for miles around would arise early, prepare big baskets of food, gather their families together and go marching to Turner Church, there to take part in the singing of grand old gospel songs, and listening to the ministers of God expound the Gospel at great length. Then would come the lunch hour. A great feast was spread under the trees and southern hospitality reigned supreme. When singing was heard in the church the members returned for the communion and footwashing just as they still do today. People were sincere in their reli- gion and they believed in ar all-wise, all-powerful God to the uttermost. After the footwashing they "sang a hymn and went out" with enrapt faces because they had worshipped God in spirit and truth.
In those days people came from all directions in road carts, in two- wheeled carts drawn by oxen, on mule back, in wagons, on foot, and in buggies. A woman now living tells how they never missed a service though they had to walk several miles. They carried their shoes until they reached the stream near the church. Here they rested, bathed their feet in the water and pulled on their shoes, and entered the church with uplifted faces.
James Albert Sutton served the church in 1914, R. Allen Lawrence 1915-1917, John Thomas Tyson 1918-1919, James Gibbs 1920-1921, Edd Gilbert Baker 1925-1932, Algier Bishop 1933 and 1934, when he died, and James Albert Sutton finished out 1934. Elder Leonard McMillan has been pastor since 1935 until the present, except two years when Elder Jesse J. Johnston served.
The first four members of the church in 1866 were Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm McMillan and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Griffin. Outstanding old members were Mr. and Mrs. M. L. McMillan, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gibbs, and Mr. and Mrs. James McMillan.
Some of the most active members now are Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Mc-
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
Millan, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McMillan, Mr. and Mrs. Willie D. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie J. Lawhorn, and Mrs. Lovie Camaron.
There is a large cemetery beside the church where many of these fine God-fearing, God-loving Saints lie at rest.
It is hard to conjecture just the great religious influence this fine old church has had upon the people of Tift County and surrounding counties. Tift County is proud that Turner Church is within her bounds and that the influence from this Church is still felt by many people all over the County.
CHAPTER XIX CLUBS
BOY SCOUTS by L. E. Bowen, Sr.
Tift County has had one or more Boy Scuot troops intermittently since about 1915. Until recent years the work has been directed by interested adults and with little or no direct assistance from the national organization. Boy Scouts of America. Mr. A. B. Phillips and Dr. L. O. Shaw were active during most of these years directing the entire activities even to the point of serving as troop scoutmasters. For several years prior to 1940 the Lions Club of Tifton sponsored a troop.
During 1940 representatives from the National Council Boy Scouts of America succeeded in interesting a group of Tifton men in scouting and this resulted in the organization of the Tift District of the Chehaw Coun- cil. Ralph Puckett was the first president of the Tift District and served in that capacity until 1946, when L. E. Bowen, Sr., became district presi- dent. Since 1940 scouting has made excellent strides in Tifton and Tift County.
There are now five active troops in Tifton, including one negro troop. Chula and Omega also have troops. Cub Scouting is now also on a sound basis with two Cub packs operating. Cub Scouts almost always develop into excellent boy scouts.
Citizens generally are very enthusiastic about scouting, recognizing in this work one of the two or three very best mediums of character building and future good citizens.
GUN LAKE COUNTRY CLUB
Below are the minutes of the first meeting of ths stockholders of the Country Club at Gun Lake on the Alapaha River :
"The Country Club met in regular session, January 5, 1912: the fol- lowing members present: C. W. Fulwood, acting chairman; J. S. Ridgdill, acting secretary ; H. D. Webb, W. W. Timmons, Charlie Mathis, Henry Sutton, L. L. Simmons, Johnathan Walker, W. H. Hendricks, N. Peter- son, J. E. Cochran, B. H. McLeod, R. C. Ellis, and W. E. Farmer, by proxy.
"Charter read and accepted by the club. C. W. Fulwood, elected Presi- dent; B. H. McLeod was elected Secretary-Treasurer.
"Moved and seconded that President appoint three members of the Club to draft Rules and By-Laws for the government of the club. The following draft Rules and By-Laws for the government of the club. The following were appointed : C. W. Fulwood, Charlie Mathis, and H. D. Webb.
226
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
"The following members, W. W. Timmons, R. C. Ellis, and L. L. Simmons were appointed to go out and look over the 150 acres of land adjoining the lands belonging to the club with full power to purchase the same if they think it to the interest of the club.
