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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #53830 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53830)
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-Project Gutenberg's Natchez, Symbol of the Old South, by Nola Nance Oliver
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Natchez, Symbol of the Old South
-
-Author: Nola Nance Oliver
-
-Release Date: December 30, 2016 [EBook #53830]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NATCHEZ, SYMBOL OF THE OLD SOUTH ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, MFR and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
-
-
-
-
-
-
-  [Illustration: THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI FROM THE BLUFFS OF NATCHEZ]
-
-  [Illustration: THE GATES OF DUNLEITH]
-
-  [Illustration: Natchez, Symbol of the Old South]
-
-
-
-
-                           NOLA NANCE OLIVER
-
-
-
-
-                               _Natchez_
-                        SYMBOL OF THE OLD SOUTH
-
-
-                 HASTINGS HOUSE · PUBLISHERS · NEW YORK
-
-  [Illustration: MONTEIGNE—Stairhall]
-
-
-               This book is dedicated to Louise and Mary.
-
-    _Copyright, 1940, by Nola Nance Oliver. Printed in the U. S. A._
-
-
-
-
-                               _Foreword_
-
-
-Natchez derives its name from the sun-worshiping Indian tribe, the
-Natchez, who were the original owners of the area on which the city is
-located. It is situated in Adams county, in the southwestern part of the
-state of Mississippi, on bluffs 200 feet high overlooking the
-Mississippi River, and is midway between Memphis and New Orleans. It is
-accessible by railway, steamboat, motor highway and airway. It is
-particularly proud of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a modern concrete road
-over an old Indian trace or trail from Nashville to Natchez. This
-highway is a link in one of the most important commercial and historic
-highways in the United States reaching from Washington, D. C., to
-Mexico.
-
-Today Natchez is a recognized center of interest because in the city and
-its vicinity there are a greater number of original ante-bellum mansions
-than in any other community in America—some 75 or more.
-
-Natchez is the second oldest town in the United States, being next in
-age to St. Augustine, Florida. It has lived under five different flags,
-each of which contributed romantic flavor to the section. From 1714 to
-1763 it was under the flag of France; from 1764 to 1780 under the flag
-of England; and from 1780 to 1798 under the flag of Spain. In 1798 the
-first United States flag in the Lower Mississippi Valley was raised in
-Natchez. Years after the raising of the “stars and stripes”, another
-flag which some call “the conquered banner”, the beloved flag of the
-Confederate States of America, floated over Natchez, 1861-’65.
-
-Natchez “Under the Hill” applies to that part of the town along the
-water front and under the bluffs. It flourished during the heyday of
-steamboating on the Mississippi. The inroads of the river have washed
-away the streets, and only a few buildings remain. One very interesting
-home, “Magnolia Vale”, has been preserved and is presented in this book.
-
-The majority of these old homes contain original pieces of furniture,
-china, coin silver service, draperies, carpets, wall decorations of
-exquisite workmanship, huge mirrors in massive goldleaf frames,
-paintings bearing authentic signatures of great masters, and hand-carved
-marble mantels. Laces, silks, and rich costumes are displayed today by
-third, fourth and fifth generations.
-
-It seems hardly possible that the world could move on and leave one
-small community undisturbed in its ancient grandeur. The hand of destiny
-seems indeed to uphold and enshrine this hallowed region. The estates
-have descended from generation to generation, many of them today being
-owned and occupied by descendants of the original owners.
-
-Natchezians have been entirely satisfied, even proud, to be termed
-“provincial”. A sense of inherent aristocracy has given these people a
-secure and placid self-sufficiency which neither time nor stress of
-outside conditions nor the frettings of progress can jar or mar.
-
-Within the past ten years tourists have come. They clamored for
-entertainment. And now, maintaining the established reputation for
-“hospitality of the true South”, each Spring season Natchez opens wide
-her gates and invites the world to come “where the Old South still
-lives”.
-
-The “company dress” of great-grandparents, which has been sacredly
-stored away for scores of years, is brought out, and overnight the whole
-town, in manners and dress, returns to those halcyon days of long ago.
-The streets are filled with young and old in ante-bellum costumes. Sweet
-olive trees and magnolia trees are in fragrant bloom, flower gardens are
-fresh and inviting, moss-draped oaks ring with the song of native birds,
-the old homes are opened, treasures are placed on view, and visitors are
-given a Southland welcome. The “Pilgrimage” is on!
-
-In addition to guided tours through ante-bellum houses special
-entertainments are planned for each evening. Confederate balls,
-historical pageants, and many other colorful events of the past are
-re-enacted. Spirituals are sung in old-fashioned Negro churches where
-the “pahson” is eager to greet “our white friends”. On spacious
-plantation grounds an old-time Southern barbecue prepared by black
-mammies will be served.
-
-A custom which has long prevailed in Natchez is the placing of coins in
-a box for old darky beggars. On Saturdays every merchant observes “Penny
-Day”, as it is called. It originated as a time saver, the box being
-placed in a convenient location to avoid interruption of the store’s
-business. There are many regular “customers” for this feature and they
-are always welcome. “Penny Day” is a thoughtful, good-natured gesture to
-the needy Negro from his “white folks”.
-
-Pictures of the old homes with accurate data and intimate stories and
-legends constitute _Natchez, Symbol of the Old South_. Most of the
-photographs are by Earl Norman.
-
-A fascinating visit is given you by one who knows and loves the
-Southland. You will be delighted and enriched.
-
-  [Illustration: Uncle Wash, a Regular Customer on Penny Day]
-
-
-
-
-                          _The Natchez Tribe_
-
-
-A bronze plaque of a handsome Indian chief has been erected in a granite
-wall overlooking the great “Father of Waters”, in memory of the Natchez
-Indian tribe from which the city of Natchez derives its name.
-
-The Natchez Indians were of Aztec origin and were in possession of the
-Natchez country when the French came in 1700. They were sun-worshiping
-Indians, and their great chief proclaimed himself “brother to the Sun”.
-
-White Apple village, ten miles south of Natchez, was headquarters of the
-Natchez tribe. They resented the invasion of the French explorers into
-their country, and because of an insult (real or fancied) to their Chief
-by a French Commandant, on November 28, 1729, the Indians slaughtered
-the entire French settlement at Fort Rosalie. Later a French colony,
-with the assistance of the Choctaws, a warring Indian tribe, annihilated
-every member of the Natchez tribe.
-
-Undoubtedly this was the country of the Natchez tribe, and the beautiful
-plaque is a deserved reminder of the days when the land was one hundred
-per cent American.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: ON NATCHEZ TRACE]
-
-
-
-
-                            _Natchez Trace_
-
-
-Opportunity for easy travel, over trails that were once Indian foot
-paths, is offered now to motorists on perfect concrete highways. Modern
-roads, which slowly evolved from dirt roads to paved highways, stretch
-from Nashville, Tennessee, in a continuous smooth concrete ribbon to
-Natchez, on the great Mississippi River.
-
-Days when the beauty of the Southland could be viewed only from a
-steamboat deck; days when transportation of passenger and freight could
-be handled only by oxcart or slow stage coach or horse and buggy (a
-three-weeks journey from Nashville to Natchez) are gone forever, and
-soon the Deep South will be directly connected by a day’s pleasant
-journey with all the cities and towns along the Natchez Trace.
-
-By treaty with Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian tribes the United States
-Government in 1801 secured a permit to open the Natchez Trace as a wagon
-road over which the mails could travel.
-
-That same trail or “trace” from Nashville to Natchez is 500 miles of
-consecutive beauty spots along continuous acres of parkways and historic
-highways.
-
-Mrs. Roan Fleming Byrnes, serving as President of the Natchez Trace
-Highway Committee, in a recent publication says:
-
-  “The ancient trail was traveled by most of the well-known figures in
-  the history of our country: Jefferson Davis; Peggy and Lorenzo Dow,
-  the revivalists; the fast riding John Morgan; the famous Audubon.
-  Lafayette rode over the Trace during his visit to the Natchez country;
-  Aaron Burr was given his preliminary trial for treason under two
-  liveoaks just beside the Trace; Meriwether Lewis died at an inn on the
-  Trace when returning from his Western explorations.
-
-  “The life of Andrew Jackson is closely interwoven with the windings of
-  the Natchez Trace. At Springfield plantation, in Jefferson county,
-  Mississippi, Jackson was married to Rachael Robards; and, near
-  Nashville, Tennessee, is the ‘Hermitage’, the home he built for
-  Rachael.
-
-  “It was when marching his rejected Tennessee militia homeward over the
-  Trace from Natchez to Nashville in 1813 that Jackson acquired his
-  famous nickname, ‘Old Hickory’.”
-
-The unusual beauty of the deep cut roadways, worn down by travel
-throughout the years, and the overlapping, moss-draped trees, will be
-preserved as far as possible.
-
-Many of these old roads running into Natchez lead through deep,
-tunnel-like ways whose sides are sheer walls ten to eighty feet high and
-draped with long fronds of overhanging Spanish moss.
-
-These roadways of tunnels and curves are weird and beautiful, affording
-an irresistible attraction for all travelers.
-
-
-
-
-                                _Airlie_
-
-
-Built prior to 1790, “Airlie” is a rambling, wide-spread building of
-cottage type, on a rolling elevation at the end of Myrtle street. It
-attracts attention through its unusual simplicity of exterior. Its
-architecture is entirely different from other ante-bellum homes in the
-community.
-
-This great departure from the usual style is due to the age of Airlie.
-Its original building date is ahead of all the available history of
-Natchez.
-
-Additions have been made, from time to time, until today Airlie stands
-twelve rooms broad, reaching a row of venerable cedars with their
-swaying moss which sweeps the eaves of this old home of the Ayres P.
-Merrill family.
-
-The central portion is built on old Spanish style, with beams and
-timbers held together by wooden pegs; later additions show that these
-were made by somewhat improved methods.
-
-Airlie is often referred to as “the old Buckner home”. It was occupied
-by the Buckner family at the time of its first recorded history and
-during the War Between the States when conflicts at Airlie left blood
-stains on its floors and walls which are clearly visible today.
-
-This house was for a time used as a hospital for Northern soldiers.
-
-When Airlie passed from the Buckner family it became the property of
-another family of distinction, that of Ayres P. Merrill, whose
-descendants occupy Airlie today, with its treasure of rosewood and
-mahogany antiques.
-
-  [Illustration: Airlie]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-The present Merrill family are the proud possessors of hundreds of
-pieces of Du Barry and other imported china from France and Belgium, as
-well as a silver service of rare design and sacred antiquity which might
-well excite the envy of Royalty itself.
-
-There are many persons who believe Airlie was the first residence built
-in the Natchez territory. No definite date in authentic records can be
-found.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Arlington_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Arlington]
-
-Where Natchez’ Main street ends, the great wide gates of Arlington open.
-Live oaks with pendant gray moss line the driveway, which winds through
-beds of vari-colored irises to one of the most distinctively attractive
-ante-bellum homes in the South.
-
-Of Southern Colonial type, constructed of red brick with stately white
-Tuscan columns supporting the upper story gallery, Arlington today, more
-than a century old, presents a magnificent appearance.
-
-The great carved entrance door leading to the spacious hall is crowned
-with intricately wrought fanlights, and the broad veranda is approached
-by wide steps of concrete.
-
-Arlington was built for Mrs. Jane White, eldest daughter of Pierre
-Surget, who came from France in the early days of Natchez. The house was
-completed about 1820 but on the very first night of her residence in the
-home of her heart’s desire Mrs. White passed away suddenly. Many tales
-have been told of a mysterious death but none has been verified. At her
-death Mrs. White left Arlington and all its treasures to her sister,
-Mrs. Bingaman.
-
-  [Illustration: HALL]
-
-  [Illustration: IMPOSING COLUMNED DOORWAY LEADING FROM HALL]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-Five generations of the Pierre Surget family occupied Arlington. Each in
-turn contributed to its wealth of rare treasures. The original furniture
-was imported from France.
-
-Across the broad hallway which is hung with rare paintings by old-world
-masters such as Vernet, Baroccio, Carlo Dolci, and Coccanari, is the
-Music Room which contains a spinet more than three hundred years old.
-There are family portraits in this room—some of musicians in the
-family—by such renowned artists as Sully, Audubon, Albani, Fidanza, and
-Maratti.
-
-The Library holds some five thousand books.
-
-Mrs. Hubert Barnum, the present owner of Arlington, comes from a long
-line of Natchez aristocracy. Arlington was given her as a wedding gift
-from her husband, who recently passed away. Mrs. Barnum while keeping
-the home atmosphere of Arlington has made it, also, a veritable private
-museum, rich in beauty, in rare books, and antiques.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-
-
-
-                                _Auburn_
-
-
-Built in 1812, a full century and a quarter ago, by Dr. Stephen Duncan,
-“Auburn” mansion is noted today as in bygone historic days for its
-architectural beauty and the natural beauty of its surrounding acres.
-
-Auburn is a magnificent red brick structure with great white columns
-supporting its broad front galleries. The bricks were made on the
-premises by slave labor. On the first floor are spacious drawing rooms,
-a large dining room, a family dining room, library, smoking room, and
-two hallways. Above stairs are six huge bedrooms with high ceilings.
-
-In the rear of the main mansion is a two-storied brick kitchen which is
-connected with the main building by a flagged patio. The servants’
-quarters are above with the kitchen and pantries on the ground floor.
-The kitchen has the giant fireplace with cranes and pots and the
-old-time “spit” where meats were roasted.
-
-Entrance to Auburn is through a classic doorway which has been aptly
-called “an architect’s dream of beauty”.
-
-  [Illustration: Classic Entrance Doorway]
-
-  [Illustration: Grand Hallway]
-
-Inside the house there is a majestic spiral stairway rising to the grand
-high hallway, without support except at its base. This amazing feature
-intrigues the imagination.
-
-In early days Auburn entertained many celebrities, among them Henry
-Clay, Edward Everett Hale, and John Howard Payne. The same gracious
-hospitality maintains today.
-
-Auburn is the property of the city of Natchez by deed of gift from
-Stephen Duncan, and is used as the deed stipulates for the “amusement,
-entertainment, and recreation, without cost or monetary consideration,
-of Natchez citizens”. It is the handsome headquarters of several
-distinguished local clubs.
-
-The women’s clubs of Natchez have undertaken the task of furnishing the
-lower floor with valuable antiques of the period of its original
-furnishings.
-
-The acreage surrounding it is known as Duncan Park in compliment to the
-Duncan family who gave it to the city. It contains huge, aged,
-moss-draped oaks, alluring sweet olive trees, famous magnolias,
-shrubbery and vines, old-fashioned gardens, a golf course, and
-playground with swings and merry-go-rounds used every day in the year
-for the health and frolic of children.
-
-  [Illustration: The Unsupported Spiral Stairway Rises to the Grand
-  Hallway.]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: Old Milk House. Slaves pumped cool cistern water into
-  long zinc vats providing Auburn’s cooling system for its crocks of
-  milk.]
-
-  [Illustration: Food prepared in the kitchen below the servants’
-  quarters was carried in hot urns to dining rooms by servants stationed
-  along “the ways”.]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Belmont_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Belmont]
-
-Sturdy as the Rock of Gibraltar stands this imposing Neo-Greek mansion.
-It was known originally as “Cleremont”, and was built in the early 40’s
-by one Loxley Thistle.
-
-Storm and strife have beaten against the doors of this stronghold but it
-was built after a disastrous tornado which put a great fear in the minds
-of builders of that period, and Belmont (as it was renamed) was
-constructed to resist fierce storms, although at the same time exquisite
-lines of beauty were maintained.
-
-This place with its thirty acres of land has changed hands oftener than
-any ante-bellum home in Natchez. Its history is broken and uncertain. It
-was undoubtedly built by imported craftsmen who had the help of local
-carpenters and slave labor.
-
-Many prominent families of Natchez are identified with Belmont at some
-period in its history. Within its fort-like walls Natchez elite often
-sipped rare old wine from its private sub-cellar in frequent
-celebrations.
-
-Belmont has its ghost story of whispering souls wandering through the
-high-ceilinged halls—ghosts created to scare the slaves, and “whispers”
-which proved to be the swishing of chimney swallows rushing in and out
-of their nests.
-
-The approach to Belmont is a majestic line of moss-draped cedars and
-giant oak trees standing sentinel-like over the gardens of days long
-passed.
-
-Louis Fry, present owner, plans the complete restoration of Belmont. It
-may soon ring with echoes of happier days.
-
-
-
-
-                              _Belvidere_
-
-
-On Homochitto street, in the shadow of magnificent “Dunleith”, is a
-simple white cottage, “Belvidere”, which for generations has been the
-home of the Henderson family.
-
-Originally Belvidere was the center of a fourteen acre tract of wooded
-land which was the property of Christopher Miller, who was secretary to
-the Spanish Governor of Natchez, Gayoso de Lemos. The Hendersons are
-descendants of Christopher Miller.
-
-Simple and unostentatious this small cottage stands with her very toes,
-as it were, on the street where once broad acreage spread. These acres
-gave space in later years for a public school and a paved highway.
-
-Belvidere is more than 100 years old, and has been for more than a
-century owned and occupied by one family.
-
-It is simply furnished, and much of it is the original furniture, more
-than 100 years old. Two pictures of special interest adorn the walls,
-silhouettes of Samuel Brooks and his wife—“the first Mayor of Natchez
-and his Lady”. These pictures were made in 1753.
-
-Rare Venetian glass and china and many exquisite pieces of porcelain are
-found in Belvidere.
-
-The property is now owned and occupied by Mrs. Florence Henderson Kelly
-and her son and daughter, Thomas G. and Ellen N.
-
-  [Illustration: Belvidere]
-
-
-
-
-                             _Brandon Hall_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Brandon Hall]
-
-This old home is not in the immediate Natchez area but its owner and his
-descendants are so closely allied with all that is Natchez that Brandon
-Hall is rightfully considered a Natchez asset and is included in its
-list of ante-bellum homes.
-
-Gerard Brandon of Ireland came to Natchez prior to the Revolutionary
-War, and more than a century ago “Selma Plantation”, from whose acres
-came the grounds of Brandon Hall, was built by him. Mr. Brandon was a
-successful farmer and was one of the original pecan growers in the
-county. He came to Natchez from South Carolina.
-
-Brandon Hall was built by Gerard Brandon the Third in 1856, and stands
-today a splendid monument to a grand old family. It is sturdily
-constructed. Its timbers are secured with thumb screws and wooden pegs.
-
-
-
-
-                             _Cherry Grove_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Cherry Grove]
-
-Built of primeval timbers, cut and hewn by slaves on the place, the old
-home at Cherry Grove plantation “sits tight” secured by dependable
-wooden pegs. It was built in 1788 when time and expense of labor were of
-little consideration, and nails and modern building equipment were not
-available.
-
-Pierre Surget of La Rochelle, France, built this Spanish style house, on
-a Spanish land grant, for his wife, Katherine d’Hubert, and from this
-couple have come some of Natchez’ most prominent families.
-
-Mr. Surget was a seaman for many years before coming to the Natchez
-country, and Cherry Grove was built with the sturdiness of a seaworthy
-vessel.
-
-The home has never passed out of the Surget family. Its present owner,
-Mrs. Carlotta Surget McKittrick, now possesses the original Spanish land
-grant made to Pierre Surget in the 1700’s.
-
-In a small cemetery within sight of the old home, enclosed by an
-imported iron fence, lie the bodies of Pierre Surget and his wife,
-Katherine.
-
-Descendants of the Surget slaves remain in the “quarters” to look after
-the place, and to plant and gather cotton from its vast acres.
-
-The house is unoccupied. Much of the original furnishing remains intact,
-and a Surget heir is today sole owner of the quaint old dwelling of her
-illustrious forbears.
-
-
-
-
-                              _The Briers_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Varina Howell and Jefferson Davis Were Married in This
-  Room.]
-
-  [Illustration: The Briers]
-
-Could Jefferson Davis and his beloved wife, Varina, return to The Briers
-today they would be pleased to find it in a perfect state of
-preservation.
-
-“The Briers”, a typical story-and-a-half country home, was given to
-Louise Kemp at the time of her marriage to William Burr Howell, who was
-a cousin of Aaron Burr. And here Varina Howell was born May 7, 1826.
-This home was the scene of Varina’s marriage to Jefferson Davis on
-February 12, 1845. Mr. Davis later became “President of the
-Confederacy”.
-
-The house is situated on a knoll overlooking the Mississippi river, with
-a view of the cotton lands of Louisiana. The view of the Mississippi
-shown in the end papers was taken from the lawn of this house. It stands
-in the center of a forest of oak, pine, and pecan trees, and can be
-reached by only one narrow winding roadway, through deep woods, around
-bayous and ravines, hanging heavy with bushes and brambles. The house is
-quite similar to the Virginia type of country home.
-
-When the present owner, Mrs. W. W. Wall, purchased The Briers a few
-years ago, it was in a sad state of dilapidation. By great and loving
-labor, and generous expenditure of money and time, The Briers today is
-in perfect condition. It is now a charming credit to Natchez and to the
-memory of Jefferson Davis and his wife, Varina.
-
-The early architectural lines have been followed and materials similar
-to the original ones have been used. The broad veranda across the entire
-front, with many small wooden pillars and hand-turned spindle
-bannisters, the wide entrance steps, the quaint old dormer windows with
-their 12-pane sashes and heavy green blinds, form the perfect picture of
-the original plantation home of the Howells and Jefferson Davis.
-
-The simplicity of the floor plan is pleasing. The furniture includes
-many reproductions of rare original pieces. There is a restful, sacred
-serenity in The Briers worthy of its illustrious original owners.
-
-For the pleasure of visitors from the outside world, the present
-mistress keeps open house throughout the year, and hundreds of
-interested persons from every part of the United States pass through the
-portals of this home—the shrine of Jefferson Davis and Varina Howell.
-
-
-
-
-                               _The Burn_
-
-
-Another old home that was once situated in the center of vast acreage is
-“The Burn”. Streets have been cut through, lots sold and residences
-erected until today this quaint old home, originally the residence of
-John P. Walworth of Ohio, is in the very heart of the residence district
-of Natchez.
-
-While the “old Walworth home”, as it was so long known, was built about
-1834, its most interesting history is concerned with the war of 1861-65.
-
-The Burn is a homey-looking house of the story-and-a-half cottage type
-with spacious halls and nineteen rooms in the main building. High
-ceilings, mahogany woodwork, and wide, hand-rubbed board floors are
-indicative of its early period.
-
-By reason of its spacious and numerous rooms, and its accessibility to
-the river front and the Battery, “The Burn” was made headquarters for
-the Federal Artillery in the War Between the States. With only 24 hours’
-notice the family left their comfortable home to be occupied by the
-enemy. Major Coleman and his soldiers took possession of The Burn, and
-today on a window pane in the house can be seen the Major’s full name as
-cut there by a diamond more than seventy-five years ago.
-
-Within the last few years The Burn has been purchased by S. B. Laub, who
-is a direct descendant of the Beekman family. Mr. and Mrs. Laub have
-reclaimed and rebuilt every part of the old house with strict observance
-of the original architecture.
-
-  [Illustration: An Interesting Treatment Of Transom And Side Lights]
-
-  [Illustration: The Burn]
-
-A letter from the granddaughter of the original owner of The Burn
-written to its present owners and published in the _Natchez Democrat_
-tells the complete story:
-
-  “The Burn property when purchased by John P. Walworth in 1834 extended
-  from Union street to Clifton Heights. The home was erected the same
-  year, and got its name from the Scotch, meaning ‘The Brook’, which ran
-  through the property where Pearl street now is.
-
-  “Architects and builders were brought from the East, the finest that
-  could be found. It took more than a year to build, and has been
-  compared to the Temple, for scarcely the sound of hammer was heard in
-  its erection. The grand old home has stood fire, storm, and war.
-
-  “When Grant’s army took possession of the town, The Burn became army
-  headquarters, and was later turned into a hospital for Union soldiers.
-  The wonderful old trees, the lawn and gardens fell before the axe and
-  sword.
-
-  “After war clouds rolled away it was restored to its owner in a ruined
-  condition. Generations have passed over its threshold loving it as a
-  living being. The sons of the family bravely answered their country’s
-  call to arms and returned with untarnished records. Many brides have
-  left its loving care. The mystery of life, birth and death have
-  hallowed its walls with pride and sorrow.
-
-  “We relinquish our ownership rights into other hands; our escutcheon
-  unsullied by debt or shame.
-
-  “We rejoice that it will be again a loved home, and may the happiness
-  of the Walworth name continue to follow and bless the present owners.”
-
-
-
-
-                               _Choctaw_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Choctaw]
-
-Such dilapidated grandeur cannot be found in all the country around as
-one beholds at Choctaw. “Built to endure and determined not to fall”
-seems to ring from every stone and pillar of this gigantic old mansion.
-Once it was the center of a city block but now on the busy corner of
-Wall and High streets traffic of every sort brushes its very door.
-
-Because this property was so long owned and occupied by a Natchez
-philanthropist, Alvarez Fisk, “Choctaw” is known far and wide as the
-“old Fisk home”.
-
-This stately example of classic architecture was built by one Sarah
-Neibert. Records show that it was deeded to Alvarez Fisk about 1840.
-Fisk was born in Massachusetts in 1788. During the early 90’s Choctaw
-was used as “Stanton College for Women”, and many Natchez women were
-educated there.
-
-Time and decay have had their turn at Choctaw. The great stone pillars
-stand proudly, and boldly present a magnificent front; exquisite
-fanlights adorn the great doors which were built extra wide to
-accommodate the hoopskirted ladies of early days; walls and lofty
-ceilings stand in sturdy defiance of wind and rain and vandalism, and
-yet the crumbling corners, the tumbling formal entrance, and the rundown
-appearance of Choctaw produce a feeling of solemn sadness.
-
-The foundation and walls of Choctaw are firm, and the day may come when
-this old palace will be restored to its former beauty and glory.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Concord_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Concord]
-
-“Concord” was built in 1788 by Don Gayoso de Lemos, representative in
-the Natchez Territory of the King of Spain.
-
-The name, “Concord”, was chosen because the Governor felt that this word
-expressed the status of his people living in peace and amity.
-
-The dwelling was two-and-a-half stories. The lower floor was of brick
-and the upper portion was frame. There was a driveway beneath the long
-flight of steps at the front entrance. The house was richly furnished
-with importations from Spain.
-
-A few years ago “Concord” was destroyed by fire and Natchez lost an
-intriguing landmark.
-
-Today the handsome iron-railed outside double stairway marks the spot
-that was once the ruling center of government, and the social hub during
-the colorful days of the Spanish regime.
-
-  [Illustration: COTTAGE GARDENS—STAIR HALL]
-
-
-
-
-                           _Cottage Gardens_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Cottage Gardens]
-
-When “Cottage Gardens” was built, some hundred and forty years ago,
-Natchez was young, and homes at that time were of compact, inconspicuous
-design.
-
-The land upon which this home stands was a part of the original Spanish
-grant to Don Jose Vidal, a young Spanish nobleman. “Cottage Gardens” was
-so named because of the beautiful gardens surrounding the cottage. It is
-recorded that these gardens were destroyed during the War Between the
-States when Union soldiers used the grounds as a pasture for their
-horses.
-
-Don Jose Vidal was a military governor and Captain in a Spanish army.
-His duties took him across the river from Natchez to a place now known
-as Vidalia. When his beloved young wife died her tomb was built on a
-high bluff on the estate overlooking the Mississippi River. While
-engaged in official service across the broad waters, Capt. Vidal could
-look out at any moment and see the spot where his beautiful Donna Vidal
-was buried. Don Jose is buried in a Natchez Cemetery. A great shaft has
-been erected above his grave and is inscribed with a lengthy epitaph
-which mentions that “he was a friend of his Sovereign”.
-
-  [Illustration: LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM]
-
-Cottage Gardens has been for several generations owned and occupied by
-the Foster family. Although the exterior is on simple lines, the house
-is surprisingly spacious. The wide hall through the center contains a
-stairway of unusual architectural attractiveness. Its broad steps with
-mahogany handrailing lead up along the left wall almost to the ceiling,
-then leaving the wall the stairway crosses the hall in a graceful spiral
-curve and the ascending flight is finished along the right wall.
-
-At the rear end of the hall is a beautiful arch and doorway with
-fanlight above and plain side glass. It is a facsimile of the entrance
-door at the opposite end of the hall.
-
-From the present owners, the Foster family, comes Mary Kate Norman, the
-wife of Karl Norman, whose photographic art in picturing the old homes
-of Natchez has given him a prominent place among artists of the South.
-
-  [Illustration: This family room in Cottage Gardens has an eight foot
-  bed and a child’s bed.]
-
-  [Illustration: THE TOMB OF DONE JOSE VIDAL]
-
-
-
-
-                              _D’Evereux_
-
-
-  [Illustration: D’Evereux]
-
-By recent engineering survey Highway No. 61 from Memphis to New Orleans
-passes the grounds that once formed a part of D’Evereux acres. Motorists
-on this highway, when within a mile of Natchez, can see this mansion, in
-perfect architecture, standing like a great Greek temple near the
-roadway. Sweeping tropical moss hangs from the sentinel oaks which guard
-this magnificent home.
-
-Built in 1840 for William St. John Elliott and his wife, it was given
-her family name, “D’Evereux”, and this home, one of the most spacious in
-the community, was the scene of many happy affairs for the socially
-prominent.
-
-Great double drawing rooms and a banquet room, while not containing the
-original furnishings, show woodwork and walls, hand-turned railings and
-doorways, evidence of the excellent taste of the builders.
-
-After more than forty years the master-owner of D’Evereux died. The home
-was closed for a long while; later the widow with some of her young
-relatives opened the mansion and it became again the scene of many
-joyful gatherings.
-
-Upon the death of Mrs. Elliott, “D’Evereux” was willed to her niece,
-Mrs. Margaret Martin Shields. During Mrs. Shields’ occupancy, it was
-selected as the most perfect home, in style and setting, in the entire
-Southland, and for this reason it is shown in that exquisite motion
-picture, “The Heart of Maryland”.
-
-Within the past few years D’Evereux has been purchased by Miss Myra
-Smith of Chicago. With great pride in the ownership of one of the
-South’s most majestic ante-bellum homes, Miss Smith has restored every
-portion of the old home, which today presents such magnificent
-perfection as to bring forth exclamations of wonder from all who travel
-that section of the Natchez Trace highway.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Cherokee_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Cherokee]
-
-One of the most attractive of Natchez’ ante-bellum houses is the
-recently reclaimed Cherokee, built in 1794 by Jesse Greenfield on land
-acquired under Spanish grant.
-
-In 1810 David Michie purchased the property and added the classic front.
-The present owner, Mr. Charles Byrnes, has reclaimed the old Irish Manor
-House and its grounds, using wherever possible the style and materials
-of the original.
-
-Cherokee stands on a great elevation overlooking Natchez. It is across
-the street from Choctaw and within calling distance of Connelly’s Tavern
-on Ellicott Hill.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Dunleith_
-
-
-This house, built in 1849 by Gen. Dahlgreen, is situated in perfectly
-kept terraced grounds, surrounded by symmetrically planted oak trees
-which have grown to giant size. A long driveway from the tall iron gate
-at the street entrance to the porch steps bring one to “Dunleith”, a
-veritable Greek temple.
-
-Dunleith is almost one hundred years old. The land on which it stands is
-part of a Spanish grant of 700 acres, and was the site of the original
-home which was destroyed by fire (caused by lightning) in 1845. In the
-rear of the present Dunleith are the stables which belonged to the
-original house.
-
-At the death of Leslie Carpenter a few years ago this property was
-inherited by his widow and her son, J. N. Carpenter. No more perfect
-example of a Colonial mansion of the Old South can be found. The house
-and grounds are under the constant care of scientific gardeners and
-caretakers.
-
-The story of Dunleith is incomplete until its legend has been told:
-
-  “At the court of Louis Philippe, last King of France, a lady in
-  waiting was Miss Isabel Percy, who visited Dunleith to try to forget a
-  terrible heart hurt. She played the harp, and sang in a beautiful
-  voice. At evening, just at dusk, her sweet mournful songs can still be
-  heard in the parlors of Dunleith. When twilight turns to darkness, the
-  swish of her silken skirts can be heard as she ascends the broad
-  stairway to her private rooms above.”
-
-  I know not how true this tale may be,
-  I tell it as ’twas told to me.
-
-  [Illustration: Dunleith]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Edgewood_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Edgewood]
-
-Edgewood, erected in 1855, shared with “Mount Repose” the distinction of
-being a part of the original Bisland estate. It is a simple plantation
-home, located on the Pine Ridge road, and is today occupied by direct
-descendants of the original owner, who maintain the estate as nearly as
-possible in accord with the original plans.
-
-Situated on rolling greensward with a declivity at the rear, the house
-is two stories in front and three in the back. Straight, square lines
-are observed in its architecture. A porch extends across the entire
-front supported by double white columns. The outlook is into a group of
-restful, moss-covered oaks in the midst of which is a natural pond.
-
-Edgewood is the home of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Lamden, who with their young
-sons, S. H. III and Waldo, occupy this home of their forefathers. It is
-kept, from day to day, in the same style of ante-bellum home as in days
-gone by.
-
-Many descendants of the original slaves of the Lamdens live today in the
-“quarters” on the place.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-From “Beaupres” and other old plantations have come many possessions of
-rarest antiquity to Edgewood. There are portraits by the famous artist
-James Reed Lamden; among these is an exquisite portrait of his mother,
-who was Prudence Harrison; another is of Dr. John Flavel Carmichael, a
-member of the original staff of George Washington, painted by Gilbert
-Stuart.
-
-Furnishings at Edgewood are of soft tones in rosewood and mahogany.
-Drawing rooms, dining room, and bed rooms are filled with valuable
-antiques—all in daily use by the present family. Edgewood retains today
-all the charm and beauty that it had nearly a hundred years ago.
-
-
-
-
-                                _Elgin_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Elgin]
-
-The history of “Elgin” dates from about 1838 when it was owned by the
-Dunbar family, and was named Elgin for the Dunbar estate in Scotland.
-
-It is about eight miles from Natchez, and for many years was the home of
-the Jenkins family, whose descendants are prominent citizens of Natchez.
-Mr. Jenkins was a member of the Academy of Natural Science, and gave
-much time and scientific attention to the grounds of Elgin.
-
-The old-fashioned frame building with spacious halls and wide galleries
-stands on a knoll in a broad clearing surrounded by a forest of oaks and
-pecans.
-
-In 1914 Capt. Jenkins sold Elgin to the late Thornton Green of Michigan.
-Prior to that transfer “Elgin” while changing owners, each time was
-bought by descendants of its original owner.
-
-Elgin was far-famed for its gardens and orchards, traces of which remain
-today and are being reclaimed by the latest purchasers of the property,
-Mr. and Mrs. W. S. R. Beane of New York and Natchez. The Beanes will
-make “Elgin” their permanent home.
-
-
-
-
-                                 _Elms_
-
-
-Amid great elm trees and sturdy liveoaks is a wide, rambling house, its
-galleries bannistered with graceful iron grill encircling three sides of
-the structure. This is “Elms”, it is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
-Kellogg. It is a close neighbor of the “Greenleaves” estate.
-
-Elms was for a long time known as “the old Drake home”. Its intricate
-rambling porticos, unusual stairway, and beautiful gardens came to the
-Kelloggs by fortunate inheritance. Mrs. Kellogg is a direct descendant
-of the Drake family. Benjamin Drake was president of Elizabeth College,
-which has the distinction of being the first college in the United
-States to permit the teaching of branches of higher education to women.
-
-With the home and its acres of lovely gardens Mrs. Kellogg inherited a
-house filled with rare antique rosewood furniture.
-
-The main building of Elms, a two-and-a-half-story structure, was built
-in the late 1700’s. The exact date is not disclosed by available old
-records. As the property passed from descendant to descendant rooms have
-been added.
-
-A striking feature of the house is a lacy wrought-iron stairway unlike
-any other in all America and believed to have been imported from
-Portugal. The stairway is built in a corridor, and is in harmony with
-the generous display of dainty, hand-turned work around the outer
-galleries.
-
-Ceilings are low and give Spanish atmosphere to the architecture.
-
-A series of old call bells, each with a different tone to indicate the
-location, are still in use in the various rooms.
-
-The famous gardens in the rear have been reclaimed by the present
-mistress of Elms. Winding walks lead along flower beds of old-fashioned
-petunias, brilliant verbenas, phlox, roses and azaleas, edged with prim
-cut boxwood, while giant yuccas stand stiff as formal guards with white
-plumed headdress.
-
-A great part of the original Elms estate has been sold, and today one of
-Natchez’ modern school buildings stands across the street, giving the
-children of this school a daily picture lesson of home and life of the
-proud Old South.
-
-  [Illustration: Elms]
-
-
-
-
-                            _Ellicott Hill_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Ellicott Hill]
-
-Artists and architects from far and near come to see the quaint old
-house, known as “Connelly’s Tavern”, on Ellicott Hill. It is a sturdy,
-perfectly proportioned old house, built of brick and wood, its timbers
-said to have come from abandoned sailing vessels.
-
-The style of architecture is early Spanish. It stands on a high
-elevation, overlooking with aristocratic disdain the industrial
-enterprises which have come in during the years to supplant the once
-exclusive neighborhood of its original outlook. In early days, about the
-end of the Civil War, the place was known as “Gilreath’s Hill”.
-
-The tavern was built in 1795. It has been occupied by many distinguished
-families.
-
-The records show that at one time it was the home of “The Natchez High
-School”. It was so used just after the War between the States, when it
-was purchased by Wilson R. Gilreath.
-
-Within the last few years the old building has commanded the greatest
-degree of public interest. Its historic value is unmatched. In addition
-to serving as the abode of many celebrated men, it attained fame as
-Connelly’s Tavern when Aaron Burr and Blennerhasset met therein for
-secret conferences.
-
-The most outstanding historic fact of the old Hill, itself, is that it
-is the spot whereon Col. Andrew Ellicott raised the first United States
-flag in February 1797 over the District of Natchez. Since that episode
-the spot has been known as “Ellicott Hill”.
-
-Dilapidation followed the wake of time. However, so sturdy were its
-timbers and so solid its foundation, it was possible to restore the old
-building on the hill.
-
-The work of restoration has been accomplished by the Natchez Garden
-Club. Every old line has been carefully retained. Concrete floors of the
-kitchen and Tap Room, plastered walls, cypress grill work, solid doors,
-and roof are exact replicas of the originals. The old retaining walls
-and moats of brick have been replaced as originally at great cost. Today
-Ellicott Hill is shining in the full resplendency of its original glory.
-It is the present home of the Natchez Garden Club.
