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A holiday tradition endures

A Thanksgiving meal Rosa Jackson started to share publicly more than 30 years ago lives on through her grandson.

By JON WILSON
Published October 15, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - The storied Rosa Jackson Thanksgiving feast will return after all.

Begun a generation ago, the public feed for the homeless or lonely nearly reached an end last year, said Darryl Jones, Rosa Jackson's grandson.

Social service agencies were providing many opportunities for people to eat, and donations to buy a dozen or more turkeys had decreased, Jones said.

But last week , Jones said he couldn't bring himself to curtail one of the city's enduring holiday traditions.

"I've always said I want to keep it going for as long as I can," Jones said.

So it will be turkey and trimmings as usual on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 1-3 p.m. at Campbell Park Recreation Center, 601 14th St. S. And as usual, all are welcome to enjoy the food and fellowship.

The tradition began in Mrs. Jackson's home in 1973 when, recently retired, she was feeling lonely and decided to open her house for the holiday. She cashed a $1,000 savings bond to pay for the food.

In two years, the event outgrew her house.

Mrs. Jackson moved it to Campbell Park, where it has since remained.

Mrs. Jackson died in 1996, and Jones said he would maintain his grandmother's tradition.

Donations of food and cash contributions are welcome. The event has fed up to 300 people, though it has been smaller in recent years, Jones said.

Anyone interested in helping can call (727) 327-7496.

[Last modified October 15, 2006, 08:51:05]