Delta Magazine March/April 2018 Complimentary Issue

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Our Ou u ttraditio ad ditio on: Ins In spir iration on We worrk to b be a differen nt k kind of compa any, built on n a different e model. model From wir w eless, to fiberr Internet, to technolo ogy solutions forr business— Everrything we’ve achieved over the past 30 3 years was posssible for one simple reason: It’s all ins s ed by you. spir

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©2017 C Spir S e. All rights reserrved.

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Let’s s fight co olon can ncer toge ether.

Among cancers that affectt both men and women, colorectal can ncer is the second leading cause of can ncer deaths in the Unit U ed States.

If you’re 50 years old or old derr,, getting a screen ning test for colorec ctal cancer could sa ave your life, either by finding gp precancerous o p polyps yp or detectting g cancer early en nough for treatmentt. So for your sake — and your family’s — contact your physician and schedule e a screening today.

Get B Better. northmiss.ba aptistonline.org

662-636-1000

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DELTA M

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Publisher: J. Scott Coopwood Editor: Cindy Coopwood Managing Editor: Pam Parker Contributing Editors: Hank Burdine, Maude Schuyler Clay, Noel Workman, Roger Stolle Digital Editor: Phil Schank Graphic Designers: Sandra K. Goff, Cailee Conrad, Holly Ray Consultant: Samir Husni, Ph.D. Special Projects Coordinator: Stacye Trout Contributing Writers: Madge Howell, Brenda Ware Jones, Susan Marquez, Angela Rogalski, Tom Speed, Mark Stowers, Cal Trout, Boyce Upholt

4 NEW

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Photography: Tom Beck, Austin Britt, Langdon Clay, Rory Doyle, Tim Ivy, Will Jacks, Johnny Jennings, Marty Kittrell, Lamb Photography, Mike Lee, Roy Meeks, Amanda Van Sandt, Jason Williams Circulation: Holly Tharp Accounting Manager: Emma Jean Thompson Account Executives: Cristen Hemmins, Kristy Kitchings, Wendy Mize, Ann Nestler, Cadey True POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to Delta Magazine P.O. Box 117, Cleveland, MS 38732 ADVERTISING: For advertising information, please call (662) 843-2700 or email

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by Delta Magazine and may not be released for commercial use such as in advertisements and may not be purchased from the magazine for any reason. All editorial and advertising information is taken from sources considered to be authoritative, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Neither that information nor any opinion expressed on the pages of Delta Magazine in any way constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities mentioned.

No material in Delta Magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publication. Delta Magazine is published bi-monthly by Coopwood Magazines, Inc., 125 South Court St., Cleveland, MS 38732-2626.

Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, MS and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Delta Magazine, P.O. Box 117, Cleveland, MS 38732-0117.

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Delta Magazine is published six times a year by Coopwood Magazines, Inc. EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE ADDRESSES:

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 117, Cleveland, MS 38732 Shipping Address: 125 South Court Street, Cleveland, MS 38732 Phone (662) 843-2700 • Fax (662) 843-0505 deltamagazine.com E-mail: publisher@deltamagazine.com editor@deltamagazine.com Subscriptions: $28 per year

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MAKING LIFE’S JOURNEY WITH YOU Health and happiness go hand in hand. When looking back on a lifetime filled with adventures and accomplishments, you can reflect on the fact that Greenwood Leflore Hospital provided care for you and your family every step of the way, from the beginning until now.

Many memories are made possible knowing you have a hospital you can trust.

A Lifetime of Care

1401 River Road • Greenwood, MS • 662-459-7000 • www.glh.org

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from the editor

Hurry Spring! hen the temperature fell into the single digits this January, things got pretty tough around our house.

There was one busted pipe, which led to a flooded closet and a shower that now needs to be re-tiled, a blown electrical circuit (the result of someone plugging in too many extra heaters against her husband’s advice), and several cats becoming quite spoiled after being indoors for days on end. The aforementioned issues have been addressed, but if you’ve ever heard that “herding cats” is hard, I’m here to tell you that “un-herding” them is proving to be nearly impossible. Now they strategically, almost magically, appear any time we enter or leave the house, and they will knock you down to get in if necessary.

Having a blast with Madge Howell So as winter blessedly turns to spring, the promise of a little at Delta Supper Club’s 2018 kickwarmth and sunshine is most welcome, thank you very off social at Hopson’s in Clarksdale. much. Maybe Zoie, Red and Sister-cat will agree. Hopefully.

Working on our annual Wedding Showcase on page 85 has definitely lifted me out of the winter doldrums. From beautiful venues in the California wine country to Santa Fe to New Orleans to gorgeous at-home receptions, these Delta brides and grooms were on the move and have shared their most special days with us, and it is a privilege to bring them to you. For more wedding nostalgia, read on about the Sillers family veil that has been worn by brides for over sixty years.

With winter’s end it’s time to throw a party, and we strongly suggest you take it outside before the mosquitos descend. Try the menu we’ve assembled; it is inherently simple, so delicious and packed with the flavors of spring: asparagus, green peas, lamb and a lemon cake that is absolutely worth every calorie! Think Easter lunch, a bridal brunch or an early spring cookout.

The advice in our Designer Showcase is sure to inspire you. These talented professionals have shared their tips ranging from simple upgrades to how to plan a design project from the very beginning. What better time than spring to start a home project?

One of our latest forays took us on an archeological whirlwind to Parkin Archeological State Park in Arkansas in search of elusive artifacts believed to be evidence of Hernando de Soto’s expedition through this region. We thank the folks at Parkin and the staff at the Museum of the Mississippi Delta for sharing some amazing ancient finds with us.

There’s nothing like festival season in the Delta. There’s one for everyone from music to art to barbecue to catfish to crawfish to 5Ks. Check the Festival and Event Guide on page 176 and make your plans!

We hope this issue warms your heart along with the sun’s anxiously awaited rays as we round the corner to spring! DM

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With Kitty Kossman on her gorgeous patio in Cleveland after our Spring Luncheon photo shoot.

Cindy Coopwood This picture from the Clark-Jenkins wedding made me smile!

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contents Volume 15 No. 5

MARCH/APRIL departments

32 BOOKS Reviews of new releases and what Deltans are reading now

34 SHOPPING

Spring Gift Ideas and Ultra Violet Goods

38 ART Moved by Beauty: The art of Carol Roark 44 MUSIC Greg Crowe A songwriter’s journey from the Mississippi Delta to Music Row

62 HOMES Casual Comfort at the Club

86

A Clarksdale family builds their dream home

78 FOOD

King-Haynes, BARREG Photography

Al fresco & elegant Menu and recipes for a Spring luncheon

162 RECOLLECTIONS A Remnant of a Wall The walled garden of William Alexander Percy

170 HISTORY When TV came to the Flatland

48 features

48

STORIES IN THE SOIL

THE MISS DELTA ROSE SOCIETY

74

DESIGNERS’ SHOWCASE

152

78

Where we’ve been, where we’re going next

24 Off the Beaten Path

A look back at the organization’s history and lasting impact

10 Tips from Mississippi Interior Designers

DELTA WEDDINGS

Roaming the Real and Rustic Delta

44

Our annual showcase of announcements and selected photography

IF VEILS COULD TALK

in every issue 12 Letters 20 On the Road

Seeking to unravel the mysteries of Hernando de Soto’s travels through the Delta

56

86

The story of WABG and WXVT in Greenville

Across the decades, a Rosedale family’s bridal tradition

28 Hot Topics 176 Events Spring Festival and Event Guide A listing of events including concerts, festivals, book signing

186 Delta Seen Pages of snapshots from area fundraisers, art openings and social events

192 The Final Word

by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays

ON THE COVER: Claire Cothren Winn of Benoit, photographed on the property of the Baby Doll house. Photo by Jamie Hardin.

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GOLDEN KNIGHTS

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LETTERS D

THE GREAT BEAR HUNT

Page 117

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here is much history associated with the Mississippi Delta. We all know the story of how the President of the United States had been promised the first bear on a hunt that had been set up by Stuyvesant Fish, president of the Illinois Central Railroad, and native Mississippians John Parker, E.C. Mangrum, Huger Foote and Senator Leroy Percy. Upon Percy’s request, the Metcalfe brothers, Clive and Harley, enlisted their trusted friend, ex-slave and Confederate Cavalryman Holt Collier to lead the hunt. Collier, and his pack of bear hounds, were renowned throughout the South as being among the best there was.

King Cotton had caused the deforestation of a good bit of the Mississippi Delta by the turn of the century and about the only remaining bear habitat was in the South Delta, through which the Big and Little Sunflower Rivers, Steele Bayou and Deer Creek flowed. It was a deep, primeval and untouched wilderness, choked with dense forests of virgin hardwood timber and laced with almost impenetrable canebrakes, the favorite lair of the Louisiana Black Bear. It was into this morass that the small hunting party rode on horseback to a primitive camp that Holt and his fellow guides had hacked

A walk through history in modern times

BY HANK BURDINE • PHOTOS BY MARGE SELBY SELF

IN THE SPRING OF 2016, a dedication ceremony was held for the Theodore Roosevelt Visitor Center a few miles south of Onward, Mississippi. The location is right on the side of Highway 61 and very close to Smede’s Plantation, where in 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt disembarked from an Illinois Central train at a cotton loading ramp to begin what has been called the most important hunt on American soil.

President Theodore Roosevelt on 1902 bear hunt leaving camp on the banks of the Little Sunflower River. (Photo credit Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library)

Clive Metcalfe and Holt Collier in 1917 on Newstead Plantation. (Photo courtesy of Lelia Wynn)

into the bank of the Little Sunflower River.

The President did not get a bear and refused to shoot a tethered 300-pound bear that Holt Collier had run right by the very log where Roosevelt had been given explicit instructions to stay. Because of a decision to return to camp for a bite to eat, the President missed his chance, and in an ensuing fight with the bear hounds, once the bear bayed, Collier ran into the melee and clubbing his rifle, hit the bear at the base of his skull, stunning the bear and allowing the bruin to be lassoed and tied to a tree. A cartoon in the Washington Post by Clifford Berryman entitled “Drawing the

Line in Mississippi” led to the creation of the world-famous children’s toy, the Teddy Bear.

1902 Bear Hunt Re-Creation Simon Roosevelt, great grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, had spoken at the dedication ceremony remarking on the significance of the 1902 bear hunt and importance of the reforestation efforts through U.S. Government conservation programs of mass amounts of bottomland acreage. As a sitting board member of the Boone and Crockett Club, a premier conservation and record-keeping

and their heritage, which is great for this Jacksonian. I love that you share new weekend getaways and the hidden gems of southern cuisine. Delta Magazine magnifies Mississippi and all its flair.

Thanks for this wonderful gift!

Lauren Meeks Madison, MS D

12/18/17 2:35 PM Page 84

The Who’s Delta Connection The Wild Ride of Maxene Harlow

BY AMANDA WELLS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUSTIN BRITT

116 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

Hank Burdine nailed it once again with his article on the magnificent hunt he put together last February. He envisioned the weekend, moved the logs he described around the fire site, gathered up the perfect combo of historians, hunters, horsemen, photographers, musicians and chefs and made it happen.

Then he documented the whole thing in his article (January/February 2018).

Thank you, Hank, for your recreation of a memorable piece of Mississippi history for those of us who were present and those of who read all about it.

Virginia Buchanan Jackson, MS

I am a faithful Delta Magazine subscriber and enjoy reading your publication six times per year. It truly is like receiving a little piece of Mississippi in my mailbox. I was born and raised in Mississippi and only left the state for a year. I am so very proud to be from this

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great state, and l love the fact that I learn more about Mississippi through each issue. Thanks for presenting such quality material in your publication!

Michelle Varner Jackson, MS

It was such an honor being in Delta Magazine. Your generosity with the photographs and Amanda Wells’s well composed story was more than I had hoped for. What you do for the Mississippi Delta is invaluable. I feel like I know my home land better now than when I was growing up there!

Bentley Tibbs Dallas, TX I received my Delta Magazine subscription as a gift and it is truly a joy to find in my mailbox throughout the year. Delta Magazine never fails to give the reader great stories of Mississippi towns

84 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

I’m a lifelong fan of the rock band, The Who and I was certainly surprised to see a story on this band and their “Delta connection” when I opened the new edition of Delta Magazine (January/ February 2018). What you all come up with never ceases to amaze me. By the way, your book review on the great college football coach, Jim Carmody was another surprise in this edition and I can’t wait to buy a copy.

You all publish an incredible magazine and as a subscriber for many years now, I appreciate your hard work in keeping Delta Magazine fresh and interesting.

Jim McFerrin Memphis, TN

Like our official Delta Magazine Page

Cocktail Chic

Twitter @Delta_Mag

Instagram @deltamagazine

Find nostalgia in every item of the Delta Magazine Gift Collection

We’re “buzzed” about our exclusive linen cocktail napkins, set of four for $40

Shop our gift collection in our office at 125 South Court Street or Cleveland Commons in downtown Cleveland, Montage Marketplace in Greenville, Downtown Marketplace in Yazoo City, and Forty-Nine Commissary in Belzoni. Shop online at deltamagazine.com

To subscribe, call (662) 843-2700 or visit deltamagazine.com

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

annual tourism guide

easy winter meals fitness and recrreation

I have a stack of Delta Magazines that I keep on a bookcase in my music room.

I don’t have them in any particular order so when I reach for one, I never know which one it is. I just re-read Bill Rose’s excellent piece on his father’s drugstore in Shelby and realized how much Delta Magazine tethers me to the Mississippi Delta. I have favorite articles bookmarked in my memory that remind me how much I appreciate Delta Magazine.

The piece on Brew Moore, sax phenom from Indianola; Maude Schuyler Clay’s Final Word tribute to Lee and Pup McCarty; Hank Burdine’s Olde English hunt; and the story of the love affair between Robert Plant and the Delta are just a few of the stories that I think of on a regular basis. These articles trigger meandering memories for me and my time in the Delta.

The anticipation of a new issue of Delta Magazine also causes me to check my mailbox a bit more frequently when I think it’s time for it to arrive. Kudos on keeping your publication top notch.

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Jim “Fish” Michie Franklin, TN

SEND COMMENTS AND LETTERS TO editor@deltamagazine.com or Delta Magazine PO Box 117 Cleveland, MS 38732

DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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THE WEBB SCHOOL BELL BUCKLE

Find a sense of independence and a home away from home.

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Spice up your kitchen - Bulldog style!

Bring Mississippi flavor into your kitchen with the special Mississippi State University limited edition of A Mississippi Palate – the coffee-table cookbook with 105 Mississippi heritage recipes by acclaimed chef Robert St. John and 66 beautiful watercolors by Wyatt Waters, with his home state as the subject.

This special edition features exclusive back cover art of one of the Bully statues in The Junction, with Davis Wade Stadium in the background. Each book is autographed by both chef and artist and accompanied by a signed and numbered print of the Bully statue.

Collectively, the chef and artist are commentators and chroniclers of Mississippi culture – one using a cast iron skillet, the other using a #42 da Vinci brush – both armed with a deep love for the beautiful state of Mississippi.

MSU is an AA/EEO university.

Order yours today at msufoundation.com/cookbook or call 662-325-7000.

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the dusty road

PHOTO BY ANNE BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHY

Newly hitched and ready to take on the world, Jennifer and Aaron Swanson choose the road—turnrow, that is— less traveled to begin their journey of a lifetime. DM

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April 6-8, 2018

March rch 23-25, 2018

Agricenter Int. Memphis, TN

MS Trade Mart Jackson, MS

Sp S pr pr riin in ng gM ar a rk r ket k ett e Spr Mar ke

Shopth Shopthe Shop th theMarket heMarket he Market food...gifts...art...home decor’...fashion...jewelry...children’s items...

Enjoy shopping more than 175 shops from across the South!

(OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

www.themarketshows.com

662.890.3359

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ON THE ROAD

where we’ve been, where to go next

Riverside Outing

NORTH CARROLLTON COAHOMA COUNTY

A peaceful and serene afternoon ride on the Mississippi River Levee. – BILLY HOWELL

The library behind the grand home, Coatsworth. – MALCOLM WHITE

s r a e Y 44Ago

PHOTO OPS & Lighting the Way

CLEVELAND ROLLING FORK

An ode to the memory of a famous rock band that played in Cleveland on March 7, 1974. – DELTA MAGAZINE

EAGLE LAKE Old chandelier hanging from one of the rooms in Mont Helena. – MALCOLM WHITE

Mt. Olive Church on Highway 465 near Eagle Lake is another church that has seen its congregation disappear and left abandoned. Complete with paint-stained windows, and his and hers outhouses. – MARTY KITTRELL

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high timelestain the D

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The Caribbean Room on St. Charles pays homage to unique arrangements both new and old. – DINESH CHAWLA

FUNKY STOPS

LAMBERT

Roaming the real and rustic Delta Waiting on a train to carry it all away. – FRANK MELTON

MOONLAKE

FLORA

Cypress tree, many refer to as Magic Madge’s Tree, is backlit by the afternoon sun. – BILLY HOWELL

Smokin’ It Stogie time at the Old Havana Cigar Company. – HAYES DENT

TUTWILER

COAHOMA COUNTY

Interesting finds along Highway 49 in Tallahatchie County. – TIMOTHY IVY

Framing the Sun

Sundown near the Mississippi River. – BILLY HOWELL Instagram users, follow @deltamagazine and see #DMphotoops

DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Come exploree Mississippi’s premier wholesale show to find authentic Mississippi products. Fro om homemade soaps to delicious toffee, we prove there is no need to look further tthan the great state of Mississippi to find the latest fashion ns unique ns, decor, gourm met treats, and more.

Mississippi Trade a Mar

C losed to the g eneral a public

WWW. MISSISSIP P IMA R K ET. O R G

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH roaming the real and rustic Delta

VIRTUAL REALITY ACADEMIES Another take on breaking through to the other side

BY MADGE HOWELL

computerVgenerated, three-dimensional simulation

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MADGE HOWELL INDIGO IMPACT INITIATIVE WEBSITE

219 Yazoo Avenue, Clarksdale (303) 513-8516

Vincent Jordan showing the virtues of journeying into another dimension.

MADGE HOWELL

that replicates a seemingly real experience by a person using special electronic equipment.

What was a $16 billion industry in 2016 is forecasted to be $100 billion in 2021. But who builds the games enjoyed for pleasure and increasingly more for training in all sorts of businesses?

Virtual Reality Academies are new concepts teaching this developer skill. Last year only two existed in the United States, one in Los Angeles and one in Clarksdale, Mississippi!

In April 2017, Certified Metaverse Curator and software developer, Vincent Jordan and his two sons, Josiah and Vinny, launched Lobaki, a virtual reality academy, in Clarksdale where they are training young people, specifically Clarksdale High School students, to become virtual reality developers.

Lobaki is traveling all over the state with the McLean Institute out of Ole Miss, introducing businesses and schools to VR. They are also welcoming field trips from schools to their Clarksdale facility. Ole Miss professors have visited and now, Lobaki has installed four VR stations at the university.

Introducing people to VR technology is of paramount importance to the Jordans but the possibility of students learning how to become developers is what truly motivates this team.

Lobaki is conveniently located next door to Yazoo Pass at 219 Yazoo Avenue and is open every afternoon for their students, Monday-Friday. The public is encouraged to drop by on Mondays and Fridays from 9 am7 pm to enjoy the VR experience, however they welcome walk-ins any time the door is open. What are you waiting for? Travel to Clarksdale and go to the Moon with Neil Armstrong and Mike Collins in Apollo 11 or climb to the summit of Mount Everest.

INDIGO IMPACT INITIATIVE WEBSITE

irtual reality experiences,

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH

roaming the real and rustic Delta

OLD DOCTOR’S OFFICES & MILLER AUCTION Visiting the past and getting the best deal

BY MARK H. STOWERS

O

ver the course of years, downtown Cleveland has changed dramatically since it’s establishment in 1886. Storefronts have

SUZETTE MATTHEWS

come and gone, buildings have expanded, been knocked down, and where there were once train tracks, a lovely walking path and green strip now anchors the heart of the city. The town has changed with each generation.

However, some of the past still remains above many of these two story buildings located on Sharp Street. Long ago, Owens Drugs was located where Neysa’s Fireside Shop now stands.

Their soda fountain was quite famous and drew people from several counties to enjoy milkshakes and floats. Above the drugstore, doctor and dentist offices were located with the names such as Dr. W.T. Townsend, Dentist, Doctors McLean and Beall, and Doctor O.E. Ringold etched in the doors. Above other downtown buildings, such as Rosson Co. you will still find the original building shell that housed so many of Cleveland’s medical offices.

A handful of the original doors and windows have remained intact still displaying names from long ago providing a threshold to the past.

Abandoned offices in downtown Cleveland harken back to another era. Below scenes from Miller Auction.

Sharpe Street, Cleveland

BY SUSAN MARQUEZ

MILLER AUCTION FACEBOOK PAGE

L

ooking for a fun evening while finding a bargain? Attending an auction might be

just the plan. At Miller Auction in Anguilla, folks can get a hamburger or fried catfish cooked on a big grill outside, then settle in for an evening of fast-talking auctioneers and incredible bargains. “We never know what we’ll get in here,” said Johnny Miller, who runs the auction with his wife, Sheila. “We get some beautiful antiques and other furniture, tools, electronics, lawn equipment and more. We’ve had stock from closed Walgreen’s and K-Mart stores that people buy by the truckload.” Miller said there are plenty of regulars who come every other Friday night and every Saturday night to find good deals on everything from dry good groceries to precious antiques.

Highway 14, Anguilla (662) 820-2791 DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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HOT TOPICS FIRST & GREEN CELEBRATIONS AND LOFTS ON THE SQUARE Experiencing the uniqueness of Grenada Two beautifully-restored, historic buildings on the downtown Grenada Square have been transformed into unique and elegant venues; one a spacious location to host events and the other, a relaxing place to stay while visiting Grenada: First & Green Celebrations and Lofts on the Square.

In 2013, Deborah Bailey bought the building which now houses First & Green, located at 97 First Street, and offers 5,000 square feet of event space in two stories. She then renovated it from the ground up. The building was originally erected in 1867 as a hardware store to supply post war rebuilding.

Bailey explains, “I took the building where First & Green is today all the way down to the dirt, keeping the shell intact, and then rebuilt it. So, it’s fully renovated, and we installed a beautiful, world-class commercial kitchen. In the last three years, we’ve hosted just over 200 events. The capacity of the main hall is about 250 people and we do just about everything: the catering, the service, and we provide the space.”

Not far from First & Green, is Lofts On The Square located at 113 A First Street, a beautifully-decorated bed and breakfast, owned

by Allan and Janice Michael.

“We started looking at buildings and ended up purchasing the one where we are now, which in the mid-1880s used to be a grocery and dry goods store. It was owned by James Cuff and was called Jas. Cuff & Co. and that sign is still on the front of the building,” says Allan Michael. “It was under the façade that was in place when we bought the building, so we left it. Then around 1915, the building was renovated by R.C. Trusty and turned into Trusty’s, an upscale men’s clothing store.”

1

The couple bought the building in 2016 and began remodeling, and converted the second floor to the bed and breakfast. “We opened the bed and breakfast in June, 2017,” he adds. And along with Deborah Bailey with First & Green, the ultimate goal is to revitalize downtown Grenada.

“Other people are starting to get involved in these efforts, as more people open businesses, says Michael.” “And people in the community have been helpful as well, by offering us items to purchase as we furnished the bed and breakfast. So, this became a joint effort with the community when people found out what we were doing.” firstandgreengrenada.com, grenadalofts.com

INAUGURAL DELTA LITERARY FEST COMING TO GREENVILLE Turning the pages of a new event The inaugural Literary Arts in the Delta Festival kicks off on Saturday March 10 from 9 am to 6 pm at the E.E. Bass Cultural Center in Greenville. The all-day festival is free to the public to attend.

The Washington County Library system partnered with Turnrow Bookstore of Greenwood to create the event.

“We want to cultivate our Delta area youth’s opportunity and love for the arts. We’ve reached out to local and Mississippi based authors to bring in and introduce them to the kids,” said Steve Iwanski, owner of Turnrow Books.

According to festival director, Angela Courtney, the event will include more than thirty authors and artists such as Al Bell, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Mark Spencer, Deborah Mathis, John T. Wayne, Maria Hoskins, Angela Jackson and Jimmy Cunningham.

“We’ve invited 8th and 9th grade students from all the Delta area counties to compete in a young author’s writing contest,” Courtney said.

Pop up poetry and other unique talents will

2

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be on display as well as street drawings and much more. litinthedeltafest.com

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HOT TOPICS COTTONWOOD PUBLIC HOUSE BREW/PUB IN VICKSBURG Suds and a little more to brighten any day There’s a new brew/pub opening in downtown Vicksburg called Cottonwood Public House, located at 1311 Washington Street.

Jon Weimorts is the general manager of the brew/pub and says he is excited to be brewing their own beer on-site.

“As a brew/pub, we’ll be brewing our own beer, but also be a full bar and restaurant,” Weimorts says. “Of course, we won’t be selling our brewed beer anywhere but in the restaurant due to the laws. No external distribution. We’re calling our brewery Key City, because Vicksburg is the key to the South. Our brewer, Zack Erickson, moved to Vicksburg from San Diego where he spent the past few years working in the craft brew scene there.”

Along with their own draft of barley and hops, Weimorts says they will be selling some of the best casual-gathering food around.

“It’s not a full-service restaurant,” Weimorts says.

“We’re not a restaurant really, we’re a pub. You order with the bartender; there’s no server; no hostess to seat you. You just walk in and sit wherever you want. Our food menu is designed to be very shareable. We serve a few appetizer-like items, along with a few slider options, but the main anchor of our food program is our pizza oven. We make our dough in-house, stretching it ourselves, and we have a wide variety of pizzas that are both fun and delicious. We do have an option for gluten-free crust and vegan options as well. We get as much of our ingredients as possible from local farms; we want the best quality for our produce and meats. We use nothing frozen or prepackaged.”

He adds that they’re hoping to feature live music at least four nights

MARTY KITTRELL

3

a week. “That’s the plan, anyway. We have a small drop-down stage that we’ll use, and the idea is to get some great blues and jazz acts. We really want music to be a big part of all of this.”

Tim Cantwell, a local businessman and someone who has played a major role in the redevelopment of Vicksburg’s downtown area, is the owner and has been a friend of Weimorts for many years.

“I moved here from Los Angeles when Tim asked me to come and run the place for him,” Weimorts says. “I jumped onboard, and we’ve been working on it for about a year and a half now. It’s a great spot to just hang out with friends and we’re excited to bring it to Vicksburg.”

Visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/cottonwoodpublichouse

STELLA IN OXFORD New eatery in Faulkner land Off the Oxford Square at 208 S. Lamar, is Stella restaurant, serving the best in new American cuisine, which is a bit of fusion when it comes to different types of cuisine, such as French, Italian and American traditional. Johnny and Cindy Kirk are the owners and are very familiar with the restaurant business, since the Kirks also owned Stella in Downtown Memphis a few years ago and Johnny Kirk was the recipient of a James Beard Rising Star Award while at the Memphis location. Now they’ve brought Stella back to Johnny’s Mississippi roots, since he was born and raised in Greenville, and between the unique menu and the quality of the food’s ingredients, Oxford is very pleased to have them.

“We opened mid-October, 2018 and we’re very elegant,” Kirk says. “We’re a fine dining restaurant and our cuisine is new American, which means we use techniques and recipes from all of the different cuisines, yet none in particular.

It’s southern-inspired cuisine, with an Asian, French, Italian background to it.

Basically, it’s “everything goes” when it comes to our dishes. And we try to change our menu with the seasons, four times per year.”

The Kirks own a farm south of Pontotoc, about 300 acres in size, and Johnny says that’s where most of his meat for the dishes they serve at Stella comes from.

They have a full bar and for Sunday brunch, they also have a Bloody Mary bar. “We’re open from 11 am until around 3 pm on Sunday,” Cindy adds.

TIMOTHY IVEY

4

For more information visit stellaoxford.com DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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BOOKS

Buzzworthy Comments

The Artful Evolution of Hal & Mal’s by Malcolm White (University Press of Mississippi) The Artful Evolution of Hal & Mal’s is collaboration between artist Ginger Williams Cook and author Malcolm White about the people, place, and the history of one of Jackson’s most noted institutions. The book brings together thirty years of family history, live performance, and cafe society through graphic designs of old photographs, original illustrations, Hal’s legendary recipe cards, and the written word.

Hal & Mal’s was conceived by brothers Hal and Malcolm White.

Hal & Mal’s is the most talked about, upscale honky-tonk in all of Mississippi, where art is made, music plays, and folks gather to share community and celebrate the very best of Mississippi’s creative spirit. (Special/DM Staff)

We asked Facebook friends and Delta Magazine Fan Page Group members what is the most influential book they have read and why.

Malcolm White

o Rick Lindsey, Retired

The Past is Never A Novel by Tiffany Quay Tyson (Skyhorse Publishing) Siblings Bert, Willet, and Pansy know better than to go swimming at the old rock quarry, which their father calls the Devil’s place. But Mississippi Delta summer days are scorching hot and they can’t resist cooling off in the dark, bottomless water. Until the day six-year-old Pansy vanishes. Not drowned, not lost—simply gone. Years pass with no sign of their sister, and guilt keeps Bert and Willet from moving on.

So when clues surface drawing them to the remote tip of Florida, they drop everything and drive south. Deep in the murky depths of the Florida Everglades they may find the answer to Pansy’s mysterious disappearance—but truth, like the past, is sometimes better left where it lies. (Special/DM Staff) Tiffany Quay Tyson

Clinton, Mississippi

GI Joe & Lily by Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys. This book is a beautiful tribute to his parents and to the rest of the brave military. The forward is written by former First Lady Barbara Bush. o Paige Phillips, Language Arts Teacher Chattanooga, Tennessee

A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest J Gaines. This is the first book that I read that made me cry. o Emily Tillman Donovan, Photographer

Dog Stories for the Soul by Marti Allen (Sartoris Literary Group) This collection of stories represents the best dog stories ever told by some of America’s most talented writers. The stories are inspirational, humorous, adventuresome, revealing, and filled with examples of mutual love and devotion. Some of the stories are true. Others are the invention of creative minds that know what it is like to love a dog.

Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck writes about traveling the roads of America with his best friend, a French poodle named Charley.

Passages in the book also include writings from Mark Twain, Willie Morris, Andrew McKean, Marshall Ramsey and James L. Dickenson.

Other writers also share their love of dogs in this book. If you do not already have a dog, you will almost certainly rush out after reading the book and acquire one. (Special/DM Staff)

Belzoni, Mississippi

The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah really shows how war can affect the human condition. It is a dynamite read. o Terry Carlysle Meek, Educator Cleveland, Mississippi

The Once and Future King by T.E. White.

I have been enamored with the Arthurian legend for many years. The ideals of chivalry, honor, and unity have always appealed to me.

Mardi Allen

For the Record

o Linda Smith

Books Delta Magazine fans are currently reading

A Gentleman in Moscow

by Amor Towles

o Linda Howard

The Prayer Box

by Lisa Wingate

o James M. Knox The Goldfinch

by Donna Tart

o Hayne Matthews The Water is Wide

by Pat Conroy

o Mary Sue Gresham Dunaway The Outrageous Behavior of Left Handed Dwarfs

by Graham Black 32 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

o Janice Smith Taylor

Michael Ford County: Stories

by John Grisham

o Emily Tillman Donovan Young Bess

by Margaret Irwin

o Kristie Cameron

The Weekenders

by Mary Kay Andrews

o Wes Martin Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates by Don Yaeger

o Lisa Fratesi Ivy Beneath A Scarlet Sky

by Mark Sullivan

o Courtney Clark Lincoln in the Bardo

by George Saunders

o Trista Wilkinson Greer Sunshine in the Delta

by Erica Sandifer

o Alison Patrolia

Cypress Shades

by John W. Whiteside, III

o Marsha Moody Goodwin Anxious for Nothing

by Max Lucado

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Sundays Down South: A Pastor’s Stories by James O. Chatham (University Press of Mississippi) Perhaps the best way to portray that unique cultural phenomenon called “Southerners” is by telling tales about how these particular people live.

And who could perceive them better, heart and soul, than their preacher? James O. Chatham, a Presbyterian minister who served several congregations during four decades, witnessed to a full spectrum of Southern types during his years in the pulpit. He met all kinds, and he strived to minister to each with a compassionate, pastoral hand.

In Sundays Down South: A Pastor’s Stories he recounts experiences with people who were both heroic and pathetic, wise and foolish, visionary and blind. With a poignant but plain style, he makes clear his love for his parishioners and his attempt to infuse their lives with the inspired dignity that has moved him through a lifetime of preaching and listening. (Special/DM Staff) The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O’Neill (Penguin Random House) Two eccentric and charming orphans become a one-of-a-kind act to raise money for their cruel orphanage in Montreal. They fall in love but end up losing each other in the underworld of the city during the Great Depression.

This novel has it all: interesting setting where the strongest survive, unforgettable and extremely lovable characters, a magnetic tone, and a plot that never stops until the very last word. There is not one boring moment in this story, and along with the perfection that comes with the meticulously magical way this story was written, this book is a fantastic read.

O’Neill somehow made what would seem like bleak and desperate subject matter into childlike innocence, humor, fun and whimsy. All the while, the plot never loses its depth and honesty, as love and resilience move powerfully through this brilliant, sparkling novel.

Some books are meant to be enjoyed slowly like a rich dessert. This is one such work of art. It stays with you. (Liza Jones)

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Fire Sermon by Jamie Quatro (Grove Atlantic) This novel digs deeply, beautifully into the most important and interesting subjects: God, love, family, faith, sex, marriage and art.

Maggie is a mother, wife and theologian scholar turned poet whose life is shown to the reader in a thoughtful series of poignant scenes and formative moments. Despite her convictions about Christendom, she has fallen in love with another poet who is also married with a family. The affair begins intellectually, but as the bond tightens over all they have in common, the chemistry between them is played out, and they are emotionally bonded and so tormented by their feelings for each other.

This book takes on all kinds of forms: raw words displayed in journals, text messages, emails, letters, story and dialogue. Maggie’s inner world is more than moving: a woman’s battle within herself for the beautiful, challenging life she built and adores.

Intelligent and lovely, Fire Sermon questions the morality of yearning, of desire on all levels. (Liza Jones) DM DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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⋘

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The Southern Foodways Alliance Guide to Cocktails by Sarah Camp Milam and Jerry Slater, Square Books

34 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

CLASSIC DELTA

McCartys blue birds, McCartys Pottery

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New from University Press of Mississippi

A playful look at one of Mississippi’s iconic landmarks Malcolm White Illustrated by Ginger Williams Cook Foreword by Robert St. John

The story of Robert F. Kennedy’s consequential visit to the Mississippi Delta Ellen B. Meacham

Available at your local bookseller.

A stunning photographic tour of Cat Island and its many historical sites

A compelling memoir from the front lines of the civil rights movement

John Cuevas Photographs by Jason Taylor Foreword by Delbert Hosemann

John N. Herbers With Anne Farris Rosen Foreword by Gene Roberts

upress.state.ms.us | 800.737.7788

8:18 AM

DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Contact us to book your event.

(662) 234-3031 info@graduateoxford.com

DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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ART

Moved by Beauty The art of CAROL ROARK “An artist has gotta be careful never really to arrive at a place where he thinks he’s at somewhere.” -BOB DYLAN

BY CAL TROUT • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

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When pressed about what it is within her that must be brought forth, and how that has changed throughout the cultivation of her talent, Roark defers at first indicating she loves the outdoors, but is most captivated by light.

P

eople living upon the bluffs on the Delta’s eastern margin know that before taking His Sabbath, God peaked here in sunsets. And though we are advised “better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof,” sunrises were given extra care as well. This is especially true along Highway 35 north of Charleston.

Here, every morning the sun fills a small studio with light, casting rays and shadows on dozens of paintings. Some hang on walls, some finished, others rest in various stages of visions unfulfilled. At least eighty-five lay on a table, scattered as a farmer’s thoughts in winter.

Two windows face west across a pasture hosting two high-blooded horses before the whole scene falls away to fields of hay, cut cotton stalks and traces of last year’s corn.

Ducks and geese fill the horizon near the flyways of the Coldwater and Tallahatchie rivers.

But the room is otherwise empty.

Across the highway, in a small grove of trees next to an old cow pond, Carol Roark is on a mission. She cocks her head, pauses and takes her eyes off the declining sun to offer, “I’m trying to become the best painter I can be.”

Roark recently earned a Community Supported Artist Award through the

Yoknapatawpha Arts Council in Oxford.

She is painting two hundred plein air works in two hundred days. The project will culminate in a book, the text taken from a journal Roark is keeping. This will be her latest achievement in a lifetime of commitment, frustration and growth.

Roark is a rarity among artists because she already lives every artist’s dream. As a young woman she sketched people’s horses to earn the entry fees to horse shows around the country, and has been making a living from art ever since.

She made such a name for herself as an equine illustrator that she became the Dixie National Quarter Horse Show’s official cover DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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artist for a decade. In the process she painted some of the top Quarter Horses that ever lived. Her work was featured on the cover of The Chronicle of the Horse magazine, and was with L Bar Western Art Gallery in Cedar Point, Texas and Nunnery’s Gallery in Jackson.

As an equine artist, though, Roark felt pigeon-holed. “Photorealistic portraits–to me–if an artist has a certain level of technical skill, they can do that. Any artist can,” she says. “But I wanted to be much more expressive. There was nothing of myself in that work. I wanted dynamics. I wanted complexity of color, of light and dark.”

Though plein air painting is all the rage now, it was fairly uncommon in the mid-nineties when Roark began studying under famed colorist Sammy Britt. “We just called it ‘painting outside with Sammy,’” Roark laughs. “I learned most of what drives me now through Britt. I started studying with him in ‘94 in workshops. I even audited some of his classes at Delta State. I’m not a hardcore colorist like Sammy, but I would not have the key color and light knowledge I have, had I not spent so much time with him.”

And yet, even under the tutelage of a master, Roark still felt she wasn’t reaching her potential. She was not painting what was in her heart. She was painting in a specific style, and that comes with certain expectations.

Again, she felt the need to break free. This time, armed with all she had learned taking classes, studying under the best artists she could find, and teaching art for over twenty 40 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

years, she simply walked outside, opened her eyes and heart to the world and commenced.

Finding time did not come easy for Roark, who is married with two children, but she persisted. Most recently, she took over as executive director of the Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort (CARE). “I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t believe in an artist with an excuse. I teach sixty to seventy students a week. I teach in Oxford, Batesville, Charleston and at home,” Roark

says as she sets up her easel on a hill behind her house for her third painting this day. “If I can find time to paint, anyone can. I think that a true artist has something in them that has to come out.”

When pressed about what it is within her that must be brought forth, and how that has changed throughout the cultivation of her talent, she defers at first indicating she loves the outdoors, but is most captivated by light.

Later, she admits that she’s always been a people pleaser, and was motivated early in

her career by earning money. The combination of these traits confined her to always painting for other people.

Roark rarely takes commissions anymore.

She left galleries behind and hasn’t done a portrait of a horse in years, except for fun or to blow off steam. People do not appear in her work. She is a teacher who broke free from instruction, and encourages her students to do the same. The result is an astounding body of work that is growing daily in both quantity and quality.

As she adds a few finishing touches, she pauses, “You know, an artist should always look back on past work with regret. Everything I’ve tried and failed at has brought me to this point. But if I say I’ve arrived, then I have failed.” After a moment of thought she continues, “The thing that moves me is the beauty I see here. Mississippi doesn’t get credit for being as beautiful as it is. And today with everyone always looking down at their phones–they are missing an opportunity to experience rare and beautiful moments all the time. I can’t paint without feeling the touch of God in the subject. I have much more joy in my painting now than I’ve ever had.”

Her work, while grounded in the present, insists on the nostalgia native to Deltans. A casual observer might be forgiven for thinking, “Oh, there’s a nice swamp scene.” But a deeper look, beyond the initial modesty, reveals a not-so-subtle tension, a blessed bringing forth of light and dark; shade and revelation.

There is a vision in her work. Or perhaps

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more accurately, a song: a dirge howling underneath each painting for all the unrecognized beauty that abounds here in our place on earth. It demands our attention. It compels us to lay aside whatever screen is before us and engage. It is there every moment, flecks of joy for those who dare to look. It stares at us, like a woman’s eyes, shaded by a broad-brimmed hat, searching for elements of the Divine in traces of cloud color, and the way day’s dying light plays upon windblown branches of winter trees.

And so, there is hope among the desolate, uninhabited countryside. Look and you will see the richness of bygone days, excitement for tomorrow’s expectations, of beginnings of things and endings thereof. A way that, more than anything, is a place of beauty. The message only a true artist can convey. DM DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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MUSIC

GREG CROWE A songwriter’s journey from the Mississippi Delta to Music Row

BY TOM SPEED • PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA VAN SANDT

S

ongwriter Greg Crowe wistfully recalls his upbringing in Cleveland, Mississippi. His family ran Crowe’s Grocery in nearby Shaw. He was flush with friends and family. It was a good place to grow up.

“You could leave your door unlocked, ride your bike wherever you wanted to go,” he says. In those days, he probably couldn’t have imagined that one day he’d be an accomplished songwriter in Nashville, penning hits for major country acts like Montgomery Gentry, Sammy Kershaw and Lonestar. But he probably could’ve imagined a life in music.

It began at an early age. Crowe says he started making up songs while in the third grade at Parks Elementary.

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“I’ve just always made up melodies with lyrics,” he explains.

His father, John, was a singer and guitar player, which meant there was always a guitar lying around the house. Despite being a strong singer, John claimed to be ‘tone-deaf’ and would enlist young Greg, who seemingly had perfect pitch, to tune his guitar for him.

“I would watch the Beatles cartoon and they’d show the individual strings,” Crowe says. “So I learned to tune from the Beatles cartoons.”

Soon, he got a guitar of his own one Christmas. After his father showed him a few chords, he was off and running.

But Crowe wasn’t exactly following in the footsteps of his father, a serious country music lover who favored George Jones and

Crowe performing in his home town of Cleveland in 2016.

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Mississippi has long been known for its many artists and musicians. Greg Crowe is on this list. The hits he has written have been numerous and well received by national and international audiences. Besides being a writer, recording artist, and performer, Crowe is also a noted record producer.

Merle Haggard. Crowe wanted to be a rocker. “All I wanted was to be in a band” he says.

He was growing up on rock ’n’ roll, but he soon sought it’s roots and kindled an affinity for the blues, specifically the greats that were living in his own backyard.

“A buddy and I went knocking on doors in Leland looking for Son Thomas,” he recalls.

Eventually, they found the blues great.

Then they developed a friendship. Crowe would drive Thomas to play at house parties in and around Cleveland.

When the nagging urge to be in a band finally became irresistible, he and two friends—Danny Durastanti and the late Jimmy Fickle—formed one.

“I talked Jimmy into selling his truck to buy a bass rig,” Crowe recalls. “I feel bad now because it was a nice truck.”

Dubbing themselves Danny and the Primos, the trio set their sights on the Florida panhandle and within a few days of their arrival in Panama Beach, had landed a coveted steady gig at a local beach bar. The band played rockabilly, blues and of course– rock ’n’ roll. In time, the band dissolved and Crowe found himself relocating to Yazoo City for a job. It wasn’t long before his wanderlust musical longings took hold again.

Along with Durastanti, they moved to Nashville to seek their fortune and fame. It was about that time that Crowe began to develop an appreciation for country music.

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“Dwight Yoakam’s first record came out and Steve Earle’s first record came out, and everything changed,” he says. “That’s when I first started really listening to country music.”

In Nashville he met Dennis Robbins, a successful musician perhaps best known for writing hit songs for Garth Brooks such as “Two of a Kind” and “Working on a Full House” and Shenandoah, “Church on Cumberland Road,” Crowe joined Robbins’ touring band as a sideman, and in that role shared the stage with some of the biggest country acts of the day—Billy Ray Cyrus, Travis Tritt, Wynonna Judd and Tricia Yearwood to name a few. They played in large

arenas and amphitheaters all over the country. They appeared on too many television shows to count. At the urging of Robbins’ management team, Crowe developed designs on a solo career. But he couldn’t find the kind of songs he wanted to record. A music publisher told him, “You’re going to have to write your own.”

So he began writing in earnest, developing a routine of writing in the morning, every day. He made a lot of demos.

Crowe recorded one self-titled solo album, but he’d also landed a publishing deal. That meant the songs that he didn’t record were shopped to other singers.

“I was just writing the best songs I could write,” he says. “If it worked for me, great. If not maybe it would for someone else.”

They would. About four years into it he scored hits with Montgomery Gentry’s “Lonely and Gone” and Sammy Kershaw’s “Little Did I Know.” The songs kept coming, and so did the hits, including songs for Trace Adkins, Lonestar, Will Hoge and others. He even penned the official fight song for Tennessee Titans Radio, “We’re Fired Up!” Today, Crowe has his own publishing company, Crowe’s Choice Music. Thanks to his years of producing demos, he also enjoys producing up-and-coming artists in his studio. But he continues to write songs and although his home is in Nashville, Crowe says his heart remains in the Mississippi Delta. DM

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Stories Soil

Deep in the Delta’s alluvial soils, archeologists are seeking to unravel the mysteries of Hernando de Soto and the chiefdoms he encountered—before it’s too late.

BY BOYCE UPHOLT • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM BECK

This Saturn bell (French trade bell) is similar to the Clarksdale Bells carried by the Hernando de Soto Expedition and given to Native Americans. The bell is displayed in the Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin, Arkansas. The Parkin site is important to the de Soto story because evidence found on this property suggests de Soto and his men camped there in the summer of 1541.

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ost of the men were out working in the corn fields that day, so the village plaza was undefended. A few hundred women remained behind, watching the children and preparing meals.

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The invaders were like nothing they had seen before: wrapped in strange gleaming shells, they had the torsos of humans, but grafted atop four-legged beasts. The only thing clear about them was their anger.

Most of the villagers fled into the woods and swamps outside the town, but their chief—ancient, fading, too weak to even hurt a dog—retained his old fury. He grabbed his war club and began to descend his temple mound. His wives and servants clung to him, begging him to yield. He was too old, and these strange new wrathful men were too strong.

Looks, though, could be deceiving. Those men—the army of Hernando de Soto, Spanish conquistador—had suffered a demoralizing defeat. They had limped for nine days through a vast, swampy jungle. Their ferocity was mere bluster.

This village was a part of a chiefdom known as Quizquiz, or at least that’s the name that de Soto’s army recorded. The villagers have left no notes, and perhaps this is why the story is so often told from invaders’ point of view. According to local archaeologist John Connaway, the Indians they encountered fought back in their own unique way—often through cleverly providing misinformation.

De Soto sought gold. Some of the chiefs convinced him he’d find it—if they went looking in the next village over. Predictably, when de Soto got to that next village, “they’d say the same thing,” Connaway explains. “So old de Soto, he didn’t fare too well.”

He did win fame: parks, schools, towns, counties—they all bear

After traveling through the south for two years de Soto looks worn out and worn down in this depiction of him in the Tunica Riverpark Museum.

his name, as does a now-defunct line of Chrysler cars. He is universally recognized for his “discovery” of the Mississippi River.

His army found it soon after raiding the Quizquiz village—though, of course, considering that there was a village there to raid indicates that the river was already well-known.

Indeed, life in ancient Mississippi depended on the river. The river supported the land; the river created life. Its adjacent swamps were filled with fish and berries, and the surrounding alluvial soil was rich for growing corn. Upstream, near modern-day St. Louis, the great city of Cahokia had emerged in the river’s bottomlands around AD 1050, becoming the largest prehistoric metropolis

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Reproduction Spanish helmets on display at Parkin Archeological State Park.

north of Mexico. Three centuries later, though, when de Soto arrived in America, Cahokia was in decline.

No white man would see the river for another one hundred forty years after de Soto’s arrival and departure, a span that would lurch the world towards modernity. Interestingly, de Soto’s men were mostly medieval: you might picture a horde from Game of Thrones. Seven hundred strong when they embarked from Spain, many were kinsmen from a single province. Their bodies were sheathed in armor and—while carrying rudimentary guns—they fought mostly with crossbows, lances and swords.

De Soto was known to make decisions quickly, perhaps too quickly. He had little patience for foolishness. He sought wealth and power, whatever the means—murder certainly included.

He was of noble birth, but not rich. He built his fortune as a young man in Central America, often by slaughtering and enslaving the locals he found.

In Central America, de Soto was essentially a junior officer— but he was ambitious and wanted to command. He returned home to Spain and begged permission to conquer “La Florida.” When the king agreed, de Soto began to assemble his army.

They landed in Florida in May 1539, and from the start suffered.

Ambushes were constant. In one nine-hour battle in Alabama, nearly half the army was killed or wounded. The damages they

inflicted were worse. As many as 6,000 enemy warriors were killed, making it one of the bloodiest conflicts ever recorded on this continent. After a long winter, de Soto’s army suffered a small but demoralizing defeat near modern-day Tupelo.

De Soto was still recovering from that defeat when he arrived in Quizquiz, in the Mississippi Delta. Still, the Spaniard managed to triumph.

While the old chief ’s wives and servants convinced the old man not to attack, he did spit his fury at de Soto even as he was being taken captive.

How true is the story I tell you? It’s hard, really, to know. There are four historical chronicles that recount the exploits of de Soto and his men. One account is heavily romanticized, written long afterward, based on interviews with survivors. The chiefdoms de Soto’s men encountered have no written record of their own. Our knowledge of these battles is pieced together, often by matching notes from the chronicles with artifacts that archeologists manage to pull from the earth.

Based out of Clarksdale, John Connaway, a survey archeologist for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, is the only field archeologist employed by that agency. He explains that the weakened state of the expedition when they entered the Delta is part of the challenge of recreating their path.

De Soto was still recovering from that defeat when he arrived in Quizquiz, in the Mississippi Delta.

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Archeological items found on the grounds at Parkin.

PARKIN ARCHEOLOGICAL STATE PARK WEBSITE

As the river has shifted its course over time, it has deposited soil “By the time they got here, they were kind of depleted,” he says. containing many hidden native secrets—and protected those secrets The little cargo they had was precious; they weren’t about to cast too. Their potsherds and food scraps are buried in mud, waiting any of it aside. That means there is little for archeologists to for archaeologists like Connaway to piece together their story. exhume.

These clues reveal a complex society, as politically complicated One halberd was found in Leflore County, and a second one of as late-medieval Europe. Most Indians lived in similar make was found just across the river in small villages, often three to five hundred Arkansas. These were weapons carried by the people. Some residents might never travel Spaniards, polearms outfitted with a versatile more than a few miles beyond their home. array of weaponry: a spear-tip for stabbing, an Groups of villages were linked into larger axe-head for chopping and a hook for pulling chiefdoms, each led by a supreme chief who an enemy off a horse. Experts believe both was often said to descend from the sun. likely came from de Soto’s army.

The sickly old chieftain who was captured Small brass bells found at an Indian mound by de Soto, for example, was himself under the near Clarksdale are presumed to have come dominion of a more powerful ruler. This chief from the expedition, too. These bells were scoffed at de Soto’s bluster. He demanded the carried as trinkets for use in trade. It’s more prisoners be released and de Soto, with so likely, though, that the Clarksdale bells originated from other Spanish travelers in the Layered glass chevron bead recovered from many men wounded, decided it was better not far Southwest and were carried here by the Parkin site is another artifact believed to to fight.

For the next few weeks there was something intercontinental trade. Nothing found in be from the de Soto expedition. of a détente, with small raids but little protracted violence. De Soto’s Mississippi, not even the halberds, has been indisputably tied to de men managed to find the corn they needed and some pecans (an Soto’s expedition.

What is indisputable is the centuries long presence of native unfamiliar nut they quite enjoyed). They set up camp so they could cultures. People have lived in the Delta for thousands of years— build boats to cross the great river. long enough to leave plenty of trash and plenty of clues to their This camp was constantly harried. Almost every afternoon, a lives. fleet of canoes arrived, the warriors hollering. They paddled close DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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A version of the De Soto Expedition route, by Charles Hudson and Associates, 1991.

had told the farmer whose land he was studying that the work enough to shoot arrows. From foxholes, de Soto’s men volleyed would take a few months. Three years later, the farmer asked back. After twenty-seven days, when the boats were completed, the whether those months were up.

Indians withdrew. They, too, seemed to hope to avoid a true fight.

“But he’d just laugh about it,” Connaway says. “It really didn’t One night in late June 1541, at nearly 2 a.m., under the slim hurt him to leave out an acre or two.” light of a crescent moon, the first men rowed a quarter of a league Connaway recently visited a site in Itta Bena that was littered upstream and then pushed across the river. They unloaded on the with prehistoric pottery. “There far side without incident and the were mussel shells this deep,” he long process of ferrying the army began. Finally, two hours past says, holding his hand two and a half feet off the ground. He hopes sunrise, everyone had reached west he can find a student who might bank. Today we see this crossing as make that site the focus of a thesis. de Soto’s great accomplishment; “I don’t have time to do it myself,” but for the conquistador, no doubt, he says. “I’ve got too much to do, it was little more than a delay in and I’m getting too old for all their hapless quest. that—digging sites all by myself.”