-
-  [Illustration: FIREPLACE IN OLD TAVERN ROOM AT CONNELLY’S TAVERN]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Elmscourt_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Elmscourt]
-
-A short drive from Natchez, over a modern highway which was originally
-an Indian trail, through iron gates into a virgin forest, brings one a
-first glimpse of Elmscourt.
-
-This mansion was erected about the year 1810 by Louis Evans, who was the
-first Sheriff of Adams county. He occupied it until 1851, at which time
-Frank Surget bought it for his daughter Jane as a gift when she married
-Ayers P. Merrill. It is said that Frank Surget was one of the three
-multi-millionaires in the United States at that time.
-
-Jane and her husband opened wide the doors of their palatial home.
-General U. S. Grant was a frequent guest of Elmscourt, and by reason of
-this friendly contact, Ayres Merrill was appointed Minister to Belgium
-when Grant became President.
-
-Elmscourt was originally Colonial in architecture but to please his wife
-Mr. Merrill changed it into an Italian Renaissance villa. The exquisite
-lacy iron work around its long galleries was imported from Belgium.
-
-The dainty antique furnishings in parlors, library, and dining room are
-in perfect harmony with this period of architecture. Many original
-pieces are retained. At the death of Ayres P. Merrill “Elmscourt”
-descended to his son, Ayres P. Merrill Jr., and was sold by him to James
-Surget, who gave it to his daughter, Carlotta, on the occasion of her
-marriage to David McKittrick. Thus Elmscourt was again the property of a
-Surget.
-
-The McKittrick family have lived in Elmscourt many years. They have
-added to the valuable collection of antique furnishings, Mrs. McKittrick
-bringing in superb pieces from Surget heirlooms.
-
-An outstanding piece of Elmscourt’s furnishing is a serving table, made
-for the Duke of Devonshire and bearing his coat-of-arms. It was a gift
-to Mrs. McKittrick.
-
-In the dining room still swings the old hand-carved punka of colonial
-days. At every meal, a servant stands at the end of the long dining room
-and by rope-and-arm-power keeps the great fan (punka) gently stirring,
-or creating, refreshing breezes for the comfort of the diners.
-
-The lighting of Elmscourt is the early designed candle arrangement. Over
-doorways, in chandeliers, sconces, and wall brackets hundreds of candles
-cast their welcoming, soft glow, and add undying romance to the family
-portrait gallery and rich rosewood furniture.
-
-Each Spring season when tourists wend their way to Natchez for its
-Spring festivities, the McKittricks of Elmscourt give their famous “Ball
-of a Thousand Candles”. Lords and Ladies, the elite of Natchez, in
-costume of days of long ago, greet their guests, and Elmscourt becomes
-today what it has been in the past, an alluring setting for colorful
-gatherings of notables.
-
-  [Illustration: The Table is a Present From The Duke of Devonshire.]
-
-  [Illustration: THE HALL OF GLENFIELD]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Glenfield_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Glenfield]
-
-Turn to the right on the first gravel road leading from Canal street and
-within a stone’s throw of the paved highway nestles a quaint old brick
-cottage surrounded by giant oaks and cedars. It is “Glenfield”, the home
-of Mrs. Lee Field and her family.
-
-Glenfield was built in 1812 by Charles B. Green. It is of Gothic design
-and is constructed of red brick and hand-hewn timbers. Like many of the
-old homes, “Glenfield” demonstrates two distinct types of architecture.
-One part is low ceilinged with brick floors, while another part has high
-ceilings, broad board floors, and ornate windows with heavy hand-made
-blinds.
-
-Glenfield contains many rare pieces of antique furniture. A most
-interesting piece is an old spinning wheel, a family heirloom. It is
-made of hickory and is brown with age. Charred spots bear silent
-evidence to the old wheel’s narrow escape from destruction when Indians
-set fire to the covered wagon bearing it while its pioneer owner was
-bringing his family and household goods to this section. Everything was
-destroyed except a few choice pieces. As one turns the wheel today it
-seems to hum a chant of toil, trials and tribulations.
-
-Glenfield was originally “Glencannon”, named for its former owner,
-William Cannon. The property is part of an original Spanish grant to
-John Gerault under Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, who was then governor of
-the Natchez Territory.
-
-During the War Between the States “Glenfield” was a scene of battle, and
-bullet holes made in that conflict can be seen today in vivid contrast
-to the peace which now pervades the restful old home amid vine-covered
-bayous and hills.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Glenwood_
-
-
-Conditions at Glenwood are not conducive to pride in the hearts of
-Natchez people, and yet it is doubtful if any tourist leaves Natchez
-without hearing, in some way, about this dilapidated old place. As all
-things are good or bad by comparison, it may not be amiss when depicting
-the glory of Natchez to glimpse the other side.
-
-A Northern tourist upon seeing Glenwood (known today as “Goat Castle”)
-said, “Well, I don’t know whether to cry or swear.”
-
-Glenwood is the home of Richard Dana, a man of aristocratic breeding and
-birth, and of his guardian, Miss Martha Dockery, a stalwart, dark-eyed
-woman who has been for many years in charge of Mr. Dana and the house.
-
-“Dick” Dana, as he is called, and Miss Dockery are probably in their
-late sixties.
-
-Dick is the son of the late Charles B. Dana, an Episcopal clergyman, and
-Elvira R. Dana. The Rev. Dr. Dana was from Massachusetts.
-
-Richard was given a splendid education. He was a pianist of exceptional
-ability. As years passed he spent much of his fortune, living a great
-part of the time in the East. When he returned to Glenwood, he seemed to
-live the life of a hermit, living alone with his piano and his music.
-Gradually gray locks reached his shoulders, and long whiskers covered
-his face.
-
-County officials decided it would be best to appoint a guardian for him
-and Miss Dockery was named. The Dana and Dockery families had been
-friends for generations. Miss Dockery, who was alone and growing old,
-was glad to accept the charge of her old friend.
-
-A few years ago there was a murder in the neighborhood. There had been
-some trouble between the murdered woman and the Dockery-Dana people
-because of trespassing goats. The two recluses were accused of the
-murder. They were taken into court, held in prison, stood trial, and
-finally were declared “not guilty”. Dana proved that at the time of the
-murder he was playing the piano and was not near the scene of the crime.
-
-During the period of their incarceration, vandals ransacked “Goat
-Castle” and carried away many valuable relics. A guard was finally
-placed over the place to prevent souvenir hunters from taking the
-remainder of the valuable pieces. Public sympathy was aroused, and for a
-short time Dana and Miss Dockery were lionized. They seemed to take a
-new lease on life. They improved in personal appearance. They often came
-to town, but conditions in “Goat Castle” changed little.
-
-Goats roam the place in undisturbed joy. Chickens roost on the foot of
-the great mahogany bed while Dick plays his old piano for curious
-tourists who pay twenty-five cents to see the old aristocrat, and Miss
-Dockery tells stories of the former wealth and prestige of her friend,
-who desired to withdraw from the world.
-
-Glenwood is falling. Neglect and age are causing decay. The stables and
-outhouses are piles of mortar and decayed timbers, though the grounds
-are still beautiful with majestic moss-draped oaks and flowering
-magnolias.
-
-  [Illustration: GLENWOOD (known today as “Goat Castle”)]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Gloucester_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Gloucester]
-
-A mile drive from the city limits of Natchez, along a roadway where
-moss-draped boughs overlap into a verdant shelter, brings one in view of
-a stately red brick mansion. It is Gloucester. Still half concealed by
-giant oaks and tropical growth, it seems a great ruby in a gray-gold
-setting.
-
-Gloucester is surrounded by 250 acres of farm land and virgin timber. It
-was built about 1800, and is of solid brick construction. Huge
-Corinthian columns support spacious galleries across the broad front.
-The windows are iron barred and shuttered.
-
-This mansion is of historic interest. It was the home of Governor
-Winthrop Sargent, who was the first Governor of Mississippi Territory.
-
-Front twin doorways are an unusual feature. Inside these doors are the
-heavy wooden bars, the original fastenings against unfriendly Indian
-tribes and traveling bandits, who were not infrequent during the early
-days of life at Gloucester.
-
-The twin doors open into a wide hallway which contains a graceful
-curving stairway leading to hall and bedrooms above.
-
-Gloucester has a splendid library of rare first editions and valuable
-old books. The drawing room contains Colonial furniture and paintings by
-masters.
-
-Upon the death of Governor Sargent, Gloucester became the property of
-his wife, who, in turn, willed it to her son, George Washington Sargent.
-
-During the occupation of Natchez by Federal troops, the young Sargent
-was called to the doorway of Gloucester, and shot by two soldiers to
-whom he had given greeting. Stains of the life-blood of this George
-Washington Sargent are still visible on the doorway of Gloucester. The
-murdered boy was buried beside his father in the family burial ground
-across the road from the home.
-
-  [Illustration: GRAND HALLWAY OF GLOUCESTER]
-
-In the Negro quarters there are weird tales of ghosts wandering over the
-premises. “Two tall ghosts, in uniform, carrying guns, come on dark
-rainy nights when the owls hoot in the oaks above the graves.”
-
-Records show that in 1877 Gloucester was sold to James Surget, who was
-one of Natchez’ earliest and most affluent citizens. This home was
-continuously owned by the Surget family for sixty years, until the
-recent death of Mrs. Katherine Boyd Surget, when the property was
-bequeathed to its present owner, Lenox Stanton.
-
-Mr. and Mrs. Stanton hold dear every Gloucester tradition and take pride
-in maintaining the home and grounds in their original state of
-perfection.
-
-
-
-
-                              _Hawthorne_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Hawthorne]
-
-On the famous Natchez Trace Highway, within calling distance of the
-Lower Woodville road, through a narrow gateway flanked by giant oaks, is
-a quaint little cottage, “Hawthorne”.
-
-It is the old Southern Planter type home, a story-and-a-half.
-
-A beautiful double front door with panels of early period thin glass and
-an exquisitely wrought fanlight above give an atmosphere of friendliness
-to the entrance.
-
-Architects interested in the unusual find charm in the hand-hewn
-stairway which rises from the broad back hall to the rooms above.
-
-“Hawthorne” more than a century ago belonged to a family named Overaker
-who sold the place with its sixty acres of wooded land to the Dunbar
-family, under whose regime this quaint old home sheltered and
-entertained the elite of the South as early as 1837. It is believed that
-Hawthorne was built by the Tichenor family about 1825.
-
-For many years this old place was vacant. Lumber mills and grist mills
-crowded too near, but the property was recently bought by the family of
-William McGehee, who are reclaiming “Hawthorne”. Every line of the
-period architecture is being followed, and “Hawthorne”, its meadows and
-gardens, will soon be restored as in stage coach days to greet today its
-motor car visitors. The history of Hawthorne is a sad story with a
-hopeful ending.
-
-
-
-
-                              _Hope Farm_
-
-
-A few years ago when “Hope Farm” fell into the hands of Mr. and Mrs.
-Balfour Miller it was truly “getting a break” for rehabilitation. Today
-when one steps into this old Spanish house, built about 1775, there
-breathes from every crevice and corner the true atmosphere of the Old
-South.
-
-The original portion of Hope Farm, its English wing, is believed to have
-been built by Marcus Haller. The front, the straight, low, Spanish
-portion, was built by the Spanish Governor, de Grand Pre, about the year
-1790.
-
-The low sweeping roof extending over a broad portico across the entire
-front of the house is upheld by seven hand-hewn cypress columns. Broad
-steps lead from the driveway to the terraced yard. This yard is a
-veritable bouquet of old-fashioned small flowers, bordered by boxwood
-and flanked by syringa, japonica, and other old-fashioned evergreen
-shrubs. A radiant variety of orchid-like irises dot the entire approach
-to the old brick steps of the terrace.
-
-For ninety years Hope Farm belonged to the Montgomery family; of the
-last generation of ten children (seven girls and three boys) two of the
-sisters lived in spinsterhood at Hope Farm until within the last few
-years when the property was acquired by the Millers.
-
-Restoration of exterior and interior has been done with exceeding care
-to hold every line of the original house. There were no nails in the day
-when Hope Farm was built and its timbers are held together by wooden
-pegs.
-
-The front door leads directly into a huge living room, which opens
-through an archway into a large dining room. These two rooms extend
-across the entire front.
-
-The welcoming gate of Hope Farm opens at the intersection of Homochitto
-street on the drive to Duncan Park.
-
-  [Illustration: Hope Farm]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Homewood_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Homewood]
-
-It required five years to build this palatial mansion of brick, cement,
-and iron grill, and until recently “Homewood”, exterior and interior,
-was in a perfect state of preservation—just as it was the day of its
-completion, more than 75 years ago. Homewood was destroyed by fire,
-January 2, 1940.
-
-By reason of its solid masonry (built to withstand the storms), its
-architectural lines, and the grace and magnificence of its iron
-trimmings, architects of note from all over the country came to inspect
-and to study “Homewood”.
-
-One million home-burned brick were used in the main structure. Copper
-pipes laid in cement supplied the huge cisterns throughout the years
-with cold drinking water. This construction represented the work of
-hundreds of slaves. All locks, hinges, and door knobs were of silver.
-The fluted Ionic columns and grill work were imported from Spain.
-
-Approaching Homewood by the magnificent forest driveway, it was a
-wonderfully imposing structure with a front of thirty-foot columns, an
-upper balcony of cast iron grill, and massive double panel entrance
-doors flanked on either side by expensive ruby glass which was imported
-from Belgium.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-There were six rooms on the ground floor, connected by huge sliding
-mahogany doors, making it possible to open the entire floor into one
-immense room, 80 feet long. Leading to six rooms and cross halls above
-was a fan spread stairway. The top floor was a peculiarly constructed
-octagonal hall surrounded by eight large closets or storage rooms with
-cedar linings.
-
-The mantels in Homewood attracted much attention because of their
-delicate beauty and apparent value. In the drawing room the mantel was
-of white marble, while in the dining room stood one of pink marble with
-deep rose tracings.
-
-Homewood had no historic interest but it was an outstanding example of
-the advanced architectural ideas of the builders of Southern ante-bellum
-homes. It was built for a gift from David Hunt to his daughter,
-Catherine, and her husband, William L. Balfour.
-
-The most recent owners, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsly Swan, spared no expense in
-maintaining this magnificent home and its spacious grounds in model
-perfection.
-
-Homewood was the scene of the famous double wedding so effectively
-described in Stark Young’s _So Red the Rose_.
-
-  [Illustration: MAJESTIC RUINS OF HOMEWOOD]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Inglewood_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Inglewood]
-
-A Southern planter’s typical home, “Inglewood” stands today as the
-perfection of a beautiful dream recalled from crumbling ruins of years
-long gone. More than a century ago this quaint old story-and-a-half
-house was built by Gustavus Calhoun, who practiced medicine in Natchez
-Territory in 1829—back in the days when calls were made on horseback and
-the doctor carried along his miniature drug store in his “saddle bags”.
-Dr. Calhoun was a friend and contemporary of Dr. Stephen Duncan of
-“Auburn”.
-
-In 1858 “Inglewood” became the home of Edward M. Blackburn through his
-marriage into the Calhoun family. It has been for many years known as
-“the old Blackburn place.” Here the last member of the Natchez Blackburn
-family lived until the old house was about to tumble down. Then the
-place was purchased by Dr. Wallace Smith, a young physician who came
-with his bride to reclaim and rebuild Inglewood along the exact lines of
-its original architectural design.
-
-The old gardens of Inglewood were once as famous for beauty as those of
-“Arlington” and “Melrose” but the gardens too passed with the old
-families. Doctor and Mrs. Smith are replanting, and are replacing walks
-and borders of old-fashioned boxwood, everything to conform as nearly as
-possible to original design.
-
-Inglewood, like all Natchez homes, is off the highway, secluded by
-forests, and only by careful observation can one glimpse the gleaming
-white outlines of this beautiful old plantation home.
-
-The approach to the house is marked at the public highway by a wrought
-iron replica of the old-fashioned doctor’s horse and buggy. Inglewood is
-today, as it was originally, the property of a practicing physician’s
-family.
-
-
-
-
-                          _Jefferson College_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Jefferson College]
-
-Founded in 1802, Jefferson Military College is the oldest college for
-boys in the State of Mississippi, and one of the oldest in the United
-States.
-
-It was here that the South’s beloved Jefferson Davis, who became
-President of the Confederacy, attended school when he was ten years old.
-
-After the battle of New Orleans Gen. Andrew Jackson rested his
-victorious army on the campus of this college, which is located six
-miles from the city of Natchez.
-
-Mississippi was a territory when the college came into existence. On the
-spot where the constitution of the State of Mississippi was adopted is a
-marker commemorating the birth of Mississippi as a State. The marker was
-erected May 14, 1935, the 119th anniversary of the State.
-
-Near the front gate of the college there are two giant gnarled liveoaks,
-known as the Aaron Burr oaks because they stood in front of the old
-courthouse where Aaron Burr was tried for treason against the United
-States. The old courthouse was demolished ages ago but the oaks stand
-sentinel with wide spreading boughs marking the spot famous in history
-and in story.
-
-
-
-
-                            _King’s Tavern_
-
-
-  [Illustration: King’s Tavern]
-
-In the days when Indians roamed the territory of Natchez, block houses
-were built by the white settlers who came that way. These were sturdy,
-well-fortified houses built to protect occupants against Indian
-outbreaks. Such is King’s Tavern—an inconspicuous, faded, old wooden
-structure on a high brick foundation.
-
-Although unostentatious, King’s Tavern is important. According to the
-records it is the oldest building in this part of the South. Parts of
-St. Augustine, Florida, are somewhat older. Its very atmosphere breathes
-of days and people long dead; of Indians, of Spanish and English and
-French noblemen; of weary travelers over foot paths or by river boats,
-wandering into the old Tavern, resting, and then departing, disappearing
-from the face of the earth.
-
-The house is more than 170 years old. Records show that “the first
-United States mail brought over the Natchez Trace was delivered to
-King’s Tavern by an Indian runner and was distributed from this point.”
-
-The timbers are held together by wooden pegs and beams. The heavier
-timbers are of the type used in the construction of large ships of that
-period. Ceilings in the rooms are low. Doors and windows are heavy with
-narrow frames. The sills and sleepers of the building show the rope
-holes, again indicating that timbers came from old sailing vessels.
-
-The earliest official record of transfer of this property shows 1789 as
-the year it was granted to Richard King, a member of the King family of
-Long Island, New York, and by him it was given the name “King’s Tavern”.
-Formerly it had been known as the Bledsoe House.
-
-For a period of about 115 years the property has been owned and occupied
-by the descendants of Mrs. Elizabeth Postlethwaite.
-
-An interesting relic of bygone years is a portrait in oils of the late
-Samuel Postlethwaite III, who was Mayor of Natchez in 1825 when the
-great Lafayette visited the little village. This portrait is signed by
-the artist, Benjamin West.
-
-Mrs. A. C. Register and Mrs. Jean Register Modsett, descendants of the
-Postlethwaite family, are the present owners and occupants of King’s
-Tavern.
-
-_Legend:_
-
-  At night, when all’s dark and quiet at King’s Tavern, ghosts of Indian
-  warriors, in full dress of their native tribe, wander through the old
-  Tap Room, loll and lean against the old bar, peer out through small
-  crevices, and then disappear through the heavy doors which lead onto
-  the street.
-
-  [Illustration: Main Door at King’s Tavern Where Indian Runners Left
-  the Mail
-
-  Bullet holes in the door are from an Indian attack during the early
-  days of Natchez.]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Lansdown_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Lansdown]
-
-Lansdown has been the home of the Marshall family for more than
-eighty-five years. Like many other magnificent plantation homes around
-Natchez, Lansdown was a wedding gift to Mr. and Mrs. George Marshall,
-whose descendants of the same name own and occupy today this comfortable
-Georgian type house.
-
-Lansdown is an unpretentious but quite substantial structure with a
-broad front portico enclosed by artistic grill bannisters fashioned in
-Greek pattern. Broad, spreading steps lead down to a brick walk, and on
-each side stand the old carriage blocks of yesteryear.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-Portraits by famous artists of earlier generations of Marshalls,
-including a portrait of Levin R. Marshall by Sully, look down on
-gorgeous rosewood and mahogany furnishings of their own selection placed
-in Lansdown.
-
-The china and silver in this home are the pride of the present
-generation of Marshalls. Much of the original china is in use today.
-Many pieces of the original Robert E. Lee furnishings of “Stratford
-Hall” are now in Lansdown. Within the past few months the younger
-generation at Lansdown discovered several pieces of silver bearing the
-unmistakable mark of Robert E. Lee.
-
-Lansdown came to the Marshalls through Mrs. Charlotte Hunt Marshall.
-Natchez had a great benefactor in David Hunt, the father of Charlotte
-Hunt Marshall. It was he who made possible the Chamberlain-Hunt Military
-Academy at Port Gibson, Mississippi, one of the first schools for boys
-in the Southland. It is still an excellent school for young men.
-
-Today Lansdown is owned and occupied by George Marshall III and Mrs.
-Agnes Marshall Ward, lineal descendants of the original owner, who named
-the place “Lansdown” by virtue of his friendship for the celebrated
-Marquis of Lansdown, England.
-
-
-
-
-                                _Linden_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Entrance]
-
-The origin of Linden seems lost to history although it is known to have
-existed as early as 1790. It came to ancestors of the present owners a
-hundred years ago, and has been owned and occupied by the A. M. Feltus
-family for several generations.
-
-Nature seems to exert herself to give to Linden a perfect setting.
-Surrounding the magnificently constructed house, with its 98 feet of
-gallery, are dozens of oak trees, draped in long gray moss which sweeps
-the very eaves of the dwelling. Standing in the artistic entrance of
-Linden one sees the outside world through growing draperies of swaying
-gray lace.
-
-  [Illustration: Linden]
-
-The architecture of Linden is as unusual as it is simple. The center
-portion is two stories, flanked on each side by single-storied rooms. A
-gallery runs the entire width of the building. To the rear of the
-single-storied rooms is a long two-storied wing. Each wing is a complete
-apartment.
-
-The furnishings are rare and exquisite, producing a feeling of
-restfulness and satisfaction. “Linden” has three paintings by Audubon,
-and an interesting portrait of the song-bird, Jenny Lind.
-
-The driveway through the grounds of Linden leads past the front entrance
-entirely around the house and passes its beautifully kept gardens. A
-circle driveway which leads out through the bricked entrance affords a
-final glimpse of the stately white house in the distance, not unlike
-“Mount Vernon”. The view across the hill brings “Monmouth”, a
-neighboring mansion, to the eye as another delightful prospect.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: LINDEN—Dining Room With Punka]
-
-
-
-
-                             _Greenleaves_
-
-
-“Greenleaves”, built prior to 1812, is a town house—a great rambling
-cottage type of architecture in the very heart of Natchez. It is as
-sturdy as the old gnarled oaks which seem to hold it in their protecting
-boughs. It represents comfort, luxury, and beauty without ostentation or
-pretense.
-
-The halls and rooms are palatial in size and appointments. The house as
-originally constructed shows that it was built to endure. It was
-remodeled in the early 40’s by the grandfather of the present owners.
-
-A wealth of the original furnishings in solid mahogany and rosewood and
-many rare museum pieces have remained in Greenleaves throughout
-generations, and are today as beautiful as the day they came from
-foreign shores.
-
-The present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Melchoir Beltzhoover, the third
-generation of the Koontz family to occupy Greenleaves, grace this
-ante-bellum home with pardonable pride of possession.
-
-The family of the original owners of Greenleaves was wiped out during a
-yellow fever epidemic, the entire family filling one grave. Eventually
-Greenleaves was bought by George Washington Koontz of Pennsylvania, who
-became a leading influence, financially and socially, in Natchez.
-Children of the present occupants of Greenleaves are the fourth
-generation of the Koontz family to enjoy this luxurious home.
-
-Mr. Beltzhoover’s ownership of this property is shared with his sister,
-Mrs. Guy Robinson, who is a resident of New York state.
-
-_Legend:_
-
-  Under the giant liveoaks at the rear of Greenleaves the Natchez tribe
-  of Indians held their annual pow-wows and decided all momentous
-  questions.
-
-  [Illustration: Greenleaves]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Longwood_
-
-
-Longwood stands in a moss-tangled forest. It is a monument to a dream
-that was interrupted by the tragedy of the War Between the States in
-1861-’65. It was to have been a gorgeous structure of Moorish design,
-planned by Sloan of Philadelphia, who in those days had no equal as
-artist-architect.
-
-Longwood was being built for Dr. Haller Nutt. Landscape gardeners came
-from abroad, and even today rare imported shrubs and trees form a part
-of the dense growth around the unfinished gardens.
-
-When the house reached its present point of construction, with more than
-a hundred thousand dollars already invested, there came the cry of war
-and the call to arms. Workmen laid down their tools and took their guns
-and never returned to the task of completing Longwood.
-
-The deep concrete foundation, the outside framework, and some of the
-trimmings of the house were well under way. Today there are huge
-sections of carved moulding, old paint buckets and brushes, tool boxes,
-and carpenter’s implements scattered about the upper floors—just as they
-were left almost 75 years ago.
-
-The house, begun in the late 50’s, is of brick, burned by slaves on the
-place, with columns and grill work of hand-carved, time-enduring
-cypress. The ground floor contained a nursery and an adjoining apartment
-for a white housekeeper and governess, a card room, a billiard room,
-wine cellar, and heating plant. This floor is the only part of the
-building that reached anything like completion. The upper floors were
-boarded up. All orders for materials, marble stairway, mosaic floors,
-and elaborate furnishings were canceled. Many of these orders had been
-placed in Italy and France. Some costly pieces were en route on the high
-seas. A few items were returned and others are now in national museums.
-
-Dr. Nutt died in 1864, survived by his wife and a large family of
-children. One of the descendants of these children now occupies the
-finished lower floor or basement of Longwood. There is on this floor a
-huge rotunda and eight large rooms, surrounded by a moat. Many relics of
-past generations adorn these quarters, including antiques from different
-branches of the family.
-
-There are several pieces of richly carved rosewood furniture, an
-exquisite old grand piano, and oil portraits of Dr. Nutt and his
-beautiful blonde wife by famous old-world artists.
-
-James and Merritt Ward of Natchez and Mrs. Julia Ward Blanchard of New
-York City are the present owners of Longwood.
-
-Planned as a palatial home for a family of eleven children and eight
-hundred slaves, today Longwood (often referred to as “Nutt’s Folly”) is
-occupied by Merritt Ward and one servant.
-
-  [Illustration: LONGWOOD—“Nutt’s Folly”]
-
-
-
-
-                            _Magnolia Vale_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Magnolia Vale]
-
-A few hundred feet below the city of Natchez, along the river edge, is
-an extension of land on which the first Natchez was situated. This old
-town was known as “Natchez Under the Hill”. The commercial center of the
-old Natchez has passed into decay. The buildings that sheltered the
-river men, the gambling “joints” that housed the riff-raff of those
-steamboat days, have long since tumbled into the river. Driving down a
-long and steep shelf of land, at the north end of what was old Natchez,
-one comes to the gate of a castle-like home in the heart of a garden
-which is always beautiful with blossoms. It is “Magnolia Vale”.
-
-This house was built about 110 years ago by Andrew Brown and is owned
-today by Andrew B. Learned, a direct descendant.
-
-Andrew Brown was a native of Scotland, and a great lover of flowers.
-After building a home of the early American type, with wide galleries,
-handsome Doric columns, spacious halls and large rooms, he found
-self-expression in creating a garden which has been famous for
-generations, from St. Louis to New Orleans, as “Brown’s Gardens”.
-
-A formal driveway, bordered with Louis Philippe roses, leads to the
-mansion. Giant magnolias and evergreen laurimundi splash the landscape
-with white and green. Formal flower beds, with boxwood borders, cover
-the entire acreage of the foreground to Magnolia Vale.
-
-The Mississippi River has continuously eaten into the grounds of
-Magnolia Vale until much of this promontory has vanished into the
-waters. Although the great house shows marked evidence of “settling”
-from year to year, and is occupied now by a caretaker only, the gardens
-are given constant attention. The same trim boxwood hedges, the same
-formal walks and beloved flower beds, the same shrubs, the same tall
-trees, and the maze of gardenia and japonica greet the visitor and shed
-perfume across the broad and mighty river, which ravenously eats at the
-very roots of these gorgeous plants.
-
-
-
-
-                             _Mount Repose_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Mount Repose]
-
-Here is a huge, comfortable, old-fashioned, country gentleman’s home—in
-appearance and in literal fact “Mount Repose”. The name aptly describes
-the first impression of every visitor.
-
-The house is situated on an elevation, surrounded by broad green acres.
-
-Built in the early 1800’s, Mount Repose has been the scene of much that
-is interesting in the story of Natchez. It is part of the original
-estate of William Bisland, a Scotsman. From this family comes the author
-Elizabeth Bisland who through close association with Lafcadio Hearn,
-when both of them worked for the old New Orleans _Picayune_, was able to
-write the interesting life of that genius. This book and many others by
-Elizabeth Bisland, including _Candle of Understanding_ and _The Case of
-John Smith_, can be found in public libraries today.
-
-The present owners of Mount Repose, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Baldwin of New
-York, are direct descendants of the Bisland family. Its present
-occupants, the J. D. Shields family are also descendants of the
-Bislands. Mrs. Shields is a descendant of the renowned English beauty,
-Margaret Watts, who married the Spanish Governor, Manuel Gayoso de
-Lemos, who is prominently identified with Natchez’ earliest history.
-
-The original furnishings of Mount Repose have gone out to Bisland heirs,
-and yet valuable antiques and family portraits remain in the old house.
-
-An interesting story is told of a wager expressive of the loyalty of
-William Bisland to Henry Clay.
-
-Mr. Bisland believed that Henry Clay should be, and would be, the next
-president of the United States. He laid a wager in accordance with his
-belief. He had just planted a formal line of sentinel trees along a
-driveway to the main entrance of Mount Repose. He openly declared that
-this driveway would be closed until Clay was elected. He then proceeded
-with great preparations for its formal opening, but history tells why
-today there grow two long lines of well-spaced trees from the big front
-gate to the house—that gate unopened through the years! The entrance to
-Mount Repose is through the side gate. Henry Clay was never elected
-president.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Melmont_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Melmont]
-
-’Way back in 1839, when Henry Basil Shaw married Mary Elizabeth
-Lattimore, profound consideration was given to naming the homes and
-estates of Natchez. It is almost certain that the mistress of Melmont
-pondered long and consulted her family before deciding the name. She
-chose to use the three initials of Mary Elizabeth Lattimore to form the
-first part of the name, “Mel”, and added “mont” because the mansion
-stood mounted on a rolling acreage. Thus “Melmont” was coined.
-
-Melmont is unlike other Natchez homes. The architecture is its own
-peculiar type. A sturdy, well-built house, it has for almost a century
-cared for Natchez’ foremost citizens and their illustrious guests.
-Claiborne, the historian, Judge Samuel Brooks, and other prominent men
-spent much time at Melmont.
-
-The acreage around Melmont has been sold and modern homes have been
-built on the land. Melmont is now a palatial town house, no longer a
-country home.
-
-Melmont was within the Federal lines during the War Between the States.
-When Natchez was shelled from the river in 1862 shells fell in the yard
-and gardens and destroyed giant oak trees and landscaping.
-
-The interior decoration and furnishing are to a great extent from the
-original family although many handsome pieces have been added by
-subsequent owners. Mrs. John Ayres and her sister, Miss Corinne
-Henderson, have occupied this home for many years. Mrs. Ayers especially
-prizes a mahogany bureau which has chests on either side for storing
-wigs.
-
-  [Illustration: MELMONT—Drawing Room]
-
-A valuable Hepplewhite desk in the drawing room attracts much interest.
-It belonged to the renowned John Henderson, and it was here he is
-believed to have written an appeal to Congress in 1798 “for schools for
-the education of children and provision for regular ministry of the
-Gospel.”
-
-Melmont is well preserved, exterior and interior, and holds great charm
-for all who come within its portals.
-
-  [Illustration: Melrose]
-
-  [Illustration: Pond on Driveway to the House]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Melrose_
-
-
-  [Illustration: The Drawing Room. The old-fashioned “courting set” had
-  a center seat for the chaperon, who was ever present during boy and
-  girl visits.]
-
-Melrose, called “the perfect ante-bellum home”, is located about a mile
-from Natchez city limits. This model mansion, built in the early 40’s,
-owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George M. D. Kelly, is, by courtesy
-of the owners, opened for inspection during the annual Pilgrimage
-celebration of the Natchez Garden Club. In an entire day one can only
-glimpse Melrose and its treasures. Another full day could be well spent
-in the surrounding woodlands and boxwood bordered gardens.
-
-Built in 1845 by Judge Edward Turner for his daughter, Mrs. McMurran, it
-was purchased immediately after the War Between the States by George
-Malin Davis, grandfather of the present owner, George Malin Davis Kelly.
-Mr. Kelly has with great pride of possession kept the Melrose home and
-estate in its original perfection.
-
-  [Illustration: PUNKA OVER DINING ROOM TABLE]
-
-The approach to Melrose is through acres of lawn as smooth as stretched
-velvet. The house is an imposing brick building of the square Georgian
-architectural design, with upper and lower porticos, and supporting
-Ionic columns.
-
-The front door is of attractive Colonial style with diamond shaped
-sidelights. A broad sweep of steps lead to the wide portico.
-
-A spacious hall runs through the lower floor. It is appropriately
-furnished in rare old pieces; among these is an unusual table which is
-set with semi-precious stones, and an ancient grandfather’s clock. The
-lighting for this grand hallway is provided by numerous rows of candles,
-held in dainty but substantial frames. The floor covering (which is the
-original) attracts immediate attention by reason of its beauty, unique
-design, and quality. It can be best described as a striking inlay of
-unknown origin.
-
-To the right of the hall is the front drawing room. The rosewood
-furniture is Empire style, and is in as perfect condition today as on
-the day of its purchase.
-
-  [Illustration: TYPICAL BEDROOM PIECES—MELROSE]
-
-To the left is a dining room 20 feet square. Black marble mantels add
-dignity to the room. A handsome mahogany punka swings over the dining
-table. This bespeaks undeniable antiquity. Until quite recently the
-owners of Melrose cared for several old slaves who pulled the punka to
-create breezes for the comfort of the family during meals.
-
-Melrose still uses its outside brick kitchen, reached by a broad brick
-walk from the main house. Above the kitchen are quarters for the house
-servants.
-
-The upper floors of Melrose contain bedrooms, halls, and a sewing room.
-Massive beds so high that occupants must climb in by a set of specially
-made mahogany steps; heavy bureaus, armoirs, dressing tables, tilt top
-tables, and day bed—all are heirlooms of the original owners and of the
-present owners.
-
-Mr. Davis (the grandfather of the present owner) came South from
-Pennsylvania many years before the war of ’61, and was educated at
-Sewanee College, Sewanee, Tennessee. His only daughter married Dr.
-Stephen Kelly of New York, and that daughter became the mother of George
-M. D. Kelly, the present owner of Melrose mansion.
-
-George M. D. Kelly and his wife, who was Miss Ethel Moore, are members
-of old New York families but have long since adopted the Southland as
-their home.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Monmouth_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Monmouth]
-
-Near “Linden”, on a velvety lawn guarded by great oaks, stands a
-Grecian-type mansion. This is Monmouth, now owned and maintained by Mrs.
-Hubert Barnum. Mrs. Barnum, owner of “Arlington”, the adjoining estate,
-is probably the only Natchezian who owns and operates two great
-ante-bellum homes.
-
-Historically Monmouth is known as the home of John A. Quitman and his
-wife, Eliza. General Quitman, a hero of national renown, raised the
-first American flag in Mexico. He purchased this mansion and fifteen
-surrounding acres about the year 1826.
-
-Edith Wyatt Moore in her story of Monmouth says: “John A. Quitman and
-Eliza Turner drew a marriage contract prior to their wedding. He
-relinquished all right of inheritance to her property in case of her
-death without children. He gave her the right to handle slaves and
-property or dispose of same without his consent.” General Quitman was a
-native of New York.
-
-A man of great popularity and military distinction, General Quitman’s
-home became the scene of many gatherings of the notables of America.
-Monmouth was classed among the most perfectly appointed homes of its
-day.
-
-General Quitman died in 1859 from what was suspected as the effect of
-slow poison administered at a banquet given in honor of President
-Buchanan.
-
-For a period following General Quitman’s death his beloved Monmouth was
-vacant. It became dilapidated from disuse, and after passing through
-many hands was purchased by Mrs. Annie Gwynne, who is now Mrs. Barnum.
-Every part has been repaired or renewed and the old mansion stands today
-in majestic perfection.
-
-Great square pillars support the upper portico, which is encircled by
-attractive lattice grill work. The walls are of brick. The doors, with
-fan transoms and side-lights, and the window frames are made of
-hand-carved wood. Spacious halls, huge rooms with high ceilings, and a
-pervading air of solid, substantial structure make Monmouth a monument
-eternal to a man whose memory shall never die—a man of whom it was said,
-“He is Mississippi’s best-loved citizen.”
-
-The original furnishings of Monmouth are long since gone. These were
-supplanted by rare antiques from the superb collection of Mrs. Barnum’s
-family, the Greens, who founded Greensboro, North Carolina.
-
-  [Illustration: MILK HOUSE AND SERVANTS’ QUARTERS—MONMOUTH]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Monteigne_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Monteigne]
-
-“Monteigne” is a recently acquired possession of one of Natchez’ most
-valued families, Mrs. Mary Worrell Kendall and Mr. and Mrs. William
-Kendall. It was built in 1855 as the home of Gen. William T. Martin of
-the Confederacy, whose features are carved on Stone Mountain as a
-representative of the State of Mississippi. Hand-hewn timbers discovered
-when excavating the foundation for “Monteigne” lead to the belief that
-this was the site of a home destroyed during the Indian Massacre of
-1729.
-
-The place bears the French Huguenot name for Martin, “Monteigne”. It is
-unlike any of the old homes around Natchez. Predominantly Georgian in
-appearance, Monteigne stands out distinctively. A solid, two-story
-structure, built of sturdiest timbers, this home has withstood the
-ravages of time and the desecration of opposing forces during the War
-Between the States.
-
-It is said that horses were “stalled” in the parlors by Yankee soldiers,
-rosewood furniture used for kindling fires, and valuable silver and
-brass melted and lost.
-
-  [Illustration: MONTEIGNE—Patio]
-
-Upon his return from the war, General Martin saw the destruction of the
-beauty of his house and its grounds. With the undismayed courage of a
-great man who knows how to overcome defeat, he began the restoration of
-his home and its eleven acres of yard and gardens.
