Professional Documents
Culture Documents
S O U T H M I S S I S S I P P I
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009
www.accentsouthmississippi.com
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Robyn Jackson
theaccenteditor@aol.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Royce Armstrong
Trudy Berger
Karen Blakeney
Charlotte Blom
Layla Essary
Leif Munkel
Valerie Wells
GUEST COLUMNISTS
Louie A. Galiano
Kristen Twedt
James Welch
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Kristi Carver
Brookhaven and McComb
kristicarver@bellsouth.net
Charlotte Blom
Hattiesburg
charlotteblom1@gmail.com
Doug Crotty
Picayune
doug.crotty@gmail.com
Isabelle Parker
Mississippi Gulf Coast
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
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LOUIE A. GALIANO
Life’s full of romance and
adventure for Picayune couple
12 JAMES WELCH
Floating the Bogue Chitto is a
great break from reality
DESTINATIONS
28 AT THE CROSSROADS
After 125 years, all roads - and
railroads - still lead city’s growth
14 18 31 HISTORY’S HEROES
Former USO building pays tribute
to African-American vets
34 MOVIE PALACE
After 80 years, Saenger Theater
still defines entertainment
36 DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
Despite national recession down-
town Hattiesburg is thriving
4 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
CONTRIBUTORS
ROYCE ARMSTRONG is a freelance LOUIE A. GALIANO owns and operates an antiques store
writer and amateur wildlife photog- with his wife Debbie in Picayune. A graduate of
rapher from the Midwest who now Louisiana State University with twin degrees in English
lives deep in the piney woods of and business, his career has been mostly in manage-
South Mississippi. His work regular- ment and in teaching college economics. He is present-
ly appears in magazines, newspa- ly at work on his second novel, a sequel to his first,
pers and on Web sites. His passions “Snorkel - Immersions in Time.” Born in New Orleans,
include his family, his work, his he moved to the Picayune area more than 20 years ago.
faith, horses, bowhunting and the outdoors. His interests include travel, pre-Columbian history, and,
of course, snorkeling.
TRUDY BERGER, a retired business
consultant who moved to LEIF MUNKEL is the communications coordinator for the
Southwest Mississippi after a 30- Hattiesburg Convention Commission. He is also in
year professional career in charge of publicity for the Mississippi Miss Hospitality
Houston, is currently an election Pageant. He is a former reporter and anchor for WDAM
commissioner for Pike County, and News in Hattiesburg as well as WMDN News in Meridian.
a dedicated volunteer deeply He is originally from Minnesota where he majored in
involved in church and community mass communications.
activities such as the Summit
Historical Society, the McComb Depot Railroad Museum,
KRISTEN TWEDT is a freelance writer whose work has
and the Preservation Commission in her current home-
appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, Mississippi
town. She is a native of Hammond, La., and a long-ago
Magazine, South Mississippi Scene, The Hattiesburg
graduate of the LSU School of Journalism.
American, The Columnist and various online ezines,
including The National Pain Foundation, Arriviste Press
KAREN BLAKENEY is an award-win-
ning writer who lives in Gulfport and The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. Books
with her husband and five chil- include “A Tribute to Mom,” from Paperdoll Publishing
dren. Before graduating from and “My Crazy Christmas Catastrophe Cat,” from
Millsaps College, she studied art Timothy Lane Press. A Mississippi Gulf Coast native and
and poetry at St. John’s College at graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi,
Oxford University. Karen has Kristen lives in Hattiesburg with husband Steven and
recently completed a memoir
two children, Sam and Katie. She is a member of the
about her young son’s struggle to
overcome Scimitar Syndrome and Congenital Kyphosis. National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the
She maintains a congenital heart defects Web site, Southeastern Writers Association. Samples of her
www.NathansPrayer.com. columns appear at www.kristenscolumn.blogspot.com.
CHARLOTTE BLOM has a bachelor JAMES WELCH is a freelance writer who grew up in the
of arts degree from Vassar McComb area and has lived in the Hattiesburg area for
College. She has been freelance the last six years with his high school sweetheart and
copy editing and writing for wonderful wife, Wendy. They have three children,
years, as well as sampling unre- Ariana, Lauren and Braden. He likes to treat every day
lated professional experiences.
as an adventure, and with three children under the age
She enjoys exploring, hunting and
of seven, it usually is. He enjoys spending time with his
gathering in and around her home
family, writing feature stories and the outdoors, and is
in Hattiesburg.
constantly amazed by all that God has created.
LAYLA ESSARY is currently a free-
VALERIE WELLS is a freelance
lance writer for various publica-
tions and works as a contract pub- writer who has covered all aspects
lic relations consultant. Before ful- of community journalism for the
filling communication roles with past 20 years. A military brat with
two area-wide non-profit organiza- deep roots in South Mississippi, she
tions, Layla worked for nearly a looks for stories about the shared
decade in the broadcasting indus- history and culture of the region
try as an anchor and reporter for brought to life by everyday folk.
local television stations in Mississippi. She and her hus- She has written for national and regional magazines and
band Mike enjoy watching their two elementary-aged has been editor of several publications and Web sites.
kids play baseball and participate in swim team activi- She lives in Hattiesburg with a patient husband and two
ties, not to mention chronicling all of life on Facebook. well-adjusted sons.
6 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
EDITOR’S NOTES
SINCERELY SOUTHERN
HUB CITY MEMORIES
W now.
WHEN I FIRST CAME TO HATTIESBURG IN THE FALL
OF 1978, IT WAS STILL VERY MUCH A SMALL
TOWN, THE KIND OF PLACE WHERE EVERYONE
E I THER KNOWS EACH OTHER OR KNOWS ABOUT E A C H
other. After living here for 31 years, I’m still amazed by the incredible growth of the city. I can only
imagine what Capt. William Hardy, who founded Hattiesburg in 1884, would think of the Hub City
Back in 1978, the city pretty much ended at South 40th Avenue. When Methodist Hospital - now
Wesley Medical Center - relocated from Bay
Street to U.S. 98 West in 1980, I wondered
about the logic of locating a hospital way out in
the country. Older and wiser people than me
knew that Hattiesburg was about to boom and
that thousands of new residents would soon
follow, making Lamar County the fast-growing
in the state. The westward expansion had
begun.
We have pretty much everything you could
want here now, with two universities and a
campus of Pearl River Community College, two
major hospitals, Turtle Creek Mall and numer-
ous shopping centers and strip malls, and a
downtown that is starting to thrive again.
