Local Tallahassee Democrats gathered Thursday night at Lake Ella to remember former President Jimmy Carter. The local Democratic party organized the event to commemorate the 39th president’s life and legacy.

Only three family members spoke during the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, but many more attended the services and are expected in Plains. Ga.

Madeleine Blais was a staff writer for the Trenton Times in 1976 when she was assigned to cover the Democratic Convention in New York City where Jimmy Carter claimed his party's nomination. The four days were mostly a snore -- but she created a time capsule of the week that she treasures to this day.