"It was ordered that C. W. Fulwood be paid $40.00 to cover all ex- penses of getting the club together, with all expenses including advertising cost, etc., and each member was assessed $2.00 to cover same.
"Meeting adjourned to meet when called by President. C. W. Fulwood President ; B. H. McLeod, Sec .- Treas."
"(Note. In addition to the members above named, the following were the other Charter members of the club, to wit: H. H. Coombs, W. L. Harman, J. W. Hollis, Jno. Marchant, W. H. Bennett, and J. H. Hutch- inson )."
The Country Club, whose membership is limited to twenty members, has had four presidents as follows: C. W. Fulwood, began office, Janu- ary 5, 1912 ; 2. R. C. Ellis, began office, January 2, 1915; 3. Raleigh Eve, began office in 1922; 4. Otis J. Woodward, began office March 21, 1941.
Ben McLeod acted as secretary at the first meeting. At the second meeting Henry D. Webb was elected secretary and so continued until fall of 1923. In 1936 he was again elected secretary and has continuously served in that capacity.
The club has numbered among its members through the years many prominent men. George W. Coleman and W. L. Pickard were ardent Ike Waltons.
BRIEF HISTORY OF TIFTON LIONS CLUB LIONS INTERNATIONAL
As early as 1914, Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions International, endeavored to unite on the basis of unselfish service the business men's clubs in the United States, which were not affiliated with any other na- tional association. This was a distinct departure from the existing practice of forming business men's clubs primarily for business exchange purposes.
On June 7, 1917, many of the clubs with which Melvin Jones had been corresponding were represented at a special meeting called in Chi- cago, Illinois. The name "LIONS" was adopted and charters were grant- ed. A call was issued, however, for a meeting to be held in Dallas, Texas, October 9-1I, 1917, to ratify the action taken at the meeting in Chicago. Approximately 25 clubs were represented at the Dallas meeting, which formally approved the name "Lions" and the granting of charters. The meeting in Dallas, therefore, is known as the first annual meeting of Lions International.
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
At the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 1944, or 27 years from the time of the organization meeting in Chicago, the International Associa- tions of Lions Clubs was composed of 4,477 clubs with 177,579 mem- bers. Lions clubs now total over 4,740 with approximately 210,000 mem- bers. Lions now are at work in 15 nations of the world.
The Tifton Lions Club was first organized in November, 1922, with 30 members. On May 6, 1925 this club disbanded with 12 members. On April 15, 1935, the club reorganized with 30 members and has progressed until at present we think we have the best club in Georgia with 35 mem- bers. The following Lions have served since reorganization :
Presidents
Year
Secretaries
Herman H. Hill
5-1935 to
I-1936
Charles Harman
Herman H. Hill
5-1936 to
I-1937
Charles Harman
Joe Kent, Jr.
I-1937 to
7-1937
Dr. L. O. Shaw Joe Kent, Jr.
Ross H. Pittman
II-1937
to
7-1938
Joe Kent, Jr.
Riss H. Pittman
7-1938 to
7-1939
I
Joe Kent, Jr.
Roy Thrasher
7-1939 to 7-1940
Joe Kent, Jr.
Geo. H. King
7-1940 to
7-1941
Joe Kent, Jr.
G. O. Bailey, Jr.
7-1941 to
7-1942
1
Joe Kent, Jr.
B. L. Southwell
7-1942 to
7-1943
1
Joe Kent, Jr.
L. L. Kennedy
7-1943 to
7-1944
T. P. Poole
E. L. Rollins
7-1944 to
7-1945
1
1
:
1
When the club was reorganized in 1935 the meetings were held at Mrs. Walker's boarding house; later, when Mrs. Walker moved away, we moved into the "Lions Den," which was located over Kent's Furniture Store. The meals were brought over from the Kopper Kettle. (This was the worst year of the club, as a matter of fact the club would have gone under if it had not been for a few hard working members who fought valiantly to keep the club alive. Membership dropped as low as 9 to 10. In order to pull the club out of this hole they decided to move from the "Den" to the Myon Hotel (this was in 1937) at which time the progress started that brought the membership up to 25 within a very few months.)
