Opportunities oKtibbeha Co. growTh prOgress Community Betsey Smith FORUM Leadership January 2009

Oktoc History Oktoc is an unincorporated community in Oktibbeha County, MS. It was once known as “The Dairy Capital of the South.”

Dairy Farms Oktoc is now home to several defunct dairy farms including Oak Ayr and Mactoc Farms, the largest two in the community.

Community Club Oktoc has the oldest community club in the State and has not missed one single meeting since its beginning in 1927.

Oktoc Community Center Oktoc Garden Club – 1923 Oktoc Community Club – 1927 Merger – Vernon Presbyterian Church – One room schoolhouse

Location Southeast portion of Oktibbeha County Located approximately 12 miles southeast of Starkville

Oktoc Annual Festival Fall of each year Sponsored by the Oktoc Garden Club Proceeds go toward the community club. Items sold: Brunswick Stew, fresh vegetables, and homemade goodies Hay rides and painting pumpkins available to all, especially children Live music provided for entertainment (blue- grass)

Community Center during a meeting years ago (date unsure)

Members square dancing after a program

The two buildings before they were joined together

One of three Womanless Weddings that has been held

Photos - women 1925 county-wide Garden Club meeting at the Noxubee swimming hole 1932 women with rakes – planting Oktoc roadsides?

Photos: Christmas activities Christmas trees were HUGE! And kids enjoyed decorating them!

References Anna Marie Raspberry (personal communication, January 5, 2009) Fred and Velma Blocker (personal communication, January 5, 2009) Wikipedia. Retrieved January 5, 2009, from Hawkins, Brian. Retrieved October 28, 2007, from