In the good old days, growing up in Buxton was like being nurtured in a community that was friendly, warm and protective. Adults were always respected and obeyed. There was no littering , no swimming in the trenches, or no washing there. Crime was frowned upon by everyone.  The violation of any rule resulted in swift prosecution. Back then, the village had a resident Doctor, Magistrate and Sanitary Inspector. Most villagers were farmers who worked diligently to cultivate their crops. For families who did not own farms, the children were invited on a weekend to help in the backdam. Food was cooked and at the end of the day the kids took home a fair share of produce. Apart from Afro- Guyanese, Portuguese and East Indians cultivated farms. Some days as many as 25 boats could be seen traversing the many waterways with produce for market.
Buxton was known for producing some of the brightest minds in Guyana. Haslyn Parris, Fred Wills, Malcolm Parris, Eusi Kwayana, Frank Hope, Philbert Blair, Dr. Motilall, Magda Pollard and the famous Prophet Wills, who was renowned for using very big words.
Buxton was also known for producing the best fighters. In those days a real bad man was one who would fight without a weapon. Buxton had many. Many well known porkknockers were Buxtonians.  Odinga Lumumba recalls his grandfather being a porkknocker. His name was Kabana. According to him, Kabana was returning home from the bush when his hat fell overboard. He tossed two ounces of gold after it saying, “Pay for yourself and reach me in Buxton.” He sent for an expensive gown from England and every morning he would put it on and walk around the village. When porkknockers came home, they would buy rum by the shelf. Some have even been known to buy all the rum or beers in the shop. They were indeed an eccentric lot.
Some cultural events that took place in Buxton were moonlight fetes at the ball ground, international cycle races, scouts, cubs, girl guides and brigade, and kite flying on the seawall. Roving  masquerade bands were a permanent feature at Christmas.
Excursions to Buxton were very popular. Groups came from Georgetown, Berbice and the East Coast of Demerara. They were also excursions from Buxton to areas such as Belladrum, Mahaica, Berbice and Georgetown. These activities took place primarily during the August holidays. The excursion party would arrive by train occupying one or two carriages. After disembarking at Buxton, the two carriages would be left at the Buxton Train Station.     After the excursion ended, the train would return and hook up the two carriages with the satisfied visitors and head back from where they came.
Small boys who were early risers would race to help villagers to fetch their baskets to the train station for the away excursions. In return, they would receive plenty of goodies such as cake and chicken. Every day during the August break was one filled with activity in the village.
On August Monday, Old Conga people would march around the village in the early hours of the morning, drumming, singing  and dancing. Lodges also had regular processions through the village.
The Buxton village dances were extremely popular and attracted people of all races . They came from the city, the East Coast and further afield. These balls were held at Tipperary Hall, the Anglican School, Glassy Floor and Club 65. Many bands called orchestras in those days played during these social events. The Mootoo Orchestra from Berbice, the Little Jones Orchestra, The Lucky Strike, Washboards, Harry Mayers and Harry Banks were some of the minstrels that entertained patrons in Buxton.
There was Taja Indian festival which was very popular in the village. These were held only on moonlight nights, full moon to be exact. The roads would be packed with vendors selling all sorts of goodies. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves . There was always lively music by Estate band.
Flooding was a major challenge to villagers for a number of years. Strong appeals were made by villagers and their very militant Central Demerara  representative, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Once, when frustrated villagers broke the lock on the koker and opened it so that the flood waters could be drained from the village, police arrived in numbers. It was due to the arrival and intervention of Dr. Jagan that a meeting was arranged with the Governor and villagers in order to avoid a crisis.
Strangers were never allowed to enter and wander the village aimlessly. Newcomers had to be invited or brought by a villager. Whoever brought the visitor was responsible for that person’s conduct.  If a young man was interested in a girl of the village, he had to undergo a background check. Elders met, discussed and decided the fate of the relationship. This was done primarily to eliminate the chances of relatives getting married.
Some memorable moments for Buxtonians back in the days were backdam picnics, dances or balls, and excursions Emancipation celebrations, ringing of the bell to make announcements, mule pulling punts, people pulling punts, making coconut oil and brooms, eating conkee , pone , metagee , corn, cook-up, golia and foo-foo. Plaiting of the maypole, climbing the greasypole, lighting of bottle lamps and jug lamps.