-
-When Leslie Carpenter bought Monteigne in 1928 Natchez was assured
-another perfect estate. Terraced lawns and rose gardens were brought to
-life; driveways, trellises, shrubbery, and flagged walks were restored
-to this classic home.
-
-The interior of Monteigne is stately—formal and yet inviting—with the
-black and white mosaic floor in its great entrance hall.
-
-Monteigne recently passed from the Carpenters to the present owners,
-Mrs. Mary Worrell Kendall, her son, William, and his wife and their two
-little daughters.
-
-  [Illustration: MONTEIGNE—Rose Garden]
-
-  [Illustration: MONTEIGNE—Lily Pool]
-
-
-
-
-                            _Myrtle Terrace_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Myrtle Terrace]
-
-Substantial and compact, this Colonial cottage is one of the reclaimed
-small ante-bellum homes of Natchez. Built in the 1830’s, it is more than
-a century old.
-
-In 1844 Myrtle Terrace was purchased by the late L. N. Carpenter, who,
-in turn, sold it to the renowned Captain Thomas Leathers of steamboat
-fame. The agreement to buy stipulated in minute detail that the property
-must be put in “ship shape”, carefully specifying “hinges on the
-windows, fastenings on the cellar door, latches on the gates, blinds on
-all windows except the dormers, building a stable and a carriage house”.
-
-Captain Leathers was identified with the famous _Natchez-Robert E. Lee_
-steamboat race from New Orleans to St. Louis, on the Mississippi river,
-in 1870. The prize was $20,000. The race has become an epic. So
-thrilling is it in the history of river traffic it was dramatized in a
-recent celebration on the Pacific Coast.
-
-Captain Leathers of the _Natchez_ lost the race to Captain Cannon of the
-_Robert E. Lee_ not because he had a slower boat but because of his
-over-confidence. He traveled nonchalantly and made all his regular
-stops. In the pinch he would not jeopardize the safely of his passengers
-by pressing his boilers beyond the safety point.
-
-Captain Leathers lived in Myrtle Terrace for many years, and the place
-is still known as the “home of the Captain of the steamboat _Natchez_”.
-It is now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Tucker, who have
-reclaimed the old lines of the house and have added modern interior
-improvements.
-
-
-
-
-                             _Propinquity_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Propinquity]
-
-In the long ago, when each Southern plantation was identified by a
-specially chosen name, the naming of homes around Natchez was a great
-event. When land was opened and a home built, a recorded name was given,
-and neither time nor change of owner or occupant changed the name of
-that plantation. Interesting indeed are the stories of the names
-selected.
-
-“Propinquity” was named in 1810 by its owner, Brigadier General Leonard
-Covington, and was so named because its lands adjoined Fort Dearborn
-where he was in command of a troop of Light Dragoons. Today Propinquity
-is appropriate as “near to nature”.
-
-The plantation belonged originally to one William Belk. The records
-shows that in 1797 a committee met at this place for the purpose of
-appointing a Public Safety organization, the first American political
-assembly held in the Lower Mississippi Valley.
-
-For several generations Propinquity has been owned by the descendants of
-Jane Long, the famous “Mother of Texas”, who spent many happy days in
-this quaint old home. It is still a reliquary for interesting
-possessions of the Texas heroine.
-
-Situated on a side road off the original “Natchez Trace”, this old house
-is built on simple early American lines. A wide center hall with a deep
-mahogany stairway runs the length of the two huge rooms on either side.
-Green shuttered, small pane windows, a solid three-panel front door with
-straight glass sidelights, and a small upper and lower portico complete
-the simple picture of this old home.
-
-The furnishings are of the original purchase. There is a tiny melodeon
-in the parlor. Its quaint type indicates very early “vintage”—a rare
-museum piece.
-
-  [Illustration: PROPINQUITY]
-
-  [Illustration: Spinet
-
-  Hand Made Wax Fruit Under a Glass Globe]
-
-Bedrooms where rested the nobility of the land in earlier days are still
-prim and precise with poster beds in their original draperies, mahogany
-armoirs, bureaus with numerous side compartments and many mirrors to
-please the fancy of milady of the early fifties.
-
-In the dining room there is an exquisite set of china, and despite the
-fact that it has been in daily use for more than one hundred years, only
-two small pieces are missing from the set of 200 pieces. This gives an
-idea of the order and system, and the appreciation for the valuable and
-beautiful at Propinquity.
-
-The house is occupied by Miss Rebecca Miller and Mrs. M. E. Fauntleroy,
-who are descendants of the renowned Jane Long.
-
-  [Illustration: RAVENNA (_front_)]
-
-  [Illustration: Azaleas, Little Ravenna]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Ravenna_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Ravenna]
-
-At the end of Union street, on ten acres of ground which edges a great
-ravine or bayou, stands Ravenna, the present home of Mrs. Richard I.
-Metcalf.
-
-Ravenna was built more than one hundred years ago by the Harris family.
-It has stood the test of time and of the tornado of 1840. It stands
-today in the superior dignity of perfection. The property was acquired
-by the family of its present owner about eighty years ago.
-
-Ravenna shows every evidence of an inherited love of flowers. This comes
-from Andrew Brown of “Brown’s Gardens”, and Mrs. Metcalf, a direct
-descendant, has expressed that inherited taste and talent in the
-beautification of Ravenna.
-
-The house is the large Colonial type. An outstanding feature of the
-interior is an exquisite stairway and a great assembly of unusual,
-massive antiques.
-
-The charm of Ravenna is its setting. Facing a great ravine, the old home
-is surrounded by flowers. A huge wisteria vine covers the front of the
-house with purple blossoms. The side of the place toward the town is
-enclosed by a high iron fence of massive design. The main entrance is
-through heavy iron gates that lead along the winding tulip bordered
-driveway to the front portico. Bordering this driveway are radiant
-azalea bushes and japonicas, while at certain seasons of the year the
-deep pink of flowering peach trees and almond trees give vivid color
-splotches which intensify the beauty of these grounds.
-
-A point of interesting antiquity at Ravenna is the name “Caroline
-Harris” scratched with a diamond into a window pane. This proves
-conclusively that the windows were there in 1840 when the Harrises owned
-Ravenna.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-During the War Between the States the peace of Ravenna was greatly
-disturbed by Federal soldiers who ordered the Metcalfs to leave this
-home. Mrs. Metcalf was suspected of communicating with the Confederate
-soldiers through the bayou.
-
-Alter the war Ravenna was reclaimed and again occupied by the Metcalf
-family.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-“Little Ravenna”, the cottage home of the late Mrs. Zulika Metcalf
-Lawrence, stands on the Ravenna grounds, as does also a palatial
-residence occupied by Mrs. Roan Fleming Byrnes, who is a leading spirit
-in promoting the great Natchez Trace highway project.
-
-This group of family homes, under the sheltering eaves of the parent
-home, Ravenna, eloquently bespeaks that close and lovable family life of
-the South as it has existed for generations.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: The lyre motif in mirror and table is unusual. Tester
-  bed is typical.]
-
-  [Illustration: Queen of a recent Confederate Ball, Miss Roane Adams,
-  poses beneath the portrait of her grandmother in the drawing room of
-  Ravenna.]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Oakland_
-
-
-Among the numerous ante-bellum homes of Natchez which are today owned
-and occupied by lineal descendants of the original owners “Oakland”
-stands preeminent. Built in 1838 for Catherine Chotard Eustis, the
-granddaughter of Major Stephen Minor, this home remains in the
-possession of the Minor family. The present owner is Mrs. Jeanne Minor
-McDowell. Major Minor was the last Governor of the Natchez District
-under Spanish rule.
-
-Oakland is located in secluded grounds, and, as its name implies, stands
-in a land of oaks.
-
-The house is a substantial brick building with a wide front portico and
-broad brick steps. The spacious center hallway opens with heavy mahogany
-entrance doors into an old-fashioned parlor on the right and a large
-dining room on the left. The walls are covered with the original paper.
-
-Many pieces of the original furnishings remain. Several rare pieces were
-brought to Oakland from “Concord”, which was the Governor’s official
-mansion and was destroyed by fire.
-
-The Minors were lovers of race horses, and valuable paintings of
-beautiful horses owned by the family adorn the walls. Two especially
-fine horse pictures are by Troye. Many silver trophies of racing
-victories form an interesting part of Oakland possessions.
-
-In this house is a bed of unique type, known as “a family bed”. It is a
-huge four-poster with silken tester. As broad as it is long, there is
-plenty of room for six persons to sleep comfortably!
-
-Ante-bellum gardens wherein grow verbena, gardenia, and sweet olive,
-with clipped boxwood borders, complete the handsome setting of Oakland.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Richmond_
-
-
-Life at Richmond today seems a continuous house party. The present
-owners (seven daughters, one son, and one granddaughter of the late
-Shelby Marshall) are the fifth and sixth generations of the illustrious
-Levin R. Marshall family to own and occupy this old and hospitable
-mansion. It contains 41 rooms.
-
-The architecture of Richmond shows three distinct styles. The original
-center building, 153 years old, is of Spanish design; the front, 105
-years old, is of Greek design; and 77 years ago the square English
-portion of the house was built.
-
-The Spanish part, constructed of sturdy hand-hewn timbers, brick, and
-cement, is in an excellent state of preservation. It has stood without
-reconstruction throughout the years. There is a cement patio on the
-ground level, and cypress steps with artistic iron grill rails reach the
-main floor from the outside. Here one can sound the door knocker, and
-soon hear heavy wooden bars being lifted. This was the security against
-Indians and other intruders of early days, and such protection remains
-intact at Richmond.
-
-In 1832 Richmond became the property of Levin R. Marshall,
-great-great-grandfather of the present owners, and it was he who added
-the lovely Greek portion. This addition contains six large rooms on the
-main floor and four in the basement.
-
-Twenty-eight years later, in order to accommodate a rapidly growing
-family and numbers of guests, the red brick English addition was built
-in the rear.
-
-The main entrance has a front portion with classic Corinthian columns
-supporting the roof. A broad hall, the length of two twenty-foot rooms,
-runs through the center to a formal dining room. This formal room opens
-with four tall folding doors into a smaller family dining room. There
-are double drawing rooms on the left side of the great hall.
-
-The massive old furniture remains today in Richmond, as does the family
-silver, which is the most ornate and beautiful silver service in the
-entire South.
-
-The front drawing room harbors a greatly prized relic of the past—the
-quaint concert grand piano which was used to accompany the famous
-song-bird Jenny Lind when, under the management of that superb showman,
-P. T. Barnum, she toured the South. A beautiful portrait of Jenny Lind
-hangs near the old piano.
-
-Richmond contains a rich treasure store of old laces, quaint costumes,
-and queer candelabra. Quite recently there was discovered an assortment
-of pans and plumber’s equipment. When assembled this “find” proved to be
-a bathtub of probably the 1850 model. The fastidious bather stood in a
-tin basin, pulled a curtain for privacy, while a slave by means of a
-small hand pump pumped water from a two-gallon tank overhead; this water
-ran over the bather, down into the basin, and was, in turn, pumped up
-and the bather reshowered.
-
-Fortunes have been made and lost by Richmond owners. The generosity of
-Levin R. Marshall extended to the State of Texas and the town of
-Marshall, in Texas, is named in honor of this family.
-
-  [Illustration: Three of the cultures that have contributed to the
-  charm of Natchez are represented in Richmond. Post-Colonial Neo-Greek
-  is shown at the left, Spanish in the center, and English Georgian on
-  the right.]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: FORT ROSALIE Built by the French in the early 18th
-  century, it was the scene of the Indian massacre of 1729.]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Rosalie_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Rosalie]
-
-In the Natchez country “Rosalie” is a magic name. It conjures up
-memories of startling days that were, and stimulates the imagination to
-see Indians and soldiers and people from foreign lands.
-
-The home, “Rosalie”, bears the name and is situated near the site of
-Fort Rosalie, which was built by the French in the early 1700’s.
-
-No home in Natchez is of greater historical importance than Rosalie. The
-building was started about 1820 by Peter B. Little, and required seven
-years for completion. All materials are of the choicest selection.
-Home-burned bricks and hand-hewn timbers were used in its construction.
-
-Rosalie is situated 200 feet above the Mississippi River. It is now the
-home of Miss Rebecca Rumble and Mrs. James Marsh. It contains many
-original pieces of furniture, carpets, and exquisite chandeliers. A
-valuable piece is the mahogany table at which Jefferson Davis, president
-of the Confederacy, and U. S. Grant dined.
-
-Mr. Little married his thirteen-year-old ward, and sent her to Baltimore
-to be educated. It was while she was in school that he built this
-mansion in which to receive her when she returned.
-
-It is believed that the ground immediately back of Rosalie is the site
-of the great Indian massacre of the French in 1729.
-
-Railroad tracks and driveways have cut through the acres that were
-originally Rosalie private grounds, but the yard and gardens of the old
-home are well kept and are filled with old-fashioned flowers and
-shrubbery of days long gone.
-
-Rosalie was General Grant’s headquarters during the Federal occupation
-of Natchez in the War Between the States.
-
-The present occupants display with much pride the huge four-poster
-mahogany bed in which General Grant slept during his stay at this old
-house.
-
-Rosalie has been purchased by the Daughters of the American Revolution,
-and will be maintained as a public shrine. Many of the encroaching
-industrial buildings will soon give way to the original acreage that
-formed the gardens of Rosalie.
-
-  [Illustration: This Bed in Rosalie Has a Prayer Pad at Its Side.]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Parsonage_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Parsonage]
-
-Under the very eaves of old “Rosalie” with its historic background of
-Fort Rosalie, stands a sturdy square structure known as “The Parsonage”.
-
-It is a brick building with an English basement, the entrance leading by
-broad steps to the elevated first floor.
-
-While of no particular historic interest, The Parsonage has its story.
-
-It was built by Peter Little, the owner and builder of Rosalie, and
-bears the same evidence of sturdy construction exemplified in the larger
-home.
-
-Like most men, Mr. Little wanted the privacy of his own home, while Mrs.
-Little, due to religious enthusiasm, felt called upon to entertain every
-preacher and his family who passed that way. By reason of this devotion
-to religious duty, “Rosalie” was kept filled with ministerial guests.
-
-Following a long siege of such guests Mr. Little declared to his wife,
-“I am going to build a home for your church friends and their families”.
-True to this decision he built a lovely home, and in November 1850
-deeded it to the Methodist Church and called it “The Parsonage”.
-
-After the death of his young wife Mr. Little lived on at Rosalie, a
-brokenhearted, lonely old man, until, tradition tells, while ill and
-alone, in the dark hours of night, the master of Rosalie and builder of
-The Parsonage which he designed to insure his seclusion, was murdered by
-one of his own slaves.
-
-Later The Parsonage was sold. Today, with its exquisite antique
-furnishings, it is the property of the Orrick Metcalfs, who are
-descendants of one of Natchez’ oldest and most respected families.
-
-
-
-
-                             _Stanton Hall_
-
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-In the heart of the city of Natchez stands an imposing mansion, “Stanton
-Hall”. It is surrounded by a half-acre of rolling lawn which is enclosed
-by an iron fence. This strong iron fence is in a delicate design and is
-itself worth a small fortune.
-
-Stanton Hall is the most handsome old home, and probably the most
-expensive, in the entire Natchez area. It is not of great historical
-value but it well represents the architectural grandeur of the Old
-South.
-
-It was built during the 1851-56 period. As the building materials were
-imported, the house required several years for its construction.
-
-On the first floor there are four tremendous rooms and a broad hall.
-Hand carvings for doors and windows, Carrara marble mantels, silver and
-bronze hinges, bronze chandeliers, and exquisite over-size mirrors
-required a specially chartered ship for their delivery to complete this
-handsome home. It was built for Frederick Stanton of Belfast, Ireland,
-and his young wife, Hulda Helm Stanton, a lady of the Natchez
-neighborhood.
-
-The spacious grounds resemble a well-kept park. Aged oaks spread their
-moss-draped boughs in a latticed shield, as it were, across the front
-where white Corinthian columns support the massive portico which is
-outlined by iron grill railings of intricate lacy pattern.
-
-To the right of the entrance is a large drawing room, and back of this,
-through an elaborate archway, is a very unusual music room. This room is
-decorated with murals of musical instruments on which appear the names
-of the great old music masters.
-
-  [Illustration: Stanton Hall]
-
-Woodwork and doors on the first floor are of solid mahogany, with silver
-hinges and silver door knobs.
-
-After Stanton Hall passed from the original owners in the year 1894, it
-was used as a select school, known as “Stanton College for Young
-Ladies”.
-
-In August 1920 Robert T. Clarke bought Stanton Hall and has occupied it
-since that date. He recently sold the property to the Pilgrimage Garden
-Club.
-
-
-
-
-                            _Weymouth Hall_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Weymouth Hall]
-
-Unusual and peculiar is the construction of Weymouth Hall. It was
-purchased by Col. John Weymouth in 1821 and was rebuilt in 1852 by the
-Bullock family. It is a three-story brick building overlooking the
-Mississippi River, and has for its back view acres of Natchez cemetery.
-
-The upper stories are reached by a winding stairway. The third floor is
-a ballroom. During the War Between the States this room was used as
-headquarters for Union soldiers because it gave a perfect view of the
-river and surrounding country.
-
-Stark Young in _So Red the Rose_ refers to Weymouth Hall and the death
-of Mrs. John Weymouth in the room below the Union headquarters. He gives
-a vivid description of the agony of the family as they watched a loved
-one slip away forever amid the hostile booming of drums above her
-bedroom.
-
-The furnishings, woodwork, and mantels in Weymouth Hall are fascinating
-in perfection and antiquity. In the living room on the second floor is a
-black marble mantel inlaid with colored roses of mother of pearl.
-Fabulous offers have been declined for this mantel. There is probably
-not another like it in the entire South.
-
-This old home is now owned and occupied by the Zurhellen and Morton
-families, who are lineal descendants of Mrs. John Weymouth.
-
-
-
-
-                           _Ruins of Windsor_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Ruins of Windsor]
-
-Twenty-two stone Corinthian columns stand today as remnants of a grand
-example of ante-bellum Greek Revival architecture.
-
-Windsor was built in 1861 by S. C. Daniel, a wealthy Mississippi planter
-who also had large land holdings in Louisiana. It had five stories,
-topped by an observatory. It is said that Mark Twain, when a Mississippi
-steamboat pilot, charted his course at this point by the lofty tower of
-Windsor.
-
-The house and its furnishings were destroyed by fire in 1890.
-
-
-
-
-                           _Windy Hill Manor_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Windy Hill Manor]
-
-Nine miles from Natchez, on the Liberty road, in a picturesque,
-moss-draped grove, stands “Windy Hill Manor”, home of the Misses
-Stanton.
-
-The records show that Windy Hill originally belonged to Joseph Ford. It
-was under the ownership of Benjamin Osmun, a close friend of Aaron Burr,
-that the place received its great historical interest.
-
-After Aaron Burr had been accused of treason against his own country and
-released on $5,000 bail, he was invited to be the guest of his old
-friend Benjamin Osmun at Windy Hill.
-
-One hundred and twenty years ago Benjamin Osmun sold this plantation to
-General Brandon, great-grandfather of the Stanton sisters who now occupy
-it. The Stantons gave the property the name of “Windy Hill Manor”.
-
-Architecturally this house, like many of the cottage type ante-bellum
-homes, is a surprise, when upon entering it is found to be of commodious
-proportions.
-
-It is a story-and-a-half, plantation type home, with wide porch and
-large columns across the front.
-
-There is a beautiful spiral stairway in the wide front hall. To the left
-is a large drawing room containing numerous relics of days long gone;
-portraits of past generations; antique furniture, and a most interesting
-collection of Indian relics. Also, an unusual fireplace and mantel are
-in this room.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-Time has marched on but Windy Hill Manor remains a living, vibrant
-picture of the days of the ease and graciousness of the Old South. The
-Misses Stanton complete the perfection of this period picture.
-
-Here our visit to the old estates comes to an end. Lack of space has
-prevented inclusion of all of the ante-bellum homes, but we hope that we
-have nevertheless captured the charm of Natchez.
-
-  [Illustration: AARON BURR OAKS]
-
-
-
-
-                          Transcriber’s Notes
-
-
---Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public
-  domain in the country of publication.
-
---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and
-  dialect unchanged.
-
---Moved some captions closer to the corresponding pictures, removing
-  extraneous spatial references like “(next page)”.
-
---In the text versions, delimited italicized text by _underscores_.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Natchez, Symbol of the Old South, by 
-Nola Nance Oliver
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-Project Gutenberg's Natchez, Symbol of the Old South, by Nola Nance Oliver
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Natchez, Symbol of the Old South
-
-Author: Nola Nance Oliver
-
-Release Date: December 30, 2016 [EBook #53830]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NATCHEZ, SYMBOL OF THE OLD SOUTH ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, MFR and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
-
-
-
-
-
-
-  [Illustration: THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI FROM THE BLUFFS OF NATCHEZ]
-
-  [Illustration: THE GATES OF DUNLEITH]
-
-  [Illustration: Natchez, Symbol of the Old South]
-
-
-
-
-                           NOLA NANCE OLIVER
-
-
-
-
-                               _Natchez_
-                        SYMBOL OF THE OLD SOUTH
-
-
-                 HASTINGS HOUSE � PUBLISHERS � NEW YORK
-
-  [Illustration: MONTEIGNE--Stairhall]
-
-
-               This book is dedicated to Louise and Mary.
-
-    _Copyright, 1940, by Nola Nance Oliver. Printed in the U. S. A._
-
-
-
-
-                               _Foreword_
-
-
-Natchez derives its name from the sun-worshiping Indian tribe, the
-Natchez, who were the original owners of the area on which the city is
-located. It is situated in Adams county, in the southwestern part of the
-state of Mississippi, on bluffs 200 feet high overlooking the
-Mississippi River, and is midway between Memphis and New Orleans. It is
-accessible by railway, steamboat, motor highway and airway. It is
-particularly proud of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a modern concrete road
-over an old Indian trace or trail from Nashville to Natchez. This
-highway is a link in one of the most important commercial and historic
-highways in the United States reaching from Washington, D. C., to
-Mexico.
-
-Today Natchez is a recognized center of interest because in the city and
-its vicinity there are a greater number of original ante-bellum mansions
-than in any other community in America--some 75 or more.
-
-Natchez is the second oldest town in the United States, being next in
-age to St. Augustine, Florida. It has lived under five different flags,
-each of which contributed romantic flavor to the section. From 1714 to
-1763 it was under the flag of France; from 1764 to 1780 under the flag
-of England; and from 1780 to 1798 under the flag of Spain. In 1798 the
-first United States flag in the Lower Mississippi Valley was raised in
-Natchez. Years after the raising of the "stars and stripes", another
-flag which some call "the conquered banner", the beloved flag of the
-Confederate States of America, floated over Natchez, 1861-'65.
-
-Natchez "Under the Hill" applies to that part of the town along the
-water front and under the bluffs. It flourished during the heyday of
-steamboating on the Mississippi. The inroads of the river have washed
-away the streets, and only a few buildings remain. One very interesting
-home, "Magnolia Vale", has been preserved and is presented in this book.
-
-The majority of these old homes contain original pieces of furniture,
-china, coin silver service, draperies, carpets, wall decorations of
-exquisite workmanship, huge mirrors in massive goldleaf frames,
-paintings bearing authentic signatures of great masters, and hand-carved
-marble mantels. Laces, silks, and rich costumes are displayed today by
-third, fourth and fifth generations.
-
-It seems hardly possible that the world could move on and leave one
-small community undisturbed in its ancient grandeur. The hand of destiny
-seems indeed to uphold and enshrine this hallowed region. The estates
-have descended from generation to generation, many of them today being
-owned and occupied by descendants of the original owners.
-
-Natchezians have been entirely satisfied, even proud, to be termed
-"provincial". A sense of inherent aristocracy has given these people a
-secure and placid self-sufficiency which neither time nor stress of
-outside conditions nor the frettings of progress can jar or mar.
-
-Within the past ten years tourists have come. They clamored for
-entertainment. And now, maintaining the established reputation for
-"hospitality of the true South", each Spring season Natchez opens wide
-her gates and invites the world to come "where the Old South still
-lives".
-
-The "company dress" of great-grandparents, which has been sacredly
-stored away for scores of years, is brought out, and overnight the whole
-town, in manners and dress, returns to those halcyon days of long ago.
-The streets are filled with young and old in ante-bellum costumes. Sweet
-olive trees and magnolia trees are in fragrant bloom, flower gardens are
-fresh and inviting, moss-draped oaks ring with the song of native birds,
-the old homes are opened, treasures are placed on view, and visitors are
-given a Southland welcome. The "Pilgrimage" is on!
-
-In addition to guided tours through ante-bellum houses special
-entertainments are planned for each evening. Confederate balls,
-historical pageants, and many other colorful events of the past are
-re-enacted. Spirituals are sung in old-fashioned Negro churches where
-the "pahson" is eager to greet "our white friends". On spacious
-plantation grounds an old-time Southern barbecue prepared by black
-mammies will be served.
-
-A custom which has long prevailed in Natchez is the placing of coins in
-a box for old darky beggars. On Saturdays every merchant observes "Penny
-Day", as it is called. It originated as a time saver, the box being
-placed in a convenient location to avoid interruption of the store's
-business. There are many regular "customers" for this feature and they
-are always welcome. "Penny Day" is a thoughtful, good-natured gesture to
-the needy Negro from his "white folks".
-
-Pictures of the old homes with accurate data and intimate stories and
-legends constitute _Natchez, Symbol of the Old South_. Most of the
-photographs are by Earl Norman.
-
-A fascinating visit is given you by one who knows and loves the
-Southland. You will be delighted and enriched.
-
-  [Illustration: Uncle Wash, a Regular Customer on Penny Day]
-
-
-
-
-                          _The Natchez Tribe_
-
-
-A bronze plaque of a handsome Indian chief has been erected in a granite
-wall overlooking the great "Father of Waters", in memory of the Natchez
-Indian tribe from which the city of Natchez derives its name.
-
-The Natchez Indians were of Aztec origin and were in possession of the
-Natchez country when the French came in 1700. They were sun-worshiping
-Indians, and their great chief proclaimed himself "brother to the Sun".
-
-White Apple village, ten miles south of Natchez, was headquarters of the
-Natchez tribe. They resented the invasion of the French explorers into
-their country, and because of an insult (real or fancied) to their Chief
-by a French Commandant, on November 28, 1729, the Indians slaughtered
-the entire French settlement at Fort Rosalie. Later a French colony,
-with the assistance of the Choctaws, a warring Indian tribe, annihilated
-every member of the Natchez tribe.
-
-Undoubtedly this was the country of the Natchez tribe, and the beautiful
-plaque is a deserved reminder of the days when the land was one hundred
-per cent American.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: ON NATCHEZ TRACE]
-
-
-
-
-                            _Natchez Trace_
-
-
-Opportunity for easy travel, over trails that were once Indian foot
-paths, is offered now to motorists on perfect concrete highways. Modern
-roads, which slowly evolved from dirt roads to paved highways, stretch
-from Nashville, Tennessee, in a continuous smooth concrete ribbon to
-Natchez, on the great Mississippi River.
-
-Days when the beauty of the Southland could be viewed only from a
-steamboat deck; days when transportation of passenger and freight could
-be handled only by oxcart or slow stage coach or horse and buggy (a
-three-weeks journey from Nashville to Natchez) are gone forever, and
-soon the Deep South will be directly connected by a day's pleasant
-journey with all the cities and towns along the Natchez Trace.
-
-By treaty with Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian tribes the United States
-Government in 1801 secured a permit to open the Natchez Trace as a wagon
-road over which the mails could travel.
-
-That same trail or "trace" from Nashville to Natchez is 500 miles of
-consecutive beauty spots along continuous acres of parkways and historic
-highways.
-
-Mrs. Roan Fleming Byrnes, serving as President of the Natchez Trace
-Highway Committee, in a recent publication says:
-
-  "The ancient trail was traveled by most of the well-known figures in
-  the history of our country: Jefferson Davis; Peggy and Lorenzo Dow,
-  the revivalists; the fast riding John Morgan; the famous Audubon.
-  Lafayette rode over the Trace during his visit to the Natchez country;
-  Aaron Burr was given his preliminary trial for treason under two
-  liveoaks just beside the Trace; Meriwether Lewis died at an inn on the
-  Trace when returning from his Western explorations.
-
-  "The life of Andrew Jackson is closely interwoven with the windings of
-  the Natchez Trace. At Springfield plantation, in Jefferson county,
-  Mississippi, Jackson was married to Rachael Robards; and, near
-  Nashville, Tennessee, is the 'Hermitage', the home he built for
-  Rachael.
-
-  "It was when marching his rejected Tennessee militia homeward over the
-  Trace from Natchez to Nashville in 1813 that Jackson acquired his
-  famous nickname, 'Old Hickory'."
-
-The unusual beauty of the deep cut roadways, worn down by travel
-throughout the years, and the overlapping, moss-draped trees, will be
-preserved as far as possible.
-
-Many of these old roads running into Natchez lead through deep,
-tunnel-like ways whose sides are sheer walls ten to eighty feet high and
-draped with long fronds of overhanging Spanish moss.
-
-These roadways of tunnels and curves are weird and beautiful, affording
-an irresistible attraction for all travelers.
-
-
-
-
-                                _Airlie_
-
-
-Built prior to 1790, "Airlie" is a rambling, wide-spread building of
-cottage type, on a rolling elevation at the end of Myrtle street. It
-attracts attention through its unusual simplicity of exterior. Its
-architecture is entirely different from other ante-bellum homes in the
-community.
-
-This great departure from the usual style is due to the age of Airlie.
-Its original building date is ahead of all the available history of
-Natchez.
-
-Additions have been made, from time to time, until today Airlie stands
-twelve rooms broad, reaching a row of venerable cedars with their
-swaying moss which sweeps the eaves of this old home of the Ayres P.
-Merrill family.
-
-The central portion is built on old Spanish style, with beams and
-timbers held together by wooden pegs; later additions show that these
-were made by somewhat improved methods.
-
-Airlie is often referred to as "the old Buckner home". It was occupied
-by the Buckner family at the time of its first recorded history and
-during the War Between the States when conflicts at Airlie left blood
-stains on its floors and walls which are clearly visible today.
-
-This house was for a time used as a hospital for Northern soldiers.
-
-When Airlie passed from the Buckner family it became the property of
-another family of distinction, that of Ayres P. Merrill, whose
-descendants occupy Airlie today, with its treasure of rosewood and
-mahogany antiques.
-
-  [Illustration: Airlie]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-The present Merrill family are the proud possessors of hundreds of
-pieces of Du Barry and other imported china from France and Belgium, as
-well as a silver service of rare design and sacred antiquity which might
-well excite the envy of Royalty itself.
-
-There are many persons who believe Airlie was the first residence built
-in the Natchez territory. No definite date in authentic records can be
-found.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Arlington_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Arlington]
-
-Where Natchez' Main street ends, the great wide gates of Arlington open.
-Live oaks with pendant gray moss line the driveway, which winds through
-beds of vari-colored irises to one of the most distinctively attractive
-ante-bellum homes in the South.
-
-Of Southern Colonial type, constructed of red brick with stately white
-Tuscan columns supporting the upper story gallery, Arlington today, more
-than a century old, presents a magnificent appearance.
-
-The great carved entrance door leading to the spacious hall is crowned
-with intricately wrought fanlights, and the broad veranda is approached
-by wide steps of concrete.
-
-Arlington was built for Mrs. Jane White, eldest daughter of Pierre
-Surget, who came from France in the early days of Natchez. The house was
-completed about 1820 but on the very first night of her residence in the
-home of her heart's desire Mrs. White passed away suddenly. Many tales
-have been told of a mysterious death but none has been verified. At her
-death Mrs. White left Arlington and all its treasures to her sister,
-Mrs. Bingaman.
-
-  [Illustration: HALL]
-
-  [Illustration: IMPOSING COLUMNED DOORWAY LEADING FROM HALL]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-Five generations of the Pierre Surget family occupied Arlington. Each in
-turn contributed to its wealth of rare treasures. The original furniture
-was imported from France.
-
-Across the broad hallway which is hung with rare paintings by old-world
-masters such as Vernet, Baroccio, Carlo Dolci, and Coccanari, is the
-Music Room which contains a spinet more than three hundred years old.
-There are family portraits in this room--some of musicians in the
-family--by such renowned artists as Sully, Audubon, Albani, Fidanza, and
-Maratti.
-
-The Library holds some five thousand books.
-
-Mrs. Hubert Barnum, the present owner of Arlington, comes from a long
-line of Natchez aristocracy. Arlington was given her as a wedding gift
-from her husband, who recently passed away. Mrs. Barnum while keeping
-the home atmosphere of Arlington has made it, also, a veritable private
-museum, rich in beauty, in rare books, and antiques.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-
-
-
-                                _Auburn_
-
-
-Built in 1812, a full century and a quarter ago, by Dr. Stephen Duncan,
-"Auburn" mansion is noted today as in bygone historic days for its
-architectural beauty and the natural beauty of its surrounding acres.
-
-Auburn is a magnificent red brick structure with great white columns
-supporting its broad front galleries. The bricks were made on the
-premises by slave labor. On the first floor are spacious drawing rooms,
-a large dining room, a family dining room, library, smoking room, and
-two hallways. Above stairs are six huge bedrooms with high ceilings.
-
-In the rear of the main mansion is a two-storied brick kitchen which is
-connected with the main building by a flagged patio. The servants'
-quarters are above with the kitchen and pantries on the ground floor.
-The kitchen has the giant fireplace with cranes and pots and the
-old-time "spit" where meats were roasted.
-
-Entrance to Auburn is through a classic doorway which has been aptly
-called "an architect's dream of beauty".
-
-  [Illustration: Classic Entrance Doorway]
-
-  [Illustration: Grand Hallway]
-
-Inside the house there is a majestic spiral stairway rising to the grand
-high hallway, without support except at its base. This amazing feature
-intrigues the imagination.
-
-In early days Auburn entertained many celebrities, among them Henry
-Clay, Edward Everett Hale, and John Howard Payne. The same gracious
-hospitality maintains today.
-
-Auburn is the property of the city of Natchez by deed of gift from
-Stephen Duncan, and is used as the deed stipulates for the "amusement,
-entertainment, and recreation, without cost or monetary consideration,
-of Natchez citizens". It is the handsome headquarters of several
-distinguished local clubs.
-
-The women's clubs of Natchez have undertaken the task of furnishing the
-lower floor with valuable antiques of the period of its original
-furnishings.
-
-The acreage surrounding it is known as Duncan Park in compliment to the
-Duncan family who gave it to the city. It contains huge, aged,
-moss-draped oaks, alluring sweet olive trees, famous magnolias,
-shrubbery and vines, old-fashioned gardens, a golf course, and
-playground with swings and merry-go-rounds used every day in the year
-for the health and frolic of children.
-
-  [Illustration: The Unsupported Spiral Stairway Rises to the Grand
-  Hallway.]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: Old Milk House. Slaves pumped cool cistern water into
-  long zinc vats providing Auburn's cooling system for its crocks of
-  milk.]
-
-  [Illustration: Food prepared in the kitchen below the servants'
-  quarters was carried in hot urns to dining rooms by servants stationed
-  along "the ways".]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Belmont_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Belmont]
-
-Sturdy as the Rock of Gibraltar stands this imposing Neo-Greek mansion.
-It was known originally as "Cleremont", and was built in the early 40's
-by one Loxley Thistle.
-
-Storm and strife have beaten against the doors of this stronghold but it
-was built after a disastrous tornado which put a great fear in the minds
-of builders of that period, and Belmont (as it was renamed) was
-constructed to resist fierce storms, although at the same time exquisite
-lines of beauty were maintained.
-
-This place with its thirty acres of land has changed hands oftener than
-any ante-bellum home in Natchez. Its history is broken and uncertain. It
-was undoubtedly built by imported craftsmen who had the help of local
-carpenters and slave labor.
-
-Many prominent families of Natchez are identified with Belmont at some
-period in its history. Within its fort-like walls Natchez elite often
-sipped rare old wine from its private sub-cellar in frequent
-celebrations.
-
-Belmont has its ghost story of whispering souls wandering through the
-high-ceilinged halls--ghosts created to scare the slaves, and "whispers"
-which proved to be the swishing of chimney swallows rushing in and out
-of their nests.
-
-The approach to Belmont is a majestic line of moss-draped cedars and
-giant oak trees standing sentinel-like over the gardens of days long
-passed.
-
-Louis Fry, present owner, plans the complete restoration of Belmont. It
-may soon ring with echoes of happier days.
-
-
-
-
-                              _Belvidere_
-
-
-On Homochitto street, in the shadow of magnificent "Dunleith", is a
-simple white cottage, "Belvidere", which for generations has been the
-home of the Henderson family.
-
-Originally Belvidere was the center of a fourteen acre tract of wooded
-land which was the property of Christopher Miller, who was secretary to
-the Spanish Governor of Natchez, Gayoso de Lemos. The Hendersons are
-descendants of Christopher Miller.
-
-Simple and unostentatious this small cottage stands with her very toes,
-as it were, on the street where once broad acreage spread. These acres
-gave space in later years for a public school and a paved highway.
-
-Belvidere is more than 100 years old, and has been for more than a
-century owned and occupied by one family.
-
-It is simply furnished, and much of it is the original furniture, more
-than 100 years old. Two pictures of special interest adorn the walls,
-silhouettes of Samuel Brooks and his wife--"the first Mayor of Natchez
-and his Lady". These pictures were made in 1753.
-
-Rare Venetian glass and china and many exquisite pieces of porcelain are
-found in Belvidere.
-
-The property is now owned and occupied by Mrs. Florence Henderson Kelly
-and her son and daughter, Thomas G. and Ellen N.
-
-  [Illustration: Belvidere]
-
-
-
-
-                             _Brandon Hall_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Brandon Hall]
-
-This old home is not in the immediate Natchez area but its owner and his
-descendants are so closely allied with all that is Natchez that Brandon
-Hall is rightfully considered a Natchez asset and is included in its
-list of ante-bellum homes.
-
-Gerard Brandon of Ireland came to Natchez prior to the Revolutionary
-War, and more than a century ago "Selma Plantation", from whose acres
-came the grounds of Brandon Hall, was built by him. Mr. Brandon was a
-successful farmer and was one of the original pecan growers in the
-county. He came to Natchez from South Carolina.
-
-Brandon Hall was built by Gerard Brandon the Third in 1856, and stands
-today a splendid monument to a grand old family. It is sturdily
-constructed. Its timbers are secured with thumb screws and wooden pegs.