Our dining choices are a lot more varied
now, too. Thirty years ago, Dale’s, Mr. Ed’s
Pizza, Jimmy Faughn’s, Morrison’s Cafeteria, Mexican Kitchen, Conestoga Steak House, the Gold
Post, Shipley’s Do-nuts and the Wagon Wheel were popular places to eat. Burger Town had a fix-
your-own sundae bar. Sebastian’s served tasty sandwiches and ice cream concoctions with names like
the Dixie Darling. Most of those places are just memories now. We had McDonald’s and Burger King,
but I remember the excitement we college students felt when Taco Bell opened on Hardy Street
around 1980. Hattiesburg had finally reached the big time, as far as we were concerned. Now we
have many of the big national chain restaurants, but there are still many unique locally-owned eater-
ies that tempt us with their delights.
When I moved to Hattiesburg to attend USM, I had no idea I would decide to stay here, but
there’s something about Hattiesburg that sucks you in, especially if you’re from the Gulf Coast. It’s
close enough to home so you can visit your family often and take advantage of all the things the
Coast offers, but far enough away that you can be independent.
I’m proud to be part of this vibrant, dynamic community, and I hope that Accent South
Mississippi helps to show why living here is such a pleasure. I can only imagine what the city will be
like 30 years from now, in 2039. It will be interesting to watch its continued growth.
In the meantime, enjoy this issue’s special section saluting Hattiesburg’s 125th birthday. It’s time
to celebrate!
Robyn Jackson
8 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
GUEST COLUMN | louie galiano
A Lov e Sto ry
Life’s full of romance and adventure for
Picayune couple
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 11
GUEST COLUMN | james welch
I
TEXT BY JAMES WELCH
PHOTOS COURTESY SWEETWATER CANOE AND TUBING
In South Mississippi, the idea of escaping the heat flows into our thoughts as naturally and sud-
denly as the summer does.
One day we are reaching for our coat as we head for work and the next we are looking for our
shorts as we head for the beach. One day there’s a cold chill in the air and the next it’s so hot, it’s
hard to breathe. We enjoy only a brief moment of spring each year, before summer sets in and our
minds enter into escape the heat mode.
So goes the beginning of our summer vacation. The kids are out of school and their days fill with
watermelons and water balloons, as all thoughts of text books and homework fade away. Our minds
are suddenly free from the thoughts of carpools and after-school snacks, and that vacancy is filled
with thoughts of beaches and suntans. No matter how hard we try to slow it down, time seems to
double its pace on the beach and soon the vacation inevitably begins to come to an end.
12 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
With the start of a new school year comes little stresses. Lots of great wildlife can be found
waves of that all-too-familiar stuff we call stress. all along the trip and as you look on at the tur-
The plethora of free time that we have grown tles sitting on a log, you’ll be reminded of how
accustomed to enjoying through this break is you, not unlike those turtles, are in no hurry and
fading out in much the same way as it faded in. can relax while enjoying the ride. The birds fly-
Each new day seems to grow more and more ing overhead and the squirrels along the trees
filled. Leisure and relaxation are becoming a will remind you of how carefree you are at this
memory rather than a way of life, as we begin to very moment.
search for ways to hang on to this break and You want this trip to never end, but sooner or
treasure it for just a little longer. later it does and you find yourself approaching a
Canoe trips are a great way to spend a lazy boat ramp and the friendly staff from the rental
summer day and may be just the thing needed to group smiling and ready to take you back to
wrap up this summer break or relieve the stress your car and a nice changing area with private
that comes from back-to-school shopping. My showers, for getting ready for the ride home.
wife and I recently took a trip to McComb and Yet, with cabin rentals and camping sites, you’re
rented a canoe from one of the many great canoe welcome to stay a while. Maybe you could head
rental outfits along the winding road that leads down the many hiking trails available or have a
to the Bogue Chitto water park. At 230 acres, this picnic in the shade of a mighty oak. Whichever
wildlife refuge provides tons of entertainment. It activities you decide on, they are sure to be a
is named for the Bogue Chitto River that snakes great way to unwind on a summer day.
through it and provides for a great canoe or tub-
ing experience. Upon renting a canoe or tube,
you will be asked how long you would like to
float and are given a couple of options, which
range from a few hours to all day. You are then
bused to the appropriate location.
From this drop-off point the adventure begins,
and your worries begin to instantly fade away as
you ever so gently float along the spring-fed
stream. Calm water, friendly fellow floaters and
an alcohol-free atmosphere make for a great fam-
ily outing. As you paddle your way around
nature’s obstacles, you can’t help but be remind-
ed of days gone by and wonder how many oth-
ers have lost track of all of their worries along
this very river. Around the bend lies a sand bar
just calling for you to stop, and since you’re free
to do so, before you know it you are lying on the
beach basking in the sun. All along your trip,
you’ll find sand bars, swim holes and an irre-
For information on floating Magee Creek or the Bogue
sistible urge to stop and check them out. There
Chitto River, contact Sweetwater Canoe and Tubing,
are plenty of great places for a picnic, both on
www.sweetwatercanoeandtubing.com.
the canoe trip and within the park.
Time flies when you’re having fun, and on this
trip, you’ll find that the very thought of time has
slipped from your mind and so has a lot of life’s
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 13
DESTINATIONS | lynn meadows discovery center
DISCOVER
YOUR INNER
CHILD AT
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
S
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN BLAKENEY
National Humanities
Council Vice President
John Matthews, for-
mer McComb Railroad
Shop Foreman Edwin
Etheridge and
Museum Executive
Director Winnie Len
Howell exchange
ideas about the
upcoming Smithsonian
exhibition.
ALL ABOARD!
Smithsonian exhibition coming to McComb railroad museum
T
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRUDY BERGER
The Smithsonian is coming to our backyard in the grim realities of forced migrations and diffi-
South Mississippi. That’s right, ‘Journey Stories,” cult journeys, and the thrills of personal travel.
a compelling Smithsonian exhibition that shows The exhibition is a part of Museum on Main
how our evolving mobility changed a young Street, which represents a collaboration between
nation and how transportation made us grow, is the Smithsonian Institution and the local state
coming to the McComb Depot Railroad Museum humanities councils, in our case, the Mississippi
in the historic McComb Depot District. Humanities Council. The logistics necessary to
The colorful and informative exhibition, which package and distribute these massive produc-
is free to attend, will open to the public on tions are handled through the Smithsonian
Sunday, Oct. 25, and will remain open Mondays Institution Traveling Exhibition Services.
through Saturdays until Dec. 8. The work to obtain “Journey Stories” was initi-
In “Journey Stories,” the accounts of travelers ated some two years ago by Winnie Len Howell,
express the hopes and promises of fresh starts, the dedicated volunteer executive director of
16 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
FOR MORE INFORMATION
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 17
FEATURE | dr. keith melancon
Tagged!
