By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — It was just what the doctor ordered: the largest crowd to participate in Jerry Burns Day history, a deserving award, plenty of humor and insight to go around — and a lot of fun reminisces and stories as recalled by Dr. Bunky Davant. Most of them were probably true.
In memory of the late “Mr. Blowing Rock,” Jerry Burns, the June 18 celebration of his birthday and life resonated with most of the Blowing Rock Historical Society members and assorted other townsfolks at the American Legion Building. Burns, who for 44 years was Editor of The Blowing Rocket and served on just about every board in town as well as found time to be a volunteer fireman, passed away on April 19, 2010. A member of Rotary, a former member of the Board of Commissioners, the unofficial town photographer and historian, an ardent supporter of Blowing Rock Stage Company… the list goes on and on when it comes to Jerry Burns.
The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has named its Ambassadorial Award after him. The town and Historical Society have recognized June 18 as “his day.”
Mayor Charlie Sellers recalled aspects of Burns’ contributions before presenting the inaugural “Jerry Burns Award” from the Blowing Rock Historical Society to a surprised current president, Tom O’Brien.
“Tom has been pushing the Historical Society board to come up with an award recognizing someone each year who contributes to preserving the history of Blowing Rock or who adds to our history in a significant, positive way,” Sellers explained to Blowing Rock News with a smile after the Jerry Burns Day celebration. “He thought we were going to start it next year, not knowing that the Board got together without him. These past eight years, he has just done a tremendous job in building on the work of so many other presidents before him, beginning with Ginny Stevens. This is a well-deserved recognition and we thank him for his vision and service.”
Following the award presentation, O’Brien turned the podium over to longtime resident and area physician, Dr. Bunky Davant, who regaled the crowd with stories and recollections of significant personalities who have contributed to Blowing Rock’s history and culture. He noted that most of them didn’t have a lot of money, but were fixtures in town on a day-to-day basis. He went up and down Main Street, recalling folks like Coleman, Klutz and Harris, among others. He got a lot of laughs when telling a story about a local prostitute.
“I knew her because of MY profession, not hers,” he said.
The audience members enjoyed food and beverages provided by the Historical Society, including a “favorite birthday cake of Jerry’s,” prepared by his wife, Janice Burns.
