Actual Factual Georgia

A: Walter actually went by Gordon, his middle name, and was an Atlanta businessman in the early 20th century, gaining prominence through his ice businesses. Erica Danylchak, the executive director of the Buckhead Heritage Society, helped me track down some info on Gordon and his wife Suzella – or Susie — who originally were from Vicksburg, Miss. The Burnetts moved to Atlanta in 1914 and he started the Ponce de Leon Ice Company, which existed until 1925, when it merged with other ice companies to form the Consumers' Ice Company, according to his obituary in the Atlanta Constitution. Burnett was president of that company until 1934, and three years later, he became president of the Cherokee China Company. Burnett had two heart attacks and died while attending a dinner at the Capital City Club in February 1938, his obit stating: "A fire rescue squad was called and worked over Mr. Burnett more than an hour with a respirator. He died after a second attack." He was 57. The Burnetts were active socially and belonged to the First Presbyterian Church. If you have any information on the Burnetts or their home on Peachtree Road, send me an email.

Q: When is the watermelon festival in Cordele?

A: Watermelons are such a big deal in the south Georgia town that it devotes most of June to the fruit. So even though half of this month is gone, you can head on down to the Watermelon Capital of the World for plenty of events dedicated to watermelons. There's a fishing rodeo, gospel sing and horseshoe tournament this weekend before the 65th annual festival wraps up with plenty of other activities on June 28. Those include the watermelon parade, the watermelon dance and contests to throw watermelons, eat watermelons and see how far you can spit those pesky seeds. Go to cordelecrispga.com for more information on the Watermelon Days Festival.