FORMER SURGEON DEVELOPS
MEDICAL RECORD BREAKTHROUGH
TEXT BY ROYCE ARMSTRONG
18 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
T The bracelet you wear may
soon be the most valuable acces-
sory you own.
“I don’t know if you have
been to a doctor lately,” Dr.
Keith Melancon said, “but they
make you fill out about 10 pages
before you can even see the doc-
tor. If it has been more than a
couple of months, you have got
to do it all over again.
“It is really sort of a govern-
ment mandated thing because
and then we took it off and we
found out that USB drives truly
were waterproof.”
It was then that Yates sug-
gested that what they were
doing for humans would also be
a useful product for dogs. The
partners decided to develop the
product for pets first and work
many of the bugs out of it
before introducing the human
version.
Dawg-E-Data, a jump drive
a national database, said
Melancon. One of those is priva-
cy.
“If a kid can hack into a gov-
ernment computer or a major
credit card company records,
how safe will a national medical
records database be?” he asks.
Medi-Alert will allow people
to store medical information on
the device that will either be
worn like a bracelet or slipped
into a wallet like a credit card.
they are trying to keep track of housed in a colorful plastic dog What is more, the individual can
how well you are doing, how bone that is attached to a dog choose which information is
patients perceive things. It is collar, was born. accessible to emergency medical
really just a frustration for the “You can put just about any- personnel and what is not.
patients. I have patients that thing on Dawg-E-Data,” Melancon knows how impor-
come in with this big stack of Melancon said. “There is a place tant maintaining medical
papers because they want to be for the owner information and records can be, both as a physi-
prepared for the visit, but they all of the veterinarian informa- cian and as a patient.
can never find the paper that tion. There is room for pictures Two years ago it was discov-
they needed to give me during of the pet and the pet and the ered that he had brain cancer.
the visit.” family. You can put the dog’s Although the surgery was suc-
Melancon has been an ortho- pedigree, AKC or UKC registra- cessful, it left him with nervous
pedic surgeon, specialist, and tion, the medications, the sur- system damage that has affected
partner in the Hattiesburg prac- geries, vaccinations, X-rays, lab the functions of his right arm
tice Southern Bone and Joint tests or anything that might be and leg. The delicate touch
Specialists since 1998. He is also helpful to someone that is tak- required to perform surgery was
currently the president of the ing care of that pet. There is also gone.
Mississippi Orthopaedic Society a function on the computer that “For a guy like me, if I am in
and he is developing a bracelet reminds you to get the dog a car wreck, my device is going
that may be a medical records heartworm medicine, get his to tell the ambulance driver that
breakthrough. teeth cleaned or whatever. It is picks me up and plugs in the
Melancon and a business part- really designed to hold anything device that I have had brain sur-
ner, Cory Yates, began working that is important to the overall gery,” said Melancon. “It will let
on a device to help store patient well-being of that pet around them know to not be surprised
medical records on a USB drive the collar.” if my reflexes are funny on one
before Hurricane Katrina. The With the pet device in the side. Stuff like that. It may not
device was supposed to be marketplace, Melancon and his tell you that I have had knee
waterproof, but they wanted to partner have again turned their surgery because not everyone
know for sure. They needed a attention to the human version. needs to know that.”
way to test it. “We are excited about the Melancon is now meeting
Melancon’s family includes human device,” said Melancon. with state officials with hopes of
his wife, Susan, three children “Everything that will be stored introducing the product through
and the family dog, a black from a medical standpoint will Medicare.
Labrador retriever named Rex. be digitally stored within the “Mississippi has one of the
“We tied it to Rex’s collar and next six years. The paper chart highest number of Medicare
then we started throwing the is dead.” recipients,” Melancon said.
bumper out into the water to There are a number of advan- “This device could potentially
him,” Melancon said. “We left it tages to the personal data stor- save the state millions of dol-
on him for a couple of months age device over concepts such as lars.”
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 19
FEATURES | south ms children’s shelter
20 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
that they remain in the shelter. attempt to help children during challenge.”
“We get children that have not their short stay, it also tries to The shelter is funded by a com-
been in school for a year or provide more follow-up assis- bination of federal and state
more,” Miller said. “That is typi- tance. grants and it is a United Way
cal, too. We get kids that have “We are trying to help the kids agency. It also has an advisory
lots of educational needs. The more when they leave us,” she board that makes private dona-
school system has been great. We said. “We see the need for more tions and solicits donations from
could not do what we do without community-based services. Our the community.
the help of the school system. We agency has started more pro- “All of our funding sources are
could not do what we do without grams where we work with fami- affected by the economy,” Miller
the help of the whole community. lies to try and help keep the kids said. “Our grant funding is
Everyone works well togeth- decreasing. Our costs contin-
er.” ue to go up as our revenue
DHS children remain in is decreasing.”
the shelter for up to 45 days One of the problems,
before being placed in a fos- according to Miller, is that
ter home or returned to the center is invisible to the
members of their birth fami- average citizen that might be
ly. Runaway or homeless inclined to help support it.
children are kept for up to “Not everyone knows
21 days before being placed about us because we cannot
in a more permanent home, reveal our location,” she
according to Miller. said. “We cannot put a sign
The Center averages 10 out front that says
children in residence at any Mississippi Childrens Center
one time and annually because we cannot let the
serves about 140 children. general public know where
“We see children with we are, or who is with us. If
more needs than ever we did that, the children
before,” said Miller. “What might not be safe.”
we are seeing is that the An important community
child may come to us with fundraiser is the annual
one specific problem. wine tasting and silent auc-
Perhaps they were physical- tion. This year’s event was
ly abused. Once they come to us, in the community. The federal held Aug. 15, at the Hattiesburg
we begin to unravel all that is government has stepped in and Train Depot and was dubbed
going on and we discover other said that states must try and keep “California Versus the World.”
things that have happened to kids in the community, that we In the meantime, there are 47
them as well. Perhaps they were can’t just keep putting them into Safe Place signs posted across
also sexually abused. So their group home facilities.” South Mississippi, offering hope for
needs begin to be more complex.” Yet, while there are a growing shelter and safety to abused, home-
Miller blames the drug culture number of children with more less and runaway children.
for the seriousness of the chil- complex needs, funding to sup- “Unfortunately as long as there
drens’ needs. port the center has fallen upon are families that have needs and
“We see a lot more children hard times. who are not able to care for their
whose parents abuse drugs and “My goal is to increase our rev- children, there will always be a
alcohol,” she said. enues so we can stay open,” need for what we do,” Miller
Not only does the shelter Miller said. “Staying open is a said.