Last summer, to better Connaway has been at this five understand how these stories are decades after all, and is drawing revealed, I drove to Coahoma County to a site called the Carson A halberd was a type of weapon carried by European foot soldiers. De near retirement. It is unlikely the Mounds. It was a searing afternoon, Soto’s men carried halberds. This halberd was found in Schlater, state will have the budget to replace Mississippi and it is on display at the Museum of the Mississippi Delta but a small task force of volunteers in Greenwood. Scholars believe it came from the de Soto expedition. him when he goes. Meanwhile, stood in the sun, listening dutifully farmers continue to level new land—bringing in heavy machinery to make the landscape even to an archeologist’s instructions. A ground penetrating radar–a flatter, and therefore easier to irrigate. But this makes archeological contraption that looked like a computer attached to a lawn digs and research much more difficult, often disturbing or mower—was being rolled over the earth to discover what might be destroying ancient sites and our understanding of prehistory. hidden below, a great help since there aren’t enough John Still, Connaway is unfazed by his discipline’s precarious future.

Connaways around these days.

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De Soto’s secretaries kept meticulous notes on their journey throughout the South. These accounts were turned into the book, The De Soto Chronicles, Volumes I and II. This material has been invaluable to historians and scholars in their pursuit of the de Soto story.

“There’s always stuff out there that we haven’t found yet,” he says. He points, for example, to his own recent insights: he found certain rocks that suggest that a group of migrants from Cahokia lived at the Carson site.

Given the significance of Cahokia—it is the epicenter of the continent’s prehistorical culture—this is an important discovery. It rewrites our understanding of ancient local politics; for years, archeologists have thought chiefdoms in the Mississippi Delta existed largely separate from the great city’s sway. To me, it’s a moment of startling clarity: the arc of individual lives resolves to clarity, across the distance of centuries.

That’s a sort of clarity we may never have about de Soto. We do know, though, how his story ends. After the conquistador died of fever, his body was dropped in the Mississippi River, hiding his death from the army’s enemies. His men wandered west to Texas but they never found a settlement large enough to support their numbers and eventually returned to the river. They built a fleet of boats, and headed downstream.

As they left the continent, they were pursued by another fierce Deltan chieftain, the great Quigaltam. Through the night and into the next day, the Spaniards paddled hard before their pursuers finally gave up the chase.

These are the men who would survive to tell de Soto’s story.

Beneath their boats, beyond their knowledge, was another story.

Long after they reached the safety of the Gulf, a muddy plume continued—a remnant of the river, and the soil it carried, and the secrets it contains. DM

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Completing the circuit.

At Entergy, the circuit means more than electricity. It means connection and potential. Families. Neighborhoods. Businesses. We’re all part of a circuit. So we invest in industry. Inspire education. Nurture community.

We empower each other. And together, we power life.

A message from Entergy Mississippi, Inc. ©2015 Entergy Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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XXX OPS U IT VOG M PXFS

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the miss delta ROSE SOCIETY Rose garden at the Mississippi Agricultural Museum in Jackson installed by Joe McLaurin.

Beloved organization has left its mark on the Cleveland community

BY SUSAN MARQUEZ PHOTOS COURTESY OF JANE DUNLAP AND LEA MARGARET HAMILTON

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hen Shakespeare’s character, Juliet, spoke about her true love, Romeo, she said “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Roses have been treasured and revered throughout history. Red roses are given to show love, pink roses for appreciation, yellow roses are for friendship and white roses often symbolize purity. Ethel Merman sang “Everything’s coming up roses” in the 1959 Broadway musical “Gypsy.” And for those who are eternal optimists, the world is seen through rose-colored glasses.

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Program for the First Annual Rose Show of The Miss Delta Rose Society in Cleveland in 1973.

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Joe McLaurin checking his roses.

In 1972, a group of men in Cleveland were so inspired by the beauty of the roses that grew in so many Delta yards, they formed the Miss Delta Rose Society.

Affiliated with the American Rose Society, the chapter had a successful start with help from members of the Memphis chapter who traveled to Cleveland each month to share their knowledge. “It started with my husband, Ellis Dunlap,” recalls Cleveland resident, Jane Dunlap. “He and Hubert Boykin and John Yurkow started the Miss Delta Rose Society.”

“Our goal in growing roses was to learn to grow the best roses we could and to share them anyway we could, whether it be in the churches, nursing homes, at Delta State, weddings or in the home,” says Dunlap.

Hailing from Cleveland, Dallas architect Bentley Tibbs loves to reminisce about his childhood home town and the influence it had in his life. As a boy, when he went to Hubert and Lucille Boykin’s home in Cleveland for boxing lessons, Tibbs became enamored with the beautiful blooms in their large rose garden. “Mr. Boykin was a Golden Glove boxing champion in the 1930s,” Tibbs explains. “My parents let my brothers and me take boxing lessons from him, but they wouldn’t let us get in a ring. Each time I was there, I noticed the beautiful roses, and he invited me to attend the Miss Delta Rose Society meetings. At twelve years old, I was the youngest member of the Society, but the

Joe McLaurin, Ellis Dunlap and Margaret McLaurin presenting awards after a rose show.

The late Mary James Blakeman and Ellis Dunlap working on flowers donated by the Miss Delta Rose Society for a local wedding at First Presbyterian in Cleveland.

Wilburn Wilson with daughter Toni and Ellis Dunlap. Wilson later helped install a garden in front of the Historic Isaiah T. Montgomery House in Mound Bayou.

Lea Margaret Hamilton was once selected Princess of the Miss Delta Rose Society Show.

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Roses of many varieties and colors grace the garden at the Martin and Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum.

Jane Dunlap with volunteer Mark Ponder tending the roses.

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group took me under their wing and taught me all they knew about growing roses. They always treated me like an adult and I will forever appreciate that.”

Lee Margaret Hamilton, of Greenville, remembers going to rose shows with her parents Joe and Margaret McLaurin, who were members of the Miss Delta Rose Society. “I remember getting up early in the morning and my parents would have the car freezing cold to protect the blooms while they were being transported from home to wherever the show was. My mother was in charge of gathering the trophies for the local shows, which was a huge undertaking, and the car would be filled with real silver platters, wine goblets and such which were awarded to the winners.”

At each show, a rose was selected by judges to be the Queen. “It’s kind of a ‘best in show’, or ‘best in class,’” explains Tibbs.

“There’s also a King, which is second place, followed by Princess, Duchess and a Court, which includes the top ten roses.” For a few years, a Rose Princess was crowned at the shows. “I was a Princess one year,” says Lea Margaret. “At the time, it was a pretty big deal!”

The shows both Tibbs and Hamilton remember attending were in the Union at Delta State University. “There were rows and rows of tables filling the room,” recalls Tibbs.

“All were covered in black plastic and there were thousands of roses of all sizes, as well as exquisite rose arrangements.” Dunlap says she misses the shows greatly. “They were wonderful. We held them each spring and they got so big that they’d spill out into the lobby of the Union building. The ballroom there was full of roses.” She fondly recalls the first rose shows, which were held at a small local bank. “We had no idea what we were doing,” she laughs. “But whatever we did worked, because the show grew and we moved it to Cleveland State Bank, which was a bigger bank. The show was held there for a few years before moving to Delta State.

We had entries from Hattiesburg, Monroe, Memphis and everywhere in-between.”

The Dunlaps entertained the judges in their home each year the evening before the show. “We had certified judges from all over who came to Cleveland. We wanted to show them a good time as a way of expressing our appreciation for them coming, and for sharing their knowledge of roses with us.”

The Miss Delta Rose Society continued to grow, due in part to the rose being named the national flower during Richard Nixon’s

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administration. “People were going rosecrazy,” laughs Dunlap. Joe McLaurin says he got involved when he started entering roses in shows. “I put in a little rose garden with about twenty plants,” he says, “and I read in the Jackson Daily News that there was going to be a rose show in Jackson. I picked my prettiest bloom and drove it down to Jackson and it won. That got me started in showing roses. One of the best rose shows around was the Miss Delta Rose Society’s show at Delta State. It drew a lot of people from all over with a lot of entries.”

McLaurin gained a good deal of knowledge by attending the Society’s meetings and talking with other rosegrowers. “When I went to work for the Department of Agriculture, Commissioner Jim Buck Ross asked me to install a rose garden at the Agricultural Museum in Jackson. I had people sending me roses that hadn’t even been named yet to put in the garden. It was enjoyed by many people over the years, and even won an award for being the top municipal rose garden for the Gulf District.” Sadly, after McLaurin retired, the rose garden which was named after him was taken down.

While roses are still as popular as ever, the societies that surround them are dying away.

“People just got too old to tend to their roses or to attend meetings,” says Dunlap, who at ninety still tends her own roses at home as well as the roses in downtown Cleveland.

“Some people have died, others moved away and the rest just got too old.” Dunlap recalls that at one of the pre-show gatherings at her home she made an announcement that it would be the last such gathering for the Miss Delta Rose Society. “We just didn’t have enough people in our group to keep going.”

The last rose show was held at the Delta State Union in 1992.

Sadly, many chapters around the state and around the country met with the same fate.

The American Rose Society website lists only two chapters in Mississippi: The Mississippi Old Garden Rose Society in Jackson, and the Northeast Mississippi Rose Society in Verona. “There aren’t many young people interested in roses anymore,” sighs Tibbs.

“They all have their noses stuck in mobile phones and iPads. I would love to see more interest.” However, Tibbs’s interest hasn’t waned and he is active in the Dallas Rose Society. “When I go to the shows here, there are far fewer roses on display. Where we’d see thousands of roses in Cleveland, there are hundreds at the shows in Dallas.” DM

In December, Dunlap was surprised with a 90th birthday party at the Railroad Museum, and was recognized by the city of Cleveland for her tremendous contributions.

Purchased in 1981, Dunlap’s signature brown Chevy truck has been her most dedicated companion, faithfully transporting her to and from her rose beds.

Thirty years and 63,000 miles later

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hile the Miss Delta Rose society may no longer be, it’s impact is still very evident.

Just take a stroll through downtown Cleveland or a quick drive around the town and one will see numerous rose beds. It all began in 1990 when the late George Harrison, a longtime Clevelander, and Jane Dunlap took it upon themselves to plant a bed of roses in the space between the Baptist and Methodist churches. She laughs, “We ran out of room in our own yards!” It was such a success, they approached Mayor Martin King and asked for permission to put in more beds around town. King agreed and the rest is history. The beds which are tended by Dunlap to this day, have expanded through all of downtown, culminating in the showstopper garden at the Martin and Sue King Railroad Museum, where Dunlap was recently surprised with a 90th birthday party in her honor. It is a common sight to see her with her trusty brown 1981 Chevy truck parked alongside a rose bed planting, pruning or fertilizing her beloved plants. And Cleveland is the better for it.

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HOME

Casual Comfort at the Club

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A Matthew Hasty landscape painting featuring a full Delta moon above a cotton field commands attention above the fireplace.

He loves the blues and golf, she loves the joys of feeding and entertaining family, and they can enjoy it all on a daily basis, in this supremely comfortable home overlooking the links.

BY BRENDA WARE JONES • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM BECK DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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ulie and Robert Agostinelli had individual, but compatible, wish lists when they decided to build their dream house at the Clarksdale Country Club. And thanks to the talent and vision of popular Delta residential designer Frank Tindall, everyone is more than happy with the result: an expansive, classic family home on Westover Drive, overlooking the golf course.

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A mix of rustic woods on counter, trim, and ceiling, underscored by old brick paver flooring, create warmth in this large family kitchen.

The traditional, hip-and-gable roof dwelling is on a large lot just around the corner from their former place. “My husband and our two boys have always loved playing golf,” says Julie. “Now, they can just walk out our back door and be right on the course.”

Julie’s great love is cooking, and with four grown children and now the addition of a young in-law, she has done quite a lot of it.

She requested a big, open kitchen and an adjoining living area, where family and friends can gather, hang out, and share stories while she whips up her specialties. Their children, Matthew, Grace Ann, Michael, and Lauren, who range in age from twenty-six to eighteen, visit often from their own homes, or college (in the case of the two younger ones, who are at Ole Miss and Mississippi State).

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The heart of the house has seating and sous-chef space for any number, featuring an oak Victorian table and chairs, which are old family pieces.

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AUSTIN BRITT

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AUSTIN BRITT

A round table in the formal dining room is topped with a custom iron chandelier. Prezna abstracts grace the walls.

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The children may be grown, but they are hardly gone: they come home often, for events like the Juke Joint Festival, or the Sunflower River Blues Festival.

Both Julie, a reading teacher at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School, and Robert, a cotton farmer, are Clarksdale natives. The grandparents of both were immigrants from the Ancona region of Italy, who settled in the Delta during the great migration a few generations ago. While neither Julie (whose maiden name is Tavoleti) nor Robert speak a word of Italian, they retain their inherited oldcountry reverence for close ties to their kin, and their daily lives amply reflect that. “Julie’s parents live just across the street,” says Robert, “and her mother Barbara has fed us and the children Sunday dinner ever since we were married, for the past twenty-eight years!”

While they knew just what they had in mind, they had a bit of trouble finding it. “We looked through hundreds of house plans,” recalls Julie, “but we just didn’t see exactly what we wanted. We have always loved the houses Frank Tindall designed, so we called him.

We told him we wanted something homey and livable.” He certainly delivered, creating private spaces that fit everyone’s separate needs, while providing more than ample venues for the times when everyone comes together. Working without an interior designer per se, the Agostinellis allowed Tindall the creative pleasure of making the decisions on everything from fixtures, countertops, paint colors, to flooring. He specified lots of natural materials, from old brick to stained woods, and used a pleasingly neutral, warm palette for the walls.

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A retreat for the paterfamilias, this cypress-walled study displays a pleasing contrast of textures.

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Creamy vanilla tones create a soothing master suite. The painting above the bed is by Vesela Baker.

Just as Julie doesn’t hesitate to name the large, open, light-filled kitchen as her favorite room, Robert is quick to claim his study as his go-to refuge when there isn’t a golf tournament, televised ball game, or agricultural demand to distract him. The cypress-paneled room is filled with the things he treasures most: artwork by his daughter Grace Ann, and Indian artifacts he has collected. But his eyes light up especially when he shows off his prize collection of hand-built, folk art guitars by blues legend Super Chikan.

“We have become great friends,” enthuses Robert. “He played at our daughter’s rehearsal dinner. Maybe once a month or so, I’ll go over to his place, and in a shed behind his house, we play. He’s teaching me the blues.” Successfully? “Well, my wife says I’m getting a lot better,” he laughs and so does Julie, but in a nice supportive way, of course!

Only two of the Agostinelli offspring were still living at home when the house was completed in 2014, and they were old enough to be looking towards leaving the nest after graduation. So Tindall designed a large upper story with three large bedrooms, plus a den and exercise room, that could be easily closed off when only Julie and Robert remained. Their spacious master suite is downstairs, accessible via a hallway off the study, complete with a large, luxurious spa bathroom.

Aside from the large kitchen/living area, perhaps the most often enjoyed part of the house is the huge screened porch–-measuring

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A contemporary iron light fixture casts up dramatic shadows in the peaceful master spa bath.

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The long, wide rear screened porch is in constant use in most seasons, filled with comfortable seating and eating areas.

Super Chikan got his name from being the smallest child in his family, and having to care for the chickens on their farm. He got tired of chasing them, so he learned how to talk like them, and after a while, the birds would actually come to him. His guitars are born out of living in a home that recycled anything that could be recycled. He started making his own guitars. A “Diddley Bow” is a guitar that is round like a banjo, but has a neck like a guitar. When he uses a guitar-shaped body, it is called a “Gui Bow”. Each instrument is a unique design and whimsically decorated.

fourteen by forty—four feet—that stretches across the rear. “We spend a lot of time out here,” claims Julie. “We can relax and watch golf tournaments, or a football game on TV by the fireplace. We also love to grill and dine out here.”

Usually, when a couple is telling the story of building such a large, detail-filled house, they recall a few hiccups or setbacks. Not so in this case; they have nothing but praise for their builder, Brian Atwood of Atwood Construction. And Julie enjoyed working with her sister, Mary Helen Hepner, to select the furnishings and accessories. “Our intention was to use a lot of what we already had, in our former house,” says Julie, “but we ended up finding lots of new items that really work in the rooms.” They found several things

locally, and in Memphis, as well as Frank Tindall’s antique sources in Atlanta. Tindall also designed the home’s cabinetry, which was made and installed by Wilbourn and Son. Robert’s cotton farm is only about fifteen minutes away, an easy commute by any measure. “He would not have minded living out in the country,” says his wife, “but I kind of like to be close to things.”

As it turns out, they are indeed close to all the things they relish on a daily basis. “We really treasure having the kids come home, and bring their friends, for a music event, or a golf tournament, or just to visit,” says Robert. And there is always room for more. Adds Julie, “We love that this house can handle it all!” DM

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200 S. MONTGOMERY | SUITE 2 | STARKVILLE, MS | 662.320.8485 1223 JACKSON AVE E | OXFORD, MS | 662.236.3977 SOMETHINGSOUTHERNONLINE.COM

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’ s r e n g i s e D

Mary Clair Cumbaa, Cumbaa Design Co. Use texture Textures can be layered by combining different types of weaves in textiles and materials, which gives the room a more visually collected and finished look. I love to layer texture in a room through rugs. I often find myself using a sisal rug as the area rug for the room, but I like to layer a cowhide or vintage Oushak on top of the sisal to create more interest, giving that space a “layered look.”

SHOWCASE 10

TIPS FROM MISSISSIPPI DESIGNERS YOU MUST READ BEFORE YOUR NEXT DESIGN PROJECT

Becki Huelse, Something Southern Designs & Furnishings Keep it versatile One of the most versatile pieces I encourage my clients to use is an upholstered bench in a neutral fabric or leather.These may be used for additional seating in almost any room. It’s great to have one at the end of your bed, in an entrance hall or to be used as a comfortable coffee or drinks table. Simply accessorize with a beautiful tray.

Rachel Cirilli, Embellish Designs Let there be light Dimmer switches are an easy and affordable way to impact your homes lighting. It sounds boring but dimmer switches give you the option to change the mood of the room.They can easily add excitement to your already fabulous space!

Nancy Price, Nancy Price Interior Design Add layers of interest We always start by using beautiful deep, neutral tones on the larger pieces of furniture, rugs and drapery applications in the room.Then we add more patterns, prints and colors on a smaller scale such as with a throw pillow.This brings a layer of interest that makes the room feel more inviting and complete. More texture can be introduced with anything from a stunning piece of drapery trim to an antique accessory.These pieces paired with geodes and other natural elements create a beautiful juxtaposition to the soft fabric foundations.

Joy Fratesi, White Leopard Interior Designs Update with pillows I love changing the overall look of your room using new updated pillows.This is a great solution if you just cannot seem to get everything “done” before you have company over, want to update for the changing seasons, or just need a new pop of color. It’s a quick and relatively inexpensive way to update that can make a big impact.

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Judy Wilson, Judy Wilson Interiors Plan, plan, plan

Dawn Thomas, After Five Designs Make bedrooms a retreat

Whether starting fresh or using existing furniture, balance is a critical element in creating a pleasing design. Things to consider are: traffic flow, ease of conversation, how a room will be used, light sources, hard and soft surfaces, texture and pattern. These elements planned carefully will make any space more comfortable and inviting.

Whether your master or a guest bedroom, I always suggest purchasing the highest quality bedding one can afford because it is an investment.

Neutrals and solid fabrics create a peaceful retreat and lush bedding in velvets, linens, and a soft throw make it cozy. I like to use monograms or antique vestments on the center pillow for a personal touch in each room.

Betsey Mosby, Betsey Mosby Interior Design Anchor with color Susann Jamison, Jamison Designs Update with paint A can of paint and a little creativity can bring new life to out-of-date pieces or junk store finds. Clients are always amazed at the results–especially when they’ve brought me an otherwise outdated family piece. I am inspired by French design; the traditional gray and cream color palette works well for most pieces and I always add a touch of gilding to bring out the details.

When the walls and accessories are light, use indoor/outdoor fabrics on the lighter upholstery for durability and to maintain an airy feel. In this room, since we knew the sofas would get the most wear, we selected a deep blue for them so that they would pop in the space and add interest, but more importantly would be easy to care for.The bright color anchors the space and ties into the artwork, making the rooms flow together and feel intentional while still being family friendly.

Erik Kegler, Erik Kegler Interiors Unify with wallpaper Walls take up the most negative space, so I love using a great patterned wallpaper to bring cohesion and texture to a room. Covering the walls with one material really acts as a unifying element in any space and brings warmth and interest. I also love to mix a great collection of art to aid in bringing a room together. I find that varying the sizes of art in a space helps break it up visually, so remember to mix sizes and groupings. Use a large scale piece in one area and a collection in another—stacking pieces allows a space to become a visual feast for the eyes which helps unify a space further.

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FOOD

MENU Spring Fling Lemon Herb Lamb Chops Spring Peas and Asparagus Roasted Baby Carrots Couscous with Cherry Tomatoes Lemon Curd Sour Cream Cake

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Al fresco & elegant

Spring Lunch

BY CINDY COOPWOOD AND CORDELIA CAPPS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILL JACKS

T

here are many party-worthy events in spring: Easter, Mother’s Day, Bridal brunches or simply welcoming the first unfurled green leaves after a long winter. What could be better than gathering friends and family for an outdoor luncheon on the patio to celebrate? We’ve planned an elegant but simple menu that is versatile for any spring occasion and consists of dishes that may all be served at room temperature. So plan a spring party and get ready to enjoy the season!

SPRING FLING Light and festive, this simple champagne cocktail will add a special touch to your spring brunch, lunch, or evening cocktails before dinner.

1 ounce limoncello Champagne, chilled Lemon peel curls for garnish

Place one curl of lemon peel in each champagne flute. When ready to serve, pour limoncello into each flute, then fill the glasses with chilled champagne.

Enjoy!

Tip: A jigger measures 1 ounce

of liquid on the small end, 1½ ounce on the larger end.

LEMON HERB LAMB CHOPS Lamb chops are a wonderful splurge for a special meal. These are delicious served at room temp, so grill them a few hours ahead of time and enjoy your guests!

3 6 6 6 1 1 24 ½ 4 1

large shallots, minced tablespoons chopped fresh mint tablespoons chopped fresh oregano large garlic cloves, minced tablespoon sugar tablespoon salt lamb rib chops cup olive oil tablespoons fresh lemon juice tablespoon finely grated lemon peel salt and black pepper

Mix herbs, shallots, garlic, sugar, and 1 tablespoon salt in small bowl and divide evenly into 2 large ziploc bags. Add 12 chops to each bag. Using your hands, toss to coat the chops with the mixture. Seal and refrigerate overnight.

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon peel in small bowl until well blended. Remove lamb chops from the bags, shaking off the excess mixture and lay on a rimmed pan. Discard remaining shallot mixture and bags. Season with salt, lightly, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.

Brush or spoon oil/lemon marinade lightly over both sides of chops. Allow to stand at room temperature about 1 hour.

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Grill lamb chops about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to desired doneness. Transfer lamb chops to platter.

May be served warm or at room temperature.

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Tulips accented with fatsia berries in our favorite gold-hinged vase are all that’s needed on this spring table.

SPRING PEAS AND ASPARAGUS This beautiful dish could not be simpler to prepare, and is bursting with flavor. It will be a great new side to rotate in your spring and summer menus! ¼ 3 2 1 ½ ¼ ¾

cup finely chopped shallots tablespoons butter pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 10-ounce package thawed frozen peas, or fresh shelled peas teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper cup rough chopped basil leaves

Saute’ shallots in butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until just tender. Stir in asparagus, peas, salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, place cover on skillet. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender but still somewhat firm, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in basil and adjust seasonings to taste. May be served warm or room temperature.

Makes 6 servings ROASTED BABY CARROTS We thought these carrots were too beautiful to peel away their color, so we just lightly scrubbed them before roasting.

2 2 ½ 4 4 ½ 4

Tip: The honey glaze may be made ahead of time and warmed when ready to serve.

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pounds fresh baby carrots, trimmed and scrubbed tablespoons extra virgin olive oil teaspoon salt teaspoons minced garlic, divided teaspoons fresh thyme, about 8 sprigs, leaves removed cup cider vinegar teaspoons honey

Preheat the oven to 475. In a large bowl, toss carrots with oil, salt, 2 teaspoons garlic and half of thyme leaves, and toss until well coated. Place in the oven and roast until the carrots are browned and tender, about 25 minutes. While carrots are roasting, combine vinegar and remaining garlic and thyme in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce the liquid to 2 tablespoons, 6 to 7 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the honey. Arrange roasted carrots on a serving platter. Pour the honey glaze over the hot carrots and turn until well coated. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Makes 8 servings

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Antique ceramic compotes are filled with buttered Sister Shubert’s rolls.

⤵

We used an inexpensive fabric in a classic chartreuse and yellow pattern as a bright background for our white and glass containers.

COUSCOUS WITH CHERRY TOMATOES 1½ 1 ½ 3 1 3 2 2

cups couscous small shallot, finely chopped cup extra-virgin olive oil tablespoons fresh lemon juice cucumber, seeded and finely chopped cups cherry tomatoes, halved tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley tablespoons chopped fresh mint Sea salt, freshly ground pepper

Cook couscous according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Whisk shallot, oil, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint; season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss to combine. May be made a day in advance and chilled. Best if allowed to come slightly to room temperature.

Makes 8 servings

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Tip: For the cleanest slice, refrigerate the frosted

cake for 30 to 40 minutes to set. Allow the cake to come close to room temperature again before serving for the fullest flavor.

LEMON CURD SOUR CREAM CAKE This cake is over-the-top. Dense, rich, lemony-delicious and gorgeous, it’s totally worth the effort and calories!

Cake: 2 2 2 6 2 2 ½ 1 1

sticks plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened tablespoons grated lemon rind cups sugar eggs cups all purpose flour teaspoons baking powder teaspoon salt cup sour cream 10-ounce jar lemon curd

Frosting: 12 6 3 1 1 3

ounces cream cheese, softened tablespoons butter, softened cups powdered sugar teaspoon vanilla heaping teaspoon lemon zest teaspoons lemon juice Lemon peel curls for garnish

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Preheat oven to 325. Using a stand or hand-held mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the lemon rind. Add eggs separately, beating and scraping down the sides after each.

In a separate bowl sift flour, baking powder and salt together.

Alternately, add in sifted ingredients and sour cream, with mixer on a lower setting. Blend until batter is smooth. Pour batter evenly into two cake pans lined with parchment paper and sprayed well with non-stick spray. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until lightly browned on top. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Allow cakes to partially cool in pans, then remove to a wire rack.

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Then with the mixer on medium, add the vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest and the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth and creamy or desired consistency.

