The Vernon Historical Society and the City of Vernon, along with the extended Vernon community, came together on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the Shady Grove Park on Highway 79 in Vernon, Florida to celebrate the dedication of the Florida State Historical Marker for The Shady Grove Elementary School for African American Children on Saturday, February 20, 2021, as seen in these photos by Paul Goulding Photography.
Despite low temperatures, the event drew a very large crowd of attendees, and was kicked off with a presentation of colors by the Vernon ROTC, then moderated by Milton Brown, with featured speakers Lynda Waller, Bob Wells, Joe Taylor, Erica Dodson and others.
Finally, the monument was unveiled to the audience, all of which was live streamed by Erica Dodson of Vernon High School.
The crowd adjourned to the Vernon Historical Society Museum in Vernon City Hall, where they were treated to refreshments and a tour of the collection of photos, clothing, farm implements and tools, household items and and many other items of local historical interest.