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 21
FEATURES | rare design
CREATIVE FIRM
GIVES NEW LIFE
TO HISTORIC
HATTIESBURG
BUILDING
I
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAYLA ESSARY
In the mid-1990s, fresh out of sional sporting organization rely on foot traffic for business,
college and working in a three- used a retail corporation for so the fact that it’s tucked away
person design studio in that role. Being a part of that on the side of a 30,000 square
Hattiesburg, graphic designer process was clearly where my foot building on Buschman
Rodney Richardson pitched education in branding started. I Street in downtown Hattiesburg
himself to the Nike Corporation had actually hated logo projects isn’t exactly surprising. But one
without a portfolio or extensive before and now the identity glimpse inside the business
experience. work is the foundation for behind the scarlet red door
Instead it was a single everything I do.” reveals interior design elements
resume that turned the heads of In 1999, Richardson moved that are anything but ordinary.
company executives. his family back to Hattiesburg “We like being off the beaten
“I realized I needed to make to launch Rare Design, a com- path, tucked away with our red
mine stand out so I designed it pany he conceptualized as a door,” Richardson said. “Then
in a way that was unique and senior project in college. you walk in and there’s this
composed the information in a “I used my initials R-A-R for massive, curved, corrugated
way that was unusual,” recalled the first three letters, and used wall that sets a tone for the
Richardson. “They told me the word ‘rare’ because that vision we are trying to project.
they’d never seen a resume like word means raw but also The space is what we call mod-
it.” unique,” said Richardson, ern, urban, industrial living.”
The company eventually explaining how Rare Design Because of the creative
offered Richardson a job in has fulfilled what he envisioned nature of their work, downtown
Portland, Ore., immersing the years ago, as a forward think- seemed to be the best fit for the
young artist into the early ing, edgy creative venture. “I company.
design phase of a professional wanted those qualities to be “There was never any ques-
team identity campaign. reflected in our logo and that tion about it — our office
“One of the first projects I logo I designed then is still the would be downtown. It’s a cre-
got to be a part of was the logo we have today.” ative agency, and with creative
design for the Denver Broncos people you have to be able to
organization,” said Richardson. BEHIND THE RED DOOR get up from your desk and
“It was the first time a profes- Rare Design doesn’t exactly move around and do different
22 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
things. I think other creative proud that we are a part of the
people thrive with a greater investment going on in down-
sense of community, and where town.”
else can you get out, go down And that investment now
the street, and go to an eatery, continues with a current
go to a shop, go to a gallery remodeling effort involving
and experience residential and more than 10,000 square feet of
commercial blended together so space, dedicated to creating an
well?” unparalleled event room.
Richardson said he looked “By early next year, we hope
at this 30,000 square foot build- to be able to offer a unique
ing about a year after space to local businesses and
Hurricane Katrina, realizing organizations,” said Toby
that it needed a lot of repairs Barker, who serves on staff at
along with a new look and feel. Rare Design and event space
“It had lots of damage,” facilitator. “We know that there
Richardson said. “There were is a demand for a space like
literally gaping holes in the this and we are thrilled with
ceiling, but I immediately saw the chance to create a venue
the multi-use potential of the like no other in this area of
building. There’s a legacy of downtown.” plinary suspensions at
people already here in down- Southern Miss, yet getting a
town doing wonderful things SECOND CHANCE second chance at the field he
with the spaces here and we Faintly painted numbers lin- was pursuing.
wanted to join in, to contribute ing the lower quadrant of a “A person with a key posi-
to this community.” brick wall are clear reminders tion at the university let me
The Buschman Street build- of the building’s former life as know that they didn’t think I
ing is a part of what is now a large scale commercial bak- was a bad kid,” Richardson
described as the Depot District. ery; the old Smith Bakery mark- said. “There was a student
“Downtown Hattiesburg has ings are left behind by design. design position that had
begun to describe areas in Likewise Richardson is quick become available. They knew I
regard to districts and the to remember the events in his wasn’t technically supposed to
Depot District gets its name life that have made lasting be eligible for this position, but
because of the proximity to the impressions. they thought I deserved anoth-
newly renovated train depot,” “It’s not always that picture- er chance.”
said Betsy Rowell, director of perfect business success story; That second chance proved
the Historic Hattiesburg there have been many struggles to be the big break Richardson
Downtown Association. “It’s and many defining moments needed.
wonderful to see this building along the way,” said “When I think about that
and the entire district preserve Richardson. “In my faith jour- now, it was huge. I was just
its history, while at the same ney, I’ve learned to rely on God another kid among thousands
time creating an exciting future through every step of the way, and they made that effort to
by choosing this important cor- through many ups and downs.” call me back in and give me my
ridor in downtown.” Richardson recalled the rock first design job. You talk about
“It’s an eclectic blend of life bottom coming while in college, a light switch that flipped on. I
here,” Richardson said. “We are enduring scholastic and disci- don’t even think I knew what
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 23
to help them understand that
there is a connection that has to
be reached with their consumer
and make sure they are willing
to do the tough work to get
there. It’s an arduous, time-
consuming process, and it can
be costly, but it’s front-loaded.
Later, when you have to do a
brochure or release to the pub-
lic, all those decisions are
made. It makes all the choices
easier to make down the road.”
And no doubt Richardson
has his eye on what’s down the
the field was about before then. “There’s a great joy in show- road, at the same time main-
After I served my disciplinary ing our work to clients and taining the important mile-
time, from that time on, school when we see their eyes light up stones of the past.
was so easy for me.” and they say, ‘Yes, that’s it’, “Rodney’s found a way to be
Years later, Rare Design still you know the work that’s being respectful of the history of the
does work with Nike and was done is right and connects with building his business now
contracted to create the identity the client and their audience. occupies,” Rowell said. “In a
and logos for the Memphis There are case studies that time when there’s so much
Grizzlies and the Houston show it impacts the company’s emphasis on being environmen-
Texans, not to mention the cur- bottom line significantly. tally conscious, reviving these
rent design used by the There’s great satisfaction in sustainable buildings is really
University of Southern that.” the ultimate act of being
Mississippi. Richardson added that as a green.”
