Barbara Henson's Day Care and Swim Gym

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‘My husband and I were asleep Sunday Morning, November 4, 1973, when we got a phone call.  The distressed voice of our friend and employee, Inez Beddingfield, shocked us with the news that our day care center was on fire. With fear in our hearts, we dressed, got in the truck on that foggy night and looked in the direction of the day care. All we could see were flames. We quickly realized it was very bad. The fire fighters were arriving as we drove up and they worked for hours on what proved to be a hopeless task. It was a total loss. At dawn as we walked through the charred ruins, we saw many hours and years of work gone up in flames. This had been such a joyful place where we had shared in the lives of so many children.’  (Written by Barbara Henson, 1973)

Barbara Henson’s Day Care has been a staple of the Meridian Community since 1960. Many generations of kids have gone through its programs with fond memories of their days at Barbara Henson’s. That’s why the day care facility was the recipient of an overwhelming outpouring of love and help after the fire. Friends from Jackson, Hattiesburg, York, and all over Meridian offered help. They cleaned, donated toys and furniture, and the congregation at State Blvd Baptist Church let them use their Youth House until they could rebuild. They opened up on Monday and never missed a day of work! “That fire resulted in our expanding to where we are now,” says Barbara Henson, owner. “Today as I walk around the five acres that comprise the Day Care Center and the Swim Gym area, I am in total awe by what I see. God’s hand has been in everything. With his help, our dreams have been brought to fruition in these 59 years we have been in business. We thank him for each family and child that pass through our doors. They become like family!”

As a Meridian City Council member for 28 years, Barbara recognizes the advantages of being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. “We love Meridian and the chamber works hard to help businesses in this area grow. Keep doing what you are doing for the city.” 

Henson’s is a full day and after school child care facility, located at 2727 State Blvd. Owners Barbara Henson and Beverly Henson thank you for the many years you have entrusted your children to their care. Along with the ‘best staff in the world’, they love becoming involved in each child’s life, making memories and serving their community. 

2727 State Blvd., Meridian, MS