Emancipation celebrations lasted for one month and were centered on the Corner Stone, which commemorates one hundred years of emancipation. It was a festive period. Tents were erected along the streets and there was plenty of drumming, singing, dancing, storytelling and of course, eating. All solemn ceremonies were attended by adults only.
BUXTON INTERVENTION
Presidential Adviser Odinga Lumumba revealed that President Jagdeo has made several commitments to the village of Buxton. During his recent visit, the President promised to help in a number of areas.  Following representation spearheaded by several persons, the president and several high government officials visited the community. During the discussions that took place, the President promised to help with a feeding programme in collaboration with the churches, donations of computer to schools, and the rehabilitation of Tipperary hall.
As a result of discussions with the President, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who had already  been collaborating with the farmers over a period of time,  would work with the farmers to assist them with some of the problems they face. The farmers had indicated that they needed the assistance of a tractor to help with the cultivation process and the preparation of the land. Mr. Lumumba disclosed that tractors were being acquired and would be shared by farmers on the East Coast of Demerara.
Residents also brought to the president’s attention the situation with the sluice at the Buxton Sea Wall. According to Mr. Lumumba, an analysis is being carried out in order to decide how best to move forward with this project.
TIPPERARY HALL
President Jagdeo has indicated to Buxtonians that the government will participate in the rehabilitation of Tipperary Hall. According to Presidential Advisor Odinga Lumumba, they have received the design done by Phyllis Bacchus and quantities have been done. He further stated that they are putting the necessary mechanism to pull the responsible groups together, in an effort to come up with the right combination to manage and co-ordinate the project.
Situated in the village of Buxton, Tipperary Hall stands as an important landmark. The hall was used by villagers as a popular ballroom, for concerts, weddings, wakes and a meeting place for various activists. Forbes Burnham and Dr. Cheddie Jagan both had meetings there.
These social events held mostly during the holiday periods, attracted persons from all over Guyana. Apart from regular dances each Saturday night, an Indian play called Indo Saba was performed there once. Patrons paid 4 cents and 8 cents to gain entrance. These were always well attended.
Built in 1909, it was registered as a burial society in 1911. The early use of this venue was extended to include social, educational and cultural events for the folks at Buxton, Friendship and nearby villages. The hall was also the venue for many excursions coming from Georgetown. This building was no longer used after 1998, because of its age and lack of maintenance. With no alternative venue to hold social and cultural events, villagers, especially the youths, have to find recreation outside their village or just lime.
During the 100th birthday celebration of Aunt Jess in 1998, attended by the late President Janet Jagan, the centenarian was asked by the president what she would like to see the government do in Buxton. Her immediate response was the restoration of Tipperary Hall to its former glory and the supply of potable water to Buxton. Aunt Jess died in 1999.
Her son, Charles Booker was visited by his mom in a dream. She begged him to restore Tipperary Hall. A meeting was called and a new society formed in 2009. The meeting not only addressed the restoration of Tipperary Hall, it dealt with issues affecting the community.
They discussed the negative factors that prevent development in Buxton. These were seen as drug abuse among youths, school dropouts and teenage pregnancy, unemployment and an increased crime rate, and some residents being unable to meet funeral expenses. There was also an undertaking to use the skills of members and affiliates to rebuild Tipperary Hall. They decided to hold activities at the national and international level to generate funds to restore the Hall.  They agreed that the Hall could be used for social, cultural and educational purposes of villagers, especially the youth. This would take place under the guidance and supervision of professionals and other adults. Activities included counselling, classes after school, a public library, computer courses, sports, scouting activities, art projects and other forms of training and lectures on health issues and crime prevention. The group made a commitment to help in providing for the burial of its deceased members.
The refurbished building will have multiple uses. The upper floor will be available for rent, and will have a state-of-the-art internet café with services such as internet, fax, telephone and photocopying.
All revenue generated willd be used for the regular maintenance of the building. The estimated cost of this restoration project is $72M.