The Tifton Lions club is the oldest civic club in Tifton and has been responsible for a great many improvements in and around Tifton. The Tift County Health Department was promoted by the Lions, Railroad safety crossing signs were suggested. Highway signs installed, glasses and aid to the blind. The Lions take a big portion of the credit for the present airbase, if it had not been for the Lions, Carson Chalk would never have located here, and this is what grew into our present airport. The Lions have donated their time and money to assist the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, and all other worthy organizations. The Lions have cooperated with the Tift
Turner Rountree
Herman H. Hill
7-1937 to
II-1937
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
County Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Pilots Club, City and County Commissioners and other civic organiza- tions in Tifton. The Lions are now sponsoring the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 61, which is no doubt the best troop in Tifton. The Lions have helped in the waste paper campaign, in collecting and baling for shipment. The Lions have assisted the schools in numerous ways. The Lions have participated in the scrap iron salvage campaign, war bond sales and all other patriotic movements. We also sponsored the Omega Lions Club of which we are very proud. We have furnished Lions International, Dis- trict 18B, the following officers :
Zone Chairman (1938-1939) Dr. L. O. Shaw
Deputy District Governor (1939-1940) Dr. L. O. Shaw
Deputy District Governor (1940-1941) 1
1
Ross H. Pittman
District Governor (1941-1942) Ross H. Pittman 1 I
Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer (1941-1942)
Truman P. Poole
Liberty
Intelligence Our Nation's Safety
PRIMROSE GARDEN CLUB
Primrose Garden Club was organized in 1937 by Mrs. Hull Atwater at the Coca-Cola plant with eight ladies present. Mrs. Atwater was elected the first president. She and Mrs. W. F. Zimmerman are the charter mem- bers now in the club.
Among the projects sponsored by the club are :
Members planted the first cut-flower garden at the Tift County Hos- pital.
Club was hostess to the divisional conference at Abraham Baldwin Col- lege.
Mrs. Dwight Knight organized the Forget-me-not Club.
Beautified grounds around vocational buildings at high school, and grounds at grammar school.
Beautified park between Ridge and College Avenues.
Adopted a constructive conservative program.
Established a circulating library within the club.
Still working on highway committee to have objectionable bill boards removed from the entrances to Tifton.
Sending special holiday remembrances to patients at the hospital.
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
Sending books and magazines to the hospital.
Sponsored several adult flower clubs.
Sponsored a field trip under the direction of Dr. Eugene Heath, presi- dent of the Georgia Botanical Society to study native plants.
Entertained Second District Council of Flower Clubs in 1939.
Requested to assist in beautifying grounds of new recreational center.
Hold annual flower shows.
Participated in the Labor Day Parade.
Specialized in Christmas decoration.
Furnished material for the Boy Scouts to build bird houses for city park and private homes.
During the war the club bought and sold war bonds, planted and spon- sored victory gardens, and helped with home canning. The members studied home nursing, first aid, nurses' aid and nutrition. The club responded to all other patriotic calls. It furnished flowers for the local airport and local hospital, folded bandages for the Red Cross and local hospital, filled Christ- mas stockings, worked at the U.S.O. and helped buy a Red Cross Ambu- lance.
The club is helping develop the Blue Star Highway as a memorial to World War veterans. The purpose of the club is to continue always to try to enhance the beauty of Tifton and Tift County and promote more and better gardens among the members.
The following have served as presidents: Mrs. Hull Atwater, Mrs. Blanton Smith, Mrs Emory Owens, Mrs. Jack Rigdon, Mrs. Malcolm Tyson, Mrs. H. S. Bolton.
The present officers are: Mrs. R. W. Patrick, president; Mrs. Louise Stamps, vice-president; Mrs. J. L. Peacock, Jr., recording secretary ; Mrs. Walter Spurlin, treasurer; Mrs. Bruce Donaldson, corresponding secre- tary; Mrs. Dwight, parliamentarian.
TIFTON'S FIRST KIWANIS CLUB
On April 11, 1922, the first Kiwanis Club of Tifton, Georgia, was or- ganized with 62 members. Mr. Holmes S. Murray was elected president, Mr. Mose Hendry, vice-president, and Mr. Frank NeSmith, secretary- treasurer.
The Presidents of the club for the 12 years of its existence were : Holmes S. Murray, 1922; John L. Herring, 1923; Jason Scarboro, 1924; S. L. Lewis, 1925; H. B. Felder, 1926; H. H. Tift, 1927; J. C. Sirmons, 1928; Charles M. Saunders, 1929; John T. Ferguson, 1930; O. J. Woodard, 1931; W. Bruce Donaldson, 1932; C. W. King, 1933.
