Dr. George Washington Carver is often called the “Father of the Peanut.”

He researched and developed more than 300 uses for peanuts including cosmetics, dyes, paints, plastics, gasoline and nitroglycerin. But Carver did not “invent” peanut butter.

However, because Carver’s reputation in the Wiregrass area is based on his research into and promotion of peanuts as an alternative to cotton, he is held in high esteem in this peanut producing area.

Without peanuts, there would be no peanut butter and, therefore, no Peanut Butter Festival.

So, for that reason, the last Saturday of October each year, the Brundidge Public Library presents, “A Visit with George Washington Carver” at the Peanut Butter Festival.

Eddie Bailey is well known for his portrayal of the scientist, botanist, educator and inventor.

“Eddie Bailey does an outstanding job portraying Dr. Carver,” said Ann Andrews, library board member. “ Each year, his presentation is different so, if you came last year, you will see a different performance on Saturday.”

Andrews said last year’s “Visit with George Washington Carver” included a question and answer session.

“Those who attended had questions about Dr. Carver that they wanted answered,” Andrews said. “Everyone participated and everyone learned a lot about this great man.”

This year, Andrews said “Dr. Carver” will be telling the story of his life and how he struggled to get an education at a time when blacks were not given many opportunities. He will also talk about his work at Tuskegee Institute and why he believed it was so important.

Carver was born in Diamond Grove, Missouri around 1864. He was a sickly child and spent most his time doing household chores and tending the garden. He enjoyed wandering in the woods, collecting rocks and flowers. There he began a lifelong love affair with nature.

Carver died in 1943 and is buried on the campus at Tuskegee. He contributed is life savings to establish a research institute at Tuskegee.

“A Visit with Dr. George Washington Carver” performances will be at 10 and 10:30 a.m. at the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library on Main Street in downtown Brundidge. There is no admission charge.’