The people of Milledgeville shared a night under the stars March 25 in the warm spring heat as the community celebrated the 101st birthday of novelist Flannery O’Connor.
The celebration was held at Andalusia Farm the former home of O’Connor. Andalusia now serves as a museum for the public so awareness of this artist can continue to grow.
The event was set to begin at 7:30 p.m. with an outdoor viewing of the John Huston’s 1980 film adaptation of Wise Blood, the classic novel O’Connor released in 1953. The showing was delayed until 8:15 due to the sun setting.
In the meantime, a historian from Andalusia Farm shared with the patrons facts about both Flannery’s writing style and interpretation of Huston’s film.
During the film, the hosts at Andalusia provided all movie goers with snacks and drinks, and a birthday cake for O’Connor.
As the movie progressed, guests were invited to continue to watch the film or explore inside the farm and learn more about one of Milledgeville’s most influential icon.
The staff at Andalusia highlighted upcoming events as they continue to honor the legacy of O’Connor. Through the next few weeks, Andalusia will continue to host its weekly Flannery book club.
The next few weeks they will be covering Everything That Rises Must Fall. On April 23, the club will begin reading The Violent Bear it Away until May 14. The club meets in person at 2 p.m. at the Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton, or guests can join a virtual meeting at 7 p.m. as they continue to remember O’Conner.
While O’Conner’s 101st birthday week is over, Andalusia will continue its Southern Gothic film series with the next installment on April 22 at 8 p.m. with a showing of “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou.” Drinks will be provided, and the viewing will take place on the front lawn of Andalusia Farm.