DEDICATION
Henry Davis Building
June 21,1986
Henry Davis was born September 25, 1902,
in Clarkesville, Georgia, the son of Lucy
and Clark Davis. He and his wife, Clara,
who were married over 50 years, had three
daughters: Mrs. Mercedes Murphy, Mrs.
Jeannene Gosey and Mrs. Lucy Bland.
They also had three grandchildren: Jenera
Gosey, Octavia Bland and Lisa Murphy.
Henry began his telephone career in 1917
when at the age of 14 he began hauling
poles for M. C. York, then owner of Stand-
ard Telephone Company. This was the
beginning of a career that spanned 50 years
and included such positions as Lineman
Helper, Installer and Combinationman.
Throughout his career, Henry always exhib-
ited devotion for his work, the company,
his family, and co-workers. He earned the
respect of everyone who knew him.
In recognition of the respect that others
had for him, Henry was featured in a
TELEPHONY magazine article; served as
Grand Marshal of the annual Mountain
Laurel Festival Parade; and was the subject
of many newspaper articles. In addition, he
was prominently featured in the book A
VIVID AND COMPELLING DREAM, written by H. M. Stewart, Sr.
Firsts for Henry include: he was the first and only person ever to
record 50 years of service to Standard Telephone; he was the first
black man in Georgia, and probably the nation, to become a techni-
cian in the telephone industry.
Henry was further honored only yesterday when, at the annual Geor-
gia Telephone Association Convention in Savannah, he was officially
inducted into the Peach State Pioneer Hall of Fame.
With the dedication of the Henry Davis Building today, the men and
women of Standard Telephone have taken a step that will preserve
the memory and inspiration of Henry Davis in the minds and hearts
of everyone who knew him.
PROGRAM
Welcome and Introduction of Guests................Dean Swanson
Invocation........................................Rev. W. I. Gober
Dedication Address................................H. M. Stewart, Sr.
Closing Remarks...................................Dean Swanson
Unveiling Ceremony...........................Henry Davis Family
Reception....................................Henry Davis Building
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
An old man, traveling a lone highway,
Came at the evening cold and gray
To a chasm deep and wide.
The old man crossed in a twilight dim.
For the sullen stream held no fear for him,
He turned when he reached the other side,
and builded a bridge to span the tide.
Old man, cried a fellow pilgrim near,
You are wasting your strength building here.
Your journey will end with the ending day,
And you never again will pass this way.
You have crossed the chasm deep and wide.
Why build a bridge at eventide?
The builder raised his gray old head.
Good friend, on the path I have come,
He said,
There followed after me today
A youth whose feet will pass this way.
This stream which has been naught to me.
To that fair-haired boy may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim.
-Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.
William Allen Dromgoole
Henry Davis Building
erected in 1986
Tins building dedicated to the memory of
HENR Y ANDERSON DA VIS
in recognition of
50 years of devoted service
to the telephone industry and humanity
1917-1967
Be Nice to People and Theyll be Nice to You
Standard Telephone Company