Place one cake on your serving dish, and add a generous dollop of frosting as filling. Spread frosting, allowing a little to spill over the edges. Pour lemon curd on top of frosting, also nudging toward the edges. (We first poured the curd in a small bowl, stirring to make it more easily spreadable.) Top with the second cake and add remaining frosting to the top, again spreading to spill over edges in places, but leaving the side of cake naked. Garnish with lemon peel curls.

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Mesquite Chop House Professional Caterer for Elegant Occasions and Special Events 0HQXV GHVLJQHG VSHFLÀFDOO\ IRU \RXU VSHFLDO HYHQW On & off Site Catering Rehearsal Dinners Post Toast Parties Wedding Receptions Bridal Luncheons Engagement Parties © %LUWKGD\ 3DUWLHV www.mesquitechophouse.com | Contact Jim at 901.581.0908

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Lod g ing & E v e n ts L akes i d e L o dgi n g 10 mi m nutes fr o m Squ are an d U n iver s i t y c o t t ages an n d r oo ms gr oup tr ans po r t a ti o n a v ai l ab le ww ww.f armsteadwr.c com

(662) 223-3272 72 DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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gardendistrictmemphis.com

5040 Sanderlin Avenue Suite 109 Memphis, TN 38117 901-761-3277

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wedding showcase Lyon-Reynolds, Kristen Soileau Portraits

Delta Magazine’s

We bring you beautiful brides, stunning venues, unique invitations, work-of-art cakes (illusion and naked cakes are both on trend), miles of satin and lace, gorgeous bouquets, handsome grooms, and party scenes that will make you smile.

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Luckett-Enis, Northpoint Photography

King-Walker, Blake McCollum Photography 88 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Satterfield-Bass, Steve Wells Photography

great outdoors

Askew-Shelton, Blue Rose Photography Agostinelli-Mayne, Brian Flint Photography DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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cake trends

Cothren-Winn, Jamie Hardin Photography

Lyon-Reynolds, Kristen Soileau Portraits Clark-Jenkins, Renee Reedy Photography

King-Haynes, BARREG Photography 90 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Cooper-Davis, Patrick Remington Photography

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Braswell-Jones, Brenda+Tim Sison Photo

West-Miller, Dear Wesleyann Photography

Randall-Donahoe, Stacy Richardson Photography

Morgan-McManus, Lauren Liddell Photography

Luckett-Enis, Northpoint Photography DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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King-Haynes, BARREG Photography

Agostinelli-Mayne, Brian Flint Photography

Goodman-Phillips, Patrick Remington Photography 92 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Cassada-Irvine, Brian Flint Photography

Stubbs-Dodd, Jay Adkins Photography

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Y

our wedding da y is so special! Dancing Rabbit o bbit Golf Club has so much to o of fer with a beautiful setting tti for your cere emony, friendly service from our staf f, convenient lodging g for your guests and all the amenities of a world class resort. Experience ce luxurious country comfortt at this exciting resort secluded in the maj estic pine forest of East Central ntral Mississippi. It does not matter if your plans are small or large, as we w will customize your wedd ing wishes to fit your every need. Whether it is the rehearsal d inner, g olf, lodging options, reception, on, honeymoon or just a simple ple private ceremony – we will do d our best to make it a drea am wedding day you will always ays cherish. cherish

See t erms and conditions at www w.DancingRabbitGolf.com .

Follow us!

Pearl River Resort • Choctaw w, MS near Philadelphia • 1.866.44PEARL(1.866.447.32275) • www.pearlriverresort.com A development of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

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W N THE SPOTLIGHT WHE IS ON YOU...

Cr e a t e m e m o r i e s o f a l i f e t i m e If yo u ’ ve visited G R A M M Y M us e u m ® Mis sis sippi, we don’ t have to tell yo u what a s pectacular place it is.

A n d while its main p u r pos e is celebratin g th e best of A m erica’s m usic, it was als o th o ug ht f ully desig n ed for events as s pecial as yo u rs.

With its s pacio us lobby, covered porch, an d ex pansive lawn, th e pos sibilities are en dles s! Plus, yo u r g uests will enjoy th e M us e u m’s ex hibits in a on e - of-a-k in d m usic -inf us ed s et tin g.

C o n t a c t u s to d a y to d i s c u s s t h e va r i o u s eve n t o p t i o n s availa ble catered s pecif ical a l y to yo u r n e e d s .

FOR BOOKING INFORMATION PL E ASE CAL L 662.441.0100 800 Sunflower Rd., Cleveland, MS w www .grammymuseumms.org

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brides & bouquets

Kincade-Smith, Vicki Eastland Photography

Agostinelli-Mayne, Brian Flint Photography

West-Miller, Dear Wesleyann Photography

Cravens-Chapman, Jus My Style Photography 96 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

King-Haynes, BARREG Photography

Woody-Vaughan, Taylor Square Photography

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Cooley-Westerfield, Brian Flint Photography

Lilly-Pitts, The Exposure Studios

Hays-Wheatley, Snap Happy Photography

Leflore-Jennings, Miki McCurdy Photography DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Askew-Shelton, Blue Rose Photography

Morgan-McManus, Lauren Liddell Photography King-Walker, Blake McCollum Photography

Drinkwater-Swanson, Anne Bryant Photography

Pentacost-Selman, BARREG Photography 98 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Randall-Donahoe, Stacy Richardson Photography

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Jordan-James, Victor Villatoro Photography

Ranager-Gallagher, Masa Kathryn Photography

Brown-Dossett, Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography Farmer-Carpenter, Patrick Remington Photography

Pegram-Boughton, Taylor Square Photography DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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SAY YES TO THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR WEDDING, RECEPTION AND EVEN HONEYMOON.

TH HE EVENT CENTTER AT HARLOW ’S. r ex t. 167 to speak with on

4280 Harlows Blv vd • Greenville, MS 38701 (866) 524-LUCK • harlowscasino.com

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f our event

nner

a y!

Must be 21 to enter casino. ©2018 H arlow’s Casino Resor t & Spa. All rights reser ved. Gambling problem? Call 888.777.9696.

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A HISTORIC SETTING

for a Fairy Tale Wedding

Whether small and intimate or large and extravagant, there’s no better place for your wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner, shower, or engagement party.

The Mill’s historic ambiance creates the perfect backdrop to your big day. Our space will beautifully complement your style of décor whether you choose rustic, romantic, classic, or contemporary.

We invite you to view the many venues available at The Mill, including our spacious ballrooms, stately main hall, and Shorty’s, our downstairs speakeasy bar. Accommodations are available for you and your guests at the newly constructed Courtyard by Marriott Starkville MSU, located adjacent to the Mill.

Call now to book your event or schedule a private tour, (662) 338-3116.

Weave new memories at The Mill.

A timeless setting for the time of your life.

The Mill at MSU ~ 600 Russell Street, Starkville, MS (662) 338-3116 ~ TheMillatMSU.com

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Pegram-Boughton, Taylor Square Photography

Drinkwater-Swanson, Anne Bryant Photography

Goodman-Phillips, Patrick Remington Photography

Clark-Jenkins, Renee Reedy Photography

Jordan-James, Victor Villatoro Photography 102 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Cothren-Winn, Jamie Hardin Photography

England-Triplett, Pound Photography

Antici-Britt, Katelyn Anne Photography

West-Miller, Dear Wesleyann Photography

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Cassada-Irvine, Brian Flint Photography

Clark-Jenkins, Renee Reedy Photography

Randall-Donahoe, Stacy Richardson Photography

Jordan-James, Victor Villatoro Photography Askew-Shelton, Blue Rose Photography

Luckett-Enis, Northpoint Photography

Cooper-Davis, Patrick Remington Photography DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Stubbs-Dodd, Jay Adkins Photography

boys & boutonnieres Lyon-Reynolds, Kristen Soileau Portraits

Cothren-Winn, Jamie Hardin Photography

Cassada-Irvine, Brian Flint Photography

West-Miller, Dear Wesleyann Photography 106 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Cooley-Westerfield, Brian Flint Photography

Lilly-Pitts, The Exposure Studios

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King-Haynes, BARREG Photography

West-Miller, Dear Wesleyann Photography

Brown-Dossett, Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

West-Miller, Dear Wesleyann Photography

Hays-Wheatley, Snap Happy Photography DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Brown-Dossett, Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography Goodman-Phillips, Patrick Remington Photography

Morgan-McManus, Lauren Liddell Photography Randall-Donahoe, Stacy Richardson Photography

King-Haynes, BARREG Photography

Antici-Britt, Katelyn Anne Photography 108 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Cooper-Davis, Patrick Remington Photography

Pegram-Boughton, Taylor Square Photography

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receptions & parties

Luckett-Enis, Northpoint Photography

Pegram-Boughton, Taylor Square Photography

Morgan-McManus, Lauren Liddell Photography Woody-Vaughan, Taylor Square Photography Agostinelli-Mayne, Brian Flint Photography

Leflore-Jennings, Miki McCurdy Photography

Lyon-Reynolds, Kristen Soileau Portraits

Brown-Dossett, Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Stubbs-Dodd, Jay Adkins Photography

Antici-Britt, Katelyn Anne Photography DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Morgan-McManus, Lauren Liddell Photography Clark-Jenkins, Renee Reedy Photography

Brown-Dossett, Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Pegram-Boughton, Taylor Square Photography

Cooper-Davis, Patrick Remington Photography

Lilly-Pitts, The Exposure Studios 110 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Stubbs-Dodd, Jay Adkins Photography King-Walker, Blake McCollum Photography

West-Miller, Dear Wesleyann Photography

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Brown-Dossett, Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Kincade-Smith, Vicki Eastland Photography

Askew-Shelton, Blue Rose Photography

Pegram-Boughton, Taylor Square Photography

Braswell-Jones, Brenda+Tim Sison Photo

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England-Triplett, Pound Photography

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Askew-Shelton, Blue Rose Photography

Cooper-Davis, Patrick Remington Photography

Cooley-Westerfield, Brian Flint Photography

Farmer-Carpenter, Patrick Remington Photography

Braswell-Jones, Brenda+Tim Sison Photo

Braswell-Jones, Brenda+Tim Sison Photo

Brown-Dossett, Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Polk-Phillips, Pound Photography

Pegram-Boughton, Taylor Square Photography

Pentacost-Selman, BARREG Photography

Ranager-Gallagher, Masa Kathryn Photography DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Brown-Dossett, Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Agostinelli-Mayne, Brian Flint Photography

Cooley-Westerfield, Brian Flint Photography

Drinkwater-Swanson, Anne Bryant Photography

Pegram-Boughton, Taylor Square Photography

Luckett-Enis, Northpoint Photography

Drinkwater-Swanson, Anne Bryant Photography

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Polk-Phillips, Pound Photography

Cooper-Davis, Patrick Remington Photography

Goodman-Phillips, Patrick Remington Photography

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P E R FE C T P A R T NE R SHI P

Anticipating your e very need so you o can enjoy each moment to the fullest At W Wes estin, we’re committed to helping our guests ffeel eel their best when it matters most – and no occasion couldd be more important than your wedding daayy. From intuitive service and thoughtfful ul touches to enriching experiences and vibrant spaces, we ensur n e that every detail of your event comes to life fe fla f aw wlesslyy,, in your uniique style. Let W Wes estin make your celebration one to remember.

To book your Wes Westiin wedding, visit westinjackson.com orr cal l 601.968.8200

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

AGOSTINELLI

MAYNE

Grace Ann Agostinelli of Clarksdale and Casey Michael Mayne of Florence were united in marriage at half past seven o’clock in the evening on December 9, 2017, at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Clarksdale. The ceremony was officiated by Father Scott Thomas.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lawrence Agostinelli, junior, of Clarksdale. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Tavoleti of Clarksdale and Ms. Judy Agostinelli and the late Mr. Robert Lawrence Agostinelli, senior, also of Clarksdale.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Michael Mayne of Florence. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bridges of Star and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mayne, senior.

Nuptial music was provided by Meg Gibson, soloist, and Reine Overton, organist. Scripture readings were provided by Whitney Jones.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Attending the bride as maid of honor was Lauren Elise Agostinelli, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Allyn Gaston Bailey, Olivia Crowe Carraway, Myles Fava Greenlee, Claire Cambre Grothe, Anne Cassidy Haefer, Mary Caroline Hepner, Mary Darby Jackson, Kacie Watts Norcross, Hannah Shelton Peay, and Jessica Mayne Wilder. Junior bridesmaid was Elizabeth Jessica Mayne.

Serving as flower girl was Harper Marie Jones. The bride’s proxy was Paige Elizabeth Ehrhardt.

Jeffrey Michael Mayne, the father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Kevin Agostinelli, Michael Louis Agostinelli, Matthew Becker Collins, Gabriel Joseph Grothe, Grant Douglas Jones, Robert Emmett Marchetti II, Ross Browning Wheatley, and Michael Patrick Wilder.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the Clarksdale Country Club where guests were entertained by The Compozitionz.

Following a honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, the couple is at home in Vicksburg. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Brian Flint Photography; Floral Design: Oxford Floral; Coordinator: Kendall Poole Event Planning; Reception Venue and Caterer: Clarksdale Country Club; Entertainment: The Compozitionz; Bakery: The Turquoise Chandelier

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANTICI

BRITT

Allison Paige Antici and Cody Parker Britt were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening Saturday, February 18, 2017, at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Clarksdale. Reverend Jason Shelby and Reverend Giulianna Gray officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ray Antici of Clarksdale and the granddaughter of Mrs. Carolyn Alford Salmon of Clarksdale and the late Mr. William Thomas Salmon of Coahoma and the late Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Antici of Clarksdale.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Edward Boyer Britt III of Indianola and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Edward Boyer Britt, junior, of Indianola and the late Mr. and Mrs. Billy Francis Redden of Skene.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory dupioni fit-to-flare gown designed by Hayley Paige.

The sweetheart neckline featured custom off-the-shoulder straps with a tiered tulle and horsehair trim skirt finished with custom buttons down the back.

Anna Brittain Antici, sister of the bride, and Courtney Aleece Kroeger, friend of the bride, served as maids of honor. Bridesmaids included Evelyn McNeely Antici, Gabrielle Mitchell Antici, Taylor Shaffett Armstrong, Presley Scott Bennett, Brittany Ashlan Boolos, Anna Bailey Britt, and Abby Sims Whittington.

Honorary bridesmaids were Ashley Hubbard Freeman and Kalynn Duhon Marley. The bride’s proxy was Brooke Meredith Fleming.

Best man was Amos Edward Boyer Britt III, father of the groom. Groomsmen were William Kirk Antici, Daniel Grimsley Dunavent, William Brandon Hanks, Cody Wade Maxey, Joel Cary Moor, junior, Wesley Mark Redden, Matthew Cameron Richardson, and Dalton Rex Sykes.

Reece Anderson McCarra, cousin of the bride, served as flower girl. Evan Sawyer Hopkins, nephew of the bride, served as ring bearer. Anna Christine Antici and Amelia Hayes McCarra, cousins of the bride, served as program attendants.

An outdoor reception followed at the home of the Anticis. The couple left the reception, under a shower of confetti, in a vintage red Mustang convertible.

On the eve of the wedding, the wedding party traveled by train to Hopson Commissary where the groom’s parents hosted a lovely dinner. The bride wore a white sleeveless chiffon and rhinestone dress that was worn by her mother forty years ago as a debutante.

Following a honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the couple now resides at their home in Indianola. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Katelyn Anne Photography; Floral Design and Catering: Fresh Cut Catering & Floral; Coordinator: Kendall Poole Event Planning; Reception Venue: Antici Home; Entertainment: The Main Attraction; Bakery: Alice Chow Cakes

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ASKEW

SHELTON

Charlotte Grace Askew and John “Jack” Kent Shelton were united in marriage on September 9, 2017, at half past five o’clock in the afternoon in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The ceremony took place on the rooftop of the La Fonda on the Plaza at sunset and was officiated by Naomi Fiske of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Petra Babankova and Nelson Denman provided Flamenco guitar and cello ceremony music.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark West Askew of Memphis, Tennessee. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Max Shelton of Memphis, Tennessee.

The bride wore a bell-sleeve lace wedding dress by Maggie Sottero Designs from Low’s Bridal in Brinkley, Arkansas. The dress featured illusion lace over a jersey sheath gown with a deep Vneckline, finished with covered buttons. The groom’s suit was provided by Abraham’s in Cleveland.

A reception was held in the La Terrazza Ballroom of the La Fonda and coordinated by Samie Doerfler. Floral arrangements were provided by Margaret Bost while invitations and stationary were provided by Menage Fine Stationary and Gifts in Memphis, Tennessee. Guests enjoyed the couple’s signature cocktail, a jalapeño margarita, and danced to the music of Tiho Dimitrov. They ended the night with cakes by The Chocolate Maven of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom surprised guests with a nine-piece mariachi band playing Elvis Presley’s “Fools Rush In,” followed by a procession of the entire wedding party behind the mariachi band through downtown Santa Fe Plaza, an age-old New Mexican tradition for a solid marriage. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Blue Rose Photography; Floral Design: Margaret Bost; Coordinator: Samie Doerfler; Reception Venue and Caterer: La Fonda on the Plaza; Entertainment: Flamenco Guitar + Cello, Tiho Dimitrov; Bakery: The Chocolate Maven

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRASWELL

JONES

Christen Victoria “Tori” Braswell and Benjamin Franklin Jones were united in marriage at seven o’clock in the evening on Saturday August 12, 2017, at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana. Father Thomas F. Rafferty of The Woodlands, Texas, officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Owen Braswell of Cleveland. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. JC Morris and the late Mr. JC Morris and Mrs. Bobby Owen Braswell and the late Mr. Bobby Owen Braswell.

The groom is the son of Ms. Angela McIngvale Jones of Houston, Texas. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Critz McIngvale, senior.

Lauren Taylor Hackney and Anna Kathryn Baioni served as maids of honor, and Kylie Weeks Mitchell served as matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Kathryn Jones Hand, sister of the groom, Peyton Alise Dixon, Lauren Elizabeth Bailey, Ramsey Rankin Senneff, Haley Maleigh Halford, Shelby Norris Collins, Abby Lauren Bassie, and Emily Robinson Roberts.

The groom’s brother, Kenneth Wayne Jones II, served as his best man.

Groomsmen were Michael Preston Hand, James Raymond Gerhart, Wesley Franklin Reed, Mark Allen Briscoe, William Ryan McKell, Ryne Wayne Harris, Alexander John Albritton, Colby Odem Sappington, Malcolm Witt McLeod, and Matthew Ostrowski.

Ann Harkins Hightower served as the flower girl, and Jackson Smart served as the ring bearer.

Scripture readers were Emily Coleman and Debra Story.

Following the ceremony, the couple, along with friends and family, second lined through the streets of the French Quarter to a reception at Marché overlooking the Mississippi River.

On the eve of the wedding, the mother of the groom hosted a rehearsal dinner at Arnaud’s in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Following a trip to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the couple is home in Houston, Texas. _______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Brenda+Tim Sison Photo; Floral Design: Bella Blooms; Coordinator: Emily Sullivan Events; Catering: Marche’; Entertainment: The Phunky Monkeys; Bakery: The Royal Cakery

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

BROWN

DOSSETT

Mr. and Mrs. John Terrell Brown, junior, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter Jane Lloyd to Mr. David Laurence Goodyear Dossett, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Kethley Dossett of Cleveland and Covington, Louisiana. The double-ring ceremony took place at half past six in the evening on April 22, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge and was officiated by Reverend Becky Poor.

The bride is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ward Thomas McCraney, junior, of Madison and Mr. and Mrs. John Terrell Brown, senior, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The groom is the grandson of Mrs. Daniel Hubbard Johnson (Sally Chapman Goodyear) and the late David Laurence Goodyear of Abita Springs, Louisiana, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Dixon Dossett of Beulah.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a bateau neck Rosa Clará ballgown of silk Mikado, featuring a low scoop back finished with silk buttons, a pleated cummerbund, and a chapel-length train. Her dress was accentuated with an heirloom Brussels lace princess veil that was worn by her aunt Collette Brown Bruce in her wedding.

The bride was attended by her sisters and maids of honor, Kathleen McCraney Brown and Anne Joyner Brown and her matron of honor, Caroline Church Walden. Bridesmaids were Merry Grace Coffin, Elizabeth Anne Connor, Laura Alice Freeman, Sophie Perkins Lampton, Sunny Caliste Rush, Rebecca Taylor Squyres, Mary Lela Valentine Vander Haar, and Caroline Robertson Ward.

The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were William Kethlely Dossett, junior, and John Chapman Dossett, brothers of the groom, and John Terrell Brown III, brother of the bride, Eric Carson Chandler, James Zollie Foster, Joseph Bartlett Graves, Parker Robert Le Corgne, Charles Scott Owen, Thomas Anthony Saieed III, Edward Edgerton Smith, Robert Henkel Spilman III, and Henry Rogers Varner.

Flower girls were Mary Caffery Brown and Mary Winston McCraney, cousins of the bride. Ring bearers were Samuel Parker Graham and Adam Douglass Kirinovic.

On the eve of the wedding, the parents of the groom entertained the wedding party, out of town friends, and family to a rehearsal dinner at the City Club. Following the ceremony, the parents of the bride hosted a reception at the Baton Rouge Country Club. The couple left the reception in a white 1962 Volkswagon Beetle belonging to and driven by the bride’s maternal grandfather.

After a wedding trip to the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, California, the couple is at home in Dana Point, California, where the groom is a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography; Floral Design: Lance Hayes; Coordinator: Leslie Campbell; Caterer: Baton Rouge Country Club; Reception Venue: Baton Rouge Country Club; Entertainment: Big Bling and the Funk Machine; Bakery: Sweet Impressions

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

CASSADA

IRVINE

Frances Augusta Ogden Cassada and Thomas Clark Irvine were united in holy matrimony at half past five o’clock in the afternoon on April 29, 2017, on the banks of the Mississippi River at Catfish Point Hunting Club in Benoit. Guests travelled eight miles of dirt roads to attend, following signs painted by the bride’s mother that displayed 1 Corinthians 13:7. Reverend Kent Landry performed the double-ring ceremony and concluded the raucous ceremony with a reminder that “there is no challenge that is greater than God!” The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Wayne Cassada of Leland. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Singleton Ogden of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, Mr. Russell Blair Cassada, and the late Mrs. Jeanette Gravett Cassada of Danville, Virginia.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carson Clark Irvine of Roanoke, Virginia. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Eugene Thomas of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Mrs. Erma Clark Irvine, and the late Mr. Francis Wilbert Irvine of Buena Vista, Virginia.

The bride wore her mother’s Priscilla of Boston silk taffeta gown and her grandmother’s Brussels lace veil. The mantilla-style veil has been worn by numerous Gray and Ogden family brides since 1962. The ceremony took place in front of a ten-foot-tall, garland-draped wooden cross, which the bride’s father custom built from Delta cypress for the outdoor chapel.

Following an early Friday morning fireworks incident, the groom took an emergency trip to Jackson for hand surgery! Once he returned, the explosions continued as a brief rain storm paused the ceremony and sent guests running for cover after the bride and her father walked down the aisle.

The outdoor ceremony was quickly relocated to the reception site, where guests stood in attendance and cheered when the couple finally said “I do!”

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a truly “Delta” affair and rehearsal dinner at 5 o’clock on Deer Creek in Scott. A wedding-day brunch for the many out-of-town guests was hosted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Heard Walker in Leland.

The bride and groom departed under a canopy of sparklers and fireworks in her grandfather’s 1963 Cadillac, and the couple honeymooned in Sea Island, Georgia. They aim to plant their roots in Washington, D.C. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Brian Flint Photography; Floral Design and Coordinator: Lagniappe – Sherry Smythe, Sarah Smythe, Jacqueline Taylor Retzer; Caterer: Chuck McCarty; Reception Venue: The Big House at Catfish Point Hunting Club; Entertainment: Big Night Dynamite; Bakery: The Flour Garden

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLARK

JENKINS

Julye Lynn Clark and Joshua Mitchell Jenkins were united in holy matrimony on March 4, 2017.

The ceremony was held in the skylight ballroom of Union Station in downtown Jackson.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Bryce Clark of Sumner. Grandparents of the bride are Mr. Leon Tubbs of Grenada, the late Ms. Glenda Tubbs of Sumner, and the late Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Clark of Tutwiler.

The groom is the son of Ms. Denise Adcox of Flowood and Mr. Billy Jenkins of Carthage.

Grandparents of the groom are Mr. and Mrs. Billy Jenkins of Walnut Grove, Mr. James Adcox of Hermanville, and the late Ms. Quay Heeter of Carthage.

The bride wore a candlelight Venice lace gown, designed with a mermaid skirt and sweetheart neckline. The chapel-length train fell from a full back of lace and buttons. The bride carried a bouquet of white and blush, including garden roses and eucalyptus. The bride walked down the aisle to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” played on a Les Paul Ukulele by Oxford musician Nathan Robbins.

Callie Sasser served as the maid of honor. Adrianna Chloe Clark, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Carolyn Golson, Millie Schlautman, Jemienah Farrell, Rachel New, and Reena Ahjua. Each bridesmaid selected her own dress in neutral and blush tones. Kate Schlautman and Nora Lynch served as flower girls. The bride’s proxy was Sarah Martin.

Billy Jenkins, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen included Joel Jenkins, Jay Lynch, Ryan Lynch, Marcus Jenkins, Ty Austin, and Drew Henry.

The reception was held in the Grand Ballroom and featured a variety of delicious and creative food selections and a bourbon bar with bourbon selected by the groom.

The bride’s four-tier cake was finished in buttercream and white roses. The groom’s cake was embellished with his alma mater’s logo and topped with chocolate-covered strawberry footballs. Cakes were created by Cakes by Iris.

Stella & Company events served as wedding planner and coordinator, Fresh Cut Catering and Floral created food and florals throughout the ceremony and reception, and Renee Reedy of Columbus was the photographer.

After the couple danced the night away with friends and family, they exited under waves of red and blue pom poms across Capital Street as the guests chanted Hotty Toddy. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Renee Reedy Photography; Ceremony Venue: Union Station Skylight Ballroom Floral Design and Caterer: Fresh Cut Catering and Floral; Coordinator: Stella & Company Reception Venue: Union Station Grand Ballroom; Entertainment: David Steele, Solid Steele Sounds Bakery: Cakes by Iris

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

COOLEY

WESTERFIELD

Kirsten Victoria Cooley of Brandon and Jon Andrew Wynne Westerfield of Merigold were united in marriage on November 18, 2017, at four o’clock in the afternoon at Merigold United Methodist Church in Merigold. The ceremony was officiated by the brother of the bride, Pastor Kevin Cooley of Mobile, Alabama, and Reverend Will Wilkerson.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Cooley of Brandon. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Cooper Rimmer of Jackson and the late Mr. and Mrs. Willie Bodie Cooley of Waynesboro. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Monroe Wynne Westerfield of Merigold.