“There’s nothing like the designer, it’s more than just Along with being green,
work we do with sporting making a logo that looks good. Richardson aims for excellence
organizations,” Richardson “A lot of people say, ‘I see in all that he does with the
said. “If we design a corporate this logo over here and I want business and renovation efforts.
identity, outside of the top offi- one of those.’ But that logo is “A friend told me the other
cials, not that many people the end result of a lot of work day that he thought of our
really care what that logo looks determining the core values of business when he saw an ad
like. But you get an athletic a company and its identity. It campaign. It said that a busi-
identity? People are emotional- starts as a big shotgun explo- ness was ‘Rare but exceptional-
ly invested in that mark and sion of large pieces, but at the ly well done.’
what it represents; fans connect end of the day the branding That, Richardson said, goes
with it. If we miss that, it’s ends up very concise and they beyond the awards or accolades
huge. But if we capture it, it’s say, ‘Wow, that is who we Rare Design has received, serv-
even bigger.” are.’” ing as inspiration for the
And there’s evidence that Yet Richardson admits that decade to come.
getting it right can affect the getting there doesn’t come More information on Rare
bottom line profits of the com- without a price. Design can be found at
pany. “Our goal with our clients is www.raredesign.com.
24 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
hattiesburg’s entertainment destination
h a p p y 1 2 5 t h b i r t h d a y !
BROOKHAVEN
LITTLE THEATRE
SUPPORT THE
LOCAL ARTS
www.brookhavenllittletheatre.org
SPECIAL | Hattiesburg celebrates 125 years
At the Crossroads
Af ter 125 years,
all roads
- and railroads -
lead to Hattiesburg’s
continued g rowth
28 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
Old photographs and postcards depict life the way it
was in Hattiesburg’s early years.
30 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
HISTORY’S H E ROES
FORMER USO BUILDING PAYS TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN VETERANS
A
exhibit as a symbol of the indomitable
spirit of the African-American woman.
An old white building on East Sixth Street in different entities since then, from a library to a
Hattiesburg is, at first sight, a modest relic left community center and now, a museum honoring
over from an era of past glories. The World War the very same soldiers it served during the era
II-era tank guarding the property reminds visi- of segregation.
tors that this building’s time passed by years “The USO Club is a historic landmark and is a
ago. one of a kind institution in the United States,”
Immediately upon stepping into the parking said Iola Williams, Hattiesburg Convention com-
lot, however, the lifeless old building comes missioner. “It’s amazing to see this building,
alive with Big Band music which conjures up which was once a symbol of segregation, become
mental images of soldiers dancing with pretty a symbol of freedom, not only for African-
girls. This building, after all, is the former USO Americans but for everyone. It’s only fitting that
for African-American soldiers. some of our nation’s bravest would be honored
Built during the second world war for the here.”
recreation of black servicemen and women, the Anyone stepping into the African-American
old structure has been transformed into many Military History Museum should expect to be
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 31
SPECIAL | Hattiesburg celebrates 125 years
Children and adults can take the wheel of an army truck and learn about the brave men of the Red
Ball Express through an interactive trivia game.
greeted with a friendly, “Hello, welcome to the and an inspirational figure during the War of
museum.” Independence. There are also references to black
There are boards on the wall next to each Americans who fought the British in the War of
exhibit explaining what is being displayed. There 1812.
is a cell phone option which allows visitors to The larger exhibits begin with the Civil War.
call a toll-free number and listen to the audio Thousands of black Americans, some of them
designed to describe each exhibit and historical former slaves, joined the U.S. Army in the fight
trivia. For the technologically impaired, nearly to preserve the union and end the enslavement
every exhibit has a video that can be activated of their race. Life was hard for soldiers of this
with the punch of a big red button. war. One striking exhibit shows a blue uni-
HISTORY BUFF’S DELIGHT formed soldier trying to lead a horse that is stuck
“The museum covers the military history of up to its knees in mud. The horse is also wearing
our nation,” said Richard Barnes, 18, a museum period gear, including the famous McClellan sad-
employee. “I took ROTC in high school and I dle used by the cavalry of the day.
love history. There are nice exhibits and even There are also rare mementoes from the
history buffs can learn a lot here.” Spanish-American War of 1898. Mostly associat-
The exhibits begin with an explanation of ed with Teddy Roosevelt, the war to end Spanish
black bondage prior to the Civil War. A wall dis- domination of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the
play honors Crispus Attucks, one of the first Philippines included many Americans of color.
martyrs of the American Revolution, Attucks was Decorations from this war adorn the walls in
one of five people killed in the Boston Massacre worn, but honorable condition.
32 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
The next exhibit - World War I - is not for the the Middle East. Local heroes such as Jesse L.
claustrophobic. Visitors are taken through a nar- Brown, the first black naval aviator, are honored
row hallway with walls that are lined with logs as well as national black military figures such as
and painted to look like dirt. Immediately the Gen. Colin Powell. There is even a Hattiesburg
feeling of being closed in sets in. Fortunately, Hall of Honor that electronically displays images
the “trench” isn’t very long and leads to a wall of African-Americans who served in the mili-
with other World War I items, photos and tary.
medals. The Historic USO Club is the only surviving
USO built exclusively for African-American sol-
WORLD WAR II diers and has helped provide an identity for
The old USO’s next exhibit is probably the African-Americans in Hattiesburg for more than
largest. It depicts the era of the 1940s when half a century. That fact is not lost on the young
Americans of African descent were called upon people who work there.
to help liberate Europe and Asia from the Axis “Working here is a fun opportunity and I’m
powers. Dozens of items adorn the walls, includ- proud to have the chance to be a part of this,”
ing colorful posters, striking photos and medals. said Jasmine James, 17. “This USO is the last
The exhibit tells the well-known stories of all- one. It’s one of a kind.”
black and first-black units of World War II, such
as the Tuskegee Airmen, but it also includes
lesser known historical units such as the “Triple
Nickle.”
The “Triple Nickle” was an all-black airborne
unit named the 555th Parachute Infantry. These
men were trained for combat in the Pacific in
what was called “Operation Firefly.” Called
“smoke jumpers,” the 555th jumped over wild-
fires and landed in the forests of Montana,
Oregon and Washington. Their mission was to
find Japanese bombs which had landed along the
West Coast. The government feared that the
nation would panic if it learned that the U.S.
homeland had been attacked, and the “Triple
Nickle” was sworn to secrecy.