-
-
-
-
-                             _Cherry Grove_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Cherry Grove]
-
-Built of primeval timbers, cut and hewn by slaves on the place, the old
-home at Cherry Grove plantation "sits tight" secured by dependable
-wooden pegs. It was built in 1788 when time and expense of labor were of
-little consideration, and nails and modern building equipment were not
-available.
-
-Pierre Surget of La Rochelle, France, built this Spanish style house, on
-a Spanish land grant, for his wife, Katherine d'Hubert, and from this
-couple have come some of Natchez' most prominent families.
-
-Mr. Surget was a seaman for many years before coming to the Natchez
-country, and Cherry Grove was built with the sturdiness of a seaworthy
-vessel.
-
-The home has never passed out of the Surget family. Its present owner,
-Mrs. Carlotta Surget McKittrick, now possesses the original Spanish land
-grant made to Pierre Surget in the 1700's.
-
-In a small cemetery within sight of the old home, enclosed by an
-imported iron fence, lie the bodies of Pierre Surget and his wife,
-Katherine.
-
-Descendants of the Surget slaves remain in the "quarters" to look after
-the place, and to plant and gather cotton from its vast acres.
-
-The house is unoccupied. Much of the original furnishing remains intact,
-and a Surget heir is today sole owner of the quaint old dwelling of her
-illustrious forbears.
-
-
-
-
-                              _The Briers_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Varina Howell and Jefferson Davis Were Married in This
-  Room.]
-
-  [Illustration: The Briers]
-
-Could Jefferson Davis and his beloved wife, Varina, return to The Briers
-today they would be pleased to find it in a perfect state of
-preservation.
-
-"The Briers", a typical story-and-a-half country home, was given to
-Louise Kemp at the time of her marriage to William Burr Howell, who was
-a cousin of Aaron Burr. And here Varina Howell was born May 7, 1826.
-This home was the scene of Varina's marriage to Jefferson Davis on
-February 12, 1845. Mr. Davis later became "President of the
-Confederacy".
-
-The house is situated on a knoll overlooking the Mississippi river, with
-a view of the cotton lands of Louisiana. The view of the Mississippi
-shown in the end papers was taken from the lawn of this house. It stands
-in the center of a forest of oak, pine, and pecan trees, and can be
-reached by only one narrow winding roadway, through deep woods, around
-bayous and ravines, hanging heavy with bushes and brambles. The house is
-quite similar to the Virginia type of country home.
-
-When the present owner, Mrs. W. W. Wall, purchased The Briers a few
-years ago, it was in a sad state of dilapidation. By great and loving
-labor, and generous expenditure of money and time, The Briers today is
-in perfect condition. It is now a charming credit to Natchez and to the
-memory of Jefferson Davis and his wife, Varina.
-
-The early architectural lines have been followed and materials similar
-to the original ones have been used. The broad veranda across the entire
-front, with many small wooden pillars and hand-turned spindle
-bannisters, the wide entrance steps, the quaint old dormer windows with
-their 12-pane sashes and heavy green blinds, form the perfect picture of
-the original plantation home of the Howells and Jefferson Davis.
-
-The simplicity of the floor plan is pleasing. The furniture includes
-many reproductions of rare original pieces. There is a restful, sacred
-serenity in The Briers worthy of its illustrious original owners.
-
-For the pleasure of visitors from the outside world, the present
-mistress keeps open house throughout the year, and hundreds of
-interested persons from every part of the United States pass through the
-portals of this home--the shrine of Jefferson Davis and Varina Howell.
-
-
-
-
-                               _The Burn_
-
-
-Another old home that was once situated in the center of vast acreage is
-"The Burn". Streets have been cut through, lots sold and residences
-erected until today this quaint old home, originally the residence of
-John P. Walworth of Ohio, is in the very heart of the residence district
-of Natchez.
-
-While the "old Walworth home", as it was so long known, was built about
-1834, its most interesting history is concerned with the war of 1861-65.
-
-The Burn is a homey-looking house of the story-and-a-half cottage type
-with spacious halls and nineteen rooms in the main building. High
-ceilings, mahogany woodwork, and wide, hand-rubbed board floors are
-indicative of its early period.
-
-By reason of its spacious and numerous rooms, and its accessibility to
-the river front and the Battery, "The Burn" was made headquarters for
-the Federal Artillery in the War Between the States. With only 24 hours'
-notice the family left their comfortable home to be occupied by the
-enemy. Major Coleman and his soldiers took possession of The Burn, and
-today on a window pane in the house can be seen the Major's full name as
-cut there by a diamond more than seventy-five years ago.
-
-Within the last few years The Burn has been purchased by S. B. Laub, who
-is a direct descendant of the Beekman family. Mr. and Mrs. Laub have
-reclaimed and rebuilt every part of the old house with strict observance
-of the original architecture.
-
-  [Illustration: An Interesting Treatment Of Transom And Side Lights]
-
-  [Illustration: The Burn]
-
-A letter from the granddaughter of the original owner of The Burn
-written to its present owners and published in the _Natchez Democrat_
-tells the complete story:
-
-  "The Burn property when purchased by John P. Walworth in 1834 extended
-  from Union street to Clifton Heights. The home was erected the same
-  year, and got its name from the Scotch, meaning 'The Brook', which ran
-  through the property where Pearl street now is.
-
-  "Architects and builders were brought from the East, the finest that
-  could be found. It took more than a year to build, and has been
-  compared to the Temple, for scarcely the sound of hammer was heard in
-  its erection. The grand old home has stood fire, storm, and war.
-
-  "When Grant's army took possession of the town, The Burn became army
-  headquarters, and was later turned into a hospital for Union soldiers.
-  The wonderful old trees, the lawn and gardens fell before the axe and
-  sword.
-
-  "After war clouds rolled away it was restored to its owner in a ruined
-  condition. Generations have passed over its threshold loving it as a
-  living being. The sons of the family bravely answered their country's
-  call to arms and returned with untarnished records. Many brides have
-  left its loving care. The mystery of life, birth and death have
-  hallowed its walls with pride and sorrow.
-
-  "We relinquish our ownership rights into other hands; our escutcheon
-  unsullied by debt or shame.
-
-  "We rejoice that it will be again a loved home, and may the happiness
-  of the Walworth name continue to follow and bless the present owners."
-
-
-
-
-                               _Choctaw_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Choctaw]
-
-Such dilapidated grandeur cannot be found in all the country around as
-one beholds at Choctaw. "Built to endure and determined not to fall"
-seems to ring from every stone and pillar of this gigantic old mansion.
-Once it was the center of a city block but now on the busy corner of
-Wall and High streets traffic of every sort brushes its very door.
-
-Because this property was so long owned and occupied by a Natchez
-philanthropist, Alvarez Fisk, "Choctaw" is known far and wide as the
-"old Fisk home".
-
-This stately example of classic architecture was built by one Sarah
-Neibert. Records show that it was deeded to Alvarez Fisk about 1840.
-Fisk was born in Massachusetts in 1788. During the early 90's Choctaw
-was used as "Stanton College for Women", and many Natchez women were
-educated there.
-
-Time and decay have had their turn at Choctaw. The great stone pillars
-stand proudly, and boldly present a magnificent front; exquisite
-fanlights adorn the great doors which were built extra wide to
-accommodate the hoopskirted ladies of early days; walls and lofty
-ceilings stand in sturdy defiance of wind and rain and vandalism, and
-yet the crumbling corners, the tumbling formal entrance, and the rundown
-appearance of Choctaw produce a feeling of solemn sadness.
-
-The foundation and walls of Choctaw are firm, and the day may come when
-this old palace will be restored to its former beauty and glory.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Concord_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Concord]
-
-"Concord" was built in 1788 by Don Gayoso de Lemos, representative in
-the Natchez Territory of the King of Spain.
-
-The name, "Concord", was chosen because the Governor felt that this word
-expressed the status of his people living in peace and amity.
-
-The dwelling was two-and-a-half stories. The lower floor was of brick
-and the upper portion was frame. There was a driveway beneath the long
-flight of steps at the front entrance. The house was richly furnished
-with importations from Spain.
-
-A few years ago "Concord" was destroyed by fire and Natchez lost an
-intriguing landmark.
-
-Today the handsome iron-railed outside double stairway marks the spot
-that was once the ruling center of government, and the social hub during
-the colorful days of the Spanish regime.
-
-  [Illustration: COTTAGE GARDENS--STAIR HALL]
-
-
-
-
-                           _Cottage Gardens_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Cottage Gardens]
-
-When "Cottage Gardens" was built, some hundred and forty years ago,
-Natchez was young, and homes at that time were of compact, inconspicuous
-design.
-
-The land upon which this home stands was a part of the original Spanish
-grant to Don Jose Vidal, a young Spanish nobleman. "Cottage Gardens" was
-so named because of the beautiful gardens surrounding the cottage. It is
-recorded that these gardens were destroyed during the War Between the
-States when Union soldiers used the grounds as a pasture for their
-horses.
-
-Don Jose Vidal was a military governor and Captain in a Spanish army.
-His duties took him across the river from Natchez to a place now known
-as Vidalia. When his beloved young wife died her tomb was built on a
-high bluff on the estate overlooking the Mississippi River. While
-engaged in official service across the broad waters, Capt. Vidal could
-look out at any moment and see the spot where his beautiful Donna Vidal
-was buried. Don Jose is buried in a Natchez Cemetery. A great shaft has
-been erected above his grave and is inscribed with a lengthy epitaph
-which mentions that "he was a friend of his Sovereign".
-
-  [Illustration: LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM]
-
-Cottage Gardens has been for several generations owned and occupied by
-the Foster family. Although the exterior is on simple lines, the house
-is surprisingly spacious. The wide hall through the center contains a
-stairway of unusual architectural attractiveness. Its broad steps with
-mahogany handrailing lead up along the left wall almost to the ceiling,
-then leaving the wall the stairway crosses the hall in a graceful spiral
-curve and the ascending flight is finished along the right wall.
-
-At the rear end of the hall is a beautiful arch and doorway with
-fanlight above and plain side glass. It is a facsimile of the entrance
-door at the opposite end of the hall.
-
-From the present owners, the Foster family, comes Mary Kate Norman, the
-wife of Karl Norman, whose photographic art in picturing the old homes
-of Natchez has given him a prominent place among artists of the South.
-
-  [Illustration: This family room in Cottage Gardens has an eight foot
-  bed and a child's bed.]
-
-  [Illustration: THE TOMB OF DONE JOSE VIDAL]
-
-
-
-
-                              _D'Evereux_
-
-
-  [Illustration: D'Evereux]
-
-By recent engineering survey Highway No. 61 from Memphis to New Orleans
-passes the grounds that once formed a part of D'Evereux acres. Motorists
-on this highway, when within a mile of Natchez, can see this mansion, in
-perfect architecture, standing like a great Greek temple near the
-roadway. Sweeping tropical moss hangs from the sentinel oaks which guard
-this magnificent home.
-
-Built in 1840 for William St. John Elliott and his wife, it was given
-her family name, "D'Evereux", and this home, one of the most spacious in
-the community, was the scene of many happy affairs for the socially
-prominent.
-
-Great double drawing rooms and a banquet room, while not containing the
-original furnishings, show woodwork and walls, hand-turned railings and
-doorways, evidence of the excellent taste of the builders.
-
-After more than forty years the master-owner of D'Evereux died. The home
-was closed for a long while; later the widow with some of her young
-relatives opened the mansion and it became again the scene of many
-joyful gatherings.
-
-Upon the death of Mrs. Elliott, "D'Evereux" was willed to her niece,
-Mrs. Margaret Martin Shields. During Mrs. Shields' occupancy, it was
-selected as the most perfect home, in style and setting, in the entire
-Southland, and for this reason it is shown in that exquisite motion
-picture, "The Heart of Maryland".
-
-Within the past few years D'Evereux has been purchased by Miss Myra
-Smith of Chicago. With great pride in the ownership of one of the
-South's most majestic ante-bellum homes, Miss Smith has restored every
-portion of the old home, which today presents such magnificent
-perfection as to bring forth exclamations of wonder from all who travel
-that section of the Natchez Trace highway.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Cherokee_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Cherokee]
-
-One of the most attractive of Natchez' ante-bellum houses is the
-recently reclaimed Cherokee, built in 1794 by Jesse Greenfield on land
-acquired under Spanish grant.
-
-In 1810 David Michie purchased the property and added the classic front.
-The present owner, Mr. Charles Byrnes, has reclaimed the old Irish Manor
-House and its grounds, using wherever possible the style and materials
-of the original.
-
-Cherokee stands on a great elevation overlooking Natchez. It is across
-the street from Choctaw and within calling distance of Connelly's Tavern
-on Ellicott Hill.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Dunleith_
-
-
-This house, built in 1849 by Gen. Dahlgreen, is situated in perfectly
-kept terraced grounds, surrounded by symmetrically planted oak trees
-which have grown to giant size. A long driveway from the tall iron gate
-at the street entrance to the porch steps bring one to "Dunleith", a
-veritable Greek temple.
-
-Dunleith is almost one hundred years old. The land on which it stands is
-part of a Spanish grant of 700 acres, and was the site of the original
-home which was destroyed by fire (caused by lightning) in 1845. In the
-rear of the present Dunleith are the stables which belonged to the
-original house.
-
-At the death of Leslie Carpenter a few years ago this property was
-inherited by his widow and her son, J. N. Carpenter. No more perfect
-example of a Colonial mansion of the Old South can be found. The house
-and grounds are under the constant care of scientific gardeners and
-caretakers.
-
-The story of Dunleith is incomplete until its legend has been told:
-
-  "At the court of Louis Philippe, last King of France, a lady in
-  waiting was Miss Isabel Percy, who visited Dunleith to try to forget a
-  terrible heart hurt. She played the harp, and sang in a beautiful
-  voice. At evening, just at dusk, her sweet mournful songs can still be
-  heard in the parlors of Dunleith. When twilight turns to darkness, the
-  swish of her silken skirts can be heard as she ascends the broad
-  stairway to her private rooms above."
-
-  I know not how true this tale may be,
-  I tell it as 'twas told to me.
-
-  [Illustration: Dunleith]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Edgewood_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Edgewood]
-
-Edgewood, erected in 1855, shared with "Mount Repose" the distinction of
-being a part of the original Bisland estate. It is a simple plantation
-home, located on the Pine Ridge road, and is today occupied by direct
-descendants of the original owner, who maintain the estate as nearly as
-possible in accord with the original plans.
-
-Situated on rolling greensward with a declivity at the rear, the house
-is two stories in front and three in the back. Straight, square lines
-are observed in its architecture. A porch extends across the entire
-front supported by double white columns. The outlook is into a group of
-restful, moss-covered oaks in the midst of which is a natural pond.
-
-Edgewood is the home of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Lamden, who with their young
-sons, S. H. III and Waldo, occupy this home of their forefathers. It is
-kept, from day to day, in the same style of ante-bellum home as in days
-gone by.
-
-Many descendants of the original slaves of the Lamdens live today in the
-"quarters" on the place.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-From "Beaupres" and other old plantations have come many possessions of
-rarest antiquity to Edgewood. There are portraits by the famous artist
-James Reed Lamden; among these is an exquisite portrait of his mother,
-who was Prudence Harrison; another is of Dr. John Flavel Carmichael, a
-member of the original staff of George Washington, painted by Gilbert
-Stuart.
-
-Furnishings at Edgewood are of soft tones in rosewood and mahogany.
-Drawing rooms, dining room, and bed rooms are filled with valuable
-antiques--all in daily use by the present family. Edgewood retains today
-all the charm and beauty that it had nearly a hundred years ago.
-
-
-
-
-                                _Elgin_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Elgin]
-
-The history of "Elgin" dates from about 1838 when it was owned by the
-Dunbar family, and was named Elgin for the Dunbar estate in Scotland.
-
-It is about eight miles from Natchez, and for many years was the home of
-the Jenkins family, whose descendants are prominent citizens of Natchez.
-Mr. Jenkins was a member of the Academy of Natural Science, and gave
-much time and scientific attention to the grounds of Elgin.
-
-The old-fashioned frame building with spacious halls and wide galleries
-stands on a knoll in a broad clearing surrounded by a forest of oaks and
-pecans.
-
-In 1914 Capt. Jenkins sold Elgin to the late Thornton Green of Michigan.
-Prior to that transfer "Elgin" while changing owners, each time was
-bought by descendants of its original owner.
-
-Elgin was far-famed for its gardens and orchards, traces of which remain
-today and are being reclaimed by the latest purchasers of the property,
-Mr. and Mrs. W. S. R. Beane of New York and Natchez. The Beanes will
-make "Elgin" their permanent home.
-
-
-
-
-                                 _Elms_
-
-
-Amid great elm trees and sturdy liveoaks is a wide, rambling house, its
-galleries bannistered with graceful iron grill encircling three sides of
-the structure. This is "Elms", it is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
-Kellogg. It is a close neighbor of the "Greenleaves" estate.
-
-Elms was for a long time known as "the old Drake home". Its intricate
-rambling porticos, unusual stairway, and beautiful gardens came to the
-Kelloggs by fortunate inheritance. Mrs. Kellogg is a direct descendant
-of the Drake family. Benjamin Drake was president of Elizabeth College,
-which has the distinction of being the first college in the United
-States to permit the teaching of branches of higher education to women.
-
-With the home and its acres of lovely gardens Mrs. Kellogg inherited a
-house filled with rare antique rosewood furniture.
-
-The main building of Elms, a two-and-a-half-story structure, was built
-in the late 1700's. The exact date is not disclosed by available old
-records. As the property passed from descendant to descendant rooms have
-been added.
-
-A striking feature of the house is a lacy wrought-iron stairway unlike
-any other in all America and believed to have been imported from
-Portugal. The stairway is built in a corridor, and is in harmony with
-the generous display of dainty, hand-turned work around the outer
-galleries.
-
-Ceilings are low and give Spanish atmosphere to the architecture.
-
-A series of old call bells, each with a different tone to indicate the
-location, are still in use in the various rooms.
-
-The famous gardens in the rear have been reclaimed by the present
-mistress of Elms. Winding walks lead along flower beds of old-fashioned
-petunias, brilliant verbenas, phlox, roses and azaleas, edged with prim
-cut boxwood, while giant yuccas stand stiff as formal guards with white
-plumed headdress.
-
-A great part of the original Elms estate has been sold, and today one of
-Natchez' modern school buildings stands across the street, giving the
-children of this school a daily picture lesson of home and life of the
-proud Old South.
-
-  [Illustration: Elms]
-
-
-
-
-                            _Ellicott Hill_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Ellicott Hill]
-
-Artists and architects from far and near come to see the quaint old
-house, known as "Connelly's Tavern", on Ellicott Hill. It is a sturdy,
-perfectly proportioned old house, built of brick and wood, its timbers
-said to have come from abandoned sailing vessels.
-
-The style of architecture is early Spanish. It stands on a high
-elevation, overlooking with aristocratic disdain the industrial
-enterprises which have come in during the years to supplant the once
-exclusive neighborhood of its original outlook. In early days, about the
-end of the Civil War, the place was known as "Gilreath's Hill".
-
-The tavern was built in 1795. It has been occupied by many distinguished
-families.
-
-The records show that at one time it was the home of "The Natchez High
-School". It was so used just after the War between the States, when it
-was purchased by Wilson R. Gilreath.
-
-Within the last few years the old building has commanded the greatest
-degree of public interest. Its historic value is unmatched. In addition
-to serving as the abode of many celebrated men, it attained fame as
-Connelly's Tavern when Aaron Burr and Blennerhasset met therein for
-secret conferences.
-
-The most outstanding historic fact of the old Hill, itself, is that it
-is the spot whereon Col. Andrew Ellicott raised the first United States
-flag in February 1797 over the District of Natchez. Since that episode
-the spot has been known as "Ellicott Hill".
-
-Dilapidation followed the wake of time. However, so sturdy were its
-timbers and so solid its foundation, it was possible to restore the old
-building on the hill.
-
-The work of restoration has been accomplished by the Natchez Garden
-Club. Every old line has been carefully retained. Concrete floors of the
-kitchen and Tap Room, plastered walls, cypress grill work, solid doors,
-and roof are exact replicas of the originals. The old retaining walls
-and moats of brick have been replaced as originally at great cost. Today
-Ellicott Hill is shining in the full resplendency of its original glory.
-It is the present home of the Natchez Garden Club.
-
-  [Illustration: FIREPLACE IN OLD TAVERN ROOM AT CONNELLY'S TAVERN]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Elmscourt_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Elmscourt]
-
-A short drive from Natchez, over a modern highway which was originally
-an Indian trail, through iron gates into a virgin forest, brings one a
-first glimpse of Elmscourt.
-
-This mansion was erected about the year 1810 by Louis Evans, who was the
-first Sheriff of Adams county. He occupied it until 1851, at which time
-Frank Surget bought it for his daughter Jane as a gift when she married
-Ayers P. Merrill. It is said that Frank Surget was one of the three
-multi-millionaires in the United States at that time.
-
-Jane and her husband opened wide the doors of their palatial home.
-General U. S. Grant was a frequent guest of Elmscourt, and by reason of
-this friendly contact, Ayres Merrill was appointed Minister to Belgium
-when Grant became President.
-
-Elmscourt was originally Colonial in architecture but to please his wife
-Mr. Merrill changed it into an Italian Renaissance villa. The exquisite
-lacy iron work around its long galleries was imported from Belgium.
-
-The dainty antique furnishings in parlors, library, and dining room are
-in perfect harmony with this period of architecture. Many original
-pieces are retained. At the death of Ayres P. Merrill "Elmscourt"
-descended to his son, Ayres P. Merrill Jr., and was sold by him to James
-Surget, who gave it to his daughter, Carlotta, on the occasion of her
-marriage to David McKittrick. Thus Elmscourt was again the property of a
-Surget.
-
-The McKittrick family have lived in Elmscourt many years. They have
-added to the valuable collection of antique furnishings, Mrs. McKittrick
-bringing in superb pieces from Surget heirlooms.
-
-An outstanding piece of Elmscourt's furnishing is a serving table, made
-for the Duke of Devonshire and bearing his coat-of-arms. It was a gift
-to Mrs. McKittrick.
-
-In the dining room still swings the old hand-carved punka of colonial
-days. At every meal, a servant stands at the end of the long dining room
-and by rope-and-arm-power keeps the great fan (punka) gently stirring,
-or creating, refreshing breezes for the comfort of the diners.
-
-The lighting of Elmscourt is the early designed candle arrangement. Over
-doorways, in chandeliers, sconces, and wall brackets hundreds of candles
-cast their welcoming, soft glow, and add undying romance to the family
-portrait gallery and rich rosewood furniture.
-
-Each Spring season when tourists wend their way to Natchez for its
-Spring festivities, the McKittricks of Elmscourt give their famous "Ball
-of a Thousand Candles". Lords and Ladies, the elite of Natchez, in
-costume of days of long ago, greet their guests, and Elmscourt becomes
-today what it has been in the past, an alluring setting for colorful
-gatherings of notables.
-
-  [Illustration: The Table is a Present From The Duke of Devonshire.]
-
-  [Illustration: THE HALL OF GLENFIELD]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Glenfield_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Glenfield]
-
-Turn to the right on the first gravel road leading from Canal street and
-within a stone's throw of the paved highway nestles a quaint old brick
-cottage surrounded by giant oaks and cedars. It is "Glenfield", the home
-of Mrs. Lee Field and her family.
-
-Glenfield was built in 1812 by Charles B. Green. It is of Gothic design
-and is constructed of red brick and hand-hewn timbers. Like many of the
-old homes, "Glenfield" demonstrates two distinct types of architecture.
-One part is low ceilinged with brick floors, while another part has high
-ceilings, broad board floors, and ornate windows with heavy hand-made
-blinds.
-
-Glenfield contains many rare pieces of antique furniture. A most
-interesting piece is an old spinning wheel, a family heirloom. It is
-made of hickory and is brown with age. Charred spots bear silent
-evidence to the old wheel's narrow escape from destruction when Indians
-set fire to the covered wagon bearing it while its pioneer owner was
-bringing his family and household goods to this section. Everything was
-destroyed except a few choice pieces. As one turns the wheel today it
-seems to hum a chant of toil, trials and tribulations.
-
-Glenfield was originally "Glencannon", named for its former owner,
-William Cannon. The property is part of an original Spanish grant to
-John Gerault under Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, who was then governor of
-the Natchez Territory.
-
-During the War Between the States "Glenfield" was a scene of battle, and
-bullet holes made in that conflict can be seen today in vivid contrast
-to the peace which now pervades the restful old home amid vine-covered
-bayous and hills.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Glenwood_
-
-
-Conditions at Glenwood are not conducive to pride in the hearts of
-Natchez people, and yet it is doubtful if any tourist leaves Natchez
-without hearing, in some way, about this dilapidated old place. As all
-things are good or bad by comparison, it may not be amiss when depicting
-the glory of Natchez to glimpse the other side.
-
-A Northern tourist upon seeing Glenwood (known today as "Goat Castle")
-said, "Well, I don't know whether to cry or swear."
-
-Glenwood is the home of Richard Dana, a man of aristocratic breeding and
-birth, and of his guardian, Miss Martha Dockery, a stalwart, dark-eyed
-woman who has been for many years in charge of Mr. Dana and the house.
-
-"Dick" Dana, as he is called, and Miss Dockery are probably in their
-late sixties.
-
-Dick is the son of the late Charles B. Dana, an Episcopal clergyman, and
-Elvira R. Dana. The Rev. Dr. Dana was from Massachusetts.
-
-Richard was given a splendid education. He was a pianist of exceptional
-ability. As years passed he spent much of his fortune, living a great
-part of the time in the East. When he returned to Glenwood, he seemed to
-live the life of a hermit, living alone with his piano and his music.
-Gradually gray locks reached his shoulders, and long whiskers covered
-his face.
-
-County officials decided it would be best to appoint a guardian for him
-and Miss Dockery was named. The Dana and Dockery families had been
-friends for generations. Miss Dockery, who was alone and growing old,
-was glad to accept the charge of her old friend.
-
-A few years ago there was a murder in the neighborhood. There had been
-some trouble between the murdered woman and the Dockery-Dana people
-because of trespassing goats. The two recluses were accused of the
-murder. They were taken into court, held in prison, stood trial, and
-finally were declared "not guilty". Dana proved that at the time of the
-murder he was playing the piano and was not near the scene of the crime.
-
-During the period of their incarceration, vandals ransacked "Goat
-Castle" and carried away many valuable relics. A guard was finally
-placed over the place to prevent souvenir hunters from taking the
-remainder of the valuable pieces. Public sympathy was aroused, and for a
-short time Dana and Miss Dockery were lionized. They seemed to take a
-new lease on life. They improved in personal appearance. They often came
-to town, but conditions in "Goat Castle" changed little.
-
-Goats roam the place in undisturbed joy. Chickens roost on the foot of
-the great mahogany bed while Dick plays his old piano for curious
-tourists who pay twenty-five cents to see the old aristocrat, and Miss
-Dockery tells stories of the former wealth and prestige of her friend,
-who desired to withdraw from the world.
-
-Glenwood is falling. Neglect and age are causing decay. The stables and
-outhouses are piles of mortar and decayed timbers, though the grounds
-are still beautiful with majestic moss-draped oaks and flowering
-magnolias.
-
-  [Illustration: GLENWOOD (known today as "Goat Castle")]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Gloucester_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Gloucester]
-
-A mile drive from the city limits of Natchez, along a roadway where
-moss-draped boughs overlap into a verdant shelter, brings one in view of
-a stately red brick mansion. It is Gloucester. Still half concealed by
-giant oaks and tropical growth, it seems a great ruby in a gray-gold
-setting.
-
-Gloucester is surrounded by 250 acres of farm land and virgin timber. It
-was built about 1800, and is of solid brick construction. Huge
-Corinthian columns support spacious galleries across the broad front.
-The windows are iron barred and shuttered.
-
-This mansion is of historic interest. It was the home of Governor
-Winthrop Sargent, who was the first Governor of Mississippi Territory.
-
-Front twin doorways are an unusual feature. Inside these doors are the
-heavy wooden bars, the original fastenings against unfriendly Indian
-tribes and traveling bandits, who were not infrequent during the early
-days of life at Gloucester.
-
-The twin doors open into a wide hallway which contains a graceful
-curving stairway leading to hall and bedrooms above.
-
-Gloucester has a splendid library of rare first editions and valuable
-old books. The drawing room contains Colonial furniture and paintings by
-masters.
-
-Upon the death of Governor Sargent, Gloucester became the property of
-his wife, who, in turn, willed it to her son, George Washington Sargent.
-
-During the occupation of Natchez by Federal troops, the young Sargent
-was called to the doorway of Gloucester, and shot by two soldiers to
-whom he had given greeting. Stains of the life-blood of this George
-Washington Sargent are still visible on the doorway of Gloucester. The
-murdered boy was buried beside his father in the family burial ground
-across the road from the home.
-
-  [Illustration: GRAND HALLWAY OF GLOUCESTER]
-
-In the Negro quarters there are weird tales of ghosts wandering over the
-premises. "Two tall ghosts, in uniform, carrying guns, come on dark
-rainy nights when the owls hoot in the oaks above the graves."
-
-Records show that in 1877 Gloucester was sold to James Surget, who was
-one of Natchez' earliest and most affluent citizens. This home was
-continuously owned by the Surget family for sixty years, until the
-recent death of Mrs. Katherine Boyd Surget, when the property was
-bequeathed to its present owner, Lenox Stanton.
-
-Mr. and Mrs. Stanton hold dear every Gloucester tradition and take pride
-in maintaining the home and grounds in their original state of
-perfection.
-
-
-
-
-                              _Hawthorne_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Hawthorne]
-
-On the famous Natchez Trace Highway, within calling distance of the
-Lower Woodville road, through a narrow gateway flanked by giant oaks, is
-a quaint little cottage, "Hawthorne".
-
-It is the old Southern Planter type home, a story-and-a-half.
-
-A beautiful double front door with panels of early period thin glass and
-an exquisitely wrought fanlight above give an atmosphere of friendliness
-to the entrance.
-
-Architects interested in the unusual find charm in the hand-hewn
-stairway which rises from the broad back hall to the rooms above.
-
-"Hawthorne" more than a century ago belonged to a family named Overaker
-who sold the place with its sixty acres of wooded land to the Dunbar
-family, under whose regime this quaint old home sheltered and
-entertained the elite of the South as early as 1837. It is believed that
-Hawthorne was built by the Tichenor family about 1825.
-
-For many years this old place was vacant. Lumber mills and grist mills
-crowded too near, but the property was recently bought by the family of
-William McGehee, who are reclaiming "Hawthorne". Every line of the
-period architecture is being followed, and "Hawthorne", its meadows and
-gardens, will soon be restored as in stage coach days to greet today its
-motor car visitors. The history of Hawthorne is a sad story with a
-hopeful ending.
-
-
-
-
-                              _Hope Farm_
-
-
-A few years ago when "Hope Farm" fell into the hands of Mr. and Mrs.
-Balfour Miller it was truly "getting a break" for rehabilitation. Today
-when one steps into this old Spanish house, built about 1775, there
-breathes from every crevice and corner the true atmosphere of the Old
-South.
-
-The original portion of Hope Farm, its English wing, is believed to have
-been built by Marcus Haller. The front, the straight, low, Spanish
-portion, was built by the Spanish Governor, de Grand Pre, about the year
-1790.
-
-The low sweeping roof extending over a broad portico across the entire
-front of the house is upheld by seven hand-hewn cypress columns. Broad
-steps lead from the driveway to the terraced yard. This yard is a
-veritable bouquet of old-fashioned small flowers, bordered by boxwood
-and flanked by syringa, japonica, and other old-fashioned evergreen
-shrubs. A radiant variety of orchid-like irises dot the entire approach
-to the old brick steps of the terrace.
-
-For ninety years Hope Farm belonged to the Montgomery family; of the
-last generation of ten children (seven girls and three boys) two of the
-sisters lived in spinsterhood at Hope Farm until within the last few
-years when the property was acquired by the Millers.
-
-Restoration of exterior and interior has been done with exceeding care
-to hold every line of the original house. There were no nails in the day
-when Hope Farm was built and its timbers are held together by wooden
-pegs.
-
-The front door leads directly into a huge living room, which opens
-through an archway into a large dining room. These two rooms extend
-across the entire front.
-
-The welcoming gate of Hope Farm opens at the intersection of Homochitto
-street on the drive to Duncan Park.
-
-  [Illustration: Hope Farm]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Homewood_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Homewood]
-
-It required five years to build this palatial mansion of brick, cement,
-and iron grill, and until recently "Homewood", exterior and interior,
-was in a perfect state of preservation--just as it was the day of its
-completion, more than 75 years ago. Homewood was destroyed by fire,
-January 2, 1940.
-
-By reason of its solid masonry (built to withstand the storms), its
-architectural lines, and the grace and magnificence of its iron
-trimmings, architects of note from all over the country came to inspect
-and to study "Homewood".
-
-One million home-burned brick were used in the main structure. Copper
-pipes laid in cement supplied the huge cisterns throughout the years
-with cold drinking water. This construction represented the work of
-hundreds of slaves. All locks, hinges, and door knobs were of silver.
-The fluted Ionic columns and grill work were imported from Spain.
-
-Approaching Homewood by the magnificent forest driveway, it was a
-wonderfully imposing structure with a front of thirty-foot columns, an
-upper balcony of cast iron grill, and massive double panel entrance
-doors flanked on either side by expensive ruby glass which was imported
-from Belgium.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-There were six rooms on the ground floor, connected by huge sliding
-mahogany doors, making it possible to open the entire floor into one
-immense room, 80 feet long. Leading to six rooms and cross halls above
-was a fan spread stairway. The top floor was a peculiarly constructed
-octagonal hall surrounded by eight large closets or storage rooms with
-cedar linings.
-
-The mantels in Homewood attracted much attention because of their
-delicate beauty and apparent value. In the drawing room the mantel was
-of white marble, while in the dining room stood one of pink marble with
-deep rose tracings.
-
-Homewood had no historic interest but it was an outstanding example of
-the advanced architectural ideas of the builders of Southern ante-bellum
-homes. It was built for a gift from David Hunt to his daughter,
-Catherine, and her husband, William L. Balfour.
-
-The most recent owners, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsly Swan, spared no expense in
-maintaining this magnificent home and its spacious grounds in model
-perfection.
-
-Homewood was the scene of the famous double wedding so effectively
-described in Stark Young's _So Red the Rose_.
-
-  [Illustration: MAJESTIC RUINS OF HOMEWOOD]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Inglewood_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Inglewood]
-
-A Southern planter's typical home, "Inglewood" stands today as the
-perfection of a beautiful dream recalled from crumbling ruins of years
-long gone. More than a century ago this quaint old story-and-a-half
-house was built by Gustavus Calhoun, who practiced medicine in Natchez
-Territory in 1829--back in the days when calls were made on horseback
-and the doctor carried along his miniature drug store in his "saddle
-bags". Dr. Calhoun was a friend and contemporary of Dr. Stephen Duncan
-of "Auburn".
-
-In 1858 "Inglewood" became the home of Edward M. Blackburn through his
-marriage into the Calhoun family. It has been for many years known as
-"the old Blackburn place." Here the last member of the Natchez Blackburn
-family lived until the old house was about to tumble down. Then the
-place was purchased by Dr. Wallace Smith, a young physician who came
-with his bride to reclaim and rebuild Inglewood along the exact lines of
-its original architectural design.
-
-The old gardens of Inglewood were once as famous for beauty as those of
-"Arlington" and "Melrose" but the gardens too passed with the old
-families. Doctor and Mrs. Smith are replanting, and are replacing walks
-and borders of old-fashioned boxwood, everything to conform as nearly as
-possible to original design.
-
-Inglewood, like all Natchez homes, is off the highway, secluded by
-forests, and only by careful observation can one glimpse the gleaming
-white outlines of this beautiful old plantation home.
-
-The approach to the house is marked at the public highway by a wrought
-iron replica of the old-fashioned doctor's horse and buggy. Inglewood is
-today, as it was originally, the property of a practicing physician's
-family.
-
-
-
-
-                          _Jefferson College_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Jefferson College]
-
-Founded in 1802, Jefferson Military College is the oldest college for
-boys in the State of Mississippi, and one of the oldest in the United
-States.
-
-It was here that the South's beloved Jefferson Davis, who became
-President of the Confederacy, attended school when he was ten years old.
-
-After the battle of New Orleans Gen. Andrew Jackson rested his
-victorious army on the campus of this college, which is located six
-miles from the city of Natchez.
-
-Mississippi was a territory when the college came into existence. On the
-spot where the constitution of the State of Mississippi was adopted is a
-marker commemorating the birth of Mississippi as a State. The marker was
-erected May 14, 1935, the 119th anniversary of the State.
-
-Near the front gate of the college there are two giant gnarled liveoaks,
-known as the Aaron Burr oaks because they stood in front of the old
-courthouse where Aaron Burr was tried for treason against the United
-States. The old courthouse was demolished ages ago but the oaks stand
-sentinel with wide spreading boughs marking the spot famous in history
-and in story.
-
-
-
-
-                            _King's Tavern_
-
-
-  [Illustration: King's Tavern]
-
-In the days when Indians roamed the territory of Natchez, block houses
-were built by the white settlers who came that way. These were sturdy,
-well-fortified houses built to protect occupants against Indian
-outbreaks. Such is King's Tavern--an inconspicuous, faded, old wooden
-structure on a high brick foundation.
-
-Although unostentatious, King's Tavern is important. According to the
-records it is the oldest building in this part of the South. Parts of
-St. Augustine, Florida, are somewhat older. Its very atmosphere breathes
-of days and people long dead; of Indians, of Spanish and English and
-French noblemen; of weary travelers over foot paths or by river boats,
-wandering into the old Tavern, resting, and then departing, disappearing
-from the face of the earth.
-
-The house is more than 170 years old. Records show that "the first
-United States mail brought over the Natchez Trace was delivered to
-King's Tavern by an Indian runner and was distributed from this point."
-
-The timbers are held together by wooden pegs and beams. The heavier
-timbers are of the type used in the construction of large ships of that
-period. Ceilings in the rooms are low. Doors and windows are heavy with
-narrow frames. The sills and sleepers of the building show the rope
-holes, again indicating that timbers came from old sailing vessels.
-
-The earliest official record of transfer of this property shows 1789 as
-the year it was granted to Richard King, a member of the King family of
-Long Island, New York, and by him it was given the name "King's Tavern".
-Formerly it had been known as the Bledsoe House.
-
-For a period of about 115 years the property has been owned and occupied
-by the descendants of Mrs. Elizabeth Postlethwaite.
-
-An interesting relic of bygone years is a portrait in oils of the late
-Samuel Postlethwaite III, who was Mayor of Natchez in 1825 when the
-great Lafayette visited the little village. This portrait is signed by
-the artist, Benjamin West.
