Smith’s grandfather, Gowers, in memory of her grandmother, Dean, who died in 1946 and for whom Smith takes her name. “She was the love of his life,” said Smith. “And when she died he went into a depression, as most spouses do. His therapy became planting azaleas and camellias around the grounds. And every spring, his love for her blossoms all over again.” It’s that love that Smith wants to continue for hundreds of years through the homestead’s land and the environment. It was in 1979 that Gowers deeded the cabin to Dean, with the wish that it be preserved for future generations. The restoration is a means to that end. The cabin, a double pen dogtrot, two rooms connected by a dog trot, always has a cool breeze running through it. The cabin is supported by 20 heart pine joints measuring 33 feet in length. The roof of hand-split cedar shank shingles still protects the members of seven generations of the Meador family. The exterior walls bear the “juggling” marks created while shaping beams by hand. Giant cedar trees on the property mark the trail wagons traveled, and the original water well stands in the yard. The cabin is filled with family heirlooms, original furnishings which provide a glimpse at the family’s daily life from 1885-1932. The sitting parlor features a stone wood-burning fireplace, sitting areas for relaxing with a good book, an old record player for dancing to the oldies, as well as space for sampling some of the tasty morsels Smith eagerly serves her guests. Antique lace curtains filter light in through the large single paned windows. Faded black and white photographs
and pieces of needlework grace the walls. Pieces of china and crystal are displayed in the room’s cabinetry. The bedroom, across the dog trot, has a gas-burning fireplace, a rocking chair original to the structure and the beautiful and romantic 1856
rope bed with crocheted canopy made by Smith’s great-great-grandfather as a wedding present for his bride, a small cradle and the original spinning wheel complete with thread. A glorified modern day outhouse is accessible across a walkway con-
er, married Lena Arnold and moved to the Arnold cabin. He renovated the front room by raising the ceiling for better air circulation, but the kitchen and privy remained separate from the house. Still a circuit rider, W. P. often married couples on the cabin steps. The family farm included chickens, cows, and a sugar cane mill. Dairy products, chickens, eggs, and sugar cane were sold in town. The two mothers-in-law (Lena’s mother, Jennie, and W.P.’s mother, Levi Ma) lived in the cabin with them along with Rab, the youngest of W. P.’s children. During World War I, Gowers served as secretary for Senator
John Sharp Williams at the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. In 1917, he married Annie Dean Thatch. After the war they moved to Mississippi. Their sons, C.G. (Pete), Jr. and Dean Price lived with them in Jackson, before moving to Hattiesburg. Although W. P. had bought the cabin and land in 1913, it was not until Jennie Arnold’s death in 1925 that he put the land into his own name. In 1928 Gowers heard that his father planned to sell the land, so Gowers bought it himself. With Annie Dean, Pete, and Price he moved into the renovated (newly electrified, with inside kitchen and
bath) cabin in 1932. Together they worked the farm which they called Hard Luck Plantation. During the depression others helped work the land, as Gowers traveled for the Department of Labor. In the 1930's Annie Dean borrowed $30 and partnered with Ed Davis to start Crescent Laundry and Meador Linen Supply in the growing town of Hattiesburg. With the increased activity of World War II at Camp Shelby, Dean vied for and won the Shelby business. Sadly, as WWII came to an end, Dean died at the age of 47. When Gowers married Jessie Green Mason in 1955, he renovated
structed of old wood pieces salvaged from the large crepe myrtles following Hurricane Katrina. The outhouse features an exquisite crystal chandelier, which was once part of the Kamper Park family estate, a double granite shower, pedestal sink and modern-day loo, all which fit nicely into the “updated” history. The outhouse is part of a larger structure, which also houses a sleeping loft, complete with king size bed, and the kitchen facilities with all modern day conveniences. And while you may feel as if you’re out in the middle of nowhere, easy access to and from I-59 and US Hwy 49 have you at the convention center, in downtown Hattiesburg, along the Longleaf Trace Recreational Trail or at university activities, restaurants or shopping venues within minutes. The homestead is also home to the top-rated tearoom in Mississippi, Simply TeaVine, which provides an excellent venue for small receptions, fine dining, and business meetings or a quiet getaway. There is even a small gift shop on the premises which offers unique gifts and tea accoutrements. Personal guided tours are available along with a complete Southern breakfast for bed and breakfast guests. Meadors’ wish for her guests is that “you will be granted peace and rest while under our roof. May the pleasure which brought you to this place be all that you hoped for. May every person you meet add to your joy. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. When it is time for you to leave us, may your memories be pleasant and your journey safe.” The Meador Homestead, a haven of tranquility, is truly heaven on earth. the cabin again. The area continued to grow; the original wagon trail was enlarged and improved. By 1958 Gowers had sold land to the highway department to make Highway 49 two lanes. The Price Meadors moved out of the roadway and built a house closer to the cabin. Granddaughter Dean visited Gowers daily. In 1979 Gowers deeded the cabin to granddaughter Dean with the wish that it be preserved for future generations. In 2009 his wish came true. The fully restored cabin now hosts the fifth, sixth, and seventh generations of the Meador family.
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