A more interactive display depicting the Red
Veterans Raylawni and Al Branch place dog tags on the muse-
Ball Express of the European campaign is sure to
um’s deployment map, showing where they served
garner the interest of active youngsters. A jeep
sits in front of a video screen. Kids are encour-
aged to climb in and “drive.” Turning the wheel
changes the image on the screen, giving the
driver the feeling of hauling supplies through IF YOU VISIT THE MUSEUM
France. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Location: 305 E. Sixth Street, Hattiesburg
ONE OF A KIND Admission: Free
Other exhibits explain the courage and deter- Phone: (601) 450-1942
mination of those men and women who served Web: www.hattiesburguso.com
in Korea, Vietnam and the most recent wars of
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 33
SPECIAL | Hattiesburg celebrates 125 years
I
TEXT BY LEIF MUNKEL
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY HATTIESBURG CONVENTION COMMISSION
In 1929, the nation was in the midst of one of the worst economic crises it had ever seen.
The Great Depression left millions without work and even more in poverty. Movies
became popular as inexpensive distractions and movie houses sprang up across the coun-
try, including in downtown Hattiesburg.
On Thanksgiving Day 1929, the Hattiesburg Saenger Theater, built by brothers Abe and
Julien Saenger, opened. During the golden age of Hollywood, the Saenger Theater
brought the world to the Pine Belt through moving pictures. John Wayne thundered across
the western plains on horseback, while Charlie Chaplin gave viewers a much needed
laugh. It was this escapism that gave the nation and the City of Hattiesburg the lift they
needed during those difficult times.
Eighty years have passed since the Saenger Theater opened its doors, but the Saenger
34 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
Theater has remained a cultural and historical The Hattiesburg Convention Commission inherit-
icon in the Pine Belt, and in today’s economic cli- ed operation of the theater from the City of
mate it remains a means of escapism. Hattiesburg in 2003 and it once again entertains
“The Historic Saenger Theater has been the with world-class events which dazzle audiences
hub for entertainment and culture throughout its from across Mississippi. It would have been
80 years in Hattiesburg,” said Hattiesburg impossible for the Saenger brothers, Abe and
Convention Commission Executive Director Rick Julien, to ever imagine that the small theater they
Taylor. “Many community groups and friends of built 80 years ago would house some of the
the Saenger have worked hard to keep the the- biggest events in Mississippi, including this
ater in good condition.” year’s 80th Anniversary Gala.
The Hattiesburg Saenger, originally one of At 8 p.m. Sept. 26, to begin the celebration of
seven Saenger Theaters operated throughout the its 80th anniversary, the Saenger Theater will
South, quickly became the crown jewel of host the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. The Big Band
Hattiesburg. It was designed by New Orleans became popular during the early years of the
architect Emile Weile and is one of Mississippi’s Saenger Theater in the 1930s. Dorsey formed his
two examples of the movie palace type. Weile orchestra in 1935 and had such hits as
infused characteristics of Neo-classical Revival “Manhattan Serenade” and “The Big Apple.”
Style and Art Deco Style, including Mayan- Dorsey’s smooth, lyrical trombone style led to
inspired elements into the theater’s decor. The his popularity among swingers. Dorsey would
theater boasts a 778-pipe Robert Morton Pipe die in 1956 but his orchestra continued to flour-
Organ, which was specially designed for the ish under various conductors, including today’s
Saenger’s acoustics. It has been reconstructed, most recent conductor, Buddy Morrow, one of
and is one of the only Robert Morton organs in this era’s greatest trombone players, who has
the United States still in its original position. worked with many Big Bands and jazz groups
The Saenger was placed on the National throughout the United States. He joined the
Register of Historic Places in 1979 and has Tommy Dorsey orchestra in the 1940s and also
undergone two renovations: The first in the 1980s played with the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra after
was undertaken by Mayor Bobby Chain, and in serving in World War II.
2000, it underwent a $3.75 million renovation. “For the Saenger’s 80th anniversary we wanted
to bring in a special act that was indicative of the
theater’s founding era,” said Public Relations
and Marketing Manager Traci Rouse. “The
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is almost like looking
into a time capsule for that generation.”
In addition to the concert, the 80th
Anniversary Gala will include a dessert reception
and special memorabilia for guests. Tickets for
the event are $20-$30 and can be purchased
through the Saenger Theater Box Office at (601)
584-4888 or online at
www.HattiesburgSaenger.com.
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 35
SPECIAL | Hattiesburg celebrates 125 years
DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZ ATION
36 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
galleries and nightclubs.
Part of the success now was all about timing, Rowell said.
“Kids growing up in the suburbs are tired of that,” she
said, referring to the young downtown entrepreneurs.
Instead of strip malls and giant marts, this younger gen-
erations prefers niche shops, intimate lunch dates and one-
of-a-kind experiences. And in turn, a thriving downtown
needs the energy of “new blood,” Rowell said.
Along with the music and the art and the coffee shops,
there’s a commitment to recognize what Mayor Johnny
DuPree calls Hattiesburg’s “other downtown” - the Mobile-
Bouie Street area. The historically black business district
and neighborhood is now embraced by the historically
white downtown association. The African-American
Military History Museum housed in the historic USO Club
building on East Sixth Street attracts many visitors. Also set
to open soon is a community center at the renovated Eureka
School building.
From the train depot to the Mississippi 42 Bypass, Mobile
Street is the unifying element that connects the two old
downtowns. The Mobile Street Renaissance Festival, found-
ed in part by City Council member Deborah Denard
Delgado, celebrates the one new downtown. This year, the
festival is Oct. 2-4.
The downtown is finding other common ground. Two
separate studies - one for a business strategy and one for
public arts development - concluded the same thing:
Gordon‘s Creek is an asset. Both studies suggest making the
creek an attractive, linear sculpture park will improve qual-
ity of life, attract visitors and keep the new blood pumping.
Architect Larry Albert, who oversaw the restoration of
the Saenger Theatre and Hattiesburg Train Depot, is head-
ing up the rebuilding of the old Hattiesburg High School on
Main Street, which was gutted by an arsonist’s fire in 2007,
and will eventually be an art center for the University of
Southern Mississippi.
Albert also designed the new Hattiesburg public library
on Hardy Street, which won a Governor’s Award for
Excellence in the Arts for its design in 1997. Its red tile
roof, huge arched windows and twin curving staircases
inside reflect the design of the original library on Main
Street, which is now the Hattiesburg Cultural Center.
“I spent a lot of time in the old building and had a love
for it,” Albert said.