He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Linwood Lloyd Brown, junior, of Cleveland and Mrs. Shirley Wynne Westerfield and the late Dr. James Augustus Westerfield of Merigold.

Nuptial music was provided by Doyle Tubbs on piano and Alice Hasen on violin. The bride was given in marriage by her father.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was Caroline Hamilton Ruth and attending the bride as maid of honor was Emily Perry. Bridesmaids were Kayleigh Canoy, the bride’s niece, Whitney Canoy and Shelley Ormsby, both sisters of the bride. The junior bridesmaids were Ella Grace Westerfield, niece of the groom, and Reese Arden Ormsby, niece of the bride.

Attending the groom as his best man was his brother, James Monroe Wynne Westerfield. His groomsmen were Daniel Hale and Brett Baioni. The flower girl was Scarlett Ruth, and the ring bearer was Jase Canoy, nephew of the bride.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Crawdad’s of Merigold. After a trip to New Orleans, the couple is at home in Merigold, where the bride is a registered dietitian nutritionist and the groom is a restaurateur. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Brian Flint Photography; Floral Design and Coordinator: The Sisters Refined Affairs, Amy Vance and Meg McGee; Reception Venue and Caterer: Crawdad’s; Entertainment: Blackwater Trio; Bakery: Alice Chow Cakes

CRAVENS

CHAPMAN

Courtney Kay Cravens and William Larkin Chapman III were united in holy matrimony at five o’clock in the afternoon on June 3, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church in Louisville. Reverend Scott Phillips and Reverend Richard Wiman officiated at the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Eugene Cravens of Louisville. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ray McCullough, the late Mr. and Mrs. Donald Cravens, and the late Mrs. Glenda McMillin.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Larkin Chapman, junior, of Flora. He is the grandson of Mrs. Claudice Turner Reed, the late Mr. Irby Turner, junior, of Belzoni, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Larkin Chapman of Newton.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was Margaret Cravens. Her bridesmaids were Kelly Turner, Amber Adcock, Grace Cravens, Avery Cravens, Marleigh Turnipseed, and Keatan Turnipseed. Keylee Ford and Bailey Ford of Louisville served as flower girls.

William Larkin Chapman, junior, served as best man. Groomsmen were Justin Chapman, Logan Leblanc, Johnathan Fortenberry, Kameron Fortenberry, John Martin Turnipseed, and Parker Cravens.

Ushers were Spencer Ray, Jonathan Swain, William Upchurch, and Rigoberto Grillo.

Ceremony music was provided by organist Laura Townsend, pianist Renae Aurell, and vocalists Phanell Upchurch, Deborah Gilbert, and Nanette Yarber. The memory candle was lit by Drew Lane Cravens.

Following the ceremony, the reception was held in Honeysuckle Hall at Lake Tiak-O’Khata. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a dinner at Lake Tiak-O’ Khata. The couple resides in Louisville with their dogs, Delilah and Max. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Jus My Style Photography; Floral Design: Fran’s Florist; Coordinator: Rhonda Shotts Reception Venue and Caterer: Honeysuckle Hall at Lake Tia O K’hata; Entertainment: Happy Butch; Bakery: Deana Watkins

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

COOPER

DAVIS

Dr. Roxy Lane Cooper of Greenwood and Dr. Mark Chase Davis of Fayetteville, Arkansas, were united in marriage on April 8, 2017, at half past five o’clock in the afternoon at First Baptist Church in Greenwood. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Charles Richard Wheat.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. And Mrs. Roy Blane Cooper of Greenwood. She is the granddaughter of Mr. And Mrs. W.V. Bostick of Fort Worth, Texas, the late Robbie Cooper, and the late Roy Cooper of Winona.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Vader Davis of Fayetteville, Arkansas. He is the grandson is Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brandt of Springdale, Arkansas; Mr. And Mrs. Jim Taylor of Clifty, Arkansas; and Mrs. and Mrs. Joe Davis of Cave Springs, Arkansas.

Nuptial music was provided by Fred Robert Bain IV with soloist Connie Simmons Black. The bride was given in marriage by her father, Dr. Roy Blane Cooper.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was Haley Hoswell Goodman and maid of honor Kathryn Lee Dick. Bridesmaids were Jessica Ann Davis, Elizabeth Louise Hicks, Emily Katherine Davis, Georgia Grace Cooper, Margaret Owen Burns, Helen Elizabeth Gwin, Courtney Marie McCollum, Sarah Douglas Jones, and Mary Rebecca Telle.

Dr. Mark Rader Davis, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Brandt Davis, Bodie Delane Cooper, Blane McCormack Cooper, Stephen Bradley Hicks, Christopher Brain Simco, Nicholas Brain Emerson, David Garrott Van Bebber, Erik Douglas Stewart, Jonathan Pierce Shipps, and Kale Matthew Hatten.

Flower girls were Louise Ellen Hicks and Amelia Jane Davis.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. State Headquarters in Greenwood. Following a honeymoon in Emerald Bay Resort, Bahamas, the couple is at home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Patrick Remington Photography; Floral Design and Coordinator: Mother of the bride and flower show judge friends; Caterer and Bakery: The Grapevine Cakes, Catering, and Florals - Karyn Burrus; Reception Venue: The Garden Club of Mississippi, Inc. State Headquarters; Entertainment: Jason Miller Band

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

COTHREN

WINN

Claire Profilet Cothren and Eustace Harold Winn IV were married on October 28, 2017, at Grace Episcopal Church in Rosedale. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory Mikado silk strapless mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline, detectable tulle train, and a ballet-length tulle veil.

On her bridal bouquet, she placed her mother’s handkerchief and a broach that belonged to her grandmother, Mrs. Patrick P. Burns, senior. A reception was held after the ceremony at the groom’s family home, The Burrus House, also known as The Baby Doll House in Benoit.

Prior to the bride and groom arriving at the reception from the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Upon arriving at the reception, the newly married couple was announced on the front porch to a lively round of applause. At the request of the bride, guests were treated to signature drinks of margaritas from Fat Mama’s Tamales in Natchez. The bride and groom shared their first dance to “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young.

The guests enjoyed dancing with music by the band MusicDude and the LoudPaQ of Memphis, Tennessee. During the reception the groom’s sister, Anne Elise Winn, presented a video and narration of the groom’s life up to and including him meeting Claire and their engagement.

Guests enjoyed a variety of food during the night including a groom’s room with wild game, cheeses, and the groom’s cake. Freshly fried catfish and hushpuppies were served later during the reception.

The cake topper was an antique, first used by the bride’s grandparents at their wedding in 1939 in Natchez. A portrait, which was gifted to the bride by the groom, of the Mississippi River by Natchez artist Kevin Brodeur hung on the mantle above the cake.

The evening before the wedding, the groom’s family hosted a seated dinner at The Burrus House for the wedding party, family, and friends who celebrated the couple’s wedding weekend with toasts and accolades.

The day of the wedding the bride’s aunts held a relaxed brunch at The Burrus House for the bridal party and friends of the bride.

The morning after the wedding, friends of the groom’s parents held a brunch at The Downtown Grille in Greenville. Friends and family were able to visit with the new couple prior to them leaving for their honeymoon in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The couple is at home in Benoit. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Jamie Hardin Photography; Floral Design and Catering: Grande Design, Bob Wilbanks; Coordinator: Marilyn Trahon; Reception Venue: The Baby Doll House; Entertainment: MusicDude and the LoudPaQ; Bakery: Becky Thompson

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

DRINKWATER

SWANSON

Jennifer Dement Drinkwater and Aaron Lee Swanson were married June 10, 2017, at half past six o’clock in the evening on the grounds of the historic Burrus House in Benoit, witnessed by family and friends from seventeen states.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wayne Drinkwater, junior, of Ridgeland.

She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Wayne Drinkwater, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Erman Lavelle Creekmore, all formerly of Meridian.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Kevin Swanson of Anamosa, Iowa. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Howard Swanson of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and the late Mrs. Ruby Jean Swanson and Mr. Jacob Lee and the late Mrs. Marian Annabel Wonderlich Lee of Centerville, Iowa.

Given in marriage by her mother and father, the bride wore a designer sheath gown with fitted bodice featuring a deep V-neckline, cap sleeves edged in scalloped lace, and a chapellength train. Pearl buttons highlighted the lace and illusion back. A sash of Swarovski crystals adorned the natural waist. She carried a whimsical bouquet of Queen Anne’s lace and white astrantia, gathered with heirloom lace and pearls and delicately banded with a vintage handkerchief, a gift to her maternal grandmother from her grandfather during World War II. Attending the bride were her sister-in-law and brother, Katherine Elizabeth and William Woods Drinkwater of Nashville, Tennessee. The groom’s nephew, Emery Michael Swanson of Kirkland, Washington, served as best man.

The Blue Silk Band of Memphis, Tennessee, delivered an evening of motown music for dancing under the stars and a large strawberry moon while guests dined on Delta cuisine provided by The Pantry Catering of Greenville.

Following a wedding trip to the San Juan Islands, the couple is at home in Ames, Iowa. __________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Anne Bryant Photography; Floral Design, Caterer, Bakery and Coordinator: The Pantry, Amanda Cottingham; Reception Venue: Burrus House; Entertainment: The Blue Silk Band

LUCKETT

ENIS

Amy Elizabeth Luckett of Clarksdale and Mark Price Enis of Columbus were united in marriage at half past five o’clock in the afternoon on August 11, 2017, at Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma California. Reverend Jeff Finger of San Francisco, California, officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Douglas Luckett of Clarksdale. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Eula Harrison Luckett and the late Mr. William Corley Luckett of Clarksdale and Mrs. Marjorie Harrison Coffee and the late Mr. Charles Emory Coffee of Thomasville, Georgia.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Rinehart Enis of Columbus. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Philip Green Enis of Baldwyn and the late Mr. and Mrs. Luther Luna, junior, of Walnut.

Nuptial music was provided by violinist Daphna Rahmil and guitarist Bruce Rahmil.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. The bride’s maid of honor was her sister, Malorie Nell Luckett. The groom’s best man was his brother, William Rinehart Enis, junior. The wedding party was accompanied by thirty-five of the bride and groom’s family and friends for the intimate ceremony.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception, also at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, where guests enjoyed dinner and dancing amidst the vineyard. Following a honeymoon in Stinson Beach, California, the couple is at home in San Francisco, California. _____________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Eric Guarisco of Northpoint Photography; Floral Design: Lavender Florals; Coordinator: Kimberly Roson, A Savvy Event; Caterer: Elaine Bell Catering; Reception Venue: Gundlach Bundschu Winery; Entertainment: ATL Events; Bakery: Crisp Bake Shop

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ENGLAND

TRIPLETT

Sandra Bryan England and Robert Bailey Triplett were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on July 8, 2017, at Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Reverend Charles Eugene Poole and Reverend Brian Dale Sorgenfrei.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Frederick England of Jackson. She is the granddaughter Mr. and Mrs. Frank Owen Crosthwait, junior, of Indianola and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson England of Jackson.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Lester Triplett Sr. of Flowood. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Hector Davis, junior of Southaven and the late Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hastings Triplett of Louisville.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a cap-sleeved gown of ivory lace with a scalloped portrait neckline. She wore a cathedral-length veil which was worn by her great aunt and cousin. The bride carried a bouquet of white roses and blush peonies wrapped in lace from her grandmothers’ and godmother’s handkerchiefs.

The bride’s twin sister, Virginia Hughes England, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Lauren Davis Albertine, Jessica Ruth Arnold, Caroline Lydia Bobinger, Anne Hall Brashier, Caroline Barrett Brown, Gray Morrison Byrd, Kelly Anne Hines, Kathleen Kirkland Ivy, Rebecca Blair Josey, Kate Elizabeth Kellum, Ashlyn Jones Norsworthy, Mary Lant Cotten Watson, and Margaret Rogers Wright.

Eleanor Eastland Anderson, family friend of the bride, was the flower girl.

The father of the groom, Howard Lester Triplett, senior, attended his son as best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Thomas Armstrong, John Redden Carpenter, James Peyton Couch, John Thomas Couch, Eric Michael Davis, James Price Davis, Ross Peyton Fiser, Donald Caldwell Hughes, Daniel Alan McDonald, Paul Marchand Minor, Zackary Neal Puckett, Shaw Parish Singleton, and Howard Lester Triplett, junior.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the Old Capitol Inn with music provided by the Krackerjacks. The couple left the reception in a tunnel of family and friends throwing rose petals before riding off in a family friend’s antique 1966 Lincoln Continental convertible.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at River Hills Club.

Following a honeymoon in the Bahamas, the couple is at home in Madison. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Karla Pound Photography; Floral Design: Lisa Kelly; Coordinator: Crisler Boone; Reception Venue and Caterer: Old Capitol Inn; Entertainment: The Krackerjacks; Bakery: The Special Touch

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

FARMER

CARPENTER

Karlee Bell Farmer of Cruger and Colby Brooks Carpenter of Greenwood were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on December 16, 2017, at North Greenwood Baptist Church in Greenwood.

The ceremony was officiated by Doctor Jim Phillips.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Winborn Farmer, junior, of Cruger. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Charles Lewis Walker and the late Mr. Walker of Atoka, Tennessee, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Winborn Farmer, senior, of Cruger.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Glenn Carpenter, junior, of Greenwood. He is the grandson of Ms. Norma Jean Carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. William Glenn Carpenter, senior, Mr. Morris David Brunt, junior, and the late Nancy Goss Brunt, all of Greenwood.

Nuptial music was provided by vocalist Jessica Blaire Perkins and pianist Ray Mattox.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a silk cotton satin gown that was accented with a beaded belt of rhinestones. Her veil was a single tier of illusion accented with sequins, bugle beads, and crystals. The bride carried a bouquet of white and cream garden roses, peonies, and tulips with red winter berries.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was Katie Farmer Webb, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Payton Diana Allen, Mayme Kathryn Davidson, Shelby Layne Given, Sara Grace Hemphill, Darby Grace Hughes, Laura Elizabeth Reeves, and Merrie Morgan Volk. Sarah Katherine Ferguson, Shelby Foster Grimes, and Sara Elizabeth Stukenborg were honorary attendants.

William Glenn Carpenter, junior, of Greenwood served his son as best man. Groomsmen were the groom’s brother, Ross Clayton Carpenter, Robert Louis Adams, John Tucker Arnold, Zachary Gage Long, Kyle Thomas McCullouch, Jackson McFall Pannell, and Kevin James Phillips. Ushers were the bride’s brothers and brother-in-law, Robert Winborn Farmer III, Walker Brett Farmer, and Joshua Austin Webb.

The bride’s proxy was Sarah Katherine Ferguson. The flower girl was Makaylen Reece Bills, and the ring bearer was James Waylon Webb, nephew of the bride. Program attendants were Savannah Grace Smithers and Caden Presleigh Long. Mignon Hodges directed the wedding.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the former Cruger-Tchula Academy gymnasium.

Following a honeymoon to Rivera Maya in Mexico, the couple is at home in Ridgeland. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Patrick Remington Photography; Floral Design, Coordinator, Caterer and Bakery: Amanda Cottingham, The Pantry; Reception Venue: The former Criger-Tchula Academy Gymnasium; Entertainment: The Band U.S.

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GOODMAN

PHILLIPS

Laura Catherine Goodman and Bradley Darrington Phillips, both of Yazoo City, were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on March 18, 2017, at First United Methodist Church of Yazoo City. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Jerry Horton.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Emile Goodman, senior, of Yazoo City. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Jennings Stricklin of Yazoo City and the late Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Gray Goodman, senior, of Bentonia.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chatham Hurst Phillips II of Yazoo City. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph William Torti, senior, of Clarksdale and Mrs. Henry Rogers Bridgforth of Yazoo City and the late Mr. John Fryer Phillips, junior, of Holly Bluff.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a fit-to-flare Anne Barge gown featuring Alençon lace over a silk charmeuse, topped with a stunning sweetheart neckline and keyhole back.

The bride’s sisters, Savannah Goodman Tirey and Breanna Goodman Horton, attended the bride as matrons of honor. The maid of honor was Molly Elizabeth Henderson. Bridesmaids were Clara Frances Cannon, Valerie Katherine Ellis, Katherine Merrill Flautt, Haley Howell Goodman, Jordan Elizabeth Goodman, Stratton Shan Goodman, Lola Elizabeth Huff, Katie Lee Jones, Katherine Pauline Phillips, and Regan Sydney Sherwood. The flower girl was Anna Sterling Massey.

The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Patrick Darrington Eldridge, Daniel Edward Goodman, Kenneth Emile Goodman, junior, Ronald Keith Goodman, junior, Robert Andrew Hairston, Ryan Watkins Lester, Charles Michael Massey, William Eugene Massey, Chatham Hurst Phillips III, Jon Brighton Russell, and James Smith Stoner. Stuart Grant Tirey and David Scott Horton II were ushers.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the home of the parents of the bride in Yazoo City. Following a wedding trip to St. Lucia, the couple is at home in Yazoo City. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Patrick Remington Photography; Floral Design and Caterer: Fresh Cut Catering and Floral, Wendy Putt; Coordinator: Mrs. Henry Clifton Watson; Reception Venue: The Goodman Home; Entertainment: The Blue Silk Band; Bakery: The Pantry

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

HAYS

WHEATLEY

The celebration and blessing of marriage uniting Lauren Taylor Hays and Sawyer Allan Wheatley was held on December 9, 2017, at six o’clock in the evening at the Cadre Building in Memphis, Tennessee. Reverend Rebecca Luter officiated the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Louis Hays, junior, of Piperton, Tennessee. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Rosalynde Johnston Hull of Daphne, Alabama, the late Mr. Joe Barnett Bradshaw, Mrs. Isabelle Welshans Hays of Charleston, and the late Mr. William Louis Hays.

The groom is the son of Mr. Gerald Nelson Wheatley of New Albany and Mrs. Jean Hall Wheatley of Hernando. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Taylor Wheatley and the late Mr. and Mrs. Delman Littleton Hall.

Nuptial music was provided by the Memphis String Quartet.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a silk dupioni gown by Paloma Blanca, featuring a hand-ruched sweetheart bodice and a box-pleated full skirt. Her ceremony look was completed with a beautiful off-shoulder sleeve, Alençon lace bolero and a timeless cathedral-length, Alençon lace veil designed by Amanda Judge.

Attending the bride as her maid of honor was her cousin Caroline Kelly. Bridesmaids were Sealy Smith, Lauren Hays, Kristin Foster, Katy Lane Cavness, Rachel Baggett, Jessica Ellis, DeeAnn Fulcher, Taylor Walden, Sara Lynn Narcisse, Blair Connor, and Brooke Halle. Program attendants were Kelsey Johnson and Lauren Mayo. The bride’s proxy was Kella Tynes.

Serving as best man was Brock Foster. Groomsmen were Drew Dodds, William Frierson, Lee Griffin, Tyler Reed, Brandon Hays, Will Hays, Blakely Walden, Brad Luna, Allen Ball, Jordan Parker, and Jordan Ryan. Ushers were Colin Kelly and David Renfroe.

The flower girl was Gwenny Glidewell. The ring bearer was Reed Cook, cousin of the bride.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the Cadre Building and guests danced the night away. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s father hosted a rehearsal dinner at Charlie Vergos Rendezvous.

Following a honeymoon at Sandals LaSource Grenada, the couple is at home in Oxford. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Snap Happy Photography; Floral Design: Holliday Flowers and Events; Coordinator: Confete Events; Caterer: Paradox Cuisine; Reception Venue: Cadre Building; Entertainment: The Soul Shockers; Bakery: Kipp Cakes

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JORDAN

JAMES

Caroline McKay Jordan of Yazoo City and Jed Ellis James of Corinth were united in marriage on August 26, 2017, at half past six o’clock in the evening at Barnsley Gardens Resort in Adairsville, Georgia. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend David Felker.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Albert Jordan, junior, of Yazoo City. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Katherine Jordan and the late Mr. Bernard Albert Jordan, senior, of Yazoo City, and Mrs. June Stock and the late Mr. George Ferdinand Stock, junior, of Hollandale The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Earl James of Corinth. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Baxter James of Corinth and Mrs. Shelby Morton and the late Mr. Billy Morton of Ripley.

Nuptial music was provided by Candlelight String Quartet. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Attending the bride were her three sisters. Elise Jordan Choate served as matron of honor, while maids of honor were Ellen Neill Jordan and Anne Eliza Jordan. The groom’s father served as best man and the groom’s brother, John Adkins James, served as groomsman. Serving as flower girl was the bride’s daughter, Anne Sellers Brumfield.

Following the ceremony a reception was held at the Ruins at Barnsley Gardens Resort. Music was provided by Big Night Dynamite. Following a honeymoon in Italy, the couple is at home in Corinth. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Victor Villatoro Photography; Floral Design: John Grady Burns; Coordinator: Laura Burchfield Event Planning, Ellen Thomas; Reception Venue and Caterer: The Ruins at Barnsley Gardens Resort; Entertainment: Big Night Dynamite; Bakery: Honeymoon Bakery

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KINCADE

SMITH

Caroline Lofton Kincade and Douglas Leroy Smith III were united in holy matrimony at seven o’clock in the evening on December 31, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Church in Clarksdale. The officiating minister, Father Scott Thomas, performed the double-ring ceremony. Nuptial music was provided by Mrs. Robert Brian Boswell, organist, Mrs. Mark Simpson, pianist, Miss Alice Hasen ,violinist, and Mrs. Grant McAlexander, soloist.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Lofton Kincade of Clarksdale. She is the granddaughter of Mr. George Ferri of Clarksdale and the late Mrs. Josephine Ferri of Cleveland, Mrs. Dunlap Kincade of Clarksdale, and Mr. and Mrs. William Sanders Kincade of Lula. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Leroy Smith, junior, of Clarksdale. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Leroy Smith of Clarksdale.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a customized wedding gown by designer Martina Liana. The dress was a Bellagio crepe sheath silhouette with long sleeves, featuring a low back highlighted with illusion lace cut outs and pearl detail. The chapel-length train was embellished with laser-cut lace and sparkling diamante and pearl beading, complimented by a Sara Gabriel cathedral veil.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was her sister, Anne Elizabeth Kincade. Bridesmaids included Erica Haselton Baggett, Reagan Mitchell Boswell, Anne Nicholas Cantrell, KatherineAnn Hector, Ashley Agostinelli Howell, Sommer Lynn Hughes, Bentley Bryant Kaufman, Alexandra Thomas Onica, Elizabeth Collins Phelps, and Sawyer Alexis Smith.

Mr. Douglas Leroy Smith, junior, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Kevin Agostinelli, Anthony CurtisAntici, John Fincher Gist Bobo, Patrick Lee Clark, Cory Thomas Corso, Franklin Chase Crumpton, Gary Franklin Goode III, Bateman Bradford Greenlee, Warren David Huggins, Christopher Cade Reece, Samuel Grayson Roberts, Evan Marshall Sartin, William Gregory Sartin, junior, and Derek Dyer Soldevila.

Program attendants were Brooks Douglas Fyfe and Mary Luisa Czamanske.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the Clarksdale Country Club, where guests danced the night away as the new year was ushered in.

On the eve of the wedding, a cocktail reception and rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at the Clarksdale Country Club, and following a honeymoon to St. Lucia, the couple resides in Clarksdale. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Vicki Eastland Photography; Floral Design: Craig Gaddy Designs; Coordinator: Maria Fyfe; Reception Venue and Caterer: Clarksdale Country Club; Entertainment: DMP Band; Bakery: Alice Chow Cakes and Detra Williams

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KING

HAYNES

Mary Caroline King of Chatham and Chris Pepper Haynes III of Jackson were united in marriage on May 7, 2017, at six o’clock in the evening in an outdoor ceremony on the banks of Lake Washington at the Everhope Orchard in Chatham. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Tony McDonald.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Walter King, junior, of Chatham. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Howard Nelson of Chatham and Mrs. Mary Boone Adcock and the late Mr. George Walter King of Leland.

The groom is the son of Mrs. Lynn Melton Fortenberry of Flowood and Mr. Chris Pepper Haynes, junior, of Jackson. He is the grandson of Ms. Frances Reid Melton and the late Mr. Melton of West and the late Mr. and Mrs. Chris Pepper Haynes of Jackson.

Nuptial music was provided by Mr. Bobby Whittington.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Attending the bride as maid of honor was her sister, Melissa Caitlin King Walker. Bridesmaids were Bland Devany Shackelford, Molly Black Blakeney, Ellen Lawrence Hull, Carlile Phillips Koester, Valerie Laurel Moss, and Casey Pittman Nelson. Honorary bridesmaids were Morgan Lambourn Garret, Toni Lynn Nelson, and Megan McPherson Stalnaker.

The groom’s father, Chris Pepper Haynes, junior, served as best man. Groomsmen were Brien Austin Blakeney, Walter Joseph Gex V, George Walter King III, William Nelson King, George Elder Stuart, junior, Matthew Van Tyler, and Arthur Ridgway Walden. Ushers were Brandon Lee Deer, Brian Michael Eure, Zachary McVey Hutchens, junior, and John Ryan Selman.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Highland Club on the banks of Lake Washington in Chatham. Guest were entertained by the Memphis Juke Joint All Stars.

After a honeymoon trip to Belize, Caroline and Chip are at home in Flora. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photographer: BARREG Photography; Floral Design: The Green Apple, Ruth Ann Darnell; Coordinator: Lisa King; Caterer: Paula Davis; Reception Venue: The Highland Club Entertainment: Memphis Juke Joint All Stars; Bakery: Carol Hunter

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KING

WALKER

Melissa Caitlin King and Thomas Reid Walker were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on October 7, 2017, at Glen Allan Methodist Church. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Tony McDonald.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Walter King, junior, of Chatham. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Howard Nelson of Chatham and Mrs. Mary Boone Adcock and the late Mr. George Walter King of Leland.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomas Walker of Grenada. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler Timothy Timbs of Indianola and Mr. and Mrs. James Anthony Walker of Clarksdale.

Nuptial music was provided by Mr. Bobby Whittington.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Attending the bride as matron of honor was her sister, Mary Caroline King Haynes. Bridesmaids were Ann Elizabeth Walker, Meg McPherson Stalnaker, Toni Lynn Nelson, Georgia Corinne Clarke, and Keelyn Christine Frey. Honorary bridesmaids were Laura Beth Knight, Jennifer Kate Morson and PatMarie King.

The groom’s father, Charles Thomas Walker, served as best man. Groomsmen were Charles Nolan Walker, Blake Lawrence Upchurch, George Walter King III, William Nelson King, Nelson Phillip Parker, Gage Wright Ray, William Gray Plunkett, Whitaker Roberts Kendall, John Laurance Gathings, Kelly Douglas Coleman, and Harrison Paul Putt.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents on the banks of Lake Washington. Guests were entertained by the Juke Joint Allstars.