-
-Mrs. A. C. Register and Mrs. Jean Register Modsett, descendants of the
-Postlethwaite family, are the present owners and occupants of King's
-Tavern.
-
-_Legend:_
-
-  At night, when all's dark and quiet at King's Tavern, ghosts of Indian
-  warriors, in full dress of their native tribe, wander through the old
-  Tap Room, loll and lean against the old bar, peer out through small
-  crevices, and then disappear through the heavy doors which lead onto
-  the street.
-
-  [Illustration: Main Door at King's Tavern Where Indian Runners Left
-  the Mail
-
-  Bullet holes in the door are from an Indian attack during the early
-  days of Natchez.]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Lansdown_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Lansdown]
-
-Lansdown has been the home of the Marshall family for more than
-eighty-five years. Like many other magnificent plantation homes around
-Natchez, Lansdown was a wedding gift to Mr. and Mrs. George Marshall,
-whose descendants of the same name own and occupy today this comfortable
-Georgian type house.
-
-Lansdown is an unpretentious but quite substantial structure with a
-broad front portico enclosed by artistic grill bannisters fashioned in
-Greek pattern. Broad, spreading steps lead down to a brick walk, and on
-each side stand the old carriage blocks of yesteryear.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-Portraits by famous artists of earlier generations of Marshalls,
-including a portrait of Levin R. Marshall by Sully, look down on
-gorgeous rosewood and mahogany furnishings of their own selection placed
-in Lansdown.
-
-The china and silver in this home are the pride of the present
-generation of Marshalls. Much of the original china is in use today.
-Many pieces of the original Robert E. Lee furnishings of "Stratford
-Hall" are now in Lansdown. Within the past few months the younger
-generation at Lansdown discovered several pieces of silver bearing the
-unmistakable mark of Robert E. Lee.
-
-Lansdown came to the Marshalls through Mrs. Charlotte Hunt Marshall.
-Natchez had a great benefactor in David Hunt, the father of Charlotte
-Hunt Marshall. It was he who made possible the Chamberlain-Hunt Military
-Academy at Port Gibson, Mississippi, one of the first schools for boys
-in the Southland. It is still an excellent school for young men.
-
-Today Lansdown is owned and occupied by George Marshall III and Mrs.
-Agnes Marshall Ward, lineal descendants of the original owner, who named
-the place "Lansdown" by virtue of his friendship for the celebrated
-Marquis of Lansdown, England.
-
-
-
-
-                                _Linden_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Entrance]
-
-The origin of Linden seems lost to history although it is known to have
-existed as early as 1790. It came to ancestors of the present owners a
-hundred years ago, and has been owned and occupied by the A. M. Feltus
-family for several generations.
-
-Nature seems to exert herself to give to Linden a perfect setting.
-Surrounding the magnificently constructed house, with its 98 feet of
-gallery, are dozens of oak trees, draped in long gray moss which sweeps
-the very eaves of the dwelling. Standing in the artistic entrance of
-Linden one sees the outside world through growing draperies of swaying
-gray lace.
-
-  [Illustration: Linden]
-
-The architecture of Linden is as unusual as it is simple. The center
-portion is two stories, flanked on each side by single-storied rooms. A
-gallery runs the entire width of the building. To the rear of the
-single-storied rooms is a long two-storied wing. Each wing is a complete
-apartment.
-
-The furnishings are rare and exquisite, producing a feeling of
-restfulness and satisfaction. "Linden" has three paintings by Audubon,
-and an interesting portrait of the song-bird, Jenny Lind.
-
-The driveway through the grounds of Linden leads past the front entrance
-entirely around the house and passes its beautifully kept gardens. A
-circle driveway which leads out through the bricked entrance affords a
-final glimpse of the stately white house in the distance, not unlike
-"Mount Vernon". The view across the hill brings "Monmouth", a
-neighboring mansion, to the eye as another delightful prospect.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: LINDEN--Dining Room With Punka]
-
-
-
-
-                             _Greenleaves_
-
-
-"Greenleaves", built prior to 1812, is a town house--a great rambling
-cottage type of architecture in the very heart of Natchez. It is as
-sturdy as the old gnarled oaks which seem to hold it in their protecting
-boughs. It represents comfort, luxury, and beauty without ostentation or
-pretense.
-
-The halls and rooms are palatial in size and appointments. The house as
-originally constructed shows that it was built to endure. It was
-remodeled in the early 40's by the grandfather of the present owners.
-
-A wealth of the original furnishings in solid mahogany and rosewood and
-many rare museum pieces have remained in Greenleaves throughout
-generations, and are today as beautiful as the day they came from
-foreign shores.
-
-The present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Melchoir Beltzhoover, the third
-generation of the Koontz family to occupy Greenleaves, grace this
-ante-bellum home with pardonable pride of possession.
-
-The family of the original owners of Greenleaves was wiped out during a
-yellow fever epidemic, the entire family filling one grave. Eventually
-Greenleaves was bought by George Washington Koontz of Pennsylvania, who
-became a leading influence, financially and socially, in Natchez.
-Children of the present occupants of Greenleaves are the fourth
-generation of the Koontz family to enjoy this luxurious home.
-
-Mr. Beltzhoover's ownership of this property is shared with his sister,
-Mrs. Guy Robinson, who is a resident of New York state.
-
-_Legend:_
-
-  Under the giant liveoaks at the rear of Greenleaves the Natchez tribe
-  of Indians held their annual pow-wows and decided all momentous
-  questions.
-
-  [Illustration: Greenleaves]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Longwood_
-
-
-Longwood stands in a moss-tangled forest. It is a monument to a dream
-that was interrupted by the tragedy of the War Between the States in
-1861-'65. It was to have been a gorgeous structure of Moorish design,
-planned by Sloan of Philadelphia, who in those days had no equal as
-artist-architect.
-
-Longwood was being built for Dr. Haller Nutt. Landscape gardeners came
-from abroad, and even today rare imported shrubs and trees form a part
-of the dense growth around the unfinished gardens.
-
-When the house reached its present point of construction, with more than
-a hundred thousand dollars already invested, there came the cry of war
-and the call to arms. Workmen laid down their tools and took their guns
-and never returned to the task of completing Longwood.
-
-The deep concrete foundation, the outside framework, and some of the
-trimmings of the house were well under way. Today there are huge
-sections of carved moulding, old paint buckets and brushes, tool boxes,
-and carpenter's implements scattered about the upper floors--just as
-they were left almost 75 years ago.
-
-The house, begun in the late 50's, is of brick, burned by slaves on the
-place, with columns and grill work of hand-carved, time-enduring
-cypress. The ground floor contained a nursery and an adjoining apartment
-for a white housekeeper and governess, a card room, a billiard room,
-wine cellar, and heating plant. This floor is the only part of the
-building that reached anything like completion. The upper floors were
-boarded up. All orders for materials, marble stairway, mosaic floors,
-and elaborate furnishings were canceled. Many of these orders had been
-placed in Italy and France. Some costly pieces were en route on the high
-seas. A few items were returned and others are now in national museums.
-
-Dr. Nutt died in 1864, survived by his wife and a large family of
-children. One of the descendants of these children now occupies the
-finished lower floor or basement of Longwood. There is on this floor a
-huge rotunda and eight large rooms, surrounded by a moat. Many relics of
-past generations adorn these quarters, including antiques from different
-branches of the family.
-
-There are several pieces of richly carved rosewood furniture, an
-exquisite old grand piano, and oil portraits of Dr. Nutt and his
-beautiful blonde wife by famous old-world artists.
-
-James and Merritt Ward of Natchez and Mrs. Julia Ward Blanchard of New
-York City are the present owners of Longwood.
-
-Planned as a palatial home for a family of eleven children and eight
-hundred slaves, today Longwood (often referred to as "Nutt's Folly") is
-occupied by Merritt Ward and one servant.
-
-  [Illustration: LONGWOOD--"Nutt's Folly"]
-
-
-
-
-                            _Magnolia Vale_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Magnolia Vale]
-
-A few hundred feet below the city of Natchez, along the river edge, is
-an extension of land on which the first Natchez was situated. This old
-town was known as "Natchez Under the Hill". The commercial center of the
-old Natchez has passed into decay. The buildings that sheltered the
-river men, the gambling "joints" that housed the riff-raff of those
-steamboat days, have long since tumbled into the river. Driving down a
-long and steep shelf of land, at the north end of what was old Natchez,
-one comes to the gate of a castle-like home in the heart of a garden
-which is always beautiful with blossoms. It is "Magnolia Vale".
-
-This house was built about 110 years ago by Andrew Brown and is owned
-today by Andrew B. Learned, a direct descendant.
-
-Andrew Brown was a native of Scotland, and a great lover of flowers.
-After building a home of the early American type, with wide galleries,
-handsome Doric columns, spacious halls and large rooms, he found
-self-expression in creating a garden which has been famous for
-generations, from St. Louis to New Orleans, as "Brown's Gardens".
-
-A formal driveway, bordered with Louis Philippe roses, leads to the
-mansion. Giant magnolias and evergreen laurimundi splash the landscape
-with white and green. Formal flower beds, with boxwood borders, cover
-the entire acreage of the foreground to Magnolia Vale.
-
-The Mississippi River has continuously eaten into the grounds of
-Magnolia Vale until much of this promontory has vanished into the
-waters. Although the great house shows marked evidence of "settling"
-from year to year, and is occupied now by a caretaker only, the gardens
-are given constant attention. The same trim boxwood hedges, the same
-formal walks and beloved flower beds, the same shrubs, the same tall
-trees, and the maze of gardenia and japonica greet the visitor and shed
-perfume across the broad and mighty river, which ravenously eats at the
-very roots of these gorgeous plants.
-
-
-
-
-                             _Mount Repose_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Mount Repose]
-
-Here is a huge, comfortable, old-fashioned, country gentleman's home--in
-appearance and in literal fact "Mount Repose". The name aptly describes
-the first impression of every visitor.
-
-The house is situated on an elevation, surrounded by broad green acres.
-
-Built in the early 1800's, Mount Repose has been the scene of much that
-is interesting in the story of Natchez. It is part of the original
-estate of William Bisland, a Scotsman. From this family comes the author
-Elizabeth Bisland who through close association with Lafcadio Hearn,
-when both of them worked for the old New Orleans _Picayune_, was able to
-write the interesting life of that genius. This book and many others by
-Elizabeth Bisland, including _Candle of Understanding_ and _The Case of
-John Smith_, can be found in public libraries today.
-
-The present owners of Mount Repose, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Baldwin of New
-York, are direct descendants of the Bisland family. Its present
-occupants, the J. D. Shields family are also descendants of the
-Bislands. Mrs. Shields is a descendant of the renowned English beauty,
-Margaret Watts, who married the Spanish Governor, Manuel Gayoso de
-Lemos, who is prominently identified with Natchez' earliest history.
-
-The original furnishings of Mount Repose have gone out to Bisland heirs,
-and yet valuable antiques and family portraits remain in the old house.
-
-An interesting story is told of a wager expressive of the loyalty of
-William Bisland to Henry Clay.
-
-Mr. Bisland believed that Henry Clay should be, and would be, the next
-president of the United States. He laid a wager in accordance with his
-belief. He had just planted a formal line of sentinel trees along a
-driveway to the main entrance of Mount Repose. He openly declared that
-this driveway would be closed until Clay was elected. He then proceeded
-with great preparations for its formal opening, but history tells why
-today there grow two long lines of well-spaced trees from the big front
-gate to the house--that gate unopened through the years! The entrance to
-Mount Repose is through the side gate. Henry Clay was never elected
-president.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Melmont_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Melmont]
-
-'Way back in 1839, when Henry Basil Shaw married Mary Elizabeth
-Lattimore, profound consideration was given to naming the homes and
-estates of Natchez. It is almost certain that the mistress of Melmont
-pondered long and consulted her family before deciding the name. She
-chose to use the three initials of Mary Elizabeth Lattimore to form the
-first part of the name, "Mel", and added "mont" because the mansion
-stood mounted on a rolling acreage. Thus "Melmont" was coined.
-
-Melmont is unlike other Natchez homes. The architecture is its own
-peculiar type. A sturdy, well-built house, it has for almost a century
-cared for Natchez' foremost citizens and their illustrious guests.
-Claiborne, the historian, Judge Samuel Brooks, and other prominent men
-spent much time at Melmont.
-
-The acreage around Melmont has been sold and modern homes have been
-built on the land. Melmont is now a palatial town house, no longer a
-country home.
-
-Melmont was within the Federal lines during the War Between the States.
-When Natchez was shelled from the river in 1862 shells fell in the yard
-and gardens and destroyed giant oak trees and landscaping.
-
-The interior decoration and furnishing are to a great extent from the
-original family although many handsome pieces have been added by
-subsequent owners. Mrs. John Ayres and her sister, Miss Corinne
-Henderson, have occupied this home for many years. Mrs. Ayers especially
-prizes a mahogany bureau which has chests on either side for storing
-wigs.
-
-  [Illustration: MELMONT--Drawing Room]
-
-A valuable Hepplewhite desk in the drawing room attracts much interest.
-It belonged to the renowned John Henderson, and it was here he is
-believed to have written an appeal to Congress in 1798 "for schools for
-the education of children and provision for regular ministry of the
-Gospel."
-
-Melmont is well preserved, exterior and interior, and holds great charm
-for all who come within its portals.
-
-  [Illustration: Melrose]
-
-  [Illustration: Pond on Driveway to the House]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Melrose_
-
-
-  [Illustration: The Drawing Room. The old-fashioned "courting set" had
-  a center seat for the chaperon, who was ever present during boy and
-  girl visits.]
-
-Melrose, called "the perfect ante-bellum home", is located about a mile
-from Natchez city limits. This model mansion, built in the early 40's,
-owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George M. D. Kelly, is, by courtesy
-of the owners, opened for inspection during the annual Pilgrimage
-celebration of the Natchez Garden Club. In an entire day one can only
-glimpse Melrose and its treasures. Another full day could be well spent
-in the surrounding woodlands and boxwood bordered gardens.
-
-Built in 1845 by Judge Edward Turner for his daughter, Mrs. McMurran, it
-was purchased immediately after the War Between the States by George
-Malin Davis, grandfather of the present owner, George Malin Davis Kelly.
-Mr. Kelly has with great pride of possession kept the Melrose home and
-estate in its original perfection.
-
-  [Illustration: PUNKA OVER DINING ROOM TABLE]
-
-The approach to Melrose is through acres of lawn as smooth as stretched
-velvet. The house is an imposing brick building of the square Georgian
-architectural design, with upper and lower porticos, and supporting
-Ionic columns.
-
-The front door is of attractive Colonial style with diamond shaped
-sidelights. A broad sweep of steps lead to the wide portico.
-
-A spacious hall runs through the lower floor. It is appropriately
-furnished in rare old pieces; among these is an unusual table which is
-set with semi-precious stones, and an ancient grandfather's clock. The
-lighting for this grand hallway is provided by numerous rows of candles,
-held in dainty but substantial frames. The floor covering (which is the
-original) attracts immediate attention by reason of its beauty, unique
-design, and quality. It can be best described as a striking inlay of
-unknown origin.
-
-To the right of the hall is the front drawing room. The rosewood
-furniture is Empire style, and is in as perfect condition today as on
-the day of its purchase.
-
-  [Illustration: TYPICAL BEDROOM PIECES--MELROSE]
-
-To the left is a dining room 20 feet square. Black marble mantels add
-dignity to the room. A handsome mahogany punka swings over the dining
-table. This bespeaks undeniable antiquity. Until quite recently the
-owners of Melrose cared for several old slaves who pulled the punka to
-create breezes for the comfort of the family during meals.
-
-Melrose still uses its outside brick kitchen, reached by a broad brick
-walk from the main house. Above the kitchen are quarters for the house
-servants.
-
-The upper floors of Melrose contain bedrooms, halls, and a sewing room.
-Massive beds so high that occupants must climb in by a set of specially
-made mahogany steps; heavy bureaus, armoirs, dressing tables, tilt top
-tables, and day bed--all are heirlooms of the original owners and of the
-present owners.
-
-Mr. Davis (the grandfather of the present owner) came South from
-Pennsylvania many years before the war of '61, and was educated at
-Sewanee College, Sewanee, Tennessee. His only daughter married Dr.
-Stephen Kelly of New York, and that daughter became the mother of George
-M. D. Kelly, the present owner of Melrose mansion.
-
-George M. D. Kelly and his wife, who was Miss Ethel Moore, are members
-of old New York families but have long since adopted the Southland as
-their home.
-
-
-
-
-                               _Monmouth_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Monmouth]
-
-Near "Linden", on a velvety lawn guarded by great oaks, stands a
-Grecian-type mansion. This is Monmouth, now owned and maintained by Mrs.
-Hubert Barnum. Mrs. Barnum, owner of "Arlington", the adjoining estate,
-is probably the only Natchezian who owns and operates two great
-ante-bellum homes.
-
-Historically Monmouth is known as the home of John A. Quitman and his
-wife, Eliza. General Quitman, a hero of national renown, raised the
-first American flag in Mexico. He purchased this mansion and fifteen
-surrounding acres about the year 1826.
-
-Edith Wyatt Moore in her story of Monmouth says: "John A. Quitman and
-Eliza Turner drew a marriage contract prior to their wedding. He
-relinquished all right of inheritance to her property in case of her
-death without children. He gave her the right to handle slaves and
-property or dispose of same without his consent." General Quitman was a
-native of New York.
-
-A man of great popularity and military distinction, General Quitman's
-home became the scene of many gatherings of the notables of America.
-Monmouth was classed among the most perfectly appointed homes of its
-day.
-
-General Quitman died in 1859 from what was suspected as the effect of
-slow poison administered at a banquet given in honor of President
-Buchanan.
-
-For a period following General Quitman's death his beloved Monmouth was
-vacant. It became dilapidated from disuse, and after passing through
-many hands was purchased by Mrs. Annie Gwynne, who is now Mrs. Barnum.
-Every part has been repaired or renewed and the old mansion stands today
-in majestic perfection.
-
-Great square pillars support the upper portico, which is encircled by
-attractive lattice grill work. The walls are of brick. The doors, with
-fan transoms and side-lights, and the window frames are made of
-hand-carved wood. Spacious halls, huge rooms with high ceilings, and a
-pervading air of solid, substantial structure make Monmouth a monument
-eternal to a man whose memory shall never die--a man of whom it was
-said, "He is Mississippi's best-loved citizen."
-
-The original furnishings of Monmouth are long since gone. These were
-supplanted by rare antiques from the superb collection of Mrs. Barnum's
-family, the Greens, who founded Greensboro, North Carolina.
-
-  [Illustration: MILK HOUSE AND SERVANTS' QUARTERS--MONMOUTH]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Monteigne_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Monteigne]
-
-"Monteigne" is a recently acquired possession of one of Natchez' most
-valued families, Mrs. Mary Worrell Kendall and Mr. and Mrs. William
-Kendall. It was built in 1855 as the home of Gen. William T. Martin of
-the Confederacy, whose features are carved on Stone Mountain as a
-representative of the State of Mississippi. Hand-hewn timbers discovered
-when excavating the foundation for "Monteigne" lead to the belief that
-this was the site of a home destroyed during the Indian Massacre of
-1729.
-
-The place bears the French Huguenot name for Martin, "Monteigne". It is
-unlike any of the old homes around Natchez. Predominantly Georgian in
-appearance, Monteigne stands out distinctively. A solid, two-story
-structure, built of sturdiest timbers, this home has withstood the
-ravages of time and the desecration of opposing forces during the War
-Between the States.
-
-It is said that horses were "stalled" in the parlors by Yankee soldiers,
-rosewood furniture used for kindling fires, and valuable silver and
-brass melted and lost.
-
-  [Illustration: MONTEIGNE--Patio]
-
-Upon his return from the war, General Martin saw the destruction of the
-beauty of his house and its grounds. With the undismayed courage of a
-great man who knows how to overcome defeat, he began the restoration of
-his home and its eleven acres of yard and gardens.
-
-When Leslie Carpenter bought Monteigne in 1928 Natchez was assured
-another perfect estate. Terraced lawns and rose gardens were brought to
-life; driveways, trellises, shrubbery, and flagged walks were restored
-to this classic home.
-
-The interior of Monteigne is stately--formal and yet inviting--with the
-black and white mosaic floor in its great entrance hall.
-
-Monteigne recently passed from the Carpenters to the present owners,
-Mrs. Mary Worrell Kendall, her son, William, and his wife and their two
-little daughters.
-
-  [Illustration: MONTEIGNE--Rose Garden]
-
-  [Illustration: MONTEIGNE--Lily Pool]
-
-
-
-
-                            _Myrtle Terrace_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Myrtle Terrace]
-
-Substantial and compact, this Colonial cottage is one of the reclaimed
-small ante-bellum homes of Natchez. Built in the 1830's, it is more than
-a century old.
-
-In 1844 Myrtle Terrace was purchased by the late L. N. Carpenter, who,
-in turn, sold it to the renowned Captain Thomas Leathers of steamboat
-fame. The agreement to buy stipulated in minute detail that the property
-must be put in "ship shape", carefully specifying "hinges on the
-windows, fastenings on the cellar door, latches on the gates, blinds on
-all windows except the dormers, building a stable and a carriage house".
-
-Captain Leathers was identified with the famous _Natchez-Robert E. Lee_
-steamboat race from New Orleans to St. Louis, on the Mississippi river,
-in 1870. The prize was $20,000. The race has become an epic. So
-thrilling is it in the history of river traffic it was dramatized in a
-recent celebration on the Pacific Coast.
-
-Captain Leathers of the _Natchez_ lost the race to Captain Cannon of the
-_Robert E. Lee_ not because he had a slower boat but because of his
-over-confidence. He traveled nonchalantly and made all his regular
-stops. In the pinch he would not jeopardize the safely of his passengers
-by pressing his boilers beyond the safety point.
-
-Captain Leathers lived in Myrtle Terrace for many years, and the place
-is still known as the "home of the Captain of the steamboat _Natchez_".
-It is now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Tucker, who have
-reclaimed the old lines of the house and have added modern interior
-improvements.
-
-
-
-
-                             _Propinquity_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Propinquity]
-
-In the long ago, when each Southern plantation was identified by a
-specially chosen name, the naming of homes around Natchez was a great
-event. When land was opened and a home built, a recorded name was given,
-and neither time nor change of owner or occupant changed the name of
-that plantation. Interesting indeed are the stories of the names
-selected.
-
-"Propinquity" was named in 1810 by its owner, Brigadier General Leonard
-Covington, and was so named because its lands adjoined Fort Dearborn
-where he was in command of a troop of Light Dragoons. Today Propinquity
-is appropriate as "near to nature".
-
-The plantation belonged originally to one William Belk. The records
-shows that in 1797 a committee met at this place for the purpose of
-appointing a Public Safety organization, the first American political
-assembly held in the Lower Mississippi Valley.
-
-For several generations Propinquity has been owned by the descendants of
-Jane Long, the famous "Mother of Texas", who spent many happy days in
-this quaint old home. It is still a reliquary for interesting
-possessions of the Texas heroine.
-
-Situated on a side road off the original "Natchez Trace", this old house
-is built on simple early American lines. A wide center hall with a deep
-mahogany stairway runs the length of the two huge rooms on either side.
-Green shuttered, small pane windows, a solid three-panel front door with
-straight glass sidelights, and a small upper and lower portico complete
-the simple picture of this old home.
-
-The furnishings are of the original purchase. There is a tiny melodeon
-in the parlor. Its quaint type indicates very early "vintage"--a rare
-museum piece.
-
-  [Illustration: PROPINQUITY]
-
-  [Illustration: Spinet
-
-  Hand Made Wax Fruit Under a Glass Globe]
-
-Bedrooms where rested the nobility of the land in earlier days are still
-prim and precise with poster beds in their original draperies, mahogany
-armoirs, bureaus with numerous side compartments and many mirrors to
-please the fancy of milady of the early fifties.
-
-In the dining room there is an exquisite set of china, and despite the
-fact that it has been in daily use for more than one hundred years, only
-two small pieces are missing from the set of 200 pieces. This gives an
-idea of the order and system, and the appreciation for the valuable and
-beautiful at Propinquity.
-
-The house is occupied by Miss Rebecca Miller and Mrs. M. E. Fauntleroy,
-who are descendants of the renowned Jane Long.
-
-  [Illustration: RAVENNA (_front_)]
-
-  [Illustration: Azaleas, Little Ravenna]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Ravenna_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Ravenna]
-
-At the end of Union street, on ten acres of ground which edges a great
-ravine or bayou, stands Ravenna, the present home of Mrs. Richard I.
-Metcalf.
-
-Ravenna was built more than one hundred years ago by the Harris family.
-It has stood the test of time and of the tornado of 1840. It stands
-today in the superior dignity of perfection. The property was acquired
-by the family of its present owner about eighty years ago.
-
-Ravenna shows every evidence of an inherited love of flowers. This comes
-from Andrew Brown of "Brown's Gardens", and Mrs. Metcalf, a direct
-descendant, has expressed that inherited taste and talent in the
-beautification of Ravenna.
-
-The house is the large Colonial type. An outstanding feature of the
-interior is an exquisite stairway and a great assembly of unusual,
-massive antiques.
-
-The charm of Ravenna is its setting. Facing a great ravine, the old home
-is surrounded by flowers. A huge wisteria vine covers the front of the
-house with purple blossoms. The side of the place toward the town is
-enclosed by a high iron fence of massive design. The main entrance is
-through heavy iron gates that lead along the winding tulip bordered
-driveway to the front portico. Bordering this driveway are radiant
-azalea bushes and japonicas, while at certain seasons of the year the
-deep pink of flowering peach trees and almond trees give vivid color
-splotches which intensify the beauty of these grounds.
-
-A point of interesting antiquity at Ravenna is the name "Caroline
-Harris" scratched with a diamond into a window pane. This proves
-conclusively that the windows were there in 1840 when the Harrises owned
-Ravenna.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-During the War Between the States the peace of Ravenna was greatly
-disturbed by Federal soldiers who ordered the Metcalfs to leave this
-home. Mrs. Metcalf was suspected of communicating with the Confederate
-soldiers through the bayou.
-
-Alter the war Ravenna was reclaimed and again occupied by the Metcalf
-family.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-"Little Ravenna", the cottage home of the late Mrs. Zulika Metcalf
-Lawrence, stands on the Ravenna grounds, as does also a palatial
-residence occupied by Mrs. Roan Fleming Byrnes, who is a leading spirit
-in promoting the great Natchez Trace highway project.
-
-This group of family homes, under the sheltering eaves of the parent
-home, Ravenna, eloquently bespeaks that close and lovable family life of
-the South as it has existed for generations.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: The lyre motif in mirror and table is unusual. Tester
-  bed is typical.]
-
-  [Illustration: Queen of a recent Confederate Ball, Miss Roane Adams,
-  poses beneath the portrait of her grandmother in the drawing room of
-  Ravenna.]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Oakland_
-
-
-Among the numerous ante-bellum homes of Natchez which are today owned
-and occupied by lineal descendants of the original owners "Oakland"
-stands preeminent. Built in 1838 for Catherine Chotard Eustis, the
-granddaughter of Major Stephen Minor, this home remains in the
-possession of the Minor family. The present owner is Mrs. Jeanne Minor
-McDowell. Major Minor was the last Governor of the Natchez District
-under Spanish rule.
-
-Oakland is located in secluded grounds, and, as its name implies, stands
-in a land of oaks.
-
-The house is a substantial brick building with a wide front portico and
-broad brick steps. The spacious center hallway opens with heavy mahogany
-entrance doors into an old-fashioned parlor on the right and a large
-dining room on the left. The walls are covered with the original paper.
-
-Many pieces of the original furnishings remain. Several rare pieces were
-brought to Oakland from "Concord", which was the Governor's official
-mansion and was destroyed by fire.
-
-The Minors were lovers of race horses, and valuable paintings of
-beautiful horses owned by the family adorn the walls. Two especially
-fine horse pictures are by Troye. Many silver trophies of racing
-victories form an interesting part of Oakland possessions.
-
-In this house is a bed of unique type, known as "a family bed". It is a
-huge four-poster with silken tester. As broad as it is long, there is
-plenty of room for six persons to sleep comfortably!
-
-Ante-bellum gardens wherein grow verbena, gardenia, and sweet olive,
-with clipped boxwood borders, complete the handsome setting of Oakland.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Richmond_
-
-
-Life at Richmond today seems a continuous house party. The present
-owners (seven daughters, one son, and one granddaughter of the late
-Shelby Marshall) are the fifth and sixth generations of the illustrious
-Levin R. Marshall family to own and occupy this old and hospitable
-mansion. It contains 41 rooms.
-
-The architecture of Richmond shows three distinct styles. The original
-center building, 153 years old, is of Spanish design; the front, 105
-years old, is of Greek design; and 77 years ago the square English
-portion of the house was built.
-
-The Spanish part, constructed of sturdy hand-hewn timbers, brick, and
-cement, is in an excellent state of preservation. It has stood without
-reconstruction throughout the years. There is a cement patio on the
-ground level, and cypress steps with artistic iron grill rails reach the
-main floor from the outside. Here one can sound the door knocker, and
-soon hear heavy wooden bars being lifted. This was the security against
-Indians and other intruders of early days, and such protection remains
-intact at Richmond.
-
-In 1832 Richmond became the property of Levin R. Marshall,
-great-great-grandfather of the present owners, and it was he who added
-the lovely Greek portion. This addition contains six large rooms on the
-main floor and four in the basement.
-
-Twenty-eight years later, in order to accommodate a rapidly growing
-family and numbers of guests, the red brick English addition was built
-in the rear.
-
-The main entrance has a front portion with classic Corinthian columns
-supporting the roof. A broad hall, the length of two twenty-foot rooms,
-runs through the center to a formal dining room. This formal room opens
-with four tall folding doors into a smaller family dining room. There
-are double drawing rooms on the left side of the great hall.
-
-The massive old furniture remains today in Richmond, as does the family
-silver, which is the most ornate and beautiful silver service in the
-entire South.
-
-The front drawing room harbors a greatly prized relic of the past--the
-quaint concert grand piano which was used to accompany the famous
-song-bird Jenny Lind when, under the management of that superb showman,
-P. T. Barnum, she toured the South. A beautiful portrait of Jenny Lind
-hangs near the old piano.
-
-Richmond contains a rich treasure store of old laces, quaint costumes,
-and queer candelabra. Quite recently there was discovered an assortment
-of pans and plumber's equipment. When assembled this "find" proved to be
-a bathtub of probably the 1850 model. The fastidious bather stood in a
-tin basin, pulled a curtain for privacy, while a slave by means of a
-small hand pump pumped water from a two-gallon tank overhead; this water
-ran over the bather, down into the basin, and was, in turn, pumped up
-and the bather reshowered.
-
-Fortunes have been made and lost by Richmond owners. The generosity of
-Levin R. Marshall extended to the State of Texas and the town of
-Marshall, in Texas, is named in honor of this family.
-
-  [Illustration: Three of the cultures that have contributed to the
-  charm of Natchez are represented in Richmond. Post-Colonial Neo-Greek
-  is shown at the left, Spanish in the center, and English Georgian on
-  the right.]
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-  [Illustration: FORT ROSALIE Built by the French in the early 18th
-  century, it was the scene of the Indian massacre of 1729.]
-
-
-
-
-                               _Rosalie_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Rosalie]
-
-In the Natchez country "Rosalie" is a magic name. It conjures up
-memories of startling days that were, and stimulates the imagination to
-see Indians and soldiers and people from foreign lands.
-
-The home, "Rosalie", bears the name and is situated near the site of
-Fort Rosalie, which was built by the French in the early 1700's.
-
-No home in Natchez is of greater historical importance than Rosalie. The
-building was started about 1820 by Peter B. Little, and required seven
-years for completion. All materials are of the choicest selection.
-Home-burned bricks and hand-hewn timbers were used in its construction.
-
-Rosalie is situated 200 feet above the Mississippi River. It is now the
-home of Miss Rebecca Rumble and Mrs. James Marsh. It contains many
-original pieces of furniture, carpets, and exquisite chandeliers. A
-valuable piece is the mahogany table at which Jefferson Davis, president
-of the Confederacy, and U. S. Grant dined.
-
-Mr. Little married his thirteen-year-old ward, and sent her to Baltimore
-to be educated. It was while she was in school that he built this
-mansion in which to receive her when she returned.
-
-It is believed that the ground immediately back of Rosalie is the site
-of the great Indian massacre of the French in 1729.
-
-Railroad tracks and driveways have cut through the acres that were
-originally Rosalie private grounds, but the yard and gardens of the old
-home are well kept and are filled with old-fashioned flowers and
-shrubbery of days long gone.
-
-Rosalie was General Grant's headquarters during the Federal occupation
-of Natchez in the War Between the States.
-
-The present occupants display with much pride the huge four-poster
-mahogany bed in which General Grant slept during his stay at this old
-house.
-
-Rosalie has been purchased by the Daughters of the American Revolution,
-and will be maintained as a public shrine. Many of the encroaching
-industrial buildings will soon give way to the original acreage that
-formed the gardens of Rosalie.
-
-  [Illustration: This Bed in Rosalie Has a Prayer Pad at Its Side.]
-
-
-
-
-                              _Parsonage_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Parsonage]
-
-Under the very eaves of old "Rosalie" with its historic background of
-Fort Rosalie, stands a sturdy square structure known as "The Parsonage".
-
-It is a brick building with an English basement, the entrance leading by
-broad steps to the elevated first floor.
-
-While of no particular historic interest, The Parsonage has its story.
-
-It was built by Peter Little, the owner and builder of Rosalie, and
-bears the same evidence of sturdy construction exemplified in the larger
-home.
-
-Like most men, Mr. Little wanted the privacy of his own home, while Mrs.
-Little, due to religious enthusiasm, felt called upon to entertain every
-preacher and his family who passed that way. By reason of this devotion
-to religious duty, "Rosalie" was kept filled with ministerial guests.
-
-Following a long siege of such guests Mr. Little declared to his wife,
-"I am going to build a home for your church friends and their families".
-True to this decision he built a lovely home, and in November 1850
-deeded it to the Methodist Church and called it "The Parsonage".
-
-After the death of his young wife Mr. Little lived on at Rosalie, a
-brokenhearted, lonely old man, until, tradition tells, while ill and
-alone, in the dark hours of night, the master of Rosalie and builder of
-The Parsonage which he designed to insure his seclusion, was murdered by
-one of his own slaves.
-
-Later The Parsonage was sold. Today, with its exquisite antique
-furnishings, it is the property of the Orrick Metcalfs, who are
-descendants of one of Natchez' oldest and most respected families.
-
-
-
-
-                             _Stanton Hall_
-
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-In the heart of the city of Natchez stands an imposing mansion, "Stanton
-Hall". It is surrounded by a half-acre of rolling lawn which is enclosed
-by an iron fence. This strong iron fence is in a delicate design and is
-itself worth a small fortune.
-
-Stanton Hall is the most handsome old home, and probably the most
-expensive, in the entire Natchez area. It is not of great historical
-value but it well represents the architectural grandeur of the Old
-South.
-
-It was built during the 1851-56 period. As the building materials were
-imported, the house required several years for its construction.
-
-On the first floor there are four tremendous rooms and a broad hall.
-Hand carvings for doors and windows, Carrara marble mantels, silver and
-bronze hinges, bronze chandeliers, and exquisite over-size mirrors
-required a specially chartered ship for their delivery to complete this
-handsome home. It was built for Frederick Stanton of Belfast, Ireland,
-and his young wife, Hulda Helm Stanton, a lady of the Natchez
-neighborhood.
-
-The spacious grounds resemble a well-kept park. Aged oaks spread their
-moss-draped boughs in a latticed shield, as it were, across the front
-where white Corinthian columns support the massive portico which is
-outlined by iron grill railings of intricate lacy pattern.
-
-To the right of the entrance is a large drawing room, and back of this,
-through an elaborate archway, is a very unusual music room. This room is
-decorated with murals of musical instruments on which appear the names
-of the great old music masters.
-
-  [Illustration: Stanton Hall]
-
-Woodwork and doors on the first floor are of solid mahogany, with silver
-hinges and silver door knobs.
-
-After Stanton Hall passed from the original owners in the year 1894, it
-was used as a select school, known as "Stanton College for Young
-Ladies".
-
-In August 1920 Robert T. Clarke bought Stanton Hall and has occupied it
-since that date. He recently sold the property to the Pilgrimage Garden
-Club.
-
-
-
-
-                            _Weymouth Hall_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Weymouth Hall]
-
-Unusual and peculiar is the construction of Weymouth Hall. It was
-purchased by Col. John Weymouth in 1821 and was rebuilt in 1852 by the
-Bullock family. It is a three-story brick building overlooking the
-Mississippi River, and has for its back view acres of Natchez cemetery.
-
-The upper stories are reached by a winding stairway. The third floor is
-a ballroom. During the War Between the States this room was used as
-headquarters for Union soldiers because it gave a perfect view of the
-river and surrounding country.
-
-Stark Young in _So Red the Rose_ refers to Weymouth Hall and the death
-of Mrs. John Weymouth in the room below the Union headquarters. He gives
-a vivid description of the agony of the family as they watched a loved
-one slip away forever amid the hostile booming of drums above her
-bedroom.
-
-The furnishings, woodwork, and mantels in Weymouth Hall are fascinating
-in perfection and antiquity. In the living room on the second floor is a
-black marble mantel inlaid with colored roses of mother of pearl.
-Fabulous offers have been declined for this mantel. There is probably
-not another like it in the entire South.
-
-This old home is now owned and occupied by the Zurhellen and Morton
-families, who are lineal descendants of Mrs. John Weymouth.
-
-
-
-
-                           _Ruins of Windsor_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Ruins of Windsor]
-
-Twenty-two stone Corinthian columns stand today as remnants of a grand
-example of ante-bellum Greek Revival architecture.
-
-Windsor was built in 1861 by S. C. Daniel, a wealthy Mississippi planter
-who also had large land holdings in Louisiana. It had five stories,
-topped by an observatory. It is said that Mark Twain, when a Mississippi
-steamboat pilot, charted his course at this point by the lofty tower of
-Windsor.
-
-The house and its furnishings were destroyed by fire in 1890.
-
-
-
-
-                           _Windy Hill Manor_
-
-
-  [Illustration: Windy Hill Manor]
-
-Nine miles from Natchez, on the Liberty road, in a picturesque,
-moss-draped grove, stands "Windy Hill Manor", home of the Misses
-Stanton.
-
-The records show that Windy Hill originally belonged to Joseph Ford. It
-was under the ownership of Benjamin Osmun, a close friend of Aaron Burr,
-that the place received its great historical interest.