Rowell sees it all coming together.
“It’s amazing when you stop and look at what’s happen-
ing in Hattiesburg,” she said.
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 37
HOME & GARDEN | golden eagle’s nest
At home with
Martha Saunders
S OUTHERN M ISS PRESIDENT ’ S
HOME WAS DESIGNED
FOR ENTERTAINING
38 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
In the evenings, the university president courtyard there when the renovations are com-
writes personal notes on birthday cards to plete.
Southern Miss employees. She sends notes to Saunders has a small herb garden close to the
parents of student athletes along with pictures door near the kitchen. Under some hanging
taken by her favorite photographer - Joe Bailey. tomato plants grow basil, thyme, oregano and
With a Kindle in her lap, she catches up on her mint.
reading. “I’m fond of tarragon. And a lot of rosemary,”
“It’s my favorite thing,” she said. she said.
The electronic book reader has come in handy
in her frequent travels. She rips out book
reviews in magazines or newspapers so she can
order the books instantly to her Kindle as she
needs new reading material just for pleasure.
Recently, she’s read “Ahab’s Wife,” by Sena Jeter
Naslund and “First Family” by David Baldacci.
On Sunday mornings, the couple visits with
their grandchildren via Skype using a Web cam
on the Internet. When they get the chance, they
visit their children and grandchildren in person.
When they are not working, traveling or read-
ing, they are gardening. Joe Bailey has a bonsai
garden where he carefully maintains the small
tree and bush forms.
“Bonsai is an art form,” Bailey said.
He even has a bush that he salvaged from the
Ogletree House on the Southern Miss campus.
He is making a bonsai tree out of it that he wants
to give to the Alumni Association to place in the
B
V i cto r i a n
B eauty
Groth family grows into
Brookhaven’s Sproles House
B
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRUDY BERGER
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 43
Rosses, who completely gutted the first detail to catch the eye is dentil molding.
the rear of the first floor, thereby the beautifully carved oak stair- What catches the eye about
creating a large open kitchen way leading to the second floor. this house happens before one
with spacious counters, custom To the left is the living room, the sets foot inside the front door –
wood cabinets and 14-foot ceil- centerpiece of which is a massive it’s the large turret on the north-
ings, and a cheery breakfast area coffee table crafted from a large east corner of the façade, and the
which opens into a den-sitting wood-framed glass front door, two large gable windows above
area, all surrounded by windows complete with door knob, hinges, the bay windows on the front
which look out into the large, mail slot and gold leaf numbers and one side that really define
beautifully landscaped and well- still evident on the glass. the exterior of this house.
shaded back yard. Another feature in the living Next time you are in
As one enters the front door, room is the fireplace, with its Brookhaven, ride by and take a
distinctive surround and look for yourself. And do try to
Victorian cast iron fireplace resist the impulse to get out of
cover. Directly behind the living your car and rest a spell in one
room is the dining room with an of those inviting rockers on the
antique glass chandelier and front porch.
pearl street garden | HOME & GARDEN
Summer Oasis
COTTAGE GARDEN ADDS PLENTY OF
CURB APPEAL TO HATTIESBURG HOME
I
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHARLOTTE BLOM
If you’ve ever driven on Pearl Street in
Hattiesburg, then you’re probably familiar with this
lush cottage-style garden that takes up an entire lot,
filling the space where a house would ordinarily sit.
In her living room, lit by natural light through a
bay window that offers a view of the yard, Sue Sharp
tells the story of the garden’s evolution. She and her
husband, Merv, have labored and crafted it for years.
Sue’s warnings about the garden not being up to par
this summer, due to the drought and heat wave
Hattiesburg experienced for more than a month, are
waylaid by her enthusiasm for the story. Her large,
beautiful, tiger-striped cat saunters in and out of the
room, furtively assessing things as Sue talks.
A professor of fashion merchandising at the
University of Southern Mississippi for 35 years, Sue
retired in 2003. Though she’d always had some kind
of garden, her passion for planting and growing real-
ly blossomed after stepping down from teaching.
Then, on Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused
major wreckage to the Sharps’ property and home.
Their corner lot lost most of its more than 20 pine
trees. Ten landed on the house. Although a few pines
and one hefty oak withstood the storm, Katrina had
uprooted most of the Sharps’ trees, as well as the
Sharps themselves.
Luckily, they were able to communicate with
their neighbors, who were out of town, who said
they could stay at their house, enabling the Sharps to
relocate right next door. A year later, they purchased
the house and began creating a garden for it, where,
according to Sue, there was nothing before.
But they decided to keep their old garden as well,
making the clean-up around their old home a care-
fully approached task with preservation in mind. Sue
would not allow the house to be plowed, even
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 45
though it was unsalvageable,
because it would have destroyed
the garden.
Amidst the beds and flowers,
there is now a pergola with wis-
teria vines, jasmine and other
climbing flowers. The gazebo in
the center of the garden is recon-
structed from the front porch of
the old house, adding charm and
a haven from the sun with two
wooden rocking chairs from
which to enjoy the greenery.
Despite the harsh weather
conditions this summer, Sue has
already experienced a special sur-
prise, the blooming of white
climbing hydrangeas. Her garden
tour, along a quaint winding path
created by salvaged brick from
the Sharps’ former house, is full
of names of the flowers, trees and
plants, including a tea tree, a
tung oil tree, a bottlebrush tree,
coneflowers, Mexican petunias,
Texas lilac vitex, yuccas, clematis,
roses, Texas Star hibiscus, morn-
ing glories, oleanders and bat-
winged pansies.
Everything is so meticulously
cared for; even the weeds grow-
ing in the cracks of the Sharps’
old driveway aren’t actually
weeds. And even when Sue does
refer to weeds or unwanted
plants, it’s with a hint of affection
that she’ll refer to them as
“thugs.”
Without rain, Sue faithfully
waters the garden from daylight
to at least 10:30 a.m. most morn-
ings in order to save the garden.
But one might imagine she is out
there much of the time even in
wetter weather, just out of sheer
devotion and because of the joy
and vitality gardening gives her.
Purchase Your Copy Online
Visit our New Website
www.waiting4acure.org
W
C for a
AITING
URE
601.543.5719
ART | tracy donald
Portrait of an artist
48 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
Patty Hall, above, displays
Donald’s art at the
Hattiesburg Cultural Center.
