Where We're From - Part 1

Rusty grew up in Cairo, Georgia which is located in the southwest part of the state, just 30 miles above Tallahassee, Florida. It is a small town with just over 9,000 people and the county seat of Grady County.

Cairo (pronounced kay-ro) is Georgia’s “Hospitality City,” but it is also nicknamed “Syrup City” because of the former Roddenberry’s factory located in Cairo. It produced many items (peanut butter, pickles, etc.) but its most notable product was cane syrup. This is responsible for the name of the pride of Cairo, Georgia—the Cairo High School Syrupmakers football team. The story goes that during a long ago football game, it began to rain. The fans in the stands borrowed employee ponchos from the nearby factory that were emblazoned with “syrupmaker.” The name stuck and followed them to their most recent win as 2008 AAA state champions. Go Makers!

Rusty’s parents’ home is actually outside of town, a twenty or so minute drive from downtown Cairo. A red clay road leads up to the woods secluding their house. Their closest neighbors are the variety of birds and animals that live among the beautiful trees. Rusty and I love visiting his parents in Georgia. Their home is always filled with that famous southern hospitality!