The Club was particularly active in Underprivileged Child Welfare,
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
giving Minstrel Shows and operating a swimming pool, the proceeds of which were used in this work. The club worked with the children in the public schools, and was active in Boy Scout, 4-H, Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y work. Considerable attention was also given to Town-County relationship. Donations were made to the Georgia Hall Fund at Warm Springs. The Club also operated a Student Loan Scholarship Fund. It cooperated with the Board of Trade in movements for the betterment of the city and projects of public interest.
The charter of this first Kiwanis Club was revoked by the International Board of Trustees on November 8, 1935.
Through the efforts of this club more than 2,000 volumes of books were added to the Library of the Georgia State College for Men, now called Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
TIFTON'S SECOND KIWANIS CLUB
The present Kiwanis Club of Tifton was organized on February 15, 1940, with 28 members. Dr. John R. Bentley was elected president, Dr. G. O. Wheless, vice-president, and Mr. Horace P. Morgan, secretary- treasurer.
The Presidents of the club for the seven years of its existence are as follows. Dr. John R. Bentley, 1940; Dr. E. L. Evans, 1941; Dr. A. G. LeRoy ( term finished by Orin Mitchell), 1942 ; Dr. G. O. Wheless, 1943; G. N. Herring, 1944; J. C. Parker, 1945; J. W. Pehler, 1946.
The School Lunch program was started in 1940 with equipment fur- nished by this Kiwanis Club. This work is one of the main projects of the club at the present time. It is primarily interested in work with Under- privileged Children. The club donated sweaters for underprivileged boys and girls, paid hospital bills for indigent patients, helped to furnish the New County Hospital in 1940, and is active in 4-H Club work, sponsoring various contests, in Boy Scout work, and was identified largely with all Bond Selling campaigns during the war, with Clothing and Food Drives. Red Cross work and War Relief. At Christmas time, baskets are prepared for the needy.
In 1941 Tom Cordell, one of our most active members was elected to the position of Lieutenant Governor of the 3rd Division, Georgia District. Kiwanis International.
THE TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Tift County Chamber of Commerce, which marked its 50th anni-
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
versary March 10, 1947, was organized in the law offices of Fulwood & Murry, March 10, 1897. It was then called the Tifton Board of Trade and Transportation. J. W. Greer was elected temporary chairman with J. H. Price, permanent secretary, and W. H. Love later elected perma- nent chairman. A large membership joined at the initial meeting.
The name of this organization, which has been the hub around which the other organizations in the community have worked for fifty years, was changed three times. On May 13, 1910, 67 business men met and organized the Chamber of Commerce from the old Board of Trade, which at that time was headed by John L. Herring. Judge R. Eve gave as a motto for the organization "If it's a good thing, get it for Tifton" and this was adopted unanimously. Officers elected were: C. W. Fulwood, presi- dent; E. A. Buck, Ist vice-president; W. W. Banks, 2nd vice-president. The directors included H. H. Tift, W. H. Hendricks, C. L. Parker, J. J. L. Phillips, J. L. Herring, L. P. Skeen, C. C. Guest, Briggs Carson, J. J. Golden, B. W. Mills, W. S. Cobb, John W. Greer, and I. W. Myers.
Some time during the passing years the name was changed back to the Board of Trade. January 9, 1936 the name was changed again to Tift County Chamber of Commerce and has remained that since that time. That year Heber Kent was elected president; E. P. Bowen, Jr., and S. B. Lassiter, vice-presidents; B. H. McLeod, treasurer.
Presidents of the organization during the years include Mrs. P. D. Ful- wood (only woman president), I. W. Myers, R. Eve, H. L. Moor, J. S. Taylor, L. E. Bowen, George W. Coleman, Joseph Kent, B. Y. Wallace, H. H. Hargrett, S. B. Lassiter, G. N. Herring, E. J. Bowers, Jr., E. L. Rollins, W. H. Underwood.
Branches of the Tift Chamber of Commerce were the Presidents' Club. organized by Mrs. Fulwood in 1931, and the Ty Ty Board of Trade, organized in 1922 with R. R. Pickett, president.