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 49
Hattiesburg public library a one-person show in this into the window of a painter’s
building years ago. space, because of the heights of world, and I wanted Tracy
“We were hopeful when the ceiling, it seems to be Donald to be a part of this
talks began for renovating this almost too consuming some- opportunity,” said Lissa
space that they would give us times,” Hall said. “But Tracy Ortego, local artist and
permission to maintain an art paints with such large canvases owner/instructor of Bristles.
gallery here and that has now sometimes so that her work is “Tracy did a great job demon-
happened,” Hall said. “We’ve able to fill a space.” strating the medium of oil
been blessed to participate in And the opportunity painting and giving everyone a
introducing new, emerging prompted the oil painter to basic glimpse into a skill she
artists who have gone on and explore new areas of interest. knows very well. I found it
enjoyed a successful art career. “I’ve done quite a few flow- interesting to see how she
It’s been nice to see them in the ers, some still lifes and land- works stylistically, and I
early stages of their careers and scapes, but one of my favorite believe others did as well.”
watch them develop themselves areas is abstraction and I fig- Donald said each person can
as artists. Often as a public ured this was a great chance to find ways to explore their artis-
space we have events and wed- explore that genre,” Donald tic side and have a good time
ding receptions here so artists said, adding that she wants to doing it.
are introduced to a wide array continue exploring the abstract “I wanted them to have a
of audiences by virtue of hav- style of painting. “In my opin- great time being creative and I
ing their work on display. And ion, abstract paintings are the think they all did.”
that can lead to a work of art most difficult. You are relying Hall said not every artist is
getting sold to someone in the on your mind for inspiration so eager to share their creative
audience, or just getting their and not looking at a photo or talents with others.
name out even beyond this subject per se.” “She has such a heart for
area. So it’s mutually beneficial Meanwhile, what started as what art can do for a person,
for the city to have the space an alternative to dinner and a how it can enhance a life,” Hall
enhanced by the work and we movie among friends has said. “It’s wonderful to work
believe it’s also a great service turned into 12 unique pieces of with someone who is eager to
to the artist.” art. give back to the community
Hall said that the space does- “We started the adult paint- with the power of the arts and
n’t come without a few chal- ing classes as an opportunity that’s certainly the case for
lenges for artists. for women who might not oth- Tracy.”
“It isn’t always easy to have erwise pursue painting to see
HOUSE RAISING
Summit church builds hope, homes
and a future in Waveland
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 51
trailer, it did not take long for ing a church member to a job
Hurricane Gustav to come along interview, putting Freon in a
and once again wipe them out. deacon’s truck or just pitching in
FEMA regulations prevent vic- on anything else that might need
tims from receiving more than to be done.
one trailer, so they then lost their “I surrendered to the ministry
automobile to pay apartment late in life,” Bro. Ed explains. “I
rent. This family was in a real was 35 at the time and I had my
bind. own construction business so I
Left with nothing but the land know how to build houses and
on which their home had once do a lot of different things.”
stood, the Rev. Ed Murphy and As he drove around to the var-
Shoreline Park Baptist Church ious sites of the 16 homes that he
came to their rescue with the has built since Katrina, recount-
church’s innovative construction ing the unique and touching sto-
program. Scott’s home is the 16th ries of each family as we
such home built under the aus- approached each site, he says, “I
pices of the church, this time by can’t believe there have been this
volunteers from First Baptist many. How did I do all this?”
Church Summit. When asked what he plans to
Bro. Ed has seen a lot in the 10 do next, he responds without
years that he has been the pastor hesitation, “Sleep. I’m just going
at Shoreline. In the last five to sleep for a while. You see, I
years, he has seen loss for his get up at 6 every morning and go
own membership. Waveland was nonstop until 12 every night.
ground zero for the Mississippi And from midnight until 6 in the
coastline during Hurricane morning I don’t really sleep very
Katrina, and the Shoreline well because my brain is still
church was hard hit. As he thinking about all the details
recounts story after story, he involved. So I really want to
chokes up frequently at the sleep.”
struggles and difficulties that Bro. Ed and his wife Karen,
different people have faced. He originally from South Carolina,
even had to bury a church mem- have grown children and grand-
ber soon after the hurricane, and children scattered around the
when he says “bury” he means country. They would eventually
preaching and digging the grave like to travel out west and men-
as well. tor pastors in smaller churches,
This is not your ordinary possibly doing short-term assign-
Southern Baptist preacher. On ments building Sunday school
any given day he might be driv- classes or serving as worship
ing a tractor, using the bucket to leaders in churches.
hoist sheeting on the job, hauling “When they finally lay my
construction materials to the job body down, I’d like it to be total-
site, hauling children around in ly spent in service for the Lord,”
another van to some activity, tak- says Bro. Ed.
tamales | IN THE KITCHEN
‘ TA M A L E L A D Y’
adds s p i c e to farmer’s market
A
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLOTTE BLOM
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 53
IN THE KITCHEN | pecans
NUTS ABOUT
Pecans Thousands of South
Mississippians will gather in a
shady pecan orchard on Wingate M
Road, about six miles from
Richton, Sept. 25-27 for the 22nd
annual Mississippi Pecan MONKEY BREAD BREAKFAST PECAN SANDIES
Festival. 1 (16-ounce) package frozen rolls 2 sticks butter, softened
In addition to more than 250 3/4 stick butter, melted, divided 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
food, arts and crafts and 1 (3-ounce) package cook ‘n serve 1 3/4 cups chopped pecans
butterscotch or vanilla pudding mix 1 teaspoon vanilla
antiques booths, there will be a
1/2 cup packed brown sugar 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
charity bake-off, live bluegrass
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
and gospel music, a mule pull, Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream
antique engine show, draft horse Dip frozen rolls in melted butter; together butter and sugar until
demonstrations, stock dog reserve remaining butter; place rolls fluffy. Stir in pecans and vanilla. Add
demonstrations, Pecan Festival in bundt or tube pan. Sprinkle pud- flour a little at a time, stirring well.
ding mix, brown sugar and pecans Form into cookies and place on
Pageant, quilt show, living his-
over rolls. Pour remaining melted ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 20
tory homestead and the Purtiest
butter over all. Leave on counter top minutes. Remove from oven and
Rooster Contest. overnight. Next morning, bake at 350 allow to cool. Coat with extra con-
At the Living History degrees for 40 minutes. Invert onto fectioners sugar before serving.
Homestead, you can watch but- platter and start picking off the deli- Makes 3 dozen.
ter being churned, biscuits being cious warm rolls.
54 a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i
LIFE IN SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
a cc e n t s o u t h m i s s i s s i p p i 55
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