-
-After Aaron Burr had been accused of treason against his own country and
-released on $5,000 bail, he was invited to be the guest of his old
-friend Benjamin Osmun at Windy Hill.
-
-One hundred and twenty years ago Benjamin Osmun sold this plantation to
-General Brandon, great-grandfather of the Stanton sisters who now occupy
-it. The Stantons gave the property the name of "Windy Hill Manor".
-
-Architecturally this house, like many of the cottage type ante-bellum
-homes, is a surprise, when upon entering it is found to be of commodious
-proportions.
-
-It is a story-and-a-half, plantation type home, with wide porch and
-large columns across the front.
-
-There is a beautiful spiral stairway in the wide front hall. To the left
-is a large drawing room containing numerous relics of days long gone;
-portraits of past generations; antique furniture, and a most interesting
-collection of Indian relics. Also, an unusual fireplace and mantel are
-in this room.
-
-  [Illustration: (unlabelled)]
-
-Time has marched on but Windy Hill Manor remains a living, vibrant
-picture of the days of the ease and graciousness of the Old South. The
-Misses Stanton complete the perfection of this period picture.
-
-Here our visit to the old estates comes to an end. Lack of space has
-prevented inclusion of all of the ante-bellum homes, but we hope that we
-have nevertheless captured the charm of Natchez.
-
-  [Illustration: AARON BURR OAKS]
-
-
-
-
-                          Transcriber's Notes
-
-
---Copyright notice provided as in the original--this e-text is public
-  domain in the country of publication.
-
---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and
-  dialect unchanged.
-
---Moved some captions closer to the corresponding pictures, removing
-  extraneous spatial references like "(next page)".
-
---In the text versions, delimited italicized text by _underscores_.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Natchez, Symbol of the Old South, by 
-Nola Nance Oliver
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-<pre>
-
-Project Gutenberg's Natchez, Symbol of the Old South, by Nola Nance Oliver
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-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
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-Title: Natchez, Symbol of the Old South
-
-Author: Nola Nance Oliver
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-Release Date: December 30, 2016 [EBook #53830]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
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-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NATCHEZ, SYMBOL OF THE OLD SOUTH ***
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-
-<div id="cover" class="img">
-<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Natchez, Symbol of the Old South" width="598" height="800" />
-</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig1">
-<img src="images/p01.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="668" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI FROM THE BLUFFS OF NATCHEZ</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="img" id="fig2">
-<img src="images/p02.jpg" alt="" width="622" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">THE GATES OF DUNLEITH</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_1">1</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig3">
-<img src="images/p02a.jpg" alt="Natchez, Symbol of the Old South" width="604" height="800" />
-</div>
-<div class="box">
-<p class="center"><span class="large">NOLA NANCE OLIVER</span></p>
-<h1><i>Natchez</i>
-<br /><span class="smaller">SYMBOL OF THE OLD SOUTH</span></h1>
-<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small">HASTINGS HOUSE &middot; PUBLISHERS &middot; NEW YORK</span></p>
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_2">2</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig4">
-<img src="images/p03.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">MONTEIGNE&mdash;<span class="sc">Stairhall</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<p class="tbcenter">This book is dedicated to Louise and Mary.</p>
-<p class="center"><span class="small"><i>Copyright, 1940, by Nola Nance Oliver. Printed in the U. S. A.</i></span></p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_3">3</div>
-<h2 id="c1"><i>Foreword</i></h2>
-<p>Natchez derives its name from the sun-worshiping Indian tribe, the Natchez,
-who were the original owners of the area on which the city is located. It is situated
-in Adams county, in the southwestern part of the state of Mississippi, on bluffs
-200 feet high overlooking the Mississippi River, and is midway between Memphis
-and New Orleans. It is accessible by railway, steamboat, motor highway and airway.
-It is particularly proud of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a modern concrete
-road over an old Indian trace or trail from Nashville to Natchez. This highway is
-a link in one of the most important commercial and historic highways in the
-United States reaching from Washington, D. C., to Mexico.</p>
-<p>Today Natchez is a recognized center of interest because in the city and its
-vicinity there are a greater number of original ante-bellum mansions than in
-any other community in America&mdash;some 75 or more.</p>
-<p>Natchez is the second oldest town in the United States, being next in age to
-St. Augustine, Florida. It has lived under five different flags, each of which contributed
-romantic flavor to the section. From 1714 to 1763 it was under the flag
-of France; from 1764 to 1780 under the flag of England; and from 1780 to 1798
-under the flag of Spain. In 1798 the first United States flag in the Lower Mississippi
-Valley was raised in Natchez. Years after the raising of the &ldquo;stars and
-stripes&rdquo;, another flag which some call &ldquo;the conquered banner&rdquo;, the beloved flag
-of the Confederate States of America, floated over Natchez, 1861-&rsquo;65.</p>
-<p>Natchez &ldquo;Under the Hill&rdquo; applies to that part of the town along the water
-front and under the bluffs. It flourished during the heyday of steamboating on the
-Mississippi. The inroads of the river have washed away the streets, and only a few
-buildings remain. One very interesting home, &ldquo;Magnolia Vale&rdquo;, has been preserved
-and is presented in this book.</p>
-<p>The majority of these old homes contain original pieces of furniture, china,
-coin silver service, draperies, carpets, wall decorations of exquisite workmanship,
-huge mirrors in massive goldleaf frames, paintings bearing authentic signatures
-of great masters, and hand-carved marble mantels. Laces, silks, and rich costumes
-are displayed today by third, fourth and fifth generations.</p>
-<p>It seems hardly possible that the world could move on and leave one small
-community undisturbed in its ancient grandeur. The hand of destiny seems
-indeed to uphold and enshrine this hallowed region. The estates have descended
-from generation to generation, many of them today being owned and occupied
-by descendants of the original owners.</p>
-<p>Natchezians have been entirely satisfied, even proud, to be termed &ldquo;provincial&rdquo;.
-A sense of inherent aristocracy has given these people a secure and placid
-self-sufficiency which neither time nor stress of outside conditions nor the frettings
-of progress can jar or mar.</p>
-<p>Within the past ten years tourists have come. They clamored for entertainment.
-And now, maintaining the established reputation for &ldquo;hospitality of the
-true South&rdquo;, each Spring season Natchez opens wide her gates and invites the
-world to come &ldquo;where the Old South still lives&rdquo;.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_4">4</div>
-<p>The &ldquo;company dress&rdquo; of great-grandparents, which has been sacredly stored
-away for scores of years, is brought out, and overnight the whole town, in manners
-and dress, returns to those halcyon days of long ago. The streets are filled
-with young and old in ante-bellum costumes. Sweet olive trees and magnolia
-trees are in fragrant bloom, flower gardens are fresh and inviting, moss-draped
-oaks ring with the song of native birds, the old homes are opened, treasures are
-placed on view, and visitors are given a Southland welcome. The &ldquo;Pilgrimage&rdquo;
-is on!</p>
-<p>In addition to guided tours through ante-bellum houses special entertainments
-are planned for each evening. Confederate balls, historical pageants, and many
-other colorful events of the past are re-enacted. Spirituals are sung in old-fashioned
-Negro churches where the &ldquo;pahson&rdquo; is eager to greet &ldquo;our white
-friends&rdquo;. On spacious plantation grounds an old-time Southern barbecue prepared
-by black mammies will be served.</p>
-<p>A custom which has long prevailed in Natchez is the placing of coins in a
-box for old darky beggars. On Saturdays every merchant observes &ldquo;Penny Day&rdquo;,
-as it is called. It originated as a time saver, the box being placed in a convenient
-location to avoid interruption of the store&rsquo;s business. There are many regular
-&ldquo;customers&rdquo; for this feature and they are always welcome. &ldquo;Penny Day&rdquo; is a
-thoughtful, good-natured gesture to the needy Negro from his &ldquo;white folks&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>Pictures of the old homes with accurate data and intimate stories and
-legends constitute <i>Natchez, Symbol of the Old South</i>. Most of the photographs
-are by Earl Norman.</p>
-<p>A fascinating visit is given you by one who knows and loves the Southland.
-You will be delighted and enriched.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig5">
-<img src="images/p04.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="638" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Uncle Wash, a Regular
-Customer on Penny Day</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_5">5</div>
-<h2 id="c2"><i>The Natchez Tribe</i></h2>
-<p>A bronze plaque of a handsome Indian chief has been erected in a granite
-wall overlooking the great &ldquo;Father of Waters&rdquo;, in memory of the Natchez Indian
-tribe from which the city of Natchez derives its name.</p>
-<p>The Natchez Indians were of Aztec origin and were in possession of the
-Natchez country when the French came in 1700. They were sun-worshiping
-Indians, and their great chief proclaimed himself &ldquo;brother to the Sun&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>White Apple village, ten miles south of Natchez, was headquarters of the
-Natchez tribe. They resented the invasion of the French explorers into their
-country, and because of an insult (real or fancied) to their Chief by a French
-Commandant, on November 28, 1729, the Indians slaughtered the entire French
-settlement at Fort Rosalie. Later a French colony, with the assistance of the
-Choctaws, a warring Indian tribe, annihilated every member of the Natchez tribe.</p>
-<p>Undoubtedly this was the country of the Natchez tribe, and the beautiful
-plaque is a deserved reminder of the days when the land was one hundred per
-cent American.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig6">
-<img src="images/p04a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="700" height="710" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_6">6</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig7">
-<img src="images/p05.jpg" alt="" width="608" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">ON NATCHEZ TRACE</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div>
-<h2 id="c3"><i>Natchez Trace</i></h2>
-<p>Opportunity for easy travel, over trails that were once Indian foot paths, is
-offered now to motorists on perfect concrete highways. Modern roads, which slowly
-evolved from dirt roads to paved highways, stretch from Nashville, Tennessee,
-in a continuous smooth concrete ribbon to Natchez, on the great Mississippi
-River.</p>
-<p>Days when the beauty of the Southland could be viewed only from a steamboat
-deck; days when transportation of passenger and freight could be handled
-only by oxcart or slow stage coach or horse and buggy (a three-weeks journey
-from Nashville to Natchez) are gone forever, and soon the Deep South will be
-directly connected by a day&rsquo;s pleasant journey with all the cities and towns along
-the Natchez Trace.</p>
-<p>By treaty with Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian tribes the United States Government
-in 1801 secured a permit to open the Natchez Trace as a wagon road
-over which the mails could travel.</p>
-<p>That same trail or &ldquo;trace&rdquo; from Nashville to Natchez is 500 miles of consecutive
-beauty spots along continuous acres of parkways and historic highways.</p>
-<p>Mrs. Roan Fleming Byrnes, serving as President of the Natchez Trace Highway
-Committee, in a recent publication says:</p>
-<blockquote>
-<p>&ldquo;The ancient trail was traveled by most of the well-known figures in the
-history of our country: Jefferson Davis; Peggy and Lorenzo Dow, the
-revivalists; the fast riding John Morgan; the famous Audubon. Lafayette
-rode over the Trace during his visit to the Natchez country; Aaron Burr
-was given his preliminary trial for treason under two liveoaks just beside
-the Trace; Meriwether Lewis died at an inn on the Trace when returning
-from his Western explorations.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;The life of Andrew Jackson is closely interwoven with the windings
-of the Natchez Trace. At Springfield plantation, in Jefferson county,
-Mississippi, Jackson was married to Rachael Robards; and, near Nashville,
-Tennessee, is the &lsquo;Hermitage&rsquo;, the home he built for Rachael.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;It was when marching his rejected Tennessee militia homeward over
-the Trace from Natchez to Nashville in 1813 that Jackson acquired
-his famous nickname, &lsquo;Old Hickory&rsquo;.&rdquo;</p>
-</blockquote>
-<p>The unusual beauty of the deep cut roadways, worn down by travel throughout
-the years, and the overlapping, moss-draped trees, will be preserved as far as
-possible.</p>
-<p>Many of these old roads running into Natchez lead through deep, tunnel-like
-ways whose sides are sheer walls ten to eighty feet high and draped with long
-fronds of overhanging Spanish moss.</p>
-<p>These roadways of tunnels and curves are weird and beautiful, affording an
-irresistible attraction for all travelers.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_8">8</div>
-<h2 id="c4"><i>Airlie</i></h2>
-<p>Built prior to 1790, &ldquo;Airlie&rdquo; is a rambling, wide-spread building of cottage
-type, on a rolling elevation at the end of Myrtle street. It attracts attention
-through its unusual simplicity of exterior. Its architecture is entirely different
-from other ante-bellum homes in the community.</p>
-<p>This great departure from the usual style is due to the age of Airlie. Its
-original building date is ahead of all the available history of Natchez.</p>
-<p>Additions have been made, from time to time, until today Airlie stands twelve
-rooms broad, reaching a row of venerable cedars with their swaying moss which
-sweeps the eaves of this old home of the Ayres P. Merrill family.</p>
-<p>The central portion is built on old Spanish style, with beams and timbers held
-together by wooden pegs; later additions show that these were made by somewhat
-improved methods.</p>
-<p>Airlie is often referred to as &ldquo;the old Buckner home&rdquo;. It was occupied by the
-Buckner family at the time of its first recorded history and during the War Between
-the States when conflicts at Airlie left blood stains on its floors and walls which
-are clearly visible today.</p>
-<p>This house was for a time used as a hospital for Northern soldiers.</p>
-<p>When Airlie passed from the Buckner family it became the property of
-another family of distinction, that of Ayres P. Merrill, whose descendants occupy
-Airlie today, with its treasure of rosewood and mahogany antiques.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig8">
-<img src="images/p06.jpg" alt="Airlie" width="800" height="617" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig9">
-<img src="images/p06a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="553" />
-</div>
-<p>The present Merrill family are the proud possessors of hundreds of pieces of
-Du Barry and other imported china from France and Belgium, as well as a silver
-service of rare design and sacred antiquity which might well excite the envy of
-Royalty itself.</p>
-<p>There are many persons who believe Airlie was the first residence built in the
-Natchez territory. No definite date in authentic records can be found.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig10">
-<img src="images/p06b.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="491" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div>
-<h2 id="c5"><i>Arlington</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig11">
-<img src="images/p07.jpg" alt="Arlington" width="800" height="678" />
-</div>
-<p>Where Natchez&rsquo; Main street ends, the great wide gates of Arlington open.
-Live oaks with pendant gray moss line the driveway, which winds through beds
-of vari-colored irises to one of the most distinctively attractive ante-bellum homes
-in the South.</p>
-<p>Of Southern Colonial type, constructed of red brick with stately white Tuscan
-columns supporting the upper story gallery, Arlington today, more than a century
-old, presents a magnificent appearance.</p>
-<p>The great carved entrance door leading to the spacious hall is crowned with
-intricately wrought fanlights, and the broad veranda is approached by wide
-steps of concrete.</p>
-<p>Arlington was built for Mrs. Jane White, eldest daughter of Pierre Surget, who
-came from France in the early days of Natchez. The house was completed about
-1820 but on the very first night of her residence in the home of her heart&rsquo;s desire
-Mrs. White passed away suddenly. Many tales have been told of a mysterious
-death but none has been verified. At her death Mrs. White left Arlington and all
-its treasures to her sister, Mrs. Bingaman.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig12">
-<img src="images/p07a.jpg" alt="" width="578" height="801" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">HALL</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig13">
-<img src="images/p08.jpg" alt="" width="630" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">IMPOSING COLUMNED DOORWAY LEADING FROM HALL</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig14">
-<img src="images/p08a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="700" height="625" />
-</div>
-<p>Five generations of the Pierre Surget family occupied Arlington. Each in
-turn contributed to its wealth of rare treasures. The original furniture was imported
-from France.</p>
-<p>Across the broad hallway which is hung with rare paintings by old-world
-masters such as Vernet, Baroccio, Carlo Dolci, and Coccanari, is the Music Room
-which contains a spinet more than three hundred years old. There are family
-portraits in this room&mdash;some of musicians in the family&mdash;by such renowned
-artists as Sully, Audubon, Albani, Fidanza, and Maratti.</p>
-<p>The Library holds some five thousand books.</p>
-<p>Mrs. Hubert Barnum, the present owner of Arlington, comes from a long line
-of Natchez aristocracy. Arlington was given her as a wedding gift from her husband,
-who recently passed away. Mrs. Barnum while keeping the home atmosphere
-of Arlington has made it, also, a veritable private museum, rich in beauty, in rare
-books, and antiques.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig15">
-<img src="images/p09.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="558" height="800" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div>
-<h2 id="c6"><i>Auburn</i></h2>
-<p>Built in 1812, a full century and a quarter ago, by Dr. Stephen Duncan,
-&ldquo;Auburn&rdquo; mansion is noted today as in bygone historic days for its architectural
-beauty and the natural beauty of its surrounding acres.</p>
-<p>Auburn is a magnificent red brick structure with great white columns supporting
-its broad front galleries. The bricks were made on the premises by slave
-labor. On the first floor are spacious drawing rooms, a large dining room, a family
-dining room, library, smoking room, and two hallways. Above stairs are six huge
-bedrooms with high ceilings.</p>
-<p>In the rear of the main mansion is a two-storied brick kitchen which is connected
-with the main building by a flagged patio. The servants&rsquo; quarters are
-above with the kitchen and pantries on the ground floor. The kitchen has the
-giant fireplace with cranes and pots and the old-time &ldquo;spit&rdquo; where meats were
-roasted.</p>
-<p>Entrance to Auburn is through a classic doorway which has been aptly called
-&ldquo;an architect&rsquo;s dream of beauty&rdquo;.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig16">
-<img src="images/p09a.jpg" alt="" width="655" height="701" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Classic Entrance Doorway</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig17">
-<img src="images/p10.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="638" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Grand Hallway</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<p>Inside the house there is a majestic spiral stairway rising to the grand high
-hallway, without support except at its base. This amazing feature intrigues the
-imagination.</p>
-<p>In early days Auburn entertained many celebrities, among them Henry Clay,
-Edward Everett Hale, and John Howard Payne. The same gracious hospitality
-maintains today.</p>
-<p>Auburn is the property of the city of Natchez by deed of gift from Stephen
-Duncan, and is used as the deed stipulates for the &ldquo;amusement, entertainment,
-and recreation, without cost or monetary consideration, of Natchez citizens&rdquo;. It
-is the handsome headquarters of several distinguished local clubs.</p>
-<p>The women&rsquo;s clubs of Natchez have undertaken the task of furnishing the
-lower floor with valuable antiques of the period of its original furnishings.</p>
-<p>The acreage surrounding it is known as Duncan Park in compliment to the
-Duncan family who gave it to the city. It contains huge, aged, moss-draped oaks,
-alluring sweet olive trees, famous magnolias, shrubbery and vines, old-fashioned
-gardens, a golf course, and playground with swings and merry-go-rounds used
-every day in the year for the health and frolic of children.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig18">
-<img src="images/p10a.jpg" alt="" width="653" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">The Unsupported Spiral Stairway Rises to the Grand Hallway.</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig19">
-<img src="images/p11.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="493" height="800" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig20">
-<img src="images/p11a.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="570" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">Old Milk House. Slaves pumped cool cistern water into long zinc vats providing
-Auburn&rsquo;s cooling system for its crocks of milk.</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="img" id="fig21">
-<img src="images/p11b.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="537" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">Food prepared in the kitchen below the servants&rsquo; quarters was carried in
-hot urns to dining rooms by servants stationed along &ldquo;the ways&rdquo;.</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div>
-<h2 id="c7"><i>Belmont</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig22">
-<img src="images/p12.jpg" alt="Belmont" width="800" height="434" />
-</div>
-<p>Sturdy as the Rock of Gibraltar stands this imposing Neo-Greek mansion. It
-was known originally as &ldquo;Cleremont&rdquo;, and was built in the early 40&rsquo;s by one
-Loxley Thistle.</p>
-<p>Storm and strife have beaten against the doors of this stronghold but it was
-built after a disastrous tornado which put a great fear in the minds of builders
-of that period, and Belmont (as it was renamed) was constructed to resist fierce
-storms, although at the same time exquisite lines of beauty were maintained.</p>
-<p>This place with its thirty acres of land has changed hands oftener than any
-ante-bellum home in Natchez. Its history is broken and uncertain. It was undoubtedly
-built by imported craftsmen who had the help of local carpenters and slave
-labor.</p>
-<p>Many prominent families of Natchez are identified with Belmont at some
-period in its history. Within its fort-like walls Natchez elite often sipped rare old
-wine from its private sub-cellar in frequent celebrations.</p>
-<p>Belmont has its ghost story of whispering souls wandering through the high-ceilinged
-halls&mdash;ghosts created to scare the slaves, and &ldquo;whispers&rdquo; which proved
-to be the swishing of chimney swallows rushing in and out of their nests.</p>
-<p>The approach to Belmont is a majestic line of moss-draped cedars and giant
-oak trees standing sentinel-like over the gardens of days long passed.</p>
-<p>Louis Fry, present owner, plans the complete restoration of Belmont. It may
-soon ring with echoes of happier days.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div>
-<h2 id="c8"><i>Belvidere</i></h2>
-<p>On Homochitto street, in the shadow of magnificent &ldquo;Dunleith&rdquo;, is a simple
-white cottage, &ldquo;Belvidere&rdquo;, which for generations has been the home of the
-Henderson family.</p>
-<p>Originally Belvidere was the center of a fourteen acre tract of wooded land
-which was the property of Christopher Miller, who was secretary to the Spanish
-Governor of Natchez, Gayoso de Lemos. The Hendersons are descendants of
-Christopher Miller.</p>
-<p>Simple and unostentatious this small cottage stands with her very toes, as it
-were, on the street where once broad acreage spread. These acres gave space in
-later years for a public school and a paved highway.</p>
-<p>Belvidere is more than 100 years old, and has been for more than a century
-owned and occupied by one family.</p>
-<p>It is simply furnished, and much of it is the original furniture, more than 100
-years old. Two pictures of special interest adorn the walls, silhouettes of Samuel
-Brooks and his wife&mdash;&ldquo;the first Mayor of Natchez and his Lady&rdquo;. These pictures
-were made in 1753.</p>
-<p>Rare Venetian glass and china and many exquisite pieces of porcelain are
-found in Belvidere.</p>
-<p>The property is now owned and occupied by Mrs. Florence Henderson Kelly
-and her son and daughter, Thomas G. and Ellen N.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig23">
-<img src="images/p12a.jpg" alt="Belvidere" width="800" height="565" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div>
-<h2 id="c9"><i>Brandon Hall</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig24">
-<img src="images/p13.jpg" alt="Brandon Hall" width="700" height="623" />
-</div>
-<p>This old home is not in the immediate Natchez area but its owner and his
-descendants are so closely allied with all that is Natchez that Brandon Hall is
-rightfully considered a Natchez asset and is included in its list of ante-bellum
-homes.</p>
-<p>Gerard Brandon of Ireland came to Natchez prior to the Revolutionary War,
-and more than a century ago &ldquo;Selma Plantation&rdquo;, from whose acres came the
-grounds of Brandon Hall, was built by him. Mr. Brandon was a successful farmer
-and was one of the original pecan growers in the county. He came to Natchez
-from South Carolina.</p>
-<p>Brandon Hall was built by Gerard Brandon the Third in 1856, and stands
-today a splendid monument to a grand old family. It is sturdily constructed. Its
-timbers are secured with thumb screws and wooden pegs.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div>
-<h2 id="c10"><i>Cherry Grove</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig25">
-<img src="images/p13a.jpg" alt="Cherry Grove" width="800" height="561" />
-</div>
-<p>Built of primeval timbers, cut and hewn by slaves on the place, the old home
-at Cherry Grove plantation &ldquo;sits tight&rdquo; secured by dependable wooden pegs. It
-was built in 1788 when time and expense of labor were of little consideration,
-and nails and modern building equipment were not available.</p>
-<p>Pierre Surget of La Rochelle, France, built this Spanish style house, on a
-Spanish land grant, for his wife, Katherine d&rsquo;Hubert, and from this couple have
-come some of Natchez&rsquo; most prominent families.</p>
-<p>Mr. Surget was a seaman for many years before coming to the Natchez country,
-and Cherry Grove was built with the sturdiness of a seaworthy vessel.</p>
-<p>The home has never passed out of the Surget family. Its present owner, Mrs.
-Carlotta Surget McKittrick, now possesses the original Spanish land grant made
-to Pierre Surget in the 1700&rsquo;s.</p>
-<p>In a small cemetery within sight of the old home, enclosed by an imported
-iron fence, lie the bodies of Pierre Surget and his wife, Katherine.</p>
-<p>Descendants of the Surget slaves remain in the &ldquo;quarters&rdquo; to look after the
-place, and to plant and gather cotton from its vast acres.</p>
-<p>The house is unoccupied. Much of the original furnishing remains intact, and
-a Surget heir is today sole owner of the quaint old dwelling of her illustrious
-forbears.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div>
-<h2 id="c11"><i>The Briers</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig26">
-<img src="images/p14.jpg" alt="" width="632" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Varina Howell and Jefferson Davis Were Married in This Room.</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig27">
-<img src="images/p14a.jpg" alt="The Briers" width="800" height="427" />
-</div>
-<p>Could Jefferson Davis and his beloved wife, Varina, return to The Briers
-today they would be pleased to find it in a perfect state of preservation.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;The Briers&rdquo;, a typical story-and-a-half country home, was given to Louise
-Kemp at the time of her marriage to William Burr Howell, who was a cousin of
-Aaron Burr. And here Varina Howell was born May 7, 1826. This home was the
-scene of Varina&rsquo;s marriage to Jefferson Davis on February 12, 1845. Mr. Davis
-later became &ldquo;President of the Confederacy&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>The house is situated on a knoll overlooking the Mississippi river, with a view
-of the cotton lands of Louisiana. The view of the Mississippi shown in the end papers
-was taken from the lawn of this house. It stands in the center of a forest of
-oak, pine, and pecan trees, and can be reached by only one narrow winding roadway,
-through deep woods, around bayous and ravines, hanging heavy with bushes
-and brambles. The house is quite similar to the Virginia type of country home.</p>
-<p>When the present owner, Mrs. W. W. Wall, purchased The Briers a few years
-ago, it was in a sad state of dilapidation. By great and loving labor, and generous
-expenditure of money and time, The Briers today is in perfect condition. It is
-now a charming credit to Natchez and to the memory of Jefferson Davis and his
-wife, Varina.</p>
-<p>The early architectural lines have been followed and materials similar to
-the original ones have been used. The broad veranda across the entire front,
-with many small wooden pillars and hand-turned spindle bannisters, the wide
-entrance steps, the quaint old dormer windows with their 12-pane sashes and
-heavy green blinds, form the perfect picture of the original plantation home of
-the Howells and Jefferson Davis.</p>
-<p>The simplicity of the floor plan is pleasing. The furniture includes many reproductions
-of rare original pieces. There is a restful, sacred serenity in The
-Briers worthy of its illustrious original owners.</p>
-<p>For the pleasure of visitors from the outside world, the present mistress keeps
-open house throughout the year, and hundreds of interested persons from every
-part of the United States pass through the portals of this home&mdash;the shrine of
-Jefferson Davis and Varina Howell.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div>
-<h2 id="c12"><i>The Burn</i></h2>
-<p>Another old home that was once situated in the center of vast acreage is
-&ldquo;The Burn&rdquo;. Streets have been cut through, lots sold and residences erected until
-today this quaint old home, originally the residence of John P. Walworth of Ohio,
-is in the very heart of the residence district of Natchez.</p>
-<p>While the &ldquo;old Walworth home&rdquo;, as it was so long known, was built about
-1834, its most interesting history is concerned with the war of 1861-65.</p>
-<p>The Burn is a homey-looking house of the story-and-a-half cottage type with
-spacious halls and nineteen rooms in the main building. High ceilings, mahogany
-woodwork, and wide, hand-rubbed board floors are indicative of its early period.</p>
-<p>By reason of its spacious and numerous rooms, and its accessibility to the
-river front and the Battery, &ldquo;The Burn&rdquo; was made headquarters for the Federal
-Artillery in the War Between the States. With only 24 hours&rsquo; notice the family
-left their comfortable home to be occupied by the enemy. Major Coleman and his
-soldiers took possession of The Burn, and today on a window pane in the house
-can be seen the Major&rsquo;s full name as cut there by a diamond more than seventy-five
-years ago.</p>
-<p>Within the last few years The Burn has been purchased by S. B. Laub, who
-is a direct descendant of the Beekman family. Mr. and Mrs. Laub have reclaimed
-and rebuilt every part of the old house with strict observance of the original
-architecture.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig28">
-<img src="images/p15.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="599" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">An Interesting Treatment Of Transom And Side Lights</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig29">
-<img src="images/p15a.jpg" alt="The Burn" width="800" height="557" />
-</div>
-<p>A letter from the granddaughter of the original owner of The Burn written
-to its present owners and published in the <i>Natchez Democrat</i> tells the complete
-story:</p>
-<blockquote>
-<p>&ldquo;The Burn property when purchased by John P. Walworth in 1834 extended
-from Union street to Clifton Heights. The home was erected the
-same year, and got its name from the Scotch, meaning &lsquo;The Brook&rsquo;, which
-ran through the property where Pearl street now is.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Architects and builders were brought from the East, the finest that
-could be found. It took more than a year to build, and has been compared
-to the Temple, for scarcely the sound of hammer was heard in its erection.
-The grand old home has stood fire, storm, and war.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;When Grant&rsquo;s army took possession of the town, The Burn became
-army headquarters, and was later turned into a hospital for Union soldiers.
-The wonderful old trees, the lawn and gardens fell before the axe and
-sword.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;After war clouds rolled away it was restored to its owner in a ruined
-condition. Generations have passed over its threshold loving it as a living
-being. The sons of the family bravely answered their country&rsquo;s call to arms
-and returned with untarnished records. Many brides have left its loving
-care. The mystery of life, birth and death have hallowed its walls with
-pride and sorrow.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;We relinquish our ownership rights into other hands; our escutcheon
-unsullied by debt or shame.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;We rejoice that it will be again a loved home, and may the happiness
-of the Walworth name continue to follow and bless the present owners.&rdquo;</p>
-</blockquote>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div>
-<h2 id="c13"><i>Choctaw</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig30">
-<img src="images/p16.jpg" alt="Choctaw" width="631" height="800" />
-</div>
-<p>Such dilapidated grandeur cannot be found in all the country around as one
-beholds at Choctaw. &ldquo;Built to endure and determined not to fall&rdquo; seems to ring
-from every stone and pillar of this gigantic old mansion. Once it was the center
-of a city block but now on the busy corner of Wall and High streets traffic of
-every sort brushes its very door.</p>
-<p>Because this property was so long owned and occupied by a Natchez philanthropist,
-Alvarez Fisk, &ldquo;Choctaw&rdquo; is known far and wide as the &ldquo;old Fisk home&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>This stately example of classic architecture was built by one Sarah Neibert.
-Records show that it was deeded to Alvarez Fisk about 1840. Fisk was born in
-Massachusetts in 1788. During the early 90&rsquo;s Choctaw was used as &ldquo;Stanton College
-for Women&rdquo;, and many Natchez women were educated there.</p>
-<p>Time and decay have had their turn at Choctaw. The great stone pillars stand
-proudly, and boldly present a magnificent front; exquisite fanlights adorn the
-great doors which were built extra wide to accommodate the hoopskirted ladies
-of early days; walls and lofty ceilings stand in sturdy defiance of wind and rain
-and vandalism, and yet the crumbling corners, the tumbling formal entrance,
-and the rundown appearance of Choctaw produce a feeling of solemn sadness.</p>
-<p>The foundation and walls of Choctaw are firm, and the day may come when
-this old palace will be restored to its former beauty and glory.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div>
-<h2 id="c14"><i>Concord</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig31">
-<img src="images/p16a.jpg" alt="Concord" width="800" height="590" />
-</div>
-<p>&ldquo;Concord&rdquo; was built in 1788 by Don Gayoso de Lemos, representative in the
-Natchez Territory of the King of Spain.</p>
-<p>The name, &ldquo;Concord&rdquo;, was chosen because the Governor felt that this word
-expressed the status of his people living in peace and amity.</p>
-<p>The dwelling was two-and-a-half stories. The lower floor was of brick and
-the upper portion was frame. There was a driveway beneath the long flight of
-steps at the front entrance. The house was richly furnished with importations
-from Spain.</p>
-<p>A few years ago &ldquo;Concord&rdquo; was destroyed by fire and Natchez lost an intriguing
-landmark.</p>
-<p>Today the handsome iron-railed outside double stairway marks the spot that
-was once the ruling center of government, and the social hub during the colorful
-days of the Spanish regime.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig32">
-<img src="images/p17.jpg" alt="" width="615" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">COTTAGE GARDENS&mdash;STAIR HALL</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div>
-<h2 id="c15"><i>Cottage Gardens</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig33">
-<img src="images/p17a.jpg" alt="Cottage Gardens" width="722" height="600" />
-</div>
-<p>When &ldquo;Cottage Gardens&rdquo; was built, some hundred and forty years ago,
-Natchez was young, and homes at that time were of compact, inconspicuous
-design.</p>
-<p>The land upon which this home stands was a part of the original Spanish
-grant to Don Jose Vidal, a young Spanish nobleman. &ldquo;Cottage Gardens&rdquo; was so
-named because of the beautiful gardens surrounding the cottage. It is recorded
-that these gardens were destroyed during the War Between the States when Union
-soldiers used the grounds as a pasture for their horses.</p>
-<p>Don Jose Vidal was a military governor and Captain in a Spanish army. His
-duties took him across the river from Natchez to a place now known as Vidalia.
-When his beloved young wife died her tomb was built on a high bluff on the
-estate overlooking the Mississippi River. While engaged in official service across
-the broad waters, Capt. Vidal could look out at any moment and see the spot
-where his beautiful Donna Vidal was buried. Don Jose is buried in a Natchez
-Cemetery. A great shaft has been erected above his grave and is inscribed with a
-lengthy epitaph which mentions that &ldquo;he was a friend of his Sovereign&rdquo;.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig34">
-<img src="images/p18.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="635" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM</p>
-</div></div>
-<p>Cottage Gardens has been for several generations owned and occupied by the
-Foster family. Although the exterior is on simple lines, the house is surprisingly
-spacious. The wide hall through the center contains a stairway of unusual architectural
-attractiveness. Its broad steps with mahogany handrailing lead up along
-the left wall almost to the ceiling, then leaving the wall the stairway crosses the
-hall in a graceful spiral curve and the ascending flight is finished along the right
-wall.</p>
-<p>At the rear end of the hall is a beautiful arch and doorway with fanlight above
-and plain side glass. It is a facsimile of the entrance door at the opposite end of
-the hall.</p>
-<p>From the present owners, the Foster family, comes Mary Kate Norman, the
-wife of Karl Norman, whose photographic art in picturing the old homes of
-Natchez has given him a prominent place among artists of the South.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig35">
-<img src="images/p18a.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="634" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">This family room in Cottage Gardens has an eight foot bed and a child&rsquo;s bed.</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="img" id="fig36">
-<img src="images/p18b.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="665" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">THE TOMB OF DONE JOSE VIDAL</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div>
-<h2 id="c16"><i>D&rsquo;Evereux</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig37">
-<img src="images/p19.jpg" alt="D&rsquo;Evereux" width="800" height="593" />
-</div>
-<p>By recent engineering survey Highway No. 61 from Memphis to New Orleans
-passes the grounds that once formed a part of D&rsquo;Evereux acres. Motorists on this
-highway, when within a mile of Natchez, can see this mansion, in perfect architecture,
-standing like a great Greek temple near the roadway. Sweeping tropical
-moss hangs from the sentinel oaks which guard this magnificent home.</p>
-<p>Built in 1840 for William St. John Elliott and his wife, it was given her family
-name, &ldquo;D&rsquo;Evereux&rdquo;, and this home, one of the most spacious in the community,
-was the scene of many happy affairs for the socially prominent.</p>
-<p>Great double drawing rooms and a banquet room, while not containing the
-original furnishings, show woodwork and walls, hand-turned railings and doorways,
-evidence of the excellent taste of the builders.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_35">35</div>
-<p>After more than forty years the master-owner of D&rsquo;Evereux died. The home
-was closed for a long while; later the widow with some of her young relatives
-opened the mansion and it became again the scene of many joyful gatherings.</p>
-<p>Upon the death of Mrs. Elliott, &ldquo;D&rsquo;Evereux&rdquo; was willed to her niece, Mrs.
-Margaret Martin Shields. During Mrs. Shields&rsquo; occupancy, it was selected as the
-most perfect home, in style and setting, in the entire Southland, and for this
-reason it is shown in that exquisite motion picture, &ldquo;The Heart of Maryland&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>Within the past few years D&rsquo;Evereux has been purchased by Miss Myra Smith
-of Chicago. With great pride in the ownership of one of the South&rsquo;s most majestic
-ante-bellum homes, Miss Smith has restored every portion of the old home, which
-today presents such magnificent perfection as to bring forth exclamations of wonder
-from all who travel that section of the Natchez Trace highway.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig38">
-<img src="images/p19a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="706" height="600" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div>
-<h2 id="c17"><i>Cherokee</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig39">
-<img src="images/p20.jpg" alt="Cherokee" width="800" height="577" />
-</div>
-<p>One of the most attractive of Natchez&rsquo; ante-bellum houses is the recently
-reclaimed Cherokee, built in 1794 by Jesse Greenfield on land acquired under
-Spanish grant.</p>
-<p>In 1810 David Michie purchased the property and added the classic front.
-The present owner, Mr. Charles Byrnes, has reclaimed the old Irish Manor
-House and its grounds, using wherever possible the style and materials of the
-original.</p>
-<p>Cherokee stands on a great elevation overlooking Natchez. It is across the
-street from Choctaw and within calling distance of Connelly&rsquo;s Tavern on Ellicott
-Hill.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div>
-<h2 id="c18"><i>Dunleith</i></h2>
-<p>This house, built in 1849 by Gen. Dahlgreen, is situated in perfectly kept terraced
-grounds, surrounded by symmetrically planted oak trees which have grown
-to giant size. A long driveway from the tall iron gate at the street entrance to
-the porch steps bring one to &ldquo;Dunleith&rdquo;, a veritable Greek temple.</p>
-<p>Dunleith is almost one hundred years old. The land on which it stands is part
-of a Spanish grant of 700 acres, and was the site of the original home which was
-destroyed by fire (caused by lightning) in 1845. In the rear of the present Dunleith
-are the stables which belonged to the original house.</p>
-<p>At the death of Leslie Carpenter a few years ago this property was inherited
-by his widow and her son, J. N. Carpenter. No more perfect example of a Colonial
-mansion of the Old South can be found. The house and grounds are under the
-constant care of scientific gardeners and caretakers.</p>
-<p>The story of Dunleith is incomplete until its legend has been told:</p>
-<blockquote>
-<p>&ldquo;At the court of Louis Philippe, last King of France, a lady in waiting was
-Miss Isabel Percy, who visited Dunleith to try to forget a terrible heart
-hurt. She played the harp, and sang in a beautiful voice. At evening, just at
-dusk, her sweet mournful songs can still be heard in the parlors of Dunleith.
