On Thursday, September 14, Versailles celebrated “Uncle Jim” Tyson’s 150th birthday at the Tyson Library. The Young Confederates girls’ chorus from SRHS kicked off the celebration with tunes from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, the Broadway play about Oz.

Dave Westmeyer, president of the Tyson Foundation, announced that in 2006 the foundation was pleased to announce they were able to dispense more than $700,000 for local non-profit organizations. Westmeyer related that in 1924 the charity had $20,000 to work with. As of August 19, 2006 it has grown to more than $19,000,000.

Westmeyer then asked Tyson Library Board president, Sara Leveille to say a few words. Leveille began by saying, “Mr. Tyson loved libraries.” She went on to praise the Tyson Library and its staff. “They don’t just meet the standard. They set it. They are a model to small and medium libraries,” she commended.

Fourteen organizations were on the ballot for Versailles residents to vote on. All 14 were approved. They are:
* Tyson Library - operating expenses - $87,152.
* Ripley Co. Historical Society - repair of Smith-Engel cabin - $12,000.
* Versailles Volunteer Fire Dept. - payment on tanker truck and Rescue 69 - $37,620.
* Historic Hoosier Hills - program development - $2,500.
* Versailles Senior Citizens - operating expenses - $6,000.
* Versailles Historical Society - town beautification - $49,800.
* Tyson Manor - computer software, elevator service contract - $10,000.
* South Ripley Community School Corp. - sprinkler/alarm replacement, electrical service replacement, water & plumbing, HVAC, windows - $150,000.
* Ripley County Family Services (Family Connections) - operating expenses - $15,000.
* Town of Versailles - water & sewer, sports complex and Main Street USA development - $312,233.
* Southeastern Career Center - laptop computers, projectors, utility carts - $3,000.
* Ripley County Tourism - brochures, computer - $2,905.
* Boy Scouts - Dining tent and supplies - $2,500.
* Ripley County Red Cross - shelter kits, generators and supplies - $10,525.

Dave Westmeyer told the gathering that since 1996 the foundation has put $7.4 million back into Versailles.

Westmeyer thanked Ted and Pat Spurlock and the town of Versailles for providing birthday cake and punch in years past.

All projects were approved by a resounding margin, and following the singing of “Happy Birthday,” the session adjourned for a catered birthday feast in “Uncle Jim’s” honor.

CINDY DIFAZIO PHOTO A large crowd gathered for the 150th birthday celebration of "Uncle Jim" Tyson at the Tyson Library in Versailles last Thursday, September 14, his actual birthday. A grand party was held in his honor with more than $700,000 awarded to local non-profits.