By Maggie DiGiovanni
Eclectic Reporter for Elmore/Autauga News
From owning his own insurance company, serving as a Town Council member, to Mayor Pro-Tem and now Eclectic Mayor, Gary Davenport sits in the town’s highest position and residents say he has served his community well.
When Nationwide Insurance decided to go independent, those companies running under their flag had to decide whether to stay and become independents or retire and sell out. Davenport Insurance, after 41 years in business, opted toward the retirement option. Gary Davenport and his wife, Debbie, lived in Montgomery at the time.
Looking for a better school system for their children, the Davenports liked what they saw in the small rural town. When they made the move, becoming Mayor was not in Gary’s plans. Urged by Michael Holton, the mayor at that time, to run for Town Council, Davenport’s first thought was “No.”
However, after hearing from Helen Rowe that the town’s finances were in rough shape, he changed his mind and entered the political arena. Soon after winning the election, he joined the Planning and Zoning Commission. In that position, he worked with Rowe to pull the town from near bankruptcy and being able to hire personnel, allow overtime when needed and, in general, they balanced the books.
Gary held another prominent position of Mayor Pro-Tem, acting as mayor when required. In January 2017, two years after Councilman Davenport’s entry into politics, Mayor Holton resigned due to ill health. That move pulled now Mayor Davenport into the spotlight.
Throughout his terms in office, the mayor held a vision of growing Eclectic and improving its image. He does not wish to turn it into a metropolis. Instead, he wants to ensure enough development to move it forward instead of remaining stagnant. Some of the new companies are here due to his always being on the lookout for good fits to Eclectic.
Whether it is making certain the bus for the Eclectic Senior Center receives needed repairs or working toward getting sewer lines extended to allow public sewer for more town residents, Mayor Davenport works for the Town’s best interest. This often requires writing grants for local, state, or private companies to cover as much as 100 percent to as little as 50 percent. Often projects require a combination of grants to accomplish them. Using these grants have been a boon to Eclectic taxpayers.
Currently on the Wish List of Eclectic is developing the newly acquired pecan grove. The area may become a multi-use area including a walking trail that will eventually connect with the walking area of Panther Palace playground. Lighting to illuminate the area for various entertainment and using the orchard as part of the annual Cotton Festival would allow more vendors and more space for visitors. Those ideas are currently under consideration.
When Davenports’ wife, Debbie, was approached with a painting project, he jumped in to help as well.
Anyone coming into town can see the Centennial murals. On the exterior wall of Original Grace, happy men and women head out for a ride in a Model T or Model A convertible, dressed in period-appropriate garb. Another building shows the railroad that once ran through the end of town. Still another celebrates cotton which was grown in fields, stored in warehouses and other locations around Eclectic.
People knew of Debbie Davenport’s art skills, but few knew of Gary’s ability. Together Debbie and Gary gave Eclectic a priceless gift – memories of a time gone by, while the town celebrated its 100th birthday.
Before deciding on the murals chosen, the Davenports provided 20 pictures for the Town Council’s decision. Debbie passed away on January 3, 2021. For her contribution to our town, a lovely sense of humor, and as a good friend, Debbie will always be remembered.
When the family moved to Eclectic, they bought Carl Harden’s house. Carl owned Harden’s Hardware, which was a household name. It was where everyone went for anything they needed around the house, knowing they found what they wanted, plus a helpful neighbor and friend. After remodeling their new home, the family settled down and became a valuable asset to the community.
Eclectic got a mayor who tirelessly lays the framework for future growth in his adopted home. Mayor Gary Davenport is a mayor and a man worth getting to know.
