Those cute little red-headed, freckled-faced kids who competed to be named Billy Bragger a half century ago and become Chattanooga's official host are still bragging about their hometown.
The annual contest was part of an overall campaign to promote civic pride by the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Jaycees.
Several past Billy Bragger contestants responded to a Dec. 29 story and met at Wally's Restaurant on McCallie Avenue to reminisce.
Bobby Daub, Billy Bragger of 1960, brought clippings to illustrate the kind of duties Billy Bragger performed. He was pictured welcoming presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, also vice presidential candidate Lyndon Johnson. He was also pictured with Mayor Olgiatti and other dignitaries at a variety of events.
The reigning Billy Bragger was Chattanooga's official host and a letter from the mayor excused him from school to perform his official duties.
Anthony Roman was Billy Bragger in 1959. Jerry Burden, Billy Bragger of 1962, attended, He was unsuccessful in previous contests. Tim Hammett responded from Iowa. We also heard from Patrick Childress, who still lives in Chattanooga.
The first few contests were held at Engel Stadium, then it was moved to Lake Winnepesaukah.
I originated the event and Hal Morris was the artist. Some of have called me the "Father of Billy Bragger". Guess that makes Hal the mama. Dalton Roberts, Dr. Nolan Estes and Dick Kelso later chaired the project.
The Billy Bragger program was a light-hearted effort to build civic pride by encouraging Chattanoogans to brag about their hometown.
We have a lot more to brag about today.