After a honeymoon trip in the Bahamas, Caitlin & Reid are at home in Clarksdale. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photographer: Blake McCollum Photography; Floral Design: The Green Apple, Ruth Ann Darnell; Coordinator: Lisa King; Caterer: Paula Davis; Reception Venue: Home of the Bride Entertainment: The Juke Joint Allstars; Bakery: Carol Hunter

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LEFLORE

JENNINGS

Spencer Carroll Leflore and Michael Denton Jennings were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on January 7, 2017, at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Greenwood. The Rev. Dr. Billy Ray Stonestreet officiated the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stanford Leflore of Greenwood. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Lee Leflore, senior, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Fred Spencer, senior.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Owen Jennings of Schlater. He is the grandson of Mrs. William Marlon Jennings of Schlater and the late Mr. Jennings and Mrs. Bernise Smith and the late Mr. Johnnie Denton.

Given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore an ivory gown by Morilee by Madeline Gardner.

The cap-sleeve gown featured a soft tulle ball gown skirt with crystallized bodice and satin belt. With her gown she wore an ivory chapel-length veil by Giselle that featured a detailed small wave edge with crystals, rhinestones, silver bugles, and pearls.

Reynolds Whites Brantley attended the bride as the matron of honor. Bridesmaids included Stella Britt, Mollie Estes, Mary Margaret Evans, Georgia Jordan, Loren Leflore, and Jennifer Wilson. Anna Spencer Evans, Jane Reynolds Hargett, and Elle Evans were the flower girls.

Attending the groom as his best man was his father. Groomsmen were Daniel Barry, Tyler Gilliland, Ben Hargett, David Hargett, John Patridge, and Shane Smith. Matt Hargett, Lee Leflore, and Daniel Smith served as ushers for the ceremony. Henry Hargett, Kullin Taylor, and Nevin Taylor were the ring bearers.

Merritt Belk, Etta Kathryn Jennings, and Elizabeth Vaughn were the guest registry and program attendants. Merritt was the bride’s proxy. Nuptial music was provided by Donna Buford Spell, vocalist, and Vicki Morgan, organist.

Following the ceremony, friends and family of the bride and groom attended a reception hosted by the bride’s parents at the Historic Elks Lodge.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Museum of the Mississippi Delta.

Following a honeymoon in Playa Muejeres, Mexico, the couple is at home in Greenwood. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Miki McCurdy Photography; Floral Design: A Pryor Engagement; Coordinator: Pryor Hackleman; Caterer: Frank Leflore; Reception Venue: Historic Elks Lodge; Entertainment: Funkytown; Bakery: Becky Thompson

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

LILLY

PITTS

Sydney Rhea Lilly and Jack Steele Pitts were united in marriage on March 25, 2017, at half past four o’clock in the afternoon at the East Ivy Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend John Mccullough of Nashville, Tennessee.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Budd Phelps of Clarksdale and Mr. and Mrs. James Kenneth Lilly, junior, of San Antonio, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Kenneth Lilly, senior, of Starkville, the late Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hudson of Clarksdale, and the late Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Phelps of Clarksdale.

The groom is the son of Ms. Jan Spencer Pitts of Evanston, Illinois, and Mr. John Steele Pitts of Nashville, Tennessee. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Matson of Huntington Beach, California, the late Mr. Teddy Quinton Spencer of West Covina, California, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Knox Pitts, junior, of Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Nuptial music was provided by The Corwin Trio of Nashville, Tennessee, along with soloists, Lauren Brown of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Gary Griffin of Clarksdale.

The bride was given in marriage by her father and stepfather. Her wedding dress was a strapless silk gown. She wore her aunt’s veil and a hair comb transformed from her late grandmother’s wedding halo. She carried a cascading bouquet of Juliet and O’hara garden roses, dendrobium orchids, Belladonna delphinium, veronica, bouvardia and wax flowers with greenery of seeded eucalyptus, plumosa fern, and smilax.

Attending the bride, were her sisters, Jamie Kathryn Lilly of Galveston, Texas, and Rachel Parker Lilly of Nashville, Tennessee.

The groomsmen were Ted Spencer Pitts, brother of the groom, of Evanston, Illinois, and James Kenneth Lilly III, the brother of the the bride, of Norfolk, Virginia.

The reception, hosted by the bride’s parents, followed at the East Ivy Mansion after the ceremony.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Holland House in Nashville, Tennessee.

Following a honeymoon at the Beach Tulum in Tulum, Mexico, the couple is at home in Nashville, Tennessee. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: John Sherlock, The Exposure Studios; Floral Design: Sue Griffin; Coordinator: Jamie Lane; Caterer: Chef’s Market; Reception Venue: The East Ivy Mansion; Entertainment: The Corwin Trio and Lauren Brown, Soloist; Bakery: Alice Chow Cakes

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LYON

REYNOLDS

Olivia Catherine Lyon and Edward Thomas Reynolds were united in marriage at five o’clock in the afternoon on November 25, 2017, at the Southern Hotel in Covington, Louisiana. The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Charles Wohltmann of Covington, Louisiana.

The bride is the daughter of Ms. Linda Lawrence of Abita Springs, Louisiana, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eric Lyon of Tylertown. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Jean Hawksley of Covington, Louisiana, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bailey Lyon of Jonestown.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Eric Reynolds of Covington, Louisiana. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Russell Thomas Lolley of West Monroe, Louisiana, and Mrs. Virginia Reynolds and the late Mr. Edward John Reynolds of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a strapless gown featuring a beaded lace bodice and full moscato tulle skirt and train. The bride’s jewelry included a diamond bracelet belonging to the groom’s godmother, Mrs. Marilyn Martinez.

The bride’s mother, Linda Lawrence, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Emma Taylor and Amelia Taylor.

The groom’s brother, Eric Reynolds, served as best man. Groomsmen included Barry Ross, junior, Artem Kulyk, and Daniel Mullins.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s father hosted a reception in the ballroom of the Southern Hotel with entertainment by Four Unplugged. Danielle Papania coordinated the celebration with catering by Ox Lot 9 and floral arrangements by Flowers With Friends.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Keith Young’s Steakhouse in Madisonville, Louisiana.

After honeymooning in Italy, the couple is at home in New Orleans, Louisiana. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Kristen Soileau Portraits; Floral Design: Flowers With Friends; Coordinator: Danielle Papania; Caterer and Bakery: Ox Lot 9; Reception Venue: Ballroom of The Southern Hotel; Entertainment: Four Unplugged

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

MORGAN

MCMANUS

Laurie Elizabeth Morgan and Philip Patrick McManus were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on June 17, 2017, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. The ceremony was officiated

by Reverend Timothy Austin Starnes.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Duke Higdon Morgan, junior, of Shaw. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Butler Aderholdt Denton of Cleveland and Mr. and Mrs. Duke Higdon Morgan of Shaw.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Troy Lee McManus II of Hazlehurst and Ms. Patty Rebecca Porter of Brandon. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Allen Porter of Hermanville and the late Mr. and Mrs. Troy Lee McManus of Hazlehurst.

The prelude and nuptial music was performed by pianist and organist, George Clifton Wingard, and vocalist, Robin Passer Washington.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a custom Augusta Jones ivory French Alençon lace gown with a caramel silk lining from Carriage House Weddings in Birmingham, Alabama. She also wore an ivory French Alençon lace trim cathedral-length veil.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was her sister, Jane Denton Morgan. Bridesmaids were Florence Sillers Crump, Sarah Dayton Gamble, Caroline McKay Jordan, Magan Bruton King, Mary Clyde King, Laura Polk Phillips, Mary Margaret Roark, Meredith Camille Schilling, and Ann Elizabeth Walker.

Father of the groom, Troy Lee McManus II, served as best man. Groomsmen included Carl Stephen Bozeman, Mark Keith King, junior, William Marcus Middleton, Daniel Roy Moore, Benjamin Lee Stevens, Jed Clinton Stevens, Ethan Porter Veazey, Bennett Landon Wilson, and Robert Bradley Woods.

The flower girl was Anne Sellers Brumfield, and the ring bearer was Michael Roy Moore. Anne Lindsey Prewitt served as the bride’s proxy.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted an outdoor reception at the home of the bride’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Duke Higdon Morgan. The yard featured a summer garden party setting.

On the eve of the wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Troy Lee McManus II hosted a rehearsal dinner at The Warehouse.

After honeymooning in St. Lucia, the couple is at home in Hazlehurst. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Lauren Liddell Photography; Floral Design and Coordinator: Lagniappe, Sherry Smythe and Sarah Smythe; Caterer: Cole Ellis of Delta Meat Market; Reception Venue: Home of the bride’s grandparents; Entertainment: Funkytown; Bakery: Becky Thompson

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PEGRAM

BOUGHTON

The rustic setting of The Jefferson in Oxford was transformed into an elegant wedding ceremony and reception location for Cayce Pegram and Scott Boughton on May 6, 2017.

The marriage ceremony took place in the Lakeside Room where an eight-foot cross of white roses and hydrangeas hung on a moss-covered wall to frame the wedding party as vows were exchanged.

Escorted by her father, Joe Pegram, the bride wore a Monique Lhuillier gown. Her trumpet-style gown featured a sheer V-neck and embroidered lace bodice, cascading into a gorgeous silk Mikado skirt. Delicate beaded appliqués adorned the bodice. She wore a family heirloom Reem Acra veil and Badgley Mischka ivory silk shoes embellished with crystal brooches.

The bride’s sisters, Emily Shaw and Reed Toms, were matrons of honor. Bridesmaids included Louise Collins, Katy Hansen, Loren Lancaster, Catherine McGuire, Lucia McKnight, Summer Pegram, Mimi Rose, Whitney Souza Queiroz, Sarah Vogel, and Mary Brette Wylly. The groom’s father, John Boughton, served as best man. Groomsmen and ushers included John Hansen, Andrew Hogin, Trevor Houghton, Kevin McCarthy, Ben Miller, Sterchi Morton, Joe Pegram, Rob Peterson, Fred Souza Queiroz, Carter Shaw, Craig Shaw, and Ryan Toms. Flower girls, Briley Shaw and Calloway Toms, and ring bearers, Ben Hansen and Pearce Toms, are nieces and nephews of the couple.

Reverend Warren Black officiated as Cayce and Scott pledged their vows. Vocalists Erin and Ryan Miller sang “The Wedding Prayer” and “O Perfect Love” with other traditional music provided by a string quartet.

The festivities continued at The Jefferson as guests enjoyed cocktails on the patio and then entered the Grand Ballroom where a sixty-foot kissing ball of coral and white roses suspended in the center of the room. Candelabra and floral arrangements complementing the floral ball were on silk cloths of navy and cream. The bride and groom changed to light-up flashing sneakers, shared Boughton baseball caps with guests, and threw Tennessee, Georgia, and Ole Miss pom poms for SEC cheers.

The couple made their getaway through an archway of sparklers and chants, leaving in a 1968 Ford Bronco for a loop around the Oxford Square before arriving at the Chancellor’s House.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s family hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Mesquite Chop House. Following a honeymoon in Costa Rica, the couple is at home in Nashville, Tennessee. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Taylor Square Photography; Floral Design: Oxford Floral; Coordinator: Claire Kiame, One Fine Day; Caterer: Elizabeth Heiskell Catering; Reception Venue: The Jefferson Grand Ballroom; Entertainment: Super T – Tyrone Smith; Bakery: Alice Chow Cakes

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

PENTECOST

SELMAN

Ann Turner Pentecost and John Ryan Selman were united in marriage at seven o’clock in the evening on June 24, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Cleveland. The wedding officiants were Reverend Frank Haynes of Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson and Reverend Will Wilkerson of First United Methodist Church in Cleveland.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Wills Pentecost of Cleveland. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Leander Turner III of Greenville and the late Mr. and Mrs. Norman Edward Pentecost, junior, of Doddsville.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Barry Selman of Madison. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mickle Hayward, senior, of Oxford and the late Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Winsyl Selman of Jackson.

Nuptial music was provided by musician ElizaBeth Beckham and vocalist Neal Ann Chamblee. The wedding ceremony was coordinated by Martha Wheeler.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Attending the bride as matron of honor was her sisterin-law, Swayze Neyland Pentecost. Bridesmaids were Anna Cara Clark, Lanna Cox Daniels, Emily Keith Johnson, Haley Huerta Kelly, Laurie Selman Nimon, Hannah Walt Satterfield, Kristen Ashley Selman, and Marlee West Miller. Honor attendants were Turner Louise Pentecost, niece of the bride, and Knox David Nimon, nephew of the groom. The bride’s proxy was Carolyn Currie Fletcher. Scripture was read

by John Leander Turner V and Olivia Palmer Turner, cousins of the bride.

Serving the groom as best man was his father. The groomsman were John Wycliffe Bussey III; Walter Joseph Gex IV; Chris Pepper Haynes III; Edwin Poteat Lutken, junior; Kennedy Street Miller; Benjamin Lowry Molpus; Ben Wills Pentecost, junior; and George Elder Stuart, junior.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland. The reception was coordinated by Bob Wilbanks of Grande Design, and guests were entertained by Musical Fantasy of Mobile, Alabama.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Grover’s Corner catered by Cole Ellis of Delta Meat Market.

Following a honeymoon to Playa Mujeres, Mexico, the couple is at home in Jackson. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: BARREG Photography; Floral Design and Caterer: Bob Wilbanks, Grande Design; Coordinator: Martha Wheeler; Reception Venue: GRAMMY Museum Mississippi; Entertainment: Musical Fantasy; Bakery: Lou Toole

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

PITTMAN

BYARS

Elizabeth Vivian Pittman of Eupora and Mitchell Klint Byars of Slate Springs were united by marriage on November 4, 2017, at five o’clock in the afternoon at The Jefferson in Oxford.

The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Kenneth Armstrong.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Pittman of Cadaretta. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Quentin Worthy and the late Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Pittman of Cadaretta. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wade Byars of Carrollton and Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Lovorn of Slate Springs. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Byars of Bruce, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cannon of Big Creek, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Lovorn of Slate Springs, Mrs. Gerry Morris of Grenada, and Mr. and Mrs. Wabb Morris of Grenada.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Attending the bride was matron of honor Maci Flautt and maid of honor Lynn Palmer. Bridesmaids were Dana Henderson, Brooke Cundiff, Ariel Owen, and Hannah Pittman. Junior maid was Lillie Brooks Flautt. Wade Byars served as best man. Groomsmen were Andrew Nobile, Kevin Owens, Drew Long, Joseph Mooneyham, Colby Parker, Andy Duvall, and Kelly Lovorn. The flower girls were Gracie Flautt, Ellie Kate Flautt, Andi Grace Shaw, and Livy Rose Pittman. The ring bearer was Kayden Costilow.

A reception followed at The Jefferson. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Woodson Ridge homestead in Oxford. Following a honeymoon to St. Lucia, the couple is at home in Cadaretta where the bride is an Occupational Therapist at the NMMC hospital in Eupora and the groom runs a log trucking business. _________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Kayla Minyard Photography; Floral Design: Casey & Co.; Coordinator: Debbie Knight; Caterer: Ladye Kathryn; Reception Venue: The Jefferson Entertainment: Even Odds; Bakery: Caked Up Bakery & Café

POLK

PHILLIPS

Laura Robertson Polk of Indianola and Shelby Mason Phillips of Madison were united in marriage at half past six o’clock in the evening on May 20, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Starkville. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Stephen Sparks of Indianola.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Neal Denton Rogers, junior, of Starkville and the late Mark Christopher Polk. She is the granddaughter of Mr. James Cooke Robertson and the late Mrs. Robertson of Indianola, Mr. and Mrs. Hal Moody Polk of Starkville, and Mrs. Neal Denton Rogers and the late Mr. Rogers of Indianola.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Nichols Phillips of Madison and the late Janice Catterlin Phillips. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Otha Catterlin of Bald Knob, Arkansas, Mrs. Logan Burch Phillips and the late Mr. Phillips of Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Thomas Bryant of Canton, and Mr. Charles Dean Benge of Madison.

Nuptial music was provided by Peter Infanger and LeeAnn Williamson. The bride was given in marriage by Mark Christopher Polk, junior, and Neal Denton Rogers, junior. Attending the bride as matron of honor was her sister, Anne Barrett Hazard. William Nichols Phillips, the groom’s father, served as best man. The ring bearer was Foster Mason Phillips.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at The Mill in Starkville. Following a honeymoon at the Excellence Resort in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, the couple is at home in Madison. ___________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Pound Photography; Floral Design and Coordinator: Bengel Design; Reception Venue and Caterer: The Mill; Entertainment: The SoulSations; Bakery: Mississippi Sweets

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

RANAGER

GALLAGHER

Catherine McKinley Ranager and James Thomas Gallagher III were united in marriage on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at six o’clock in the evening at First United Methodist Church of New Albany. Rev. Dr. Timothy Thomas Prather and Rev. Dr. William Giles Lindley officiated the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil McKinley Ranager of New Albany. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Tommy Laverne Ranager, the late Mr. Tommy Laverne Ranager, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Eugene Browning.

The groom is the son of Mrs. and Mrs. James Thomas Gallagher, junior, of Greenwood. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas Gallagher, senior, Mr. Edwin Keasler Meeks, and the late Mrs. Linda Dycus Meeks.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown made of shavon organza; this simple yet striking ball gown wedding dress featured handmade rosettes accented with pearls. A strapless scoop neckline and flowing train evoked chic romance. The veil was an ivory cathedral-length Bel Aire with a satin edge, and her shoes were ivory Badgley Mischka Tamara open-toe heels with vintage-inspired embellishments. Her grandfather’s M Club ring and mother’s Chi Omega pin and badge were tied into the handle of the bouquet.

The bride’s sister, Laura Preston Ranager, served as her maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Mary Langdon Gallagher Hardman, Kathleen Meeks Gallagher, Elizabeth Ruth Gallagher, all sisters of the groom, Isabella Corrine Moak, Anna Kennedy Barker, Christina Nichole Bostick, Mary Beth Alice Cox, Erin Nicole Frazier, Catherine Claire Hays, Ann Merritt Moore, Kellie Suzanne McClelland, Victoria Lynn Russell, and Barrett Elizabeth Wright.

The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Thomas Collier Ranager, Cecil Hudson Ranager, brothers of the bride, James Nicholas Cobb, junior, Russell Owens Cobb, Caleb Thomas Hardman, senior, William Timothy Brewer, junior, Bradley Christopher Dickey, William Joseph Fisher, Daniel Fox Haas, Samuel Walton Hand, Miles Thomas Huff, Robert Hughes Koury, Paul Gaston Lyon, junior, Matthew Fritz Oellerich, and Matthew Hamilton Peaster.

Following the ceremony, friends and family attended a reception at Oaks Country Club. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Oaks Country Club.

Following a honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple is home in Starkville. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Masa Kathryn Photography of Columbus; Floral Design: Tracy Proctor; Coordinator: Mrs. Patrice Smith; Caterer: Maia Miller; Reception Venue: Oaks Country Club; Entertainment: Paul Tate and Funkytown; Bakery: Sugaree’s Bakery

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

RANDALL

DONAHOE

The celebration and blessing of the covenant of marriage uniting Sarah Nanette Randall and Edgar Newton (Trey) Donahoe III was held on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Indianola at half past six o’clock in the evening.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Bennett Randall III of Indianola. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Charlie Sojourner and the late Mr. Sojourner of Crystal Springsand Mrs. Barbara Bailey Randall and the late Mr. James Bennett Randall, junior, of Baird.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Newton Donahoe, junior, of Indianola. He is the grandson of Mrs. James Russell Newton of Indianola and the late Mr. Newton and Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Newton Donahoe also of Indianola.

Reverend James Randall O’Brien, uncle of the groom, officiated the double-ring ceremony. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of ivory Alençon lace and English net. Her ball gown style silhouette featured a sweetheart neckline encircling her shoulders. The drop waistline accentuated the skirt decorated with lace appliques flowing into a cathedral-length train ending in a scalloped hemline.

She wore a cathedral-length veil edged in lace matching that of her bridal gown.

Her attendants wore belted champagne chiffon dresses with an ivory overlay. Attending the bride as maid of honor was her sister, Catherine Randall Fandel. Bridesmaids were Melissa Caitlyn Atchley; Madison Barnthouse; Anne Hall Brashier; Olivia Jayne Cohen; Megan Kaye Donahoe; Jenni Brown Hand; Rebecca Blair Josey; Rivers Uithoven Luter; Massey Buckner Mitchell; Amy Schultz Phillips; Laura Polk Phillips; Kaylee Prather Ragan; and Mary Katherine Scott. The flower girls were Carolina Ruth Burch and Anna Grace Eversole.

Serving the groom as best man was his father, Dr. Edgar Newton Donahoe, junior. Groomsmen were Gus Gordon Brand; Cody Parker Britt; Cameron Clifton Coleman; Andrew Neal Donahoe, brother of the groom; Emery Scott Grubb; Stephen Micah Harrell; Philip Daniel Matthews; William Morgan McDowell; Anthony Kyle Neely; Grant Ellison Phillips; Bennett Bradley Secrest; Sawyer Thomas Smith; and Cameron Tandy Treadwell.

Following the wedding ceremony, a reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents in Indianola. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the historic Elk’s Lodge in Greenwood. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Turks and Caicos and are now at home in Indianola. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Stacy Richardson Photography; Floral Design, Coordinator and Caterer: Amanda Cottingham, The Pantry; Reception Venue: Home of the bride’s parents; Entertainment: Musical Fantasy; Bakery: Adrienne Saxon

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

SATTERFIELD

BASS

Anna Beth Satterfield and B Hampton Bass were united in marriage at half past five o’clock in the afternoon on May 21, 2017, at Watercolor Inn in Watercolor, Florida. The ceremony was officiated by Mark Webb.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Flint of Boyle and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Satterfield of Sanger, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Travis Satterfield and Mr. James Gill and the late Mrs. Shirley Gill of Shaw.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hamp Bass of Clarksdale. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gardner and the late Mr. Hamp Bass III of Clarksdale and Mr. and Mrs. Garrett “Buck” Falls of Clarksdale.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Attending the bride as maid of honor was Kathryn Davis of Cleveland. The groom’s father, Hamp Bass, served as best man.

The music for the ceremony was provided by a three-string trio directed by Fran Bullock of Florida, and the floral arrangements were designed by Events by Nouveau of Panama City, Florida.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Boathouse at Watercolor Inn. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents held a rehearsal dinner at Shark’s Tooth Golf Club at Lake Powell, Florida.

The bride and groom honeymooned at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The couple is at home in Merigold. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Steve Wells Photography Floral Design: Events by Noveau Coordinator: Joseph Lansky Reception Venue and Caterer: Boathouse at Watercolor Inn Entertainment: DJ30A Bakery: Bake My Day

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

STUBBS

DODD

Courtney Greer Stubbs and John Harbard Dodd, junior, were united in marriage on June 3, 2017, at six o’clock in the evening at First Baptist Church of Greenville. Dr. James L. Nichols, junior, officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Russell Stubbs of Greenville. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Walter Stubbs of Indianola and Mrs. Dan A. Sorrells and the late Mr. Sorrells of Crenshaw.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Harbard Dodd, senior, of Memphis, Tennessee. He is the grandson of Mrs. David Tennyson Dodd and the late Dr. Dodd of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williamson Fair of Water Valley.

Presented in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory Chantilly lace gown by LianCarlo, featuring a sweetheart neckline and chapel-length train trimmed with tiny buttons down the back.

Completing the bride’s look was a cathedral-length veil accented with cut lace trim, also worn by her sister. She carried a bouquet of white roses bound with ivory silk and pinned with pearls.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was her sister, Catherine Stubbs Weaver. Bridesmaids included Lacey Naaman Brown, Caroline Fair Dodd and Laura Grace Beck Dodd, sisters of the groom, Katherine Harris Elliott, Jamie Erickson Hargett, Fair Pender Jones, Margaret Marie LeBus, Courtney Phillips Parrish, Leah Roller Ray, Morgan Roark Shipp, Shelby Grace Sorrells, Lindsey Gunter Williams, and McKenzie Warrington Wills.

Serving the groom as best man was his father. Groomsmen included Travis Zachary Bugg, Ross Peyton Fiser, Colby Woodson Fisher, Taylor Ryan Jones, Drew Gaylon Lawrence, Michael Patrick McGowan, Phillip Mark Parsley, Tyler Everett Rudd, James Allen Sanders III, Walter Maxwell Stubbs, brother of the bride, Benjamin Taylor Ulmer, Ryan Gregory Ward, and Riley Chandler Weaver, brotherin-law of the bride.

Program attendants were Kelly Ann Fratesi, FaithEllen Pauline Nichols, and Caroline Baker Smith.

Ellen Townsend Fiser and Chaille Clements Munn were scripture readers, and Preslee Trammell Magee served as the bride’s proxy.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Baby Doll House in Benoit where guests were entertained by New Era Band. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Catfish Point Hunting Club. Following a trip to Antigua, the couple is at home in Leland. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Jay Adkins Photography; Floral Design: Marvin Jeter, A Grand Affair; Coordinator: Anne Pender; Caterer: High Cotton Catering; Reception Venue: Baby Doll House; Entertainment: New Era Band; Bakery: Lou Toole

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEST

MILLER

Marlee Kate West of Hollandale and Kennedy Street Miller of Madison were united in marriage on September 30, 2017, on the Kelly Green in Alys Beach, Florida. Reverend Jack Moore, an uncle of the bride, and Reverend Curtis Presley III, an uncle of the groom, officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Etheridge West of Hollandale. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Merlin Smith Richardson of Anguilla and Mrs. Alvie Nell Fortenberry and the late Mr. Bobby Etheridge West of Drew.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dewey Miller III of Madison. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Pack Toler of Jackson and Mrs. Dorothy Miller and the late Mr. Harold Dewey Miller, junior, of Jackson.

The bride was given in marriage by her father, Mr. Bruce Etheridge West. She wore an ivory lace gown with a lace-trimmed veil. Nuptial music was provided by Wedding Music Plus, Inc. Attending the bride as bridesmaids were Bray Britton, Cara Clark, Kelli Miller, and Leah West.

The bride’s honorary attendants were Aubrey Beckham, Anne Barry Bruton, Mary Jo Cox, Dana Fisher, Maris Mellon, Chaille Munn, Ellen Sawyer, Ann Turner Selman, and Sarah Whaley. The bride’s flower girls were Maggie and Olivia Miller.

Harold Miller III attended his son as the best man. Groomsmen were Harold Miller IV, William Miller, and Bailey West. The groom’s honorary attendants were Caldwell Cunningham, Thomas Frazer III, Seth Hudspeth, Colin McBrearty, Mark McRee, John Selman, and Reed Thompson.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held on the Kelly Green in Alys Beach, Florida, to celebrate the occasion with friends and family. On the eve of the wedding, the parents of the groom hosted a rehearsal dinner and post toast celebration at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach, Florida.