-When twilight turns to darkness, the swish of her silken skirts can be
-heard as she ascends the broad stairway to her private rooms above.&rdquo;</p>
-</blockquote>
-<div class="verse">
-<p class="t0">I know not how true this tale may be,</p>
-<p class="t0">I tell it as &rsquo;twas told to me.</p>
-</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig40">
-<img src="images/p20a.jpg" alt="Dunleith" width="800" height="512" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_38">38</div>
-<h2 id="c19"><i>Edgewood</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig41">
-<img src="images/p21.jpg" alt="Edgewood" width="800" height="562" />
-</div>
-<p>Edgewood, erected in 1855, shared with &ldquo;Mount Repose&rdquo; the distinction of
-being a part of the original Bisland estate. It is a simple plantation home, located
-on the Pine Ridge road, and is today occupied by direct descendants of the
-original owner, who maintain the estate as nearly as possible in accord with the
-original plans.</p>
-<p>Situated on rolling greensward with a declivity at the rear, the house is two
-stories in front and three in the back. Straight, square lines are observed in its
-architecture. A porch extends across the entire front supported by double white
-columns. The outlook is into a group of restful, moss-covered oaks in the midst
-of which is a natural pond.</p>
-<p>Edgewood is the home of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Lamden, who with their young
-sons, S. H. III and Waldo, occupy this home of their forefathers. It is kept, from
-day to day, in the same style of ante-bellum home as in days gone by.</p>
-<p>Many descendants of the original slaves of the Lamdens live today in the
-&ldquo;quarters&rdquo; on the place.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig42">
-<img src="images/p21a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="729" height="600" />
-</div>
-<p>From &ldquo;Beaupres&rdquo; and other old plantations have come many possessions of
-rarest antiquity to Edgewood. There are portraits by the famous artist James Reed
-Lamden; among these is an exquisite portrait of his mother, who was Prudence
-Harrison; another is of Dr. John Flavel Carmichael, a member of the original
-staff of George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart.</p>
-<p>Furnishings at Edgewood are of soft tones in rosewood and mahogany. Drawing
-rooms, dining room, and bed rooms are filled with valuable antiques&mdash;all in
-daily use by the present family. Edgewood retains today all the charm and beauty
-that it had nearly a hundred years ago.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div>
-<h2 id="c20"><i>Elgin</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig43">
-<img src="images/p22.jpg" alt="Elgin" width="700" height="640" />
-</div>
-<p>The history of &ldquo;Elgin&rdquo; dates from about 1838 when it was owned by the Dunbar
-family, and was named Elgin for the Dunbar estate in Scotland.</p>
-<p>It is about eight miles from Natchez, and for many years was the home of the
-Jenkins family, whose descendants are prominent citizens of Natchez. Mr. Jenkins
-was a member of the Academy of Natural Science, and gave much time and scientific
-attention to the grounds of Elgin.</p>
-<p>The old-fashioned frame building with spacious halls and wide galleries stands
-on a knoll in a broad clearing surrounded by a forest of oaks and pecans.</p>
-<p>In 1914 Capt. Jenkins sold Elgin to the late Thornton Green of Michigan.
-Prior to that transfer &ldquo;Elgin&rdquo; while changing owners, each time was bought by
-descendants of its original owner.</p>
-<p>Elgin was far-famed for its gardens and orchards, traces of which remain today
-and are being reclaimed by the latest purchasers of the property, Mr. and Mrs.
-W. S. R. Beane of New York and Natchez. The Beanes will make &ldquo;Elgin&rdquo; their
-permanent home.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div>
-<h2 id="c21"><i>Elms</i></h2>
-<p>Amid great elm trees and sturdy liveoaks is a wide, rambling house, its galleries
-bannistered with graceful iron grill encircling three sides of the structure.
-This is &ldquo;Elms&rdquo;, it is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kellogg. It is a close neighbor
-of the &ldquo;Greenleaves&rdquo; estate.</p>
-<p>Elms was for a long time known as &ldquo;the old Drake home&rdquo;. Its intricate rambling
-porticos, unusual stairway, and beautiful gardens came to the Kelloggs by
-fortunate inheritance. Mrs. Kellogg is a direct descendant of the Drake family.
-Benjamin Drake was president of Elizabeth College, which has the distinction of
-being the first college in the United States to permit the teaching of branches of
-higher education to women.</p>
-<p>With the home and its acres of lovely gardens Mrs. Kellogg inherited a house
-filled with rare antique rosewood furniture.</p>
-<p>The main building of Elms, a two-and-a-half-story structure, was built in the
-late 1700&rsquo;s. The exact date is not disclosed by available old records. As the property
-passed from descendant to descendant rooms have been added.</p>
-<p>A striking feature of the house is a lacy wrought-iron stairway unlike any other
-in all America and believed to have been imported from Portugal. The stairway
-is built in a corridor, and is in harmony with the generous display of dainty, hand-turned
-work around the outer galleries.</p>
-<p>Ceilings are low and give Spanish atmosphere to the architecture.</p>
-<p>A series of old call bells, each with a different tone to indicate the location,
-are still in use in the various rooms.</p>
-<p>The famous gardens in the rear have been reclaimed by the present mistress
-of Elms. Winding walks lead along flower beds of old-fashioned petunias, brilliant
-verbenas, phlox, roses and azaleas, edged with prim cut boxwood, while giant
-yuccas stand stiff as formal guards with white plumed headdress.</p>
-<p>A great part of the original Elms estate has been sold, and today one of
-Natchez&rsquo; modern school buildings stands across the street, giving the children of
-this school a daily picture lesson of home and life of the proud Old South.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig44">
-<img src="images/p22a.jpg" alt="Elms" width="800" height="462" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div>
-<h2 id="c22"><i>Ellicott Hill</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig45">
-<img src="images/p23.jpg" alt="Ellicott Hill" width="800" height="544" />
-</div>
-<p>Artists and architects from far and near come to see the quaint old house,
-known as &ldquo;Connelly&rsquo;s Tavern&rdquo;, on Ellicott Hill. It is a sturdy, perfectly proportioned
-old house, built of brick and wood, its timbers said to have come from
-abandoned sailing vessels.</p>
-<p>The style of architecture is early Spanish. It stands on a high elevation, overlooking
-with aristocratic disdain the industrial enterprises which have come in
-during the years to supplant the once exclusive neighborhood of its original outlook.
-In early days, about the end of the Civil War, the place was known as
-&ldquo;Gilreath&rsquo;s Hill&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>The tavern was built in 1795. It has been occupied by many distinguished
-families.</p>
-<p>The records show that at one time it was the home of &ldquo;The Natchez High
-School&rdquo;. It was so used just after the War between the States, when it was
-purchased by Wilson R. Gilreath.</p>
-<p>Within the last few years the old building has commanded the greatest degree
-of public interest. Its historic value is unmatched. In addition to serving as the
-abode of many celebrated men, it attained fame as Connelly&rsquo;s Tavern when
-Aaron Burr and Blennerhasset met therein for secret conferences.</p>
-<p>The most outstanding historic fact of the old Hill, itself, is that it is the spot
-whereon Col. Andrew Ellicott raised the first United States flag in February 1797
-over the District of Natchez. Since that episode the spot has been known as
-&ldquo;Ellicott Hill&rdquo;.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div>
-<p>Dilapidation followed the wake of time. However, so sturdy were its timbers
-and so solid its foundation, it was possible to restore the old building on the hill.</p>
-<p>The work of restoration has been accomplished by the Natchez Garden Club.
-Every old line has been carefully retained. Concrete floors of the kitchen and
-Tap Room, plastered walls, cypress grill work, solid doors, and roof are exact
-replicas of the originals. The old retaining walls and moats of brick have been
-replaced as originally at great cost. Today Ellicott Hill is shining in the full
-resplendency of its original glory. It is the present home of the Natchez Garden
-Club.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig46">
-<img src="images/p23c.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="749" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">FIREPLACE IN OLD TAVERN ROOM AT CONNELLY&rsquo;S TAVERN</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_44">44</div>
-<h2 id="c23"><i>Elmscourt</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig47">
-<img src="images/p24.jpg" alt="Elmscourt" width="800" height="365" />
-</div>
-<p>A short drive from Natchez, over a modern highway which was originally an
-Indian trail, through iron gates into a virgin forest, brings one a first glimpse of
-Elmscourt.</p>
-<p>This mansion was erected about the year 1810 by Louis Evans, who was the
-first Sheriff of Adams county. He occupied it until 1851, at which time Frank
-Surget bought it for his daughter Jane as a gift when she married Ayers P.
-Merrill. It is said that Frank Surget was one of the three multi-millionaires in
-the United States at that time.</p>
-<p>Jane and her husband opened wide the doors of their palatial home. General
-U. S. Grant was a frequent guest of Elmscourt, and by reason of this friendly
-contact, Ayres Merrill was appointed Minister to Belgium when Grant became
-President.</p>
-<p>Elmscourt was originally Colonial in architecture but to please his wife Mr.
-Merrill changed it into an Italian Renaissance villa. The exquisite lacy iron work
-around its long galleries was imported from Belgium.</p>
-<p>The dainty antique furnishings in parlors, library, and dining room are in
-perfect harmony with this period of architecture. Many original pieces are
-retained. At the death of Ayres P. Merrill &ldquo;Elmscourt&rdquo; descended to his son,
-Ayres P. Merrill Jr., and was sold by him to James Surget, who gave it to his
-daughter, Carlotta, on the occasion of her marriage to David McKittrick. Thus
-Elmscourt was again the property of a Surget.</p>
-<p>The McKittrick family have lived in Elmscourt many years. They have added
-to the valuable collection of antique furnishings, Mrs. McKittrick bringing in
-superb pieces from Surget heirlooms.</p>
-<p>An outstanding piece of Elmscourt&rsquo;s furnishing is a serving table, made for
-the Duke of Devonshire and bearing his coat-of-arms. It was a gift to Mrs.
-McKittrick.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div>
-<p>In the dining room still swings the old hand-carved punka of colonial days.
-At every meal, a servant stands at the end of the long dining room and by rope-and-arm-power
-keeps the great fan (punka) gently stirring, or creating, refreshing
-breezes for the comfort of the diners.</p>
-<p>The lighting of Elmscourt is the early designed candle arrangement. Over
-doorways, in chandeliers, sconces, and wall brackets hundreds of candles cast
-their welcoming, soft glow, and add undying romance to the family portrait
-gallery and rich rosewood furniture.</p>
-<p>Each Spring season when tourists wend their way to Natchez for its Spring
-festivities, the McKittricks of Elmscourt give their famous &ldquo;Ball of a Thousand
-Candles&rdquo;. Lords and Ladies, the elite of Natchez, in costume of days of long ago,
-greet their guests, and Elmscourt becomes today what it has been in the past, an
-alluring setting for colorful gatherings of notables.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig48">
-<img src="images/p24a.jpg" alt="" width="739" height="600" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">The Table is a Present From The Duke of Devonshire.</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig49">
-<img src="images/p25.jpg" alt="" width="634" height="799" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">THE HALL OF GLENFIELD</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_47">47</div>
-<h2 id="c24"><i>Glenfield</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig50">
-<img src="images/p25a.jpg" alt="Glenfield" width="800" height="509" />
-</div>
-<p>Turn to the right on the first gravel road leading from Canal street and within
-a stone&rsquo;s throw of the paved highway nestles a quaint old brick cottage surrounded
-by giant oaks and cedars. It is &ldquo;Glenfield&rdquo;, the home of Mrs. Lee Field and her
-family.</p>
-<p>Glenfield was built in 1812 by Charles B. Green. It is of Gothic design and is
-constructed of red brick and hand-hewn timbers. Like many of the old homes,
-&ldquo;Glenfield&rdquo; demonstrates two distinct types of architecture. One part is low ceilinged
-with brick floors, while another part has high ceilings, broad board floors,
-and ornate windows with heavy hand-made blinds.</p>
-<p>Glenfield contains many rare pieces of antique furniture. A most interesting
-piece is an old spinning wheel, a family heirloom. It is made of hickory and is
-brown with age. Charred spots bear silent evidence to the old wheel&rsquo;s narrow
-escape from destruction when Indians set fire to the covered wagon bearing it
-while its pioneer owner was bringing his family and household goods to this
-section. Everything was destroyed except a few choice pieces. As one turns the
-wheel today it seems to hum a chant of toil, trials and tribulations.</p>
-<p>Glenfield was originally &ldquo;Glencannon&rdquo;, named for its former owner, William
-Cannon. The property is part of an original Spanish grant to John Gerault under
-Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, who was then governor of the Natchez Territory.</p>
-<p>During the War Between the States &ldquo;Glenfield&rdquo; was a scene of battle, and
-bullet holes made in that conflict can be seen today in vivid contrast to the peace
-which now pervades the restful old home amid vine-covered bayous and hills.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_48">48</div>
-<h2 id="c25"><i>Glenwood</i></h2>
-<p>Conditions at Glenwood are not conducive to pride in the hearts of Natchez
-people, and yet it is doubtful if any tourist leaves Natchez without hearing, in
-some way, about this dilapidated old place. As all things are good or bad by
-comparison, it may not be amiss when depicting the glory of Natchez to glimpse
-the other side.</p>
-<p>A Northern tourist upon seeing Glenwood (known today as &ldquo;Goat Castle&rdquo;)
-said, &ldquo;Well, I don&rsquo;t know whether to cry or swear.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>Glenwood is the home of Richard Dana, a man of aristocratic breeding and
-birth, and of his guardian, Miss Martha Dockery, a stalwart, dark-eyed woman
-who has been for many years in charge of Mr. Dana and the house.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Dick&rdquo; Dana, as he is called, and Miss Dockery are probably in their late
-sixties.</p>
-<p>Dick is the son of the late Charles B. Dana, an Episcopal clergyman, and
-Elvira R. Dana. The Rev. Dr. Dana was from Massachusetts.</p>
-<p>Richard was given a splendid education. He was a pianist of exceptional
-ability. As years passed he spent much of his fortune, living a great part of the
-time in the East. When he returned to Glenwood, he seemed to live the life of a
-hermit, living alone with his piano and his music. Gradually gray locks reached
-his shoulders, and long whiskers covered his face.</p>
-<p>County officials decided it would be best to appoint a guardian for him and
-Miss Dockery was named. The Dana and Dockery families had been friends for
-generations. Miss Dockery, who was alone and growing old, was glad to accept the
-charge of her old friend.</p>
-<p>A few years ago there was a murder in the neighborhood. There had been
-some trouble between the murdered woman and the Dockery-Dana people because
-of trespassing goats. The two recluses were accused of the murder. They were
-taken into court, held in prison, stood trial, and finally were declared &ldquo;not
-guilty&rdquo;. Dana proved that at the time of the murder he was playing the piano
-and was not near the scene of the crime.</p>
-<p>During the period of their incarceration, vandals ransacked &ldquo;Goat Castle&rdquo;
-and carried away many valuable relics. A guard was finally placed over the place
-to prevent souvenir hunters from taking the remainder of the valuable pieces.
-Public sympathy was aroused, and for a short time Dana and Miss Dockery were
-lionized. They seemed to take a new lease on life. They improved in personal
-appearance. They often came to town, but conditions in &ldquo;Goat Castle&rdquo; changed
-little.</p>
-<p>Goats roam the place in undisturbed joy. Chickens roost on the foot of the
-great mahogany bed while Dick plays his old piano for curious tourists who pay
-twenty-five cents to see the old aristocrat, and Miss Dockery tells stories of
-the former wealth and prestige of her friend, who desired to withdraw from the
-world.</p>
-<p>Glenwood is falling. Neglect and age are causing decay. The stables and outhouses
-are piles of mortar and decayed timbers, though the grounds are still
-beautiful with majestic moss-draped oaks and flowering magnolias.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig51">
-<img src="images/p26.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="564" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">GLENWOOD (known today as &ldquo;Goat Castle&rdquo;)</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div>
-<h2 id="c26"><i>Gloucester</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig52">
-<img src="images/p27.jpg" alt="Gloucester" width="800" height="585" />
-</div>
-<p>A mile drive from the city limits of Natchez, along a roadway where moss-draped
-boughs overlap into a verdant shelter, brings one in view of a stately red
-brick mansion. It is Gloucester. Still half concealed by giant oaks and tropical
-growth, it seems a great ruby in a gray-gold setting.</p>
-<p>Gloucester is surrounded by 250 acres of farm land and virgin timber. It was
-built about 1800, and is of solid brick construction. Huge Corinthian columns
-support spacious galleries across the broad front. The windows are iron barred
-and shuttered.</p>
-<p>This mansion is of historic interest. It was the home of Governor Winthrop
-Sargent, who was the first Governor of Mississippi Territory.</p>
-<p>Front twin doorways are an unusual feature. Inside these doors are the heavy
-wooden bars, the original fastenings against unfriendly Indian tribes and traveling
-bandits, who were not infrequent during the early days of life at Gloucester.</p>
-<p>The twin doors open into a wide hallway which contains a graceful curving
-stairway leading to hall and bedrooms above.</p>
-<p>Gloucester has a splendid library of rare first editions and valuable old books.
-The drawing room contains Colonial furniture and paintings by masters.</p>
-<p>Upon the death of Governor Sargent, Gloucester became the property of his
-wife, who, in turn, willed it to her son, George Washington Sargent.</p>
-<p>During the occupation of Natchez by Federal troops, the young Sargent was
-called to the doorway of Gloucester, and shot by two soldiers to whom he had
-given greeting. Stains of the life-blood of this George Washington Sargent are
-still visible on the doorway of Gloucester. The murdered boy was buried beside
-his father in the family burial ground across the road from the home.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig53">
-<img src="images/p27a.jpg" alt="" width="686" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">GRAND HALLWAY OF GLOUCESTER</p>
-</div></div>
-<p>In the Negro quarters there are weird tales of ghosts wandering over the
-premises. &ldquo;Two tall ghosts, in uniform, carrying guns, come on dark rainy nights
-when the owls hoot in the oaks above the graves.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>Records show that in 1877 Gloucester was sold to James Surget, who was one
-of Natchez&rsquo; earliest and most affluent citizens. This home was continuously owned
-by the Surget family for sixty years, until the recent death of Mrs. Katherine Boyd
-Surget, when the property was bequeathed to its present owner, Lenox Stanton.</p>
-<p>Mr. and Mrs. Stanton hold dear every Gloucester tradition and take pride in
-maintaining the home and grounds in their original state of perfection.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div>
-<h2 id="c27"><i>Hawthorne</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig54">
-<img src="images/p28.jpg" alt="Hawthorne" width="800" height="606" />
-</div>
-<p>On the famous Natchez Trace Highway, within calling distance of the Lower
-Woodville road, through a narrow gateway flanked by giant oaks, is a quaint
-little cottage, &ldquo;Hawthorne&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>It is the old Southern Planter type home, a story-and-a-half.</p>
-<p>A beautiful double front door with panels of early period thin glass and an
-exquisitely wrought fanlight above give an atmosphere of friendliness to the
-entrance.</p>
-<p>Architects interested in the unusual find charm in the hand-hewn stairway
-which rises from the broad back hall to the rooms above.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Hawthorne&rdquo; more than a century ago belonged to a family named Overaker
-who sold the place with its sixty acres of wooded land to the Dunbar family,
-under whose regime this quaint old home sheltered and entertained the elite of
-the South as early as 1837. It is believed that Hawthorne was built by the Tichenor
-family about 1825.</p>
-<p>For many years this old place was vacant. Lumber mills and grist mills crowded
-too near, but the property was recently bought by the family of William McGehee,
-who are reclaiming &ldquo;Hawthorne&rdquo;. Every line of the period architecture is being
-followed, and &ldquo;Hawthorne&rdquo;, its meadows and gardens, will soon be restored as in
-stage coach days to greet today its motor car visitors. The history of Hawthorne
-is a sad story with a hopeful ending.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div>
-<h2 id="c28"><i>Hope Farm</i></h2>
-<p>A few years ago when &ldquo;Hope Farm&rdquo; fell into the hands of Mr. and Mrs.
-Balfour Miller it was truly &ldquo;getting a break&rdquo; for rehabilitation. Today when one
-steps into this old Spanish house, built about 1775, there breathes from every
-crevice and corner the true atmosphere of the Old South.</p>
-<p>The original portion of Hope Farm, its English wing, is believed to have
-been built by Marcus Haller. The front, the straight, low, Spanish portion, was
-built by the Spanish Governor, de Grand Pre, about the year 1790.</p>
-<p>The low sweeping roof extending over a broad portico across the entire front
-of the house is upheld by seven hand-hewn cypress columns. Broad steps lead
-from the driveway to the terraced yard. This yard is a veritable bouquet of old-fashioned
-small flowers, bordered by boxwood and flanked by syringa, japonica,
-and other old-fashioned evergreen shrubs. A radiant variety of orchid-like irises
-dot the entire approach to the old brick steps of the terrace.</p>
-<p>For ninety years Hope Farm belonged to the Montgomery family; of the last
-generation of ten children (seven girls and three boys) two of the sisters lived in
-spinsterhood at Hope Farm until within the last few years when the property was
-acquired by the Millers.</p>
-<p>Restoration of exterior and interior has been done with exceeding care to
-hold every line of the original house. There were no nails in the day when Hope
-Farm was built and its timbers are held together by wooden pegs.</p>
-<p>The front door leads directly into a huge living room, which opens through
-an archway into a large dining room. These two rooms extend across the entire
-front.</p>
-<p>The welcoming gate of Hope Farm opens at the intersection of Homochitto
-street on the drive to Duncan Park.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig55">
-<img src="images/p28a.jpg" alt="Hope Farm" width="800" height="509" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div>
-<h2 id="c29"><i>Homewood</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig56">
-<img src="images/p29.jpg" alt="Homewood" width="700" height="656" />
-</div>
-<p>It required five years to build this palatial mansion of brick, cement, and iron
-grill, and until recently &ldquo;Homewood&rdquo;, exterior and interior, was in a perfect
-state of preservation&mdash;just as it was the day of its completion, more than 75 years
-ago. Homewood was destroyed by fire, January 2, 1940.</p>
-<p>By reason of its solid masonry (built to withstand the storms), its architectural
-lines, and the grace and magnificence of its iron trimmings, architects of
-note from all over the country came to inspect and to study &ldquo;Homewood&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>One million home-burned brick were used in the main structure. Copper
-pipes laid in cement supplied the huge cisterns throughout the years with cold
-drinking water. This construction represented the work of hundreds of slaves.
-All locks, hinges, and door knobs were of silver. The fluted Ionic columns and
-grill work were imported from Spain.</p>
-<p>Approaching Homewood by the magnificent forest driveway, it was a wonderfully
-imposing structure with a front of thirty-foot columns, an upper balcony of
-cast iron grill, and massive double panel entrance doors flanked on either side
-by expensive ruby glass which was imported from Belgium.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig57">
-<img src="images/p29a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="498" />
-</div>
-<p>There were six rooms on the ground floor, connected by huge sliding mahogany
-doors, making it possible to open the entire floor into one immense room,
-80 feet long. Leading to six rooms and cross halls above was a fan spread stairway.
-The top floor was a peculiarly constructed octagonal hall surrounded by eight
-large closets or storage rooms with cedar linings.</p>
-<p>The mantels in Homewood attracted much attention because of their delicate
-beauty and apparent value. In the drawing room the mantel was of white marble,
-while in the dining room stood one of pink marble with deep rose tracings.</p>
-<p>Homewood had no historic interest but it was an outstanding example of the
-advanced architectural ideas of the builders of Southern ante-bellum homes. It
-was built for a gift from David Hunt to his daughter, Catherine, and her husband,
-William L. Balfour.</p>
-<p>The most recent owners, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsly Swan, spared no expense in
-maintaining this magnificent home and its spacious grounds in model perfection.</p>
-<p>Homewood was the scene of the famous double wedding so effectively described
-in Stark Young&rsquo;s <i>So Red the Rose</i>.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig58">
-<img src="images/p29b.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="427" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">MAJESTIC RUINS OF HOMEWOOD</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div>
-<h2 id="c30"><i>Inglewood</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig59">
-<img src="images/p30.jpg" alt="Inglewood" width="800" height="473" />
-</div>
-<p>A Southern planter&rsquo;s typical home, &ldquo;Inglewood&rdquo; stands today as the perfection
-of a beautiful dream recalled from crumbling ruins of years long gone. More than
-a century ago this quaint old story-and-a-half house was built by Gustavus
-Calhoun, who practiced medicine in Natchez Territory in 1829&mdash;back in the days
-when calls were made on horseback and the doctor carried along his miniature
-drug store in his &ldquo;saddle bags&rdquo;. Dr. Calhoun was a friend and contemporary of
-Dr. Stephen Duncan of &ldquo;Auburn&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>In 1858 &ldquo;Inglewood&rdquo; became the home of Edward M. Blackburn through his
-marriage into the Calhoun family. It has been for many years known as &ldquo;the old
-Blackburn place.&rdquo; Here the last member of the Natchez Blackburn family lived
-until the old house was about to tumble down. Then the place was purchased by
-Dr. Wallace Smith, a young physician who came with his bride to reclaim and
-rebuild Inglewood along the exact lines of its original architectural design.</p>
-<p>The old gardens of Inglewood were once as famous for beauty as those of
-&ldquo;Arlington&rdquo; and &ldquo;Melrose&rdquo; but the gardens too passed with the old families.
-Doctor and Mrs. Smith are replanting, and are replacing walks and borders of
-old-fashioned boxwood, everything to conform as nearly as possible to original
-design.</p>
-<p>Inglewood, like all Natchez homes, is off the highway, secluded by forests, and
-only by careful observation can one glimpse the gleaming white outlines of this
-beautiful old plantation home.</p>
-<p>The approach to the house is marked at the public highway by a wrought iron
-replica of the old-fashioned doctor&rsquo;s horse and buggy. Inglewood is today, as
-it was originally, the property of a practicing physician&rsquo;s family.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div>
-<h2 id="c31"><i>Jefferson College</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig60">
-<img src="images/p30a.jpg" alt="Jefferson College" width="793" height="600" />
-</div>
-<p>Founded in 1802, Jefferson Military College is the oldest college for boys in
-the State of Mississippi, and one of the oldest in the United States.</p>
-<p>It was here that the South&rsquo;s beloved Jefferson Davis, who became President
-of the Confederacy, attended school when he was ten years old.</p>
-<p>After the battle of New Orleans Gen. Andrew Jackson rested his victorious
-army on the campus of this college, which is located six miles from the city of
-Natchez.</p>
-<p>Mississippi was a territory when the college came into existence. On the spot
-where the constitution of the State of Mississippi was adopted is a marker commemorating
-the birth of Mississippi as a State. The marker was erected May 14,
-1935, the 119th anniversary of the State.</p>
-<p>Near the front gate of the college there are two giant gnarled liveoaks, known
-as the Aaron Burr oaks because they stood in front of the old courthouse where
-Aaron Burr was tried for treason against the United States. The old courthouse
-was demolished ages ago but the oaks stand sentinel with wide spreading boughs
-marking the spot famous in history and in story.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div>
-<h2 id="c32"><i>King&rsquo;s Tavern</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig61">
-<img src="images/p31.jpg" alt="King&rsquo;s Tavern" width="800" height="595" />
-</div>
-<p>In the days when Indians roamed the territory of Natchez, block houses were
-built by the white settlers who came that way. These were sturdy, well-fortified
-houses built to protect occupants against Indian outbreaks. Such is King&rsquo;s Tavern&mdash;an
-inconspicuous, faded, old wooden structure on a high brick foundation.</p>
-<p>Although unostentatious, King&rsquo;s Tavern is important. According to the records
-it is the oldest building in this part of the South. Parts of St. Augustine,
-Florida, are somewhat older. Its very atmosphere breathes of days and people long
-dead; of Indians, of Spanish and English and French noblemen; of weary travelers
-over foot paths or by river boats, wandering into the old Tavern, resting,
-and then departing, disappearing from the face of the earth.</p>
-<p>The house is more than 170 years old. Records show that &ldquo;the first United
-States mail brought over the Natchez Trace was delivered to King&rsquo;s Tavern by
-an Indian runner and was distributed from this point.&rdquo;</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div>
-<p>The timbers are held together by wooden pegs and beams. The heavier timbers
-are of the type used in the construction of large ships of that period. Ceilings in
-the rooms are low. Doors and windows are heavy with narrow frames. The sills
-and sleepers of the building show the rope holes, again indicating that timbers
-came from old sailing vessels.</p>
-<p>The earliest official record of transfer of this property shows 1789 as the year
-it was granted to Richard King, a member of the King family of Long Island,
-New York, and by him it was given the name &ldquo;King&rsquo;s Tavern&rdquo;. Formerly it had
-been known as the Bledsoe House.</p>
-<p>For a period of about 115 years the property has been owned and occupied by
-the descendants of Mrs. Elizabeth Postlethwaite.</p>
-<p>An interesting relic of bygone years is a portrait in oils of the late Samuel
-Postlethwaite III, who was Mayor of Natchez in 1825 when the great Lafayette
-visited the little village. This portrait is signed by the artist, Benjamin West.</p>
-<p>Mrs. A. C. Register and Mrs. Jean Register Modsett, descendants of the
-Postlethwaite family, are the present owners and occupants of King&rsquo;s Tavern.</p>
-<p><i>Legend:</i></p>
-<blockquote>
-<p>At night, when all&rsquo;s dark and quiet at King&rsquo;s Tavern, ghosts of Indian
-warriors, in full dress of their native tribe, wander through the old Tap
-Room, loll and lean against the old bar, peer out through small crevices,
-and then disappear through the heavy doors which lead onto the street.</p>
-</blockquote>
-<div class="img" id="fig62">
-<img src="images/p31a.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="589" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Main Door at King&rsquo;s Tavern Where Indian Runners Left the Mail</span></p>
-<p class="capbody">Bullet holes in the door are from an Indian attack during the early days of Natchez.</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div>
-<h2 id="c33"><i>Lansdown</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig63">
-<img src="images/p32.jpg" alt="Lansdown" width="800" height="466" />
-</div>
-<p>Lansdown has been the home of the Marshall family for more than eighty-five
-years. Like many other magnificent plantation homes around Natchez,
-Lansdown was a wedding gift to Mr. and Mrs. George Marshall, whose descendants
-of the same name own and occupy today this comfortable Georgian type
-house.</p>
-<p>Lansdown is an unpretentious but quite substantial structure with a broad
-front portico enclosed by artistic grill bannisters fashioned in Greek pattern.
-Broad, spreading steps lead down to a brick walk, and on each side stand the old
-carriage blocks of yesteryear.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig64">
-<img src="images/p32a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="414" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig65">
-<img src="images/p32b.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="700" height="553" />
-</div>
-<p>Portraits by famous artists of earlier generations of Marshalls, including a
-portrait of Levin R. Marshall by Sully, look down on gorgeous rosewood and
-mahogany furnishings of their own selection placed in Lansdown.</p>
-<p>The china and silver in this home are the pride of the present generation of
-Marshalls. Much of the original china is in use today. Many pieces of the original
-Robert E. Lee furnishings of &ldquo;Stratford Hall&rdquo; are now in Lansdown. Within the
-past few months the younger generation at Lansdown discovered several pieces
-of silver bearing the unmistakable mark of Robert E. Lee.</p>
-<p>Lansdown came to the Marshalls through Mrs. Charlotte Hunt Marshall.
-Natchez had a great benefactor in David Hunt, the father of Charlotte Hunt
-Marshall. It was he who made possible the Chamberlain-Hunt Military Academy
-at Port Gibson, Mississippi, one of the first schools for boys in the Southland. It
-is still an excellent school for young men.</p>
-<p>Today Lansdown is owned and occupied by George Marshall III and Mrs.
-Agnes Marshall Ward, lineal descendants of the original owner, who named the
-place &ldquo;Lansdown&rdquo; by virtue of his friendship for the celebrated Marquis of
-Lansdown, England.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div>
-<h2 id="c34"><i>Linden</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig66">
-<img src="images/p33.jpg" alt="Entrance" width="689" height="700" />
-</div>
-<p>The origin of Linden seems lost to history although it is known to have
-existed as early as 1790. It came to ancestors of the present owners a hundred
-years ago, and has been owned and occupied by the A. M. Feltus family for several
-generations.</p>
-<p>Nature seems to exert herself to give to Linden a perfect setting. Surrounding
-the magnificently constructed house, with its 98 feet of gallery, are dozens of oak
-trees, draped in long gray moss which sweeps the very eaves of the dwelling. Standing
-in the artistic entrance of Linden one sees the outside world through growing
-draperies of swaying gray lace.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig67">
-<img src="images/p33a.jpg" alt="Linden" width="800" height="478" />
-</div>
-<p>The architecture of Linden is as unusual as it is simple. The center portion is
-two stories, flanked on each side by single-storied rooms. A gallery runs the entire
-width of the building. To the rear of the single-storied rooms is a long two-storied
-wing. Each wing is a complete apartment.</p>
-<p>The furnishings are rare and exquisite, producing a feeling of restfulness
-and satisfaction. &ldquo;Linden&rdquo; has three paintings by Audubon, and an interesting
-portrait of the song-bird, Jenny Lind.</p>
-<p>The driveway through the grounds of Linden leads past the front entrance
-entirely around the house and passes its beautifully kept gardens. A circle driveway
-which leads out through the bricked entrance affords a final glimpse of the
-stately white house in the distance, not unlike &ldquo;Mount Vernon&rdquo;. The view across
-the hill brings &ldquo;Monmouth&rdquo;, a neighboring mansion, to the eye as another
-delightful prospect.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig68">
-<img src="images/p33c.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="527" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig69">
-<img src="images/p34.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="757" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">LINDEN&mdash;<span class="sc">Dining Room With Punka</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div>
-<h2 id="c35"><i>Greenleaves</i></h2>
-<p>&ldquo;Greenleaves&rdquo;, built prior to 1812, is a town house&mdash;a great rambling cottage
-type of architecture in the very heart of Natchez. It is as sturdy as the old gnarled
-oaks which seem to hold it in their protecting boughs. It represents comfort,
-luxury, and beauty without ostentation or pretense.</p>
-<p>The halls and rooms are palatial in size and appointments. The house as
-originally constructed shows that it was built to endure. It was remodeled in the
-early 40&rsquo;s by the grandfather of the present owners.</p>
-<p>A wealth of the original furnishings in solid mahogany and rosewood and
-many rare museum pieces have remained in Greenleaves throughout generations,
-and are today as beautiful as the day they came from foreign shores.</p>
-<p>The present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Melchoir Beltzhoover, the third generation
-of the Koontz family to occupy Greenleaves, grace this ante-bellum home with
-pardonable pride of possession.</p>
-<p>The family of the original owners of Greenleaves was wiped out during a
-yellow fever epidemic, the entire family filling one grave. Eventually Greenleaves
-was bought by George Washington Koontz of Pennsylvania, who became a leading
-influence, financially and socially, in Natchez. Children of the present occupants
-of Greenleaves are the fourth generation of the Koontz family to enjoy
-this luxurious home.</p>
-<p>Mr. Beltzhoover&rsquo;s ownership of this property is shared with his sister, Mrs.
-Guy Robinson, who is a resident of New York state.</p>
-<p><i>Legend:</i></p>
-<blockquote>
-<p>Under the giant liveoaks at the rear of Greenleaves the Natchez tribe of
-Indians held their annual pow-wows and decided all momentous questions.</p>
-</blockquote>
-<div class="img" id="fig70">
-<img src="images/p34a.jpg" alt="Greenleaves" width="800" height="517" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div>
-<h2 id="c36"><i>Longwood</i></h2>
-<p>Longwood stands in a moss-tangled forest. It is a monument to a dream that
-was interrupted by the tragedy of the War Between the States in 1861-&rsquo;65. It was
-to have been a gorgeous structure of Moorish design, planned by Sloan of Philadelphia,
-who in those days had no equal as artist-architect.</p>
-<p>Longwood was being built for Dr. Haller Nutt. Landscape gardeners came
-from abroad, and even today rare imported shrubs and trees form a part of the
-dense growth around the unfinished gardens.</p>
-<p>When the house reached its present point of construction, with more than a
-hundred thousand dollars already invested, there came the cry of war and the
-call to arms. Workmen laid down their tools and took their guns and never
-returned to the task of completing Longwood.</p>
-<p>The deep concrete foundation, the outside framework, and some of the trimmings
-of the house were well under way. Today there are huge sections of carved
-moulding, old paint buckets and brushes, tool boxes, and carpenter&rsquo;s implements
-scattered about the upper floors&mdash;just as they were left almost 75 years ago.</p>
-<p>The house, begun in the late 50&rsquo;s, is of brick, burned by slaves on the place,
-with columns and grill work of hand-carved, time-enduring cypress. The ground
-floor contained a nursery and an adjoining apartment for a white housekeeper
-and governess, a card room, a billiard room, wine cellar, and heating plant. This
-floor is the only part of the building that reached anything like completion. The
-upper floors were boarded up. All orders for materials, marble stairway, mosaic
-floors, and elaborate furnishings were canceled. Many of these orders had been
-placed in Italy and France. Some costly pieces were en route on the high seas.
-A few items were returned and others are now in national museums.</p>
-<p>Dr. Nutt died in 1864, survived by his wife and a large family of children.