In 1922 the Tift Chamber of Commerce brought suit before the State Railroad Commission and Interstate Commerce Commission against the railway lines entering Tifton and more just rates were the result. In 1910, the organization campaigned for an auditorium and opera house. In 1912 the project was a better roads campaign. In 1931 the privilege of living in Tifton and in Georgia was stressed. The Chamber worked with the Twentieth Century Library club in 1910 to secure a park site; in 1912 it stressed a 10,000 population for Tifton ; in 1920 it helped secure the tobacco stemmery and re-drying plant for Tifton. In 1935 the slogan was "Keep Tifton Trade in Tifton."
The Chamber of Commerce has sponsored many projects for the good of the community. The Retail Merchants committee and the Tobacco Board of Trade have been very active. The Tifton Chamber sponsored the organization of the 319 Highway Association in 1947. Secretaries have
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
included .Mrs. Fannie Kate Hill, Mrs. Lillian T. Jones, and S. A. Spivey.
HISTORY OF THE TIFTON GARDEN CLUB
The Tifton Garden Club was organized July 30, 1927 in the offices of the Board of Trade. Fifteen of Tifton's garden-minded ladies were present at the meeting. The following officers were elected: Mrs. J. S. Taylor, president; Miss Fannie Kate Hollingsworth (now Mrs. T. U. Hill), secretary ; and Mrs. V. F. Dinsmore, treasurer. A membership com- mittee of five was named with Mrs. W. H. McCartney, chairman; Mrs. J. W. Gaulding, Mrs. C. A. Christian, and Mrs. Rebecca Martin.
The Tifton Garden Club became a member of the Federal Garden Club of Georgia, in the year 1930.
The club cherishes as its prize possession its fraternal relationship with all local organizations. The club has established for itself a reputation for service, cooperation and good-will, which is, after all, the highest goal to be reached by organized civic endeavor.
During the twenty years of activity of the Tifton Garden Club a re- markable change has taken place in the general appearance of the city. In every quarter may be seen the results of the club's example and precept. Green lawns, foundation plantings, flowering trees, evergreen shrubs, and back yard gardens have appeared instead of yard swept premises and dis- organized flower plantings.
Space limits a detail record of all of the accomplishments of the Tifton Garden Club.
Major facts in a brief form follow with presiding officers and the club's outstanding achievements.
Mrs. J. S. Taylor-1927-1929
Pioneer work in school and church grounds beautification program. Thousands of roses and shrubs planted in Tifton.
Mrs. W. H. Walters-1930-1931
Promoted plan of outdoor Christmas decorations. First public flower show. Became member of Federated Garden Clubs.
Mrs. Fred Bell-1931-1933
Seven miles of highway No. 41, planted in seedling pines in cooperation with highway department. Fire and vandalism have destroyed all but small percentage.
Mrs. Warren Baker-1933-1934
Handsome granite arch erected in Fulwood Park, at approximate cost of $1,000.00, in honor of Columbus Wesley Fulwood, beloved citizen, who was father and founder of the park.
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HISTORY OF TIFT COUNTY
Mrs. P. D. Fulwood-1934-1935
Granite memorial marker erected in Fulwood Park, approximate cost $500.00, in honor of John Lewis Herring, editor of the Daily Tifton Gazette.
Mrs. J. L. Bowen-1935-1936
Cooperated with the city and W.P.A. in laying water mains and in- stalling general watering systems in the Tifton Cemetery. This project cost more than $1,000.00, made possible the transformation of barren land into a veritable garden of grass, trees and shrubs.
Mrs. E. P. Bowen, Jr .- 1936-1938
Municipal rose garden of formal design planted with 300 choice rose bushes in Fulwood Park. Hundreds of azaleas and native shrubs also plant- ed in Fulwood Park. Unsightly snipe signs removed from highway No. 41, through the best residential section of Tifton.
Mrs. T. U. Hill-1938-1940
Planted drive in front of cemetery and alley-ways throughout the Tifton Cemetery with thousands of dogwood and redbud trees. Added numbers of dogwood and redbud trees, and also replanted lost trees of the same nature in Fulwood Park. Dogwood and redbud trees added beauty to the City of Tifton during this period.
Mrs. John Fulwood-1940-1942
Landscaped and beautified the city Water Works with azaleas, camellias, rose bushes and evergreen shrubs. Truck loads of dirt were used to level the lots at the cemetery before re-sodding with Bermuda grass. Approxi- mately 500 seedling pines planted on the lots throughout the Tifton Ceme- tery.
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