Following a honeymoon in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, the couple is at home in Jackson, Mississippi. ____________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Dear Wesleyann Photography; Floral Design: Events by Nouveau; Coordinator: Meghan Kelly; Caterer: Townsend Catering; Reception Venue: Kelly Green; Entertainment: Accent; Bakery: Sweet for Sirten, Sweet Henriettas, and Donut Hole

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WOODY

VAUGHAN

Elizabeth Anne Woody and Henry Walton Vaughan were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on May 20, 2017, at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Greenwood. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Doctor Billy Ray Stonestreet.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Joe Woody. She is the granddaughter of Wilma Killebrew Gnemi and the late William Rebello Gnemi of Ebenezer and the late Mr. and Mrs. Melvis Clyde Woody of Greenwood.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford Vaughan, junior, of Houston. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob T. Perkins of Maben and the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford Vaughan, senior, of Eupora.

The bride was given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father. Attending the bride as matron of honor was Allison Jones, sister-in-law of the bride. Vaughn Avant and Elizabeth Tribble served as maids of honor. Bridesmaids were Fran Armistead, Caroline Beach, Mary Lauren Brunson, Virginia Douglas, Courtney McNeer, Emily Monsour, Bethany Stanfill, Claire Sims, Alyssa Steelman, and Ellen Thomas. Program attendants were Ansley Bottcher and Leah McMahon. Jennifer Rawson served as the bride’s proxy.

The groom’s father served as the best man. Groomsmen were Caleb Alford, Austin Fratesi, Will Hart, Parker Jones, brother-in-law of the groom, Thad Oswalt, John Russell Penick, Colton Prather, Chad Rawson, Nathan Rowell, Trey Sansing, cousin of the groom, Thomas Woody, brother of the bride, and Cole Young.

Serving as flower girl was Kate Douglas, and Landon Jones, nephew of the groom, was the ring bearer. Ann Carol Gnemi and Mathew Gnemi, cousins of the bride, served as acolytes.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Greenwood Country Club. After honeymooning in St. Lucia, the couple is at home in Greenwood. ______________________________________________________________________________ Photography: Ann-Marie Wyatt, Taylor Square Photography; Floral Design: Bob Wilbanks, Grand Design; Coordinator: Ellen Thomas Event Design; Caterer: Greenwood Country Club; Rehearsal Venue: Historic Elk’s Building; Entertainment: Bamboo Forest; Bakery: Grapevine Cakes, Catering, and Floral

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If Veils Could Talk

Spanning decades and crossing the pond, the story of a Rosedale family’s sixty-three year tradition

LANGDON CLAY

BY MAUDE SCHUYLER CLAY

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Florence Gordon Katkish, October 7, 2017

LANGDON CLAY

A

trip to Brussels in 1954 set in motion a tradition for a Rosedale family that is rivaled by few—even in the Delta where ceremonial grandeur is alive and well. Particularly at our weddings. That is the year Mary Sillers Skinner, an inveterate traveler, bought a handmade Belgian lace veil while on vacation in Europe. Purchased for her niece, who was to be married in October of that year, Sillers had one stipulation: that the veil should be passed on and made available to any subsequent family brides.

Skinner was the sister of the legendary Walter Sillers, junior, born in Rosedale in 1888. He was a lawyer, planter, and the longest serving Speaker of the House of Representatives in Mississippi. Mary was no stranger to long-held customs, but little did she know how enduring this tradition would prove to be.

Belgian lace is thought to have been invented in the fifteenth century in the Flanders region on the border of Belgium and France. For centuries, it was handmade by women, often nuns from local convents, who wound bobbins twisted with fine linen thread over a series of pins stuck in a pillow; when complete, the pins were pulled out and the lace was removed from the pillow.

Eventually, due to its great popularity throughout the world, lace began to be made by machine. However, the fine handmade lace work, especially from Belgium, stands out as a unique and important art form.

The Brussels lace veil has been carefully mended and preserved as needed over the years keeping it in excellent condition.

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Cabell Smith Schoenfeld, July 21, 1984

Admired for its beauty and delicacy, the wearing of lace denoted wealth, an appreciation for beauty, and a sense of style as early as the Renaissance. But it was during the Victorian era that wearing bridal gowns and veils of lace became a standard custom which led to the treasured heirlooms being passed down through the generations.

Hence the Sillers veil and the long history of brides who’ve proudly worn it.

Though Mrs. Skinner, known as “Sister Mary,” had no children of her own, she

Katherine Pearson Crump, June 23, 1979 156 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Elizabeth Holleman Brown May 26, 2001

purchased the veil for her niece, Florence Sillers Holleman who married John Short Reid Schoenfeld in October of 1954, becoming the first bride to wear the veil.

The family has held true to her request, and sixty-four years later, on July 14, 2018, when Florence “Florie” Sillers Crump, daughter of Katherine Sillers Pearson (the seventh bride) and Robert Crump of Rosedale marries, there will have been nineteen brides wearing this same veil.

Ruth Cabell Smith, (bride eight) of

Bethesda, Maryland, married John Reid Schoenfeld in 1984. She not only wore the veil, but is an expert practitioner and aficionado of fine needlework. Cabell initially took the veil to a textile conservator at the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., for guidance on its cleaning, storage, and care. Armed with the Museum’s advice, she began her restoration work: lining the veil with a fine gauge tulle to give it body and strength, and repairing several small holes and tears that had occurred

Wilson Powers and George Gates carrying the veil for Katherine Pearson Crump.

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Derelyn Schoenfeld Weems, August 7, 1972

Mary Coleman Farrell, November 8, 2008

Elizabeth Weems Carpenter, June 3, 2000

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Florence Holleman Schoenfeld, October 16, 1954

Evelyn Weems Gates, February 28, 1970

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Katherine Myers Pearson, February 12, 1955

throughout the thirty years it had been worn by that time. Since the veil was white, it had also gotten a bit dirty and dingy. She did such a thorough job on the veil’s restoration and preservation, Cabell was deemed the official “keeper of the veil.”

Each bride returns it to her after her wedding, and the veil is stored in acid free tissue paper in a special archival box until the next wedding. According to Cabell it only needs a gentle steaming or pressing on the day of the wedding.

Over the years the veil has been worn with a headpiece, a cap, or a comb.

Derelyn “Dere” Schoenfeld (bride four), who married William Weems in 1972, bought her dress from Priscilla of Boston and, upon their suggestion and in keeping with the style of her dress, wore the veil folded in half. An interesting side note is that Dere was a flower girl in the first wedding in 1954, along with Evelyn “Lyn” Pearson Weems, (bride three), who wore the veil when she married Alexander Brown Gates of Sumner in 1970. As serendipity would have it, Dere went on to marry Lyn’s brother William some twenty years after they were both flower

girls in the original Holleman wedding.

The most recent bride to wear the veil, Florence “Holly” Holleman Gordon (bride eighteen) was married in Aspen, Colorado, in 2017. On that day photographer Sarah Rohan caught an amazing image of the veil blowing in the wind in front of the magnificent backdrop of Aspen Mountain.

Holly, the last bride to wear the veil, is the granddaughter of the first bride to wear the veil.

This fragile, gorgeous, but resilient veil seems to have had a life of its own, with eighteen forays (and counting) out of the box to highlight and embellish the special day of the members of this one family. If veils could talk, I feel sure this one would have quite a story to tell of its travels from a convent near Brussels to the Mississippi Delta to Washington D.C. to Nantucket to Florida to Memphis to Chattanooga to Aspen and a few other places, and back to the Delta. It is not only a piece of history for the extended Sillers family and all the brides who have worn it, but it is a true testament to the lasting art of lacemaking.

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Caitlin Weems Pinegar, October 3, 2015

Nineteen and counting...

Sillers brides through the years 1.

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18.

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Florence Sillers Holleman m. John Short Reid Schoenfeld – October 16, 1954 Sara Katherine Myers m. John Lafayette Pearson III – February 12, 1955 Evelyn Pearson Weems m. Alexander Brown Gates – February 28, 1970 Derelyn Schoenfeld m. Williams E. Weems, junior – August 7, 1972 Susan Elizabeth Long m. Walter Sillers Weems – August 6, 1977 Sara Dicken Pearson m. William Jackson Coleman – June 10, 1978 Katherine Sillers Pearson m. Robert Shields Crump – June 23, 1979 Ruth Cabell Smith m. John Reid Schoenfeld – July 21, 1984 Toni Gail Wixon m. John Lafayette Pearson IV – August 25, 1984 Mary Sillers Schoenfeld m. Stephen Laurence Gordon – December 29, 1984 Elizabeth Sillers Weems m. Peter S. Carpenter – June 3, 2000 Elizabeth Woodward Holleman m. Benjamin Clark Brown – May 26, 2001 Kyla Ann Benson m. David Alexander Weems – June 14, 2008 Mary Elliot Coleman m. Stuart T. Farrell – November 8, 2008 Maresa McEvoy Black m. William Derek Weems – September 6, 2009 Amy Catherine Balthrop m. George Frazier Gates – March 2, 2013 Caitlin Willis Weems m. Benjamin Wayne Pinegar – October 3, 2015 Florence Holleman Gordon m. Christopher John Katkish – October 7, 2017 Florence Sillers Crump will marry George Harris Martin July 14, 2018 DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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RECOLLECTIONS

a remnant of a wall Mortar and bricks could not hold the greatness that dwelt within these walls.

Literary and artistic largesse bubbled and blossomed here among the flowers and fountains to emerge and permeate the souls and hearts of many.

BY HANK BURDINE • PHOTOS COURTESY OF WILLIAM ALEXANDER PERCY LIBRARY AND THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

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T

TIMOTHY IVY

here is a falling down remnant of a wall in Greenville, a dilapidated and curved portion of a walled garden, that holds the key to the literary and arts explosion in the Delta which blossomed in the 1930s and was felt throughout the country and beyond. Within these walls ideas were nurtured and thoughts bred from world travels and philosophical discussions, musical interludes, poetic dissertations and even some drunken exhortations. William Alexander Percy’s garden harbored various and quite appealing people, among them, free thinkers, poets, writers, bohemians, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners, world renowned artists and sculptors, inventors, traveling guests and a few vagabonds. Some visited briefly, while others remained for an extended stay. Inside those brick walls passed a generation of literary and artistic greats.

William Alexander Percy was raised under the veil of several diverse personalities. His mother was a stanch Catholic New Orleanian with all the social graces and trappings that went along with that. His father, Senator Leroy Percy was a lawyer, planter, businessman, United States Senator and friend to extremely important and powerful men, President Theodore Roosevelt among them. His grandfather was a decorated Civil War veteran, a legendary figure in the Delta and also a planter and lawyer. He was attuned to literature and the arts and quite prominent, and was known as the “Grey Eagle of the Delta.” His great-grandfather, according to the book William Alexander Percy, by Benjamin Wise, was a man who “loved beauty and looked beyond mere profit seeking for the better things in life.”

William was a small framed man and more attracted to the arts, literature, poetry and travel than his forebears who relished in the chase of wild game while pursuing business and community leadership endeavors. Will Percy once stated, “You had to be a hero or a villain or a weakling, you couldn’t just be middling ordinary.”

Raised in Greenville and

William Alexander Percy pictured here at his retreat on the mountain at Sewanee where he spent many peaceful and contemplative days after graduating from the University of the South.

educated by a cadre of extremely adept educators, Will Percy learned quickly and was sent to prep school at Sewanee.

However, when he realized that the prep school was a military school, he enrolled in the college and was accepted at fifteen years old. He blended right in at the University of the South at Sewanee and was a founding member of the bohemian literary club called Sopnerim and became an editor of the school magazine. He was devoted to music, literature, poetry and the arts.

Sketch of The Percy Wall by Leon Koury, 1987.

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Upon graduation he spent a year in Paris absorbing the aura and ambiance of a cosmopolitan and worldly life. His personality evolved into one that was quietly spoken, yet alluring, confident and trustworthy.

Will Percy decided to come home and follow in his paternal footsteps and become a lawyer. He chose Harvard Law School possibly because of the proximity to an abundance of symphonies and theaters in Boston. He could be surrounded by the arts while studying law and immerse himself in philosophical and meaningful discussions with fellow students, professors and friends. His life progressed into a poetic and contemplative arena as he encircled himself with like-minded souls.

Upon completion of his law degree, he moved back to Greenville, taking up residency with his parents in his family home on Percy Street and practicing law with his father as they walked to and from work each day.

and evergreens shaded the vine covered brick walls and iron and tile benches invited the visitor to pause and admire the iris, azaleas, blue Spanish scilla, and bleeding heart that bloomed around the splashing fountains. The imposing wrought iron gate at the garden’s entrance reinforced the appearance of a retreat, but it was never locked, and ladies from the garden club dropped by regularly to discuss their petunias.” He referred to it as “the best sort of Ivory Tower.” It was a place of contemplation and solace, enclosed and quiet and peaceful, lending to reminiscence and longing. And within its borders passed untold literary and artistic personas.

In 1932, Will adopted his three nephews after their parents died and moved them into the house with him.

They were raised amongst all the comings and goings, sometimes at all hours of the day and night, of a diverse plethora of people. In the book William Alexander Percy, Benjamin Wise stated, “Percy’s

“Although I was always traveling to strange places, I loved Greenville and never wanted any other place for home.

Returning to it was the exciting part of the trip.”

- WILLIAM ALEXANDER PERCY When World War I broke out, Will Percy joined the army earning the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre for valor on the front lines in France. During the devastating 1927 flood, he was put in charge of relief and headed up the Red Cross efforts in Greenville.

Soon afterwards his mother and father passed away and he found himself devastated and alone, yet, a wealthy man, having inherited the vast Trail Lake Plantation, his father’s law practice and other family resources. He went to work maintaining the plantation, practicing law and building a private walled garden that surrounded his home. Wealth had allowed him to lead the good life of a Southern aristocrat. He was admired by many, not only for his innate abilities, but, for his love of the finer things in life. Percy described his garden in the book, The Percys of Mississippi, by Lewis Baker. “Water oaks

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Greenville home was a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. There was a constant swirl of activity. It was almost like living in a hotel. There were men who had fallen on hard times and living upstairs and there were always guests popping in and out, often world-famous writers, artists and intellectuals...”

Local historian and educator Eugene Ham wrote, “The remnant of Mr. Will Percy’s elegant brick garden wall is among the few tangible relics of what an extraordinary place the old boom and bust river town had been over time. In a town which boasted enthusiastic and serious gardeners, Mr. Percy’s extensive walled garden was likely the most distinctive.

Behind the walls not only did he nurture and cultivate a great range of flora but also a wide spectrum of people, many who distinguished themselves in arts and letters.

His adopted son Walker, with his friends

Shelby Foote having coffee at the counter of Jim’s Café. Foote was heavily influenced by the aura of William Alexander Percy. (Photo by Bern Keating and Courtesy of Jim’s Café)

Leon Koury in his studio on Nelson Street. As a young man, he visited Percy with some poems and illustrations and left with a ball of clay.

Koury went on to mentor under the expert hands of Malvina Hoffman at the behest of Percy and became one of Mississippi’s most talented sculptors. (Photo courtesy of William Beckwith)

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The garden walls held greatness and molded character in young men. Here, Roy Percy, Shelby Foote and Walker Percy absorb the ambiance of culture and literature. Better known as “hanging out” in today’s terms! (Photo courtesy of the William Alexander Percy Library)

William Faulkner was invited to come play tennis at the Percy home, but when he arrived with Ben Wasson was barefoot and a little too tipsy to play, yet, he remained within the circle of friendship. (Photo courtesy of Jim’s Café)

Ben Wasson, literary critic and onetime agent of William Faulkner was a close friend of William Alexander Percy and helped with the placement of soon to be renowned sculptor Leon Koury.

Wasson is pictured here with the original clay mold of Koury’s bust of William Faulkner.

Percy on Trail Lake Plantation, a sprawling, model and self-sufficient place. The farm was known for its fairness and forthrightness and a good and honorable place to live and work.

The Percy mansion on the corner of Broadway and Percy Street withstood the high water of the 1927 Flood.

The Levee Press was a small publishing house begun in 1947 by three Greenville men, Hodding Carter, Kenneth Haxton and Ben Wasson. All three were mentored or highly influenced by William Alexander Percy. Between 1947 and 1953, four books were published and presented to the public by the Levee Press. These books were limited and numbered editions originally marketed to the literary collector. The collection included, The Merchant of Bristol, 1947, by Shelby Foote; Music from Spain, 1948, by Eudora Welty; Notes on a Horsethief, 1950, by William Faulkner; and Of Silence and Stars, 1953, a collection of poems by William Alexander Percy, edited by Anne Stokes.

All but the final books were signed. This was a magnificent literary undertaking that could not and very possibly would not have been possible without the influence of William Alexander Percy.

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Walker Percy, Charles Bell, Josephine Haxton and Shelby Foote, all literary greats that were influenced by William Alexander Percy, gathered during the early eighties arts aymposium, “The Time Has Come”. Taken on the front steps of the E.E. Bass Auditorium.

Shelby Foote and Charles Bell, were among younger writers nourished there.

Sculptors Leon Koury and Malvina Hoffman, local New York educated photographer Willa Johnson and artist Elizabeth Calvert, great niece of his friend and mentor E.E. Bass, spent afternoons and evenings within those walls. Noted writers from Greenville’s David Cohn to Harlem Renaissance giant Langston Hughes visited, as did William Faulkner, as a guest of his Greenville friend and literary agent, Ben Wasson. Carl Sandburg, Stephen Vincent Benet, Vachel Lindsey, Stark Young, New York portraitist William Van Dresser and Betty and Hodding Carter, whom Mr. Percy helped ‘recruit’ to Greenville to start a progressive newspaper, were all frequent visitors.”

Within his home and the walls of his garden, Will Percy “transitioned from artist to patron and teacher of the arts. He opened his home to writers and artists who needed an environment to create their art.”

For several years, David Cohn lived in Will Percy’s home while he wrote God Shakes Creation. Once when Shelby Foote was suspended from school, Will Percy banished him to his library for a week with the instructions to read the entire time.

And those that were brought into the realm of Will Percy’s intellectual sphere were somewhat changed forever. Shelby Foote stated, “He was a very good teacher, it was by example. Here was a man who was a world traveler, who was widely read, who knew about the cultural forms of life on other continents, who had experienced the company of some of the fine writers of our time, and he would talk about it in a way that made you not only know the 166 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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reality of it, but appreciate the beauty of present day literature and past. I’ve heard Mr. Will talk about Keats in a way that made you wish the conversation would end so you could go home and read some Keats.”

Sculptor Leon Koury has stated, “I can think of only one man who found a spark and tried to fan it into a flame, my friend and patron William Alexander Percy. He would not let me rest content, so I listened and learned and discovered patches of wisdom here and there and tufts of common sense that put me to shame. I was made to understand that the marvelous works of others are but the voices of artists delivering their peculiar messages to the world, to which I at any time could add my own. It was then that I understood that it is never what you say in art that is important, but how much of yourself is speaking.”

Walker Percy remembered him as “a personage, a presence, one that showed exoticness and radiated that mysterious quality called charm.” And, Walker has stated about his uncle, “he was one of a kind; I never met anyone remotely like him. It was to encounter a complete, articulated view of the world as tragic as it was noble.”

Acclaimed sculptor William Beckwith, who developed under the tutelage of Leon Koury, has stated, “He (Koury) consistently urged a bunch of searching, young bohemians to read the Harvard Classics and many of them did. Leon wanted to expose his young friends to the same quality of art that Will Percy had exposed to him.” Koury, much like Percy who had mentored him, wanted to bring the younger generation into a realm of artistic awareness and to “fan it into a flame.”

In January of 1942, William Alexander Percy died from an extended illness. The City of Greenville’s business closed for the day of his funeral. The editor of the Delta Democrat Times, Hodding Carter, described his own heartache over Percy’s death, “I loved Will Percy for every reason that any of our numbered legion could have had: for the greatness of his spirit, the goodness of his heart, the courage that shone in his eyes and spurred his frail body, the honesty, the tenderness, the full catalogue of virtues that made him one of God’s few saints.” DM

T HE AL L UV I AN HOT EL • T HE AL L UV I AN S PA V I K I NG C O OK I NG S C HO OL • GI ARD I NA’ S 325D Howard Street Greenwood, Mississippi 662.451.6700 thealluvian.com

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Alterations Available

4800 I-55 N. • Jackson, MS • 601.362.5171 • Mon. – Fri. 10 - 5, and Sat. 10 - 4

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HISTORY

A Brief History of Delta Television WABG first to launch followed by WXVT

BY NOEL WORKMAN

T

elevision in the 1950s meant I Love Lucy, Dragnet or The Ed Sullivan Show— if you lived near Memphis, Jackson, or Monroe. Television in the Delta consisted of endless hours of test patterns and “snow”— plus the occasional program.

“We were thrilled when this new-fangled thing called television debuted in the Delta around 1950,” recalls Jo G. Prichard of Jackson. “The only signal we could get in Sunflower County was WMCT, Channel 4 from Memphis, and that was only when weather conditions were perfect.

“I can still remember sitting there with my buddy Walter Jones, staring in awe at the Channel 4 test pattern. A black and white picture was coming through the air all the way from Memphis to Inverness,” says Prichard. “We thought, ‘what is the world coming to?’ ” Prichard laughs.

“During the World Series in the late 1950s, Coach Dave Dunaway at Greenville’s Bass Junior High had a TV on loan from a local store so we could watch the games in the gym,” recalls Clinton Bagley of Jackson. “This was despite the bad reception— especially if the C&G train came by. At the end of the broadcasting day, they signed off with the national anthem, then ‘Dixie,’ and sometimes an operatic rendition of the Lord’s Prayer,” Bagley recalled.

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The Delta’s Own Station All that changed in 1959 when Cy Bahakel, owner of radio stations in Greenwood and Kosciusko, created WABG-TV Channel 6 in Greenwood with Don Neil as its first general manager. Its original tower was located beside the studios on Highway 82 near Itta Bena.

The station’s original eight hour broadcast day included Amos and Andy, Gene Autry, Annie Oakley and The Honeymooners, plus local news.

Originally a CBS affiliate, WABG-TV soon switched to ABC. WJTV in Jackson had complained the new station was pirating its CBS viewers since WABG-TV’s signal reached the edge of their Jackson-based market.

“Channel 6 was the only station in town,” remembers veteran Delta television personality Anne Martin. “How simple it was, compared to what we have now. Johnny Casio did sports. Harold Dale did news at one point, and then later came over to WXVT. Kim Govero did weather,” she says.

WABG-TV was heavily involved in community projects in

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In 1963 Greenville Air Force Base hosted a weekly WABG-TV show with Lieutenant Noel Workman (right) and Sergeant Alan Duffin.

Greenwood and Greenville. Pat Buttram from the popular CBS show Green Acres appeared with Lane Tucker, the station’s general manager, for a “live” March of Dimes telethon in Greenwood and $27,000 dollars was raised that year during a “live” telethon in Greenville for Mental Health.

Greenville auto dealer Frank Terracina sponsored the late movie with his seemingly endless ten-minute commercials. Channel 6 was one of the first stations to stage a telethon for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

Tucker was WABG-TV’s second general manager from 1965 to 1974 and Henry Hughes followed.

Life at Channel 6 Jim Chick became WABG-TV general manager in 1991, but he got his start working as a weekend camera man in 1968 for the Saturday morning kiddies’ show from its Greenville studio.

“As a fifteen-year-old it was a really cool job,” Chick remembers.

Chick worked for Bahakel for eleven years as Greenville general

manager, Greenwood station manager and local account executive, respectively. The managers after Chick were John Rogers, Mike Elrod, and Sherry Nelson.

“I am fortunate to have spent most of my career working in the Mississippi Delta,” says Nelson. “I knew from the very first day at WABG I was doing what was meant for me. From ‘on air’ weather anchor to station management, life in Delta television was a wonderful adventure.”

In 1967, Greenwood-based WABG-TV brought live television broadcasting to Greenville with studio facilities on Washington Avenue.

“Greenville was intended to be a satellite only,” according to Tucker. Joel Netherland was Greenville’s first manager. He left to operate his own radio station in Yazoo City and Dennis Hancock succeeded him. For years this building was nearly empty and housed Delta Design Group during that advertising agency’s early years. In 1983 the station built a new tower almost 2,000 feet tall at Inverness which is still in use today.

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News director, Randy Swann and Donny Ried, seated.

Longtime WABG-TV general manager, Lane Tucker at the microphone in the mid 1960s

A Second Station for the Delta

Local Owners Give up

Greenville accountants Ben Sayle and Joe Macione recruited several of their clients and founded Big River Broadcasting beginning the long, lonely road to creating a second television station from scratch.

Veteran television executive Melvin Caldwell of Fort Smith, Arkansas, joined the investors and provided much needed familiarity with everything from Federal Communications Commission requirements to pilots’ concerns about whether the 880 foot tower near Cleveland posed problems for Cleveland airport users.

One problem ultimately proved insurmountable. The FCC issues a station’s Construction Permit (CP) with a shelf life of eighteen months. Use it or lose it.

Unfortunately for Big River, its CP was issued just as interest rates skyrocketed. Unlike today, the Federal Reserve was then waging a war with inflation. In an effort to tame double-digit inflation, the central bank drove interest rates higher, topping over eighteen percent. FCC’s granting of a CP started the clock running.

The building, the tower, the equipment, everything was ordered.

“I started working at Channel 15 three days before we actually went on the air in 1980,” Anne Martin recalls. “I remember thinking how big those cameras were.”

WXVT was a Greenville station on Channel 15, always a CBS affiliate. Anne Martin was soon joined by Norma DeLong and Dave Dunaway among the early Delta faces seen on Channel 15.

“It was very exciting when this new station opened,” Anne Martin recalls. “We all grew up watching Channel 6 and now there was competition. It made the Channel 15 news department work a little harder. We wanted to do a good job and beat the competition. It was a fun station to work at,” Martin said.

And nothing pleased Delta viewers more than when Hoda Kotb became co-anchor of the Today Show this winter. The late Stan Sandroni, former station manager who later became the sideline announcer for the Ole Miss rebel football team, gave the NBC star her first job, reporting Delta news on WXVT in Greenville in 1987.

Through the years as her career has blossomed, Kotb has often expressed her gratitude for the opportunity Sandroni gave her.

Although Channel 15 had success selling advertising locally, regionally and through CBS, it was unable to overcome the initial handicap created by the high cost of money borrowed to build the station.

In 1984 Big River sold the station to Lamco Communications of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for $4,800,000. Lamco then sold WXVT to a local ownership group in 1991 and Saga Communications purchased it in 1999.