-One of the descendants of these children now occupies the finished lower floor
-or basement of Longwood. There is on this floor a huge rotunda and eight large
-rooms, surrounded by a moat. Many relics of past generations adorn these quarters,
-including antiques from different branches of the family.</p>
-<p>There are several pieces of richly carved rosewood furniture, an exquisite old
-grand piano, and oil portraits of Dr. Nutt and his beautiful blonde wife by
-famous old-world artists.</p>
-<p>James and Merritt Ward of Natchez and Mrs. Julia Ward Blanchard of New
-York City are the present owners of Longwood.</p>
-<p>Planned as a palatial home for a family of eleven children and eight hundred
-slaves, today Longwood (often referred to as &ldquo;Nutt&rsquo;s Folly&rdquo;) is occupied by
-Merritt Ward and one servant.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig71">
-<img src="images/p35.jpg" alt="" width="637" height="799" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">LONGWOOD&mdash;&ldquo;<span class="sc">Nutt&rsquo;s Folly</span>&rdquo;</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div>
-<h2 id="c37"><i>Magnolia Vale</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig72">
-<img src="images/p36.jpg" alt="Magnolia Vale" width="800" height="463" />
-</div>
-<p>A few hundred feet below the city of Natchez, along the river edge, is an
-extension of land on which the first Natchez was situated. This old town was
-known as &ldquo;Natchez Under the Hill&rdquo;. The commercial center of the old Natchez
-has passed into decay. The buildings that sheltered the river men, the gambling
-&ldquo;joints&rdquo; that housed the riff-raff of those steamboat days, have long since tumbled
-into the river. Driving down a long and steep shelf of land, at the north end of
-what was old Natchez, one comes to the gate of a castle-like home in the heart
-of a garden which is always beautiful with blossoms. It is &ldquo;Magnolia Vale&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>This house was built about 110 years ago by Andrew Brown and is owned
-today by Andrew B. Learned, a direct descendant.</p>
-<p>Andrew Brown was a native of Scotland, and a great lover of flowers. After
-building a home of the early American type, with wide galleries, handsome Doric
-columns, spacious halls and large rooms, he found self-expression in creating a
-garden which has been famous for generations, from St. Louis to New Orleans, as
-&ldquo;Brown&rsquo;s Gardens&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>A formal driveway, bordered with Louis Philippe roses, leads to the mansion.
-Giant magnolias and evergreen laurimundi splash the landscape with white and
-green. Formal flower beds, with boxwood borders, cover the entire acreage of
-the foreground to Magnolia Vale.</p>
-<p>The Mississippi River has continuously eaten into the grounds of Magnolia
-Vale until much of this promontory has vanished into the waters. Although the
-great house shows marked evidence of &ldquo;settling&rdquo; from year to year, and is occupied
-now by a caretaker only, the gardens are given constant attention. The same
-trim boxwood hedges, the same formal walks and beloved flower beds, the same
-shrubs, the same tall trees, and the maze of gardenia and japonica greet the
-visitor and shed perfume across the broad and mighty river, which ravenously
-eats at the very roots of these gorgeous plants.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div>
-<h2 id="c38"><i>Mount Repose</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig73">
-<img src="images/p36a.jpg" alt="Mount Repose" width="800" height="383" />
-</div>
-<p>Here is a huge, comfortable, old-fashioned, country gentleman&rsquo;s home&mdash;in
-appearance and in literal fact &ldquo;Mount Repose&rdquo;. The name aptly describes the
-first impression of every visitor.</p>
-<p>The house is situated on an elevation, surrounded by broad green acres.</p>
-<p>Built in the early 1800&rsquo;s, Mount Repose has been the scene of much that is
-interesting in the story of Natchez. It is part of the original estate of William
-Bisland, a Scotsman. From this family comes the author Elizabeth Bisland who
-through close association with Lafcadio Hearn, when both of them worked for the
-old New Orleans <i>Picayune</i>, was able to write the interesting life of that genius.
-This book and many others by Elizabeth Bisland, including <i>Candle of Understanding</i>
-and <i>The Case of John Smith</i>, can be found in public libraries today.</p>
-<p>The present owners of Mount Repose, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Baldwin of New
-York, are direct descendants of the Bisland family. Its present occupants, the
-J. D. Shields family are also descendants of the Bislands. Mrs. Shields is a
-descendant of the renowned English beauty, Margaret Watts, who married the
-Spanish Governor, Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, who is prominently identified with
-Natchez&rsquo; earliest history.</p>
-<p>The original furnishings of Mount Repose have gone out to Bisland heirs,
-and yet valuable antiques and family portraits remain in the old house.</p>
-<p>An interesting story is told of a wager expressive of the loyalty of William
-Bisland to Henry Clay.</p>
-<p>Mr. Bisland believed that Henry Clay should be, and would be, the next
-president of the United States. He laid a wager in accordance with his belief.
-He had just planted a formal line of sentinel trees along a driveway to the main
-entrance of Mount Repose. He openly declared that this driveway would be
-closed until Clay was elected. He then proceeded with great preparations for its
-formal opening, but history tells why today there grow two long lines of well-spaced
-trees from the big front gate to the house&mdash;that gate unopened through
-the years! The entrance to Mount Repose is through the side gate. Henry Clay
-was never elected president.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div>
-<h2 id="c39"><i>Melmont</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig74">
-<img src="images/p37.jpg" alt="Melmont" width="800" height="626" />
-</div>
-<p>&rsquo;Way back in 1839, when Henry Basil Shaw married Mary Elizabeth Lattimore,
-profound consideration was given to naming the homes and estates of Natchez. It
-is almost certain that the mistress of Melmont pondered long and consulted her
-family before deciding the name. She chose to use the three initials of Mary
-Elizabeth Lattimore to form the first part of the name, &ldquo;Mel&rdquo;, and added &ldquo;mont&rdquo;
-because the mansion stood mounted on a rolling acreage. Thus &ldquo;Melmont&rdquo;
-was coined.</p>
-<p>Melmont is unlike other Natchez homes. The architecture is its own peculiar
-type. A sturdy, well-built house, it has for almost a century cared for Natchez&rsquo;
-foremost citizens and their illustrious guests. Claiborne, the historian, Judge
-Samuel Brooks, and other prominent men spent much time at Melmont.</p>
-<p>The acreage around Melmont has been sold and modern homes have been
-built on the land. Melmont is now a palatial town house, no longer a
-country home.</p>
-<p>Melmont was within the Federal lines during the War Between the States.
-When Natchez was shelled from the river in 1862 shells fell in the yard and gardens
-and destroyed giant oak trees and landscaping.</p>
-<p>The interior decoration and furnishing are to a great extent from the original
-family although many handsome pieces have been added by subsequent owners.
-Mrs. John Ayres and her sister, Miss Corinne Henderson, have occupied this
-home for many years. Mrs. Ayers especially prizes a mahogany bureau which has
-chests on either side for storing wigs.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig75">
-<img src="images/p37a.jpg" alt="" width="654" height="700" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">MELMONT&mdash;<span class="sc">Drawing Room</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<p>A valuable Hepplewhite desk in the drawing room attracts much interest. It
-belonged to the renowned John Henderson, and it was here he is believed to
-have written an appeal to Congress in 1798 &ldquo;for schools for the education of
-children and provision for regular ministry of the Gospel.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>Melmont is well preserved, exterior and interior, and holds great charm for
-all who come within its portals.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig76">
-<img src="images/p38.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="513" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Melrose</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="img" id="fig77">
-<img src="images/p38a.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="531" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Pond on Driveway to the House</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div>
-<h2 id="c40"><i>Melrose</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig78">
-<img src="images/p38b.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="739" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">The Drawing Room.</span> The old-fashioned
-&ldquo;courting set&rdquo; had a center seat for the chaperon,
-who was ever present during boy and girl visits.</p>
-</div></div>
-<p>Melrose, called &ldquo;the perfect ante-bellum home&rdquo;, is located about a mile from
-Natchez city limits. This model mansion, built in the early 40&rsquo;s, owned and
-occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George M. D. Kelly, is, by courtesy of the owners,
-opened for inspection during the annual Pilgrimage celebration of the Natchez
-Garden Club. In an entire day one can only glimpse Melrose and its treasures.
-Another full day could be well spent in the surrounding woodlands and boxwood
-bordered gardens.</p>
-<p>Built in 1845 by Judge Edward Turner for his daughter, Mrs. McMurran, it
-was purchased immediately after the War Between the States by George Malin
-Davis, grandfather of the present owner, George Malin Davis Kelly. Mr. Kelly
-has with great pride of possession kept the Melrose home and estate in its original
-perfection.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig79">
-<img src="images/p39.jpg" alt="" width="679" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">PUNKA OVER DINING ROOM TABLE</p>
-</div></div>
-<p>The approach to Melrose is through acres of lawn as smooth as stretched
-velvet. The house is an imposing brick building of the square Georgian architectural
-design, with upper and lower porticos, and supporting Ionic columns.</p>
-<p>The front door is of attractive Colonial style with diamond shaped sidelights.
-A broad sweep of steps lead to the wide portico.</p>
-<p>A spacious hall runs through the lower floor. It is appropriately furnished in
-rare old pieces; among these is an unusual table which is set with semi-precious
-stones, and an ancient grandfather&rsquo;s clock. The lighting for this grand hallway is
-provided by numerous rows of candles, held in dainty but substantial frames.
-The floor covering (which is the original) attracts immediate attention by reason
-of its beauty, unique design, and quality. It can be best described as a striking
-inlay of unknown origin.</p>
-<p>To the right of the hall is the front drawing room. The rosewood furniture is
-Empire style, and is in as perfect condition today as on the day of its purchase.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig80">
-<img src="images/p39a.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="709" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">TYPICAL BEDROOM PIECES&mdash;MELROSE</p>
-</div></div>
-<p>To the left is a dining room 20 feet square. Black marble mantels add dignity
-to the room. A handsome mahogany punka swings over the dining table. This
-bespeaks undeniable antiquity. Until quite recently the owners of Melrose cared
-for several old slaves who pulled the punka to create breezes for the comfort of
-the family during meals.</p>
-<p>Melrose still uses its outside brick kitchen, reached by a broad brick walk
-from the main house. Above the kitchen are quarters for the house servants.</p>
-<p>The upper floors of Melrose contain bedrooms, halls, and a sewing room.
-Massive beds so high that occupants must climb in by a set of specially made
-mahogany steps; heavy bureaus, armoirs, dressing tables, tilt top tables, and
-day bed&mdash;all are heirlooms of the original owners and of the present owners.</p>
-<p>Mr. Davis (the grandfather of the present owner) came South from Pennsylvania
-many years before the war of &rsquo;61, and was educated at Sewanee College,
-Sewanee, Tennessee. His only daughter married Dr. Stephen Kelly of New York,
-and that daughter became the mother of George M. D. Kelly, the present owner
-of Melrose mansion.</p>
-<p>George M. D. Kelly and his wife, who was Miss Ethel Moore, are members of
-old New York families but have long since adopted the Southland as their home.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div>
-<h2 id="c41"><i>Monmouth</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig81">
-<img src="images/p40.jpg" alt="Monmouth" width="800" height="547" />
-</div>
-<p>Near &ldquo;Linden&rdquo;, on a velvety lawn guarded by great oaks, stands a Grecian-type
-mansion. This is Monmouth, now owned and maintained by Mrs. Hubert
-Barnum. Mrs. Barnum, owner of &ldquo;Arlington&rdquo;, the adjoining estate, is probably
-the only Natchezian who owns and operates two great ante-bellum homes.</p>
-<p>Historically Monmouth is known as the home of John A. Quitman and his
-wife, Eliza. General Quitman, a hero of national renown, raised the first American
-flag in Mexico. He purchased this mansion and fifteen surrounding acres about
-the year 1826.</p>
-<p>Edith Wyatt Moore in her story of Monmouth says: &ldquo;John A. Quitman and
-Eliza Turner drew a marriage contract prior to their wedding. He relinquished
-all right of inheritance to her property in case of her death without children.
-He gave her the right to handle slaves and property or dispose of same without
-his consent.&rdquo; General Quitman was a native of New York.</p>
-<p>A man of great popularity and military distinction, General Quitman&rsquo;s home
-became the scene of many gatherings of the notables of America. Monmouth was
-classed among the most perfectly appointed homes of its day.</p>
-<p>General Quitman died in 1859 from what was suspected as the effect of slow
-poison administered at a banquet given in honor of President Buchanan.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div>
-<p>For a period following General Quitman&rsquo;s death his beloved Monmouth was
-vacant. It became dilapidated from disuse, and after passing through many
-hands was purchased by Mrs. Annie Gwynne, who is now Mrs. Barnum. Every
-part has been repaired or renewed and the old mansion stands today in majestic
-perfection.</p>
-<p>Great square pillars support the upper portico, which is encircled by attractive
-lattice grill work. The walls are of brick. The doors, with fan transoms and
-side-lights, and the window frames are made of hand-carved wood. Spacious halls,
-huge rooms with high ceilings, and a pervading air of solid, substantial structure
-make Monmouth a monument eternal to a man whose memory shall never die&mdash;a
-man of whom it was said, &ldquo;He is Mississippi&rsquo;s best-loved citizen.&rdquo;</p>
-<p>The original furnishings of Monmouth are long since gone. These were supplanted
-by rare antiques from the superb collection of Mrs. Barnum&rsquo;s family, the
-Greens, who founded Greensboro, North Carolina.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig82">
-<img src="images/p40a.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="615" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">MILK HOUSE AND SERVANTS&rsquo; QUARTERS&mdash;MONMOUTH</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div>
-<h2 id="c42"><i>Monteigne</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig83">
-<img src="images/p41.jpg" alt="Monteigne" width="800" height="526" />
-</div>
-<p>&ldquo;Monteigne&rdquo; is a recently acquired possession of one of Natchez&rsquo; most valued
-families, Mrs. Mary Worrell Kendall and Mr. and Mrs. William Kendall. It was
-built in 1855 as the home of Gen. William T. Martin of the Confederacy, whose
-features are carved on Stone Mountain as a representative of the State of Mississippi.
-Hand-hewn timbers discovered when excavating the foundation for
-&ldquo;Monteigne&rdquo; lead to the belief that this was the site of a home destroyed during
-the Indian Massacre of 1729.</p>
-<p>The place bears the French Huguenot name for Martin, &ldquo;Monteigne&rdquo;. It is
-unlike any of the old homes around Natchez. Predominantly Georgian in appearance,
-Monteigne stands out distinctively. A solid, two-story structure, built of
-sturdiest timbers, this home has withstood the ravages of time and the desecration
-of opposing forces during the War Between the States.</p>
-<p>It is said that horses were &ldquo;stalled&rdquo; in the parlors by Yankee soldiers, rosewood
-furniture used for kindling fires, and valuable silver and brass melted and lost.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig84">
-<img src="images/p41a.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="550" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">MONTEIGNE&mdash;<span class="sc">Patio</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<p>Upon his return from the war, General Martin saw the destruction of the
-beauty of his house and its grounds. With the undismayed courage of a great man
-who knows how to overcome defeat, he began the restoration of his home and its
-eleven acres of yard and gardens.</p>
-<p>When Leslie Carpenter bought Monteigne in 1928 Natchez was assured
-another perfect estate. Terraced lawns and rose gardens were brought to life;
-driveways, trellises, shrubbery, and flagged walks were restored to this classic
-home.</p>
-<p>The interior of Monteigne is stately&mdash;formal and yet inviting&mdash;with the
-black and white mosaic floor in its great entrance hall.</p>
-<p>Monteigne recently passed from the Carpenters to the present owners, Mrs.
-Mary Worrell Kendall, her son, William, and his wife and their two little
-daughters.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig85">
-<img src="images/p42.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="564" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">MONTEIGNE&mdash;<span class="sc">Rose Garden</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="img" id="fig86">
-<img src="images/p42a.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="546" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">MONTEIGNE&mdash;<span class="sc">Lily Pool</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div>
-<h2 id="c43"><i>Myrtle Terrace</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig87">
-<img src="images/p42b.jpg" alt="Myrtle Terrace" width="800" height="590" />
-</div>
-<p>Substantial and compact, this Colonial cottage is one of the reclaimed small
-ante-bellum homes of Natchez. Built in the 1830&rsquo;s, it is more than a century old.</p>
-<p>In 1844 Myrtle Terrace was purchased by the late L. N. Carpenter, who, in
-turn, sold it to the renowned Captain Thomas Leathers of steamboat fame. The
-agreement to buy stipulated in minute detail that the property must be put in
-&ldquo;ship shape&rdquo;, carefully specifying &ldquo;hinges on the windows, fastenings on the
-cellar door, latches on the gates, blinds on all windows except the dormers,
-building a stable and a carriage house&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>Captain Leathers was identified with the famous <i>Natchez-Robert E. Lee</i> steamboat
-race from New Orleans to St. Louis, on the Mississippi river, in 1870. The
-prize was $20,000. The race has become an epic. So thrilling is it in the history of
-river traffic it was dramatized in a recent celebration on the Pacific Coast.</p>
-<p>Captain Leathers of the <i>Natchez</i> lost the race to Captain Cannon of the
-<i>Robert E. Lee</i> not because he had a slower boat but because of his over-confidence.
-He traveled nonchalantly and made all his regular stops. In the pinch he would
-not jeopardize the safely of his passengers by pressing his boilers beyond the
-safety point.</p>
-<p>Captain Leathers lived in Myrtle Terrace for many years, and the place is still
-known as the &ldquo;home of the Captain of the steamboat <i>Natchez</i>&rdquo;. It is now owned
-and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Tucker, who have reclaimed the old lines of
-the house and have added modern interior improvements.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div>
-<h2 id="c44"><i>Propinquity</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig88">
-<img src="images/p43.jpg" alt="Propinquity" width="800" height="524" />
-</div>
-<p>In the long ago, when each Southern plantation was identified by a specially
-chosen name, the naming of homes around Natchez was a great event. When land
-was opened and a home built, a recorded name was given, and neither time nor
-change of owner or occupant changed the name of that plantation. Interesting
-indeed are the stories of the names selected.</p>
-<p>&ldquo;Propinquity&rdquo; was named in 1810 by its owner, Brigadier General Leonard
-Covington, and was so named because its lands adjoined Fort Dearborn where he
-was in command of a troop of Light Dragoons. Today Propinquity is appropriate
-as &ldquo;near to nature&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>The plantation belonged originally to one William Belk. The records shows
-that in 1797 a committee met at this place for the purpose of appointing a Public
-Safety organization, the first American political assembly held in the Lower Mississippi
-Valley.</p>
-<p>For several generations Propinquity has been owned by the descendants of
-Jane Long, the famous &ldquo;Mother of Texas&rdquo;, who spent many happy days in this
-quaint old home. It is still a reliquary for interesting possessions of the Texas
-heroine.</p>
-<p>Situated on a side road off the original &ldquo;Natchez Trace&rdquo;, this old house is
-built on simple early American lines. A wide center hall with a deep mahogany
-stairway runs the length of the two huge rooms on either side. Green shuttered,
-small pane windows, a solid three-panel front door with straight glass sidelights,
-and a small upper and lower portico complete the simple picture of this old home.</p>
-<p>The furnishings are of the original purchase. There is a tiny melodeon in
-the parlor. Its quaint type indicates very early &ldquo;vintage&rdquo;&mdash;a rare museum piece.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig89">
-<img src="images/p43a.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="536" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">PROPINQUITY</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="img" id="fig90">
-<img src="images/p43b.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="572" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Spinet</span></p>
-<p class="capbody"><span class="sc">Hand Made Wax Fruit Under a Glass Globe</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<p>Bedrooms where rested the nobility of the land in earlier days are still prim
-and precise with poster beds in their original draperies, mahogany armoirs,
-bureaus with numerous side compartments and many mirrors to please the fancy
-of milady of the early fifties.</p>
-<p>In the dining room there is an exquisite set of china, and despite the fact that
-it has been in daily use for more than one hundred years, only two small pieces
-are missing from the set of 200 pieces. This gives an idea of the order and system,
-and the appreciation for the valuable and beautiful at Propinquity.</p>
-<p>The house is occupied by Miss Rebecca Miller and Mrs. M. E. Fauntleroy,
-who are descendants of the renowned Jane Long.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig91">
-<img src="images/p44.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="687" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">RAVENNA (<i>front</i>)</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="img" id="fig92">
-<img src="images/p44a.jpg" alt="" width="676" height="600" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">Azaleas, Little Ravenna</span></p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div>
-<h2 id="c45"><i>Ravenna</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig93">
-<img src="images/p44b.jpg" alt="Ravenna" width="800" height="572" />
-</div>
-<p>At the end of Union street, on ten acres of ground which edges a great ravine
-or bayou, stands Ravenna, the present home of Mrs. Richard I. Metcalf.</p>
-<p>Ravenna was built more than one hundred years ago by the Harris family.
-It has stood the test of time and of the tornado of 1840. It stands today in the
-superior dignity of perfection. The property was acquired by the family of its
-present owner about eighty years ago.</p>
-<p>Ravenna shows every evidence of an inherited love of flowers. This comes
-from Andrew Brown of &ldquo;Brown&rsquo;s Gardens&rdquo;, and Mrs. Metcalf, a direct descendant,
-has expressed that inherited taste and talent in the beautification of Ravenna.</p>
-<p>The house is the large Colonial type. An outstanding feature of the interior
-is an exquisite stairway and a great assembly of unusual, massive antiques.</p>
-<p>The charm of Ravenna is its setting. Facing a great ravine, the old home
-is surrounded by flowers. A huge wisteria vine covers the front of the house with
-purple blossoms. The side of the place toward the town is enclosed by a high iron
-fence of massive design. The main entrance is through heavy iron gates that lead
-along the winding tulip bordered driveway to the front portico. Bordering this
-driveway are radiant azalea bushes and japonicas, while at certain seasons of the
-year the deep pink of flowering peach trees and almond trees give vivid color
-splotches which intensify the beauty of these grounds.</p>
-<p>A point of interesting antiquity at Ravenna is the name &ldquo;Caroline Harris&rdquo;
-scratched with a diamond into a window pane. This proves conclusively that the
-windows were there in 1840 when the Harrises owned Ravenna.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig94">
-<img src="images/p45.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="601" height="700" />
-</div>
-<p>During the War Between the States the peace of Ravenna was greatly disturbed
-by Federal soldiers who ordered the Metcalfs to leave this home. Mrs.
-Metcalf was suspected of communicating with the Confederate soldiers through
-the bayou.</p>
-<p>Alter the war Ravenna was reclaimed and again occupied by the Metcalf
-family.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig95">
-<img src="images/p45a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="483" />
-</div>
-<p>&ldquo;Little Ravenna&rdquo;, the cottage home of the late Mrs. Zulika Metcalf Lawrence,
-stands on the Ravenna grounds, as does also a palatial residence occupied by
-Mrs. Roan Fleming Byrnes, who is a leading spirit in promoting the great Natchez
-Trace highway project.</p>
-<p>This group of family homes, under the sheltering eaves of the parent home,
-Ravenna, eloquently bespeaks that close and lovable family life of the South as
-it has existed for generations.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig96">
-<img src="images/p45b.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="560" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig97">
-<img src="images/p46.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="623" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">The lyre motif in mirror and table
-is unusual. Tester bed is typical.</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="img" id="fig98">
-<img src="images/p46a.jpg" alt="" width="536" height="700" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">Queen of a recent
-Confederate Ball,
-Miss Roane Adams,
-poses beneath the
-portrait of her
-grandmother in the
-drawing room of Ravenna.</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div>
-<h2 id="c46"><i>Oakland</i></h2>
-<p>Among the numerous ante-bellum homes of Natchez which are today owned
-and occupied by lineal descendants of the original owners &ldquo;Oakland&rdquo; stands
-preeminent. Built in 1838 for Catherine Chotard Eustis, the granddaughter of
-Major Stephen Minor, this home remains in the possession of the Minor family.
-The present owner is Mrs. Jeanne Minor McDowell. Major Minor was the last
-Governor of the Natchez District under Spanish rule.</p>
-<p>Oakland is located in secluded grounds, and, as its name implies, stands in
-a land of oaks.</p>
-<p>The house is a substantial brick building with a wide front portico and broad
-brick steps. The spacious center hallway opens with heavy mahogany entrance
-doors into an old-fashioned parlor on the right and a large dining room on the
-left. The walls are covered with the original paper.</p>
-<p>Many pieces of the original furnishings remain. Several rare pieces were
-brought to Oakland from &ldquo;Concord&rdquo;, which was the Governor&rsquo;s official mansion
-and was destroyed by fire.</p>
-<p>The Minors were lovers of race horses, and valuable paintings of beautiful
-horses owned by the family adorn the walls. Two especially fine horse pictures
-are by Troye. Many silver trophies of racing victories form an interesting part
-of Oakland possessions.</p>
-<p>In this house is a bed of unique type, known as &ldquo;a family bed&rdquo;. It is a huge
-four-poster with silken tester. As broad as it is long, there is plenty of room for
-six persons to sleep comfortably!</p>
-<p>Ante-bellum gardens wherein grow verbena, gardenia, and sweet olive, with
-clipped boxwood borders, complete the handsome setting of Oakland.</p>
-<div class="img" id="fig99">
-<img src="images/p46b.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="558" />
-</div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div>
-<h2 id="c47"><i>Richmond</i></h2>
-<p>Life at Richmond today seems a continuous house party. The present owners
-(seven daughters, one son, and one granddaughter of the late Shelby Marshall)
-are the fifth and sixth generations of the illustrious Levin R. Marshall family to
-own and occupy this old and hospitable mansion. It contains 41 rooms.</p>
-<p>The architecture of Richmond shows three distinct styles. The original center
-building, 153 years old, is of Spanish design; the front, 105 years old, is of Greek
-design; and 77 years ago the square English portion of the house was built.</p>
-<p>The Spanish part, constructed of sturdy hand-hewn timbers, brick, and
-cement, is in an excellent state of preservation. It has stood without reconstruction
-throughout the years. There is a cement patio on the ground level, and cypress
-steps with artistic iron grill rails reach the main floor from the outside. Here one
-can sound the door knocker, and soon hear heavy wooden bars being lifted. This
-was the security against Indians and other intruders of early days, and such protection
-remains intact at Richmond.</p>
-<p>In 1832 Richmond became the property of Levin R. Marshall, great-great-grandfather
-of the present owners, and it was he who added the lovely Greek
-portion. This addition contains six large rooms on the main floor and four in
-the basement.</p>
-<p>Twenty-eight years later, in order to accommodate a rapidly growing family
-and numbers of guests, the red brick English addition was built in the rear.</p>
-<p>The main entrance has a front portion with classic Corinthian columns supporting
-the roof. A broad hall, the length of two twenty-foot rooms, runs through
-the center to a formal dining room. This formal room opens with four tall folding
-doors into a smaller family dining room. There are double drawing rooms on the
-left side of the great hall.</p>
-<p>The massive old furniture remains today in Richmond, as does the family
-silver, which is the most ornate and beautiful silver service in the entire South.</p>
-<p>The front drawing room harbors a greatly prized relic of the past&mdash;the quaint
-concert grand piano which was used to accompany the famous song-bird Jenny
-Lind when, under the management of that superb showman, P. T. Barnum, she
-toured the South. A beautiful portrait of Jenny Lind hangs near the old piano.</p>
-<p>Richmond contains a rich treasure store of old laces, quaint costumes, and
-queer candelabra. Quite recently there was discovered an assortment of pans and
-plumber&rsquo;s equipment. When assembled this &ldquo;find&rdquo; proved to be a bathtub of
-probably the 1850 model. The fastidious bather stood in a tin basin, pulled a
-curtain for privacy, while a slave by means of a small hand pump pumped water
-from a two-gallon tank overhead; this water ran over the bather, down into the
-basin, and was, in turn, pumped up and the bather reshowered.</p>
-<p>Fortunes have been made and lost by Richmond owners. The generosity of
-Levin R. Marshall extended to the State of Texas and the town of Marshall, in
-Texas, is named in honor of this family.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig100">
-<img src="images/p47.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="574" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">Three of the cultures that have contributed to the charm of Natchez are
-represented in Richmond. Post-Colonial Neo-Greek is shown at the left,
-Spanish in the center, and English Georgian on the right.</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_92">92</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig101">
-<img src="images/p48.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="800" height="578" />
-</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig102">
-<img src="images/p48a.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="675" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">FORT ROSALIE
-Built by the French
-in the early 18th
-century, it was the
-scene of the Indian
-massacre of 1729.</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div>
-<h2 id="c48"><i>Rosalie</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig103">
-<img src="images/p48b.jpg" alt="Rosalie" width="800" height="440" />
-</div>
-<p>In the Natchez country &ldquo;Rosalie&rdquo; is a magic name. It conjures up memories of
-startling days that were, and stimulates the imagination to see Indians and soldiers
-and people from foreign lands.</p>
-<p>The home, &ldquo;Rosalie&rdquo;, bears the name and is situated near the site of Fort
-Rosalie, which was built by the French in the early 1700&rsquo;s.</p>
-<p>No home in Natchez is of greater historical importance than Rosalie. The
-building was started about 1820 by Peter B. Little, and required seven years for
-completion. All materials are of the choicest selection. Home-burned bricks and
-hand-hewn timbers were used in its construction.</p>
-<p>Rosalie is situated 200 feet above the Mississippi River. It is now the home of
-Miss Rebecca Rumble and Mrs. James Marsh. It contains many original pieces
-of furniture, carpets, and exquisite chandeliers. A valuable piece is the mahogany
-table at which Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, and U. S. Grant
-dined.</p>
-<p>Mr. Little married his thirteen-year-old ward, and sent her to Baltimore to
-be educated. It was while she was in school that he built this mansion in which
-to receive her when she returned.</p>
-<p>It is believed that the ground immediately back of Rosalie is the site of the
-great Indian massacre of the French in 1729.</p>
-<p>Railroad tracks and driveways have cut through the acres that were originally
-Rosalie private grounds, but the yard and gardens of the old home are well kept
-and are filled with old-fashioned flowers and shrubbery of days long gone.</p>
-<p>Rosalie was General Grant&rsquo;s headquarters during the Federal occupation of
-Natchez in the War Between the States.</p>
-<p>The present occupants display with much pride the huge four-poster mahogany
-bed in which General Grant slept during his stay at this old house.</p>
-<p>Rosalie has been purchased by the Daughters of the American Revolution,
-and will be maintained as a public shrine. Many of the encroaching industrial
-buildings will soon give way to the original acreage that formed the gardens of
-Rosalie.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_94">94</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig104">
-<img src="images/p49.jpg" alt="" width="681" height="800" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead"><span class="sc">This Bed in Rosalie Has a Prayer Pad at Its Side</span>.</p>
-</div></div>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div>
-<h2 id="c49"><i>Parsonage</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig105">
-<img src="images/p49a.jpg" alt="Parsonage" width="800" height="575" />
-</div>
-<p>Under the very eaves of old &ldquo;Rosalie&rdquo; with its historic background of Fort
-Rosalie, stands a sturdy square structure known as &ldquo;The Parsonage&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>It is a brick building with an English basement, the entrance leading by
-broad steps to the elevated first floor.</p>
-<p>While of no particular historic interest, The Parsonage has its story.</p>
-<p>It was built by Peter Little, the owner and builder of Rosalie, and bears the
-same evidence of sturdy construction exemplified in the larger home.</p>
-<p>Like most men, Mr. Little wanted the privacy of his own home, while Mrs.
-Little, due to religious enthusiasm, felt called upon to entertain every preacher
-and his family who passed that way. By reason of this devotion to religious duty,
-&ldquo;Rosalie&rdquo; was kept filled with ministerial guests.</p>
-<p>Following a long siege of such guests Mr. Little declared to his wife, &ldquo;I am
-going to build a home for your church friends and their families&rdquo;. True to this
-decision he built a lovely home, and in November 1850 deeded it to the Methodist
-Church and called it &ldquo;The Parsonage&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>After the death of his young wife Mr. Little lived on at Rosalie, a brokenhearted,
-lonely old man, until, tradition tells, while ill and alone, in the dark
-hours of night, the master of Rosalie and builder of The Parsonage which he
-designed to insure his seclusion, was murdered by one of his own slaves.</p>
-<p>Later The Parsonage was sold. Today, with its exquisite antique furnishings,
-it is the property of the Orrick Metcalfs, who are descendants of one of Natchez&rsquo;
-oldest and most respected families.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div>
-<h2 id="c50"><i>Stanton Hall</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig106">
-<img src="images/p50.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="796" height="591" />
-</div>
-<p>In the heart of the city of Natchez stands an imposing mansion, &ldquo;Stanton
-Hall&rdquo;. It is surrounded by a half-acre of rolling lawn which is enclosed by an
-iron fence. This strong iron fence is in a delicate design and is itself worth a
-small fortune.</p>
-<p>Stanton Hall is the most handsome old home, and probably the most expensive,
-in the entire Natchez area. It is not of great historical value but it well
-represents the architectural grandeur of the Old South.</p>
-<p>It was built during the 1851-56 period. As the building materials were imported,
-the house required several years for its construction.</p>
-<p>On the first floor there are four tremendous rooms and a broad hall. Hand
-carvings for doors and windows, Carrara marble mantels, silver and bronze hinges,
-bronze chandeliers, and exquisite over-size mirrors required a specially chartered
-ship for their delivery to complete this handsome home. It was built for Frederick
-Stanton of Belfast, Ireland, and his young wife, Hulda Helm Stanton, a lady of
-the Natchez neighborhood.</p>
-<p>The spacious grounds resemble a well-kept park. Aged oaks spread their
-moss-draped boughs in a latticed shield, as it were, across the front where white
-Corinthian columns support the massive portico which is outlined by iron grill
-railings of intricate lacy pattern.</p>
-<p>To the right of the entrance is a large drawing room, and back of this, through
-an elaborate archway, is a very unusual music room. This room is decorated with
-murals of musical instruments on which appear the names of the great old music
-masters.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig107">
-<img src="images/p50a.jpg" alt="Stanton Hall" width="694" height="800" />
-</div>
-<p>Woodwork and doors on the first floor are of solid mahogany, with silver
-hinges and silver door knobs.</p>
-<p>After Stanton Hall passed from the original owners in the year 1894, it was
-used as a select school, known as &ldquo;Stanton College for Young Ladies&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>In August 1920 Robert T. Clarke bought Stanton Hall and has occupied it
-since that date. He recently sold the property to the Pilgrimage Garden Club.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div>
-<h2 id="c51"><i>Weymouth Hall</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig108">
-<img src="images/p51.jpg" alt="Weymouth Hall" width="800" height="532" />
-</div>
-<p>Unusual and peculiar is the construction of Weymouth Hall. It was purchased
-by Col. John Weymouth in 1821 and was rebuilt in 1852 by the Bullock family.
-It is a three-story brick building overlooking the Mississippi River, and has for
-its back view acres of Natchez cemetery.</p>
-<p>The upper stories are reached by a winding stairway. The third floor is a
-ballroom. During the War Between the States this room was used as headquarters
-for Union soldiers because it gave a perfect view of the river and surrounding
-country.</p>
-<p>Stark Young in <i>So Red the Rose</i> refers to Weymouth Hall and the death of
-Mrs. John Weymouth in the room below the Union headquarters. He gives a
-vivid description of the agony of the family as they watched a loved one slip
-away forever amid the hostile booming of drums above her bedroom.</p>
-<p>The furnishings, woodwork, and mantels in Weymouth Hall are fascinating
-in perfection and antiquity. In the living room on the second floor is a black
-marble mantel inlaid with colored roses of mother of pearl. Fabulous offers have
-been declined for this mantel. There is probably not another like it in the entire
-South.</p>
-<p>This old home is now owned and occupied by the Zurhellen and Morton
-families, who are lineal descendants of Mrs. John Weymouth.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_99">99</div>
-<h2 id="c52"><i>Ruins of Windsor</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig109">
-<img src="images/p51a.jpg" alt="Ruins of Windsor" width="800" height="640" />
-</div>
-<p>Twenty-two stone Corinthian columns stand today as remnants of a grand
-example of ante-bellum Greek Revival architecture.</p>
-<p>Windsor was built in 1861 by S. C. Daniel, a wealthy Mississippi planter who
-also had large land holdings in Louisiana. It had five stories, topped by an
-observatory. It is said that Mark Twain, when a Mississippi steamboat pilot,
-charted his course at this point by the lofty tower of Windsor.</p>
-<p>The house and its furnishings were destroyed by fire in 1890.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div>
-<h2 id="c53"><i>Windy Hill Manor</i></h2>
-<div class="img" id="fig110">
-<img src="images/p52.jpg" alt="Windy Hill Manor" width="800" height="572" />
-</div>
-<p>Nine miles from Natchez, on the Liberty road, in a picturesque, moss-draped
-grove, stands &ldquo;Windy Hill Manor&rdquo;, home of the Misses Stanton.</p>
-<p>The records show that Windy Hill originally belonged to Joseph Ford. It was
-under the ownership of Benjamin Osmun, a close friend of Aaron Burr, that the
-place received its great historical interest.</p>
-<p>After Aaron Burr had been accused of treason against his own country and
-released on $5,000 bail, he was invited to be the guest of his old friend Benjamin
-Osmun at Windy Hill.</p>
-<p>One hundred and twenty years ago Benjamin Osmun sold this plantation to
-General Brandon, great-grandfather of the Stanton sisters who now occupy it.
-The Stantons gave the property the name of &ldquo;Windy Hill Manor&rdquo;.</p>
-<p>Architecturally this house, like many of the cottage type ante-bellum homes,
-is a surprise, when upon entering it is found to be of commodious proportions.</p>
-<p>It is a story-and-a-half, plantation type home, with wide porch and large
-columns across the front.</p>
-<p>There is a beautiful spiral stairway in the wide front hall. To the left is a
-large drawing room containing numerous relics of days long gone; portraits of
-past generations; antique furniture, and a most interesting collection of Indian
-relics. Also, an unusual fireplace and mantel are in this room.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig111">
-<img src="images/p52a.jpg" alt="(unlabelled)" width="671" height="800" />
-</div>
-<p>Time has marched on but Windy Hill Manor remains a living, vibrant picture
-of the days of the ease and graciousness of the Old South. The Misses Stanton
-complete the perfection of this period picture.</p>
-<p>Here our visit to the old estates comes to an end. Lack of space has prevented
-inclusion of all of the ante-bellum homes, but we hope that we have nevertheless
-captured the charm of Natchez.</p>
-<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div>
-<div class="img" id="fig112">
-<img src="images/p53.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="675" />
-<div class="caption">
-<p class="caphead">AARON BURR OAKS</p>
-</div></div>
-<h2>Transcriber&rsquo;s Notes</h2>
-<ul>
-<li>Copyright notice provided as in the original&mdash;this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li>
-<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.</li>
-<li>Moved some captions closer to the corresponding pictures, removing extraneous spatial references like &ldquo;(next page)&rdquo;.</li>
-<li>In the text versions, delimited italicized text by _underscores_.</li>
-</ul>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Natchez, Symbol of the Old South, by 
-Nola Nance Oliver
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author	nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org>	2025-02-06 19:27:28 -0800
committer	nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org>	2025-02-06 19:27:28 -0800
commit	282c4df851b3b6a002c3abc57daa8c82d4e71384 (patch)
tree	710f81fe7309e3d6e85cc834f2fc0dbfc1d0e592
parent	354f56a17854311dba069b4c1b40deaeb402c51e (diff)