In 2006, WABG-TV launched Delta Fox 10. Delta Fox network started airing all Fox programming. In 2004, Nelson became Vice President/General Manager of WABG-TV. Three years later, Bahakel sold WABG-TV to Commonwealth Broadcasting Group.

Nelson managed three major network stations (ABC, FOX, and NBC) for Commonwealth from the primary broadcasting facility in Greenville. In addition, she was also responsible for overseeing services shared by Commonwealth and H3 Communications for WXVT until mid 2016, when the cluster of stations sold to Cala Broadcasting.

After Cala purchased WABG-TV and WXVT, the new owners decided to put it all under the same roof. That meant one newscast across four networks.

Several years ago, Channel 6 had acquired Fox and NBC signals, rebroadcasting what the network sent: some daytime talk shows and a version of the news currently broadcast by Channel 6.

The new owners decided to have one news department with one newscast for the four network signals. The old WABG-TV building in downtown Greenville was remodeled to make room for everyone.

WXVT’s Reed Road building was emptied. Some items and equipment made the move. Others were discarded and the building is empty and now for sale.

“It’s sad,” says Martin. “Technically WXVT doesn’t even really exist anymore,” she said.

Due to broadcast and transmitter issues, WXVT went off the air in late 2016 and CBS moved to NBC affiliate WNBD-LD. “It broke my heart they day they closed the WXVT building,” said Martin. DM

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The Delta’s Television

TIME LINE 1959 WABG-TV begins Delta telecasting from Greenwood

1967 WABG-TV constructs Greenville satellite studio

1973 WABG-TV constructs new studios following a fire in original building.

Richard Tollison, Anne Martin and Anthony Pittman in 1989.

1975 Big River Broadcasting forms WXVT, the Delta’s second television station.

1980 WXVT begins operation from Greenville studio.

Mid 1980s WABG-TV’s primary

Hoda Kotb, Anne Martin and Bill Vetrano.

Greenwood facility and studios burn.

Operations moved to station’s satellite studios in Greenville.

1984 WXVT sold to Big River Dana Rosengard and Anne Martin were co-anchors of WXVT. TV Guide ad from 1987.

to Lamco of Williamsport, Pennsylvania

1986 Hoda Kotb joins WXVT. She now co-anchors NBC’s Today Show

2007 Bahakel sells WABG-TV to Commonwealth Broadcasting.

2010 WNBD, the market’s Sherry Nelson on the WABG-TV set.

first NBC affiliate, begins operations by Commonwealth Broadcasting. The low power station was licensed to Grenada.

2013 WXVT was purchased

by H3 Communications based in Los Angeles.

2016 WABG, WXVT, and WNBD sold to Cala Broadcasting.

Lane Tucker

Lucy Biggers, WABG-TV and Danielle Avitable, WXVT-TV. DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Every.

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Top dancers from around the globe obe take the stage of Thalia Mara Hallll for two weeks of thrilling competition. on.

They’ve trained a lifetime for thiss moment. Don’t miss it.

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Yea e rs.

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EVENTS 1

Double Decker packs the square in Oxford

Holly Springs Tour of Homes

Gladys Knight to perform at BPAC in Delta State Longwood, on the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage

2018

Crosstie Arts Festival in Cleveland brings artists from all over the South

spring festival & event guide MARK YOUR CALENDARS March 1, 8 pm

Cleveland

★ Indicates Festivals

March 3, 3 pm

Cleveland

March 9, 5:30 pm

Cleveland

Rent, 20th Anniversary Tour

Thacker Mountain Radio Show

An Evening with Mary Wilson

Bologna Performing Arts Center bolognapac.com

Whitfield Building on the DSU campus thackermountain.com

Sanders Soundstage, Grammy Museum Mississippi Cocktails at 5:30 pm, Dinner at 6 pm, Show at 7:30 pm grammymuseumms.org

March 1, 5-7 pm

Indianola

Take It Home, opening reception BB King Museum Exhibit based on the lyrics of the BB King song On display through March 28 bbkingmuseum.org

March 1, 7:30 pm

Brandon

March 3

Cleveland

Legends of Motown: Celebrating the Supremes

March 10, 8 pm

Grammy Museum Mississippi Exhibit will continue through September 3 grammymuseumms.org

March 6, 7 pm

Cleveland

An Evening with Travis Tritt

Tao: Drum Heart

City Hall Live, 1000 Municipal Drive brandonms.org

Bologna Performing Arts Center Internationally acclaimed Percussion Artists bolognapac.com

March 2, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm

Horseshoe Casino

★ Literary Arts in the Delta Festival March 10, 9 am-6 pm

Greenville

EE Bass Cultural Arts Center Food vendors, art and books for all ages as well as artist lectures and panel discussions litinthedeltafest.com

March 17- April 17

Greenville

Tunica Resorts

Gary Allan in concert

Natchez

Delta Collects Exhibit, Opening reception

March 8, 7 pm

Roger D. Malkin Gallery, EE Bass Cultural Arts Center. On display through April 30 greenville-arts-council.com

2nd Annual Runway with a Reason

Natchez Spring Pilgrimage of Antebellum Homes

Montage Marketplace Benefitting Delta Cotton Belles

Live history, tours of homes, speakers natchezpilgrimage.com

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Greenville

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6 Natchez Festival of Music

Rivergate Festival in Tunica

Fun at the Delta Soul Golf Tournament

Jim Dees, hosts Thacker Mountain Radio Show

Kool & the Gang to perform at Goldstrike Casino

March 21-23

Oxford

March 24, 7:30 pm

25th Oxford Conference for the Book

Sam Bush in concert

University of Mississippi oxfordconferenceforthebook.com

The Orpheum Theater orpheum-memphis.com

March 22 , 7:30 pm

Cleveland

March 25, 6 pm

Tao percussionists to perform at BPAC

Memphis

Greenville

Gladys Knight in concert

Spring-Summer Fashion Show

Bologna Performing Arts Center bolognapac.com

Washington County Convention Center visitgreenville.org

March 22, 8 pm

Tunica Resorts

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers in concert Horseshoe Casino

★ 12th Annual Charles Templeton March 22-24

Starkville

Ragtime & Jazz Festival

Mitchell Memorial Library and McComas Hall Auditorium library.msstate.edu/templeton/festival

March 23, 6:30 pm

★ Inaugural Oxford Bourbon Festival March 30-31

43rd Annual Aberdeen Southern Heritage Pilgrimage Tunica Resorts

Rhythm in the Night Irish Dance Spectacular

April 7-8

Horseshoe Casino

March 24

Greenwood

Viking Half Marathon & 5K Half Marathon, 8 am; 5K, 8:30 am vikinghalfmarathon.racesonline.com 662.453.4152

Keith Sweat in concert Fitz Casino 178 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Tunica Resorts

Aberdeen

662.369.9440 • aberdeenpilgrimage.com

★ Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival

Ridgeland

April 7

Bolivar County Courthouse lawn Juried fine arts show, live jazz, 5K crosstiefestival.com

★ 43rd Annual World Catfish Festival

Belzoni

Courthouse grounds Music, 5K and a Catfish eating contest worldcatfishfestival.org

April 12, 7:30 pm

Cleveland

The Westerlies in concert Bologna Performing Arts Center Recital Hall bolognapac.com

Tunica Resorts

Phillip Phillips in concert Horseshoe Casino

★ Juke Joint Festival

Clarksdale

★ 14th Annual Mudbug Bash

Hernando

April 14

Downtown Clarksdale Multiple music stages, food vendors and events jukejointfestival.com

April 14, 6-11 pm

Renaissance at Colony Park 10th Anniversary Fine Arts Festival with Art, Wine & Wheels ridgelandartsfest.com

★ Crosstie Arts & Jazz Festival

Olive Branch

9211 Highway 178 Specialty and rare brews along with food trucks and live music all day visitdesotocounty.com

April 13, 8 pm

Greenville April 6-8

March 23, 24, 8 pm

Winterville

Easter fun for children up to 12 years of age 662.334.4684

EE Bass Cultural Arts Center 662.332.2246

March 23, 8 pm

Oxford

Winterville Mounds Giant Easter Egg Hunt

Greenville Honors Its Own Gala

April 7, 1 pm-10 pm

April 7

Friday kickoff, 7 pm at King’s Restaurant, then Tallahatchie Gourmet Saturday at The Lyric Theater oxfordbourbonfestival.com

March 31, 1 pm

★ Mississippi Ale House Brewfest

City-wide crawfish boil, benefitting Palmer Home for Children palmerhome.org

Cleveland

April 17, 7:30 pm

Cleveland

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella Bologna Performing Arts Center bolognapac.com

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April 17-18

Laurel

April 20, 8 pm

Southaven

Jon Pardi in concert Landers Center landerscenter.com

Holly Springs

80th Annual Holly Springs Tour of Historic Homes

April 20-22

Tunica

★ Leland Crawfish Blues Fest April 21, 11 am-7 pm

Leland

Tunica Resorts

Tunica Resorts

Kool and the Gang in concert Gold Strike Casino

★ Cotton District Arts Festival April 21, 8 am-5 pm

April 21

Vicksburg

★ 20th Annual Deep Delta

★ Natchez Festival of Music

Opening Gala with Mac McAnally and month of musical events 888.718.4253 • natchezfestivalofmusic.com

★ Gumtree Festival

Port Gibson

Starkville

Starkville Town & Country Garden Club Fundraiser Starkville Sportsplex starkvilleparks.com

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FedEx Forum fedexforum.com

Tupelo

Singer/songwriter competition, juried fine arts and crafts, food booths gumtreefestival.com

★ B.B. King Homecoming Festival June 2

Indianola

B.B. King Museum bbkingmuseum.org

Greenville

Benefitting the Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation Golf, music, comedy, food, fun! sascf.org

BOOK SIGNINGS Minrose Gwin

Chris Tomlin: Worship Night in America Tour

Natchez

Golf & Charity Event

Shaifer House at Holly Hill Free admission, living history, student activities natcheztracetravel.com

April 26, 7 pm

Rolling Fork

Live music, food, fun, 5K lowerdelta.org

June 7-9

Present Meets the Past

April 25, 11 am-1 pm

Kosciusko

Events sanctioned by the Mississippi Track Club, classic automobile and bike show kosytrace.com

★ Delta Soul Celebrity

Downtown Vicksburg Music stages, softball tournament and a flea market riverfestms.com

April 21, 10 am-3 pm

★ 49th Annual Natchez Trace Festival

May 12-13

Starkville

Historic Cotton District Art competitions, writer’s village, restaurant competition, 5K and a pet parade cdafestival.com

★ 31st Annual Riverfest

Wayside

May 5-28

Fitz Casino

RENAISSANCE AT COLONY PARK

April 27-29

Blues & Heritage Festival

Three Dog Night in concert

WEEKEND ALSO INCLUDES Run Now Wine Later 5K Santé South Wine Festival & OBO Tandem Cycling Rally

★ Belmont Bluegrass

May 5

Downtown Leland Crawfish, BBQ, Blues and Zydeco 662.347.4223

with live music and children’s art activities

Oxford

Oxford’s Historic Square A two-day celebration of food, music and the arts doubledeckerfestival.com

April 27-28

Crawfish, BBQ contest, music and activities tunicachamber.com

April 21, 8 pm

April 27-28

Belmont Plantation A weekend of culture and history with Americano music and finger-licking food belmontplantation1857.com

★ Rivergate Festival

FEATURING ARTISTS FROM ACROSS AMERICA

★ Double Decker Arts Festival

and Barbecue Festival

See historic Montrose hollyspringsmsgardenclub.com

April 21, 8 pm

Tunica Resorts

Horseshoe Casino

Awards luncheons, workshops and garden tours 601.319.3790 • gardenclubsofmississippi.org

April 20-22

April 27, 8 pm

Bret Michaels in concert

Garden Clubs of Mississippi State Convention

Memphis

Promise: A Novel of the Tupelo, MS Tornado of 1936 March 2, 11 am: Turnrow Books, Greenwood March 3, 1 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Joe Lee

40 Days March 7, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson

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Robert Gordon

Memphis Rent Party: The Blues, Rock & Soul in Music’s Hometown March 8, 6 pm: Thacker Mountain Radio, Oxford March 26, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Malcolm White, Ginger Williams Cook

The Artful Evolution of Hal & Mal’s March 14, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Tiffany Quay Tyson

The Past is Never March 18, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford March 20, 5:30 pm: Turnrow Books, Greenwood March 21, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Steve Kistulentz

Panorama March 19, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Michael Farris Smith

The Fighter March 20, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford March 21, 5:30 pm: Turnrow Books, Greenwood March 22, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Jonathan Miles

Anatomy of a Miracle March 20, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson

April 6, Ap 6 7 aannd 8, 8 201 2018 018

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43rd Ann nnuuaal

April 3, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford

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Southern Sout hern Herititagggee Pilgrim PPilgrimag Pilgr lgrim grimmag aggee 5

Oceanic Sloane Crosley

Look Alive Out There April 5, 6 pm: Thacker Mountain Radio, Oxford Dustin Parsons

Exploded View April 10, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford Chris Offutt

Country Dark April 11, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford April 12, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Jennifer Palmieri

Dear Madam President April 16, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford April 17, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Charles Frazier

Varina April 25, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford April 26, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson Michael Kardos

(662)) 369-9440 o AberdeenPiilgrimagge.c e.com

Bluff April 24, 5 pm: Lemuria, Jackson April 26, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford

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AMERICAN HISTORY ~ Mississippi Music ~ Southern Charm

VisitVicksburg.com

/VisitVicksburg

Scan this QR to visit our mobile site and get your keys to Vicksburg.

DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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There’s a good reason why

MILLS SAP APS COLLEGE is one of only 12 colleges or universities in the nation with a RHODES SCHOLAR in two of the last three years. years “TELL YO OUR F FAMIL AMIL LY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS: MILLSAPS IS THE PLACE TO BE! I DO NOT THINK I COULD HA AVE VE DONE IT AT AT ANY Y OTHER OTHER PLACE PLA IN THE WORLD.” – Noah Barbieri, Class of 2018 Truman Scholar, Rhodes Scholar

Save Ro o m Fo r D ess e rt For 50 years, The Crystal G Grill has been serving Delta classics to generations of families for lunch and dinner.

The Crystal Grill is known for or its generous portions and legendary desserts. Locals know ow to save room for dessert.

What will you try?

After he completes his education, tion, Noah ultimately wants to return to Mississippi and drive e progress in his home state.

WORLD CLASS. HERE AT AT HO OME. | MILLSAPS COLLEGE MILLSAP PS.EDU

184 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

OPEN TUESDAY - THURSDAY, SSUNDAY 11 11:00 00 AM - 99:00 00 PM SATURDAY - SUNDAY 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM 662.453.6530 423 CARROLLTON AVENUE GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI facebook.com/TheCry m/TheCry stalGrill

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Spring Spring in in Natchez Natchez

VISITNATCHEZ.ORG | 800.647.6724 VISITNATCHEZ.ORG | 800.647.6724

Spr ing Pilgrimage 17---April April 18, 17, 2017 2018 Spring Pilgrimage March Spring PilgrimageMarch March 18 18 April 18, 2017

Saturday, April 21, 21 2018 Downtown Leland, Mississippi Corner of 3rd and Main Streets 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Crawfish & BBQ Plates by Ryan Moore of Cicero’s ADMISSION: (2) staple food items for Leland Food Pantry Bring a chair! But please, no pets or coolers.

Headliners: Zach Day • That’ll Do Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers The John Horton Bandd • Raymond Ra mond Longoria The festival is dedicated d to a very special man,

Harry “Bubb” Branton.

For information on the festival, call Billy Johnsonn at 662.347.4223

DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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DELTA SEEN

Delta Supper Club Spring Social at Hopson Plantation in Clarksdale on February 9 Photos by Rory Doyle

Southern Foodways Alliance Authors Sarah Camp Milam and Jerry Slater

Frank and Elizabeth Melton with Linda and Stacey Gillison

Hugh Balthrop and Donald Sutton

Claude and Jodi Rives with Lisa and Clyde Hargrove

Dr. Cal and Adair Laney

Lisa Kornegay and Walt Rogers

Back row: Seth and Julie Still, Kristen Crow, Rachel and Dan Cirilli; Front row: Bennett Crow with Jonathan and Sayward Fortner

Cindy Coopwood and Kimme Hargrove 186 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Ricky and Annie Lou Johnson

John and Jennifer Russell

Jennifer Gladden with Matty Bengloff and Boyce Upholt

Cindy and Scott Coopwood, Ted and Kelli Connell with Casie and Sam Hobart

Robert and Pam Maxwell with Rivers and Russell David Crews, Stewart Robinson, Ty Thames and Gainspoletti Kimme Hargrove

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75th Annual Delta Debutante Ball at the Greenville Golf & Country Club on December 29 Photos by Roy Meeks Southern Debutante Assembly on December 28 & 29 in Greenwood Photos by Lamb’s Photography

Ana Parker Davis, Katherine Baird Smith and Georgia Blake Stovall

Rebecca Allison Hendry, Katherine Elizabeth Day and Shelton Sykes Quantz

Front row: Chaffin Elizabeth Smith, Mary McLean Trotter, Anna Clinton Lee, Rachel McLean Singleton, Marguerite Elizabeth Roberson; Back row: Katherine Elizabeth Jacob, Camille Summers Bullock, Sally Virginia Abernathy and Natalie Deering Hall

DELTA SEEN

Alexis McGowen Love, Sarah Elizabeth Lane and Claire Olivia Shannon

Megan Grantham Weis, Virgina French Virden, Martha Love Langford, Madelyn Abide Harris and Millie Reeves Alexander

Front row: Harlow LaUna Thomas, Katherine Carr Sanders, Carlton Lorraine Hardy and Isabelle Virgina Dawson; Back row: Bryce Owen Mullin, Archer Smith Murphy, Webb Smith Murphy and Price Montgomery Williams

Front row: Mary Quinn Delaney, Mary Evelyn McLean, Mary-Brister Thomas, Anne Cary Swoope; Back row: Leigh Margaret Thompson, Darden Majure Pilkinton, Virgina Malone Owen and Katherine Elizabeth Johnson

Allyn Denly Flautt, Maime Carlisle Lillian Margaret Spell, Shelby Elizabeth Ferris Love Capocaccia, Ana Parker Samantha, Abby Grace and Clark, Bentley McClain Blair abd Walcott, Katherine Campbell Melton and Davis, Alex Janoush and Lucy Mike Campbell Swayze Lynn Harris Evelyn Claire McIntyre Capocaccia DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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DELTA SEEN

Mississippi Night at GRAMMY Museum® Mississippiin Cleveland on January 21

Steve and Gwen Azar with Nancy and Bill LaForge

Emily Havens, Bob Santelli, R. L. Boyce, Cody Dickinson and John Hornyak

Craig Ray, Billy and Becky Nowell with Marcia and George Bryan

Phil and Beth Mansour, Steve and Gwen Azar with Paige and Neil Suares 188 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Photos by Will Jacks

Chelsea Young, Serita and Willie Simmons with John Hornyak

Jamie Jacks and Desira Janoush

Kaina Foster, Kamel King, Scott Beretta and Maggie Lowry

Aimee and Mark Robinette

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The Grand Reveal at Reunion in Madison on October 25 Photos by Roy Meeks

DELTA SEEN

Ernie Coward, David Nutt, Keith Kent and Larry Johnson

Rosemary Stovall, Larry Simons, Sunny Fridge, Mary-Hawkins Butler and Phyllis Parker

Beth Savage, Tawanna Tatum and Elizabeth Fulcher

Kristie and David Nutt

Mike Thorn, David Cummins, Buzz Pickens and Rick Moreira

Kerman Dungan, Casey Smith, Larry Johnson, Keith Kent with Wendy and Ernie Coward

David Nutt and Ernie Coward

Cindy Cain, Virginia Wyall and Rosean Dallas-Metz DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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DELTA SEEN

18th Annual Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi Crystal Ball at the Arena in Southaven on January 20 Photos by Mike Lee

Joe Azar, Will Janoush and Mary Parker Janoush Andrea and Will Janoush, Mary Parker Janoush and Paul Janoush

Paul Janoush, Desira and Tom Janoush

Gary Gainspoletti, Brandyn Skeen, Cindy Coopwood and Jamie Gainspoletti

Trey and Jill Lamar with Ann and John Lamar

Josephine Rhymes and Joe Azar

Bob and Shirley Seymour 190 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Tom Pittman, Sela Ward and Joe Azar

Angela and Jason Acuff

Danny and Jane Williams

Andrea and Will Janoush, Billy and Becky Nowell, Paul Janoush, Mary Parker Janoush, Desira and Tom Janoush

Cooper Green and Nicole Stanish

Robin and Lanier Hurdle, Glenda Gurley and Benda Keith

Sunny and Gid Stuckey

Kevin and Susan Klein

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Steve Yarborough Book Signing at Turnrow Books in Greenwood on January 30 Photos by Johnny Jennings

Book Talks Lecture Series with Elizabeth Heiskell at the Cutrer Mansion on January 10 Photos by Austin Britt Mississippi Tourism Reception at The South in Jackson on January 24

Susan Sheridan, Vicki Pittman, Steve Yarborough, Teresa Manning and Buddy Hendricks

Susan Montgomery, Richard Jacobs and Jason Gorski

Paul Pearson and Jen Waller

DELTA SEEN

Anita Horn and Steve Yarborough

Harold Manning, Katherine Eastburn, Steve Yarborough and Boyce Upholt

Donna Merkel and Eva Connell

Leigh Solomon, Elizabeth Heiskell, Kristy Bridgers, Cheryl McInnis and Chris Heaton

Kappi Allen, Shelley Ritter, Randy Houser, Rochelle and Jason Hicks Orlando Paden

Mary Martha Bobo and LeAnn Flowers

Linda Humber and Nancy Dunevant

Mary Dorsey, Mary Allyn Hedges, Kinney Ferris Paige Hunt and Randy Houser and Kelli Carr DELTA MAGAZINE 2018

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Thefinalword The Last Delta Wedding

BY GAYDEN METCALFE AND CHARLOTTE HAYS

Charlotte Hays and Gayden Metcalfe are coauthors of the “Pastel Trilogy,” a series of books on Southern weddings, funerals, and mothers. Full of wit and wisdom, the trilogy includes the best-seller Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies’ Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral. Metcalfe lives in Greenville, Mississippi and Hays lives in Washington, D.C.

lthough we had a tight deadline for our Delta weddings book, we were continually having to stop. It was a year of epic Delta weddings, and if there is one thing Gayden, the one of us who still lives in Greenville, refuses to miss (other than a wingding funeral), it’s a Delta wedding. And no wonder!

No place on earth does weddings like the Mississippi Delta. Eudora Welty popularized the notion of the Delta wedding in her 1946 book of that name, which featured a wedding with all the things that make a Delta wedding what it is: the complications (and benefits!) of extended family, traditions, and personal eccentricities that we associate with members of that extended family. We think it was about the time of Miss Eudora’s book that the concept of “the last Delta wedding” came into being. Whenever a wedding is particularly memorable, we dub it “the last Delta wedding.”

We recall many last Delta weddings in our book. There was the garden wedding that threatened to turn into a re-enactment of the 1927 flood, but, when champagne flowed even more freely than the rain, (and the bride’s mother calmed down) became a triumph.

Why in the Delta, where most people are

A

192 | MARCH/APRIL 2018

dependent one way or another on the weather, are we always stunned that Mother Nature does something most of us would be afraid to try: thwart the Mother of the Bride?

Generally, Mother Nature works through heat, though opening the heavens will do in a pinch. Still, ever noticed how many church air conditioners fail during June Delta weddings?

We have to confess the spring issue of Delta Magazine is always compulsive reading for both of us. We regard the bridal issue as the successor to the wedding coverage we grew up reading with great avidity in the Commercial Appeal, presided over by the formidable Louise Mayhall, and the Delta Democrat Times, under the auspices of the also patrician Louise Eskridge Crump. Of course, wedding coverage, like almost everything else back then, was more hierarchical.

In the Crump era, the Democrat had four large spots for bridal pictures on the Sunday Society page. Mrs. Crump controlled who got them and in what order—that was power.

Mrs. Mayhall wielded similar auctoritas at the Commercial Appeal. We’ll never forget the Greenville bride who dropped off her picture at Mrs. Mayhall’s house, not too wisely mentioning that she’d given the better one to Mrs. Crump. This young woman did not get the spot her mother coveted in the Commercial Appeal—and the mother was still bitter when the bride was herself a mother of the bride. Wedding write-ups in those days might also feature a dab of something else that is of perhaps more interest in the Delta and Virginia (from which we all claim to be descended anyway) than elsewhere: lineage.

We’ll never forget the bride who claimed direct descent from Queen Elizabeth I, AKA the Virgin Queen.

Some of us would prefer that the bride and groom not write their own vows (what’s wrong with the 1928 Book of Common Prayer?), have Fido as the best man, be joined together in holy matrimony by a fraternity brother who has obtained a one-day license from the Universal Life Church for the

occasion (mercifully, this is still rarer in the Delta than in weddings written up in the New York Times), or invite a dozen honorary bridesmaids—but the Delta still excels at weddings. We think this is a matter of heart: mother’s heart and Daddy’s wallet. The Delta mother remembers that her mother did it for her and she will do it for Dabney and Meriwether—or else.

As much as we love the Delta wedding, we do have a few words of wisdom to impart (we fondly imagine that Mrs. Crump and Mrs. Mayhall would want us to do this). We realize that the tradition of calling the carpenters in to build a table, covered with white and festooned with white bows, to display gifts in the bridal abode is no longer the done thing, but we urge you to send your present before the wedding rather than showing up at the reception with a package that must be dealt with. The theme of the reception is bride and groom, not your monogrammed chafing dish.

We hope that in the Delta we don’t need to remind anyone that it is incorrect to congratulate the bride—congratulate the groom and his family. Nothing distresses us more. Let us preserve the genteel fiction that it is the young gentleman who has been the pursuer. It’s just nicer, even if the bride is a high-powered lawyer or brain surgeon. We also have to report that we’ve seen the Rise of the Premature Tux—nobody should don a tux before dusk. It just isn’t nice (unless you are a waiter). The morning suit is a good alternative if you want to do it up big in broad day light.

When we compared notes on Delta weddings and funerals, we couldn’t help noticing that a funeral is forever and a wedding, alas, sometimes isn’t.

So here’s what we wish for all the brides and grooms in this issue: that while we hope there will always be a last Delta wedding, this one will be your last Delta wedding!

Congratulations, young grooms and a thousand good wishes young brides! DM

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MISKEL MI SKEL LY FFURNI U R N ITURE, TURE, PPEARL EARL • M MIISKELLY SKELLY FFURNI U R N ITURE TUR E, M MADI A D ISON SO N MI S KELL YS .CO M MISKELLYS.CO

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Every Story Has A Beginning come in to view our stunning bridal collection