Goodbye & Thank You, Susan

As most of you know by now, our Director, Susan Cassagne, is leaving the Armstrong Library. She has been selected to be the State Librarian of Mississippi and will serve as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Library Commission. This is a big honor for her, but she will be missed big time. The good news is that she is maintaining her residence in Natchez. Also, the Armstrong Library will definitely have good connections on the State level. (See the article in the Natchez Democrat.)

The Friends of the Library had a reception in the Library Thursday to say goodbye and thank you to Susan.




Mayor Butch Brown came and gave her a proclamation from the City in recognition of the work she has done.

Susan had a few words to say to those in attendance. There were tears in the eyes of many there, especially her staff.

Maria Bowser, President of the Friends, announced that the Friends were going to renovate the Meeting Room and rename it the Susan Cassagne Community Room. Be sure to go to the Library and see what that room looks like now, so you will be able to appreciate the new look.

Anne White, Assistant Director of the Armstrong Library, presented a present to Susan from the staff - a picture of her with all her staff members in a beautiful frame.

Duncan McFarlane, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, introduced Pamela Plummer, the new Director of the Armstrong Library.

Pam Plummer also spoke to the audience, although she said she was not prepared to speak. A Natchez native who has been commuting from Natchez for 30 plus years, she said she was thrilled to finally be working in her home town.





Be sure to check out the article in the Natchez Democrat. They have much better pictures!

Annual Friends of the Library Christmas Tour of Homes

Christmas is right around the corner - well, really right here already, it seems - and what's the best way to get into the Christmas decorating spirit? Seeing how other people are decorating their homes, of course! This Sunday is the Annual Friends of the Library Christmas Tour of Homes. Where else can you get to tour four beautifully decorated homes and a historic church - and munch on refreshments - for a mere $15 per ticket ($25 for two tickets)??? In Natchez, of course!

Each year library supporters open their homes for our Tour. The homeowners must plan - and decorate - early to be ready for this event. The Tour of Homes is the only major fundraiser the Friends of the Library hold each year, and it is through the generosity of these homeowners - and the supporters that buy tickets and tour the homes - that the Friends are able to provide the many little "extras" the Library can offer.

This year, the Armstrong Library began offering Ebooks for check-out. The Friends have donated the funds for this project. The Friends also sponsored the National Library Week Open House and participated in the BIG Adopt a Needy Shutter project to help raise funds for the exterior repairs and renovations! A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to everyone that made a donation! We know that if something comes up that we have not budgeted for, we simply ask the Friends, and - through your donations and memberships - they provide!

We've got several projects planned for the coming year and your membership in the Friends and participation in their programs help make these a success. After Christmas, we'll resume our monthly Afternoon Movie event. The Teen Room has events planned, as well. The Library has a new web site address, so make certain you have it bookmarked, so you don't miss out on any news: http://www.ArmstrongLibrary.org.

So, make your plans to spend Sunday afternoon with some good Friends! Come steal decorating ideas, enjoy munchies, get in the Christmas spirit, and know you are supporting a great cause - your local library! We thank you!

Another Year with Good Friends

A Friends party always has a bar

A rainy evening did not deter over 75 true blue Friends of the Library from enjoying an Open House showcasing our new logo and celebrating other good news last Monday.

When the Friends of the Library Annual Gathering comes around each September, it is a reminder for members to renew their memberships and for anyone interested to find out more about joining the Friends group. It is always a fun gathering, and this year it was held at the Library. There was staff on hand in every department of the Library to "show and tell" our many services. We had lots of news to share and to show our Friends and the public.

First, we have a sleek new logo to go with our new name: Judge George Armstrong Library. (The Wilkinson County libraries will now be a separate system. See our previous blog post.) Our other big news is the addition of ebooks to our catalog. Director Susan Cassagne demonstrated the ebook feature and another new addition, Rocket Languages. If you've ever wanted to learn a foreign language, Rocket Languages provides an online program that is FREE for library patrons.

There was a special Friends Book Sale during the open house to show off the new Better Books section of new condition hardbacks and paperbacks. The book sale is regularly held on the first Tuesday of every month 11 am - 2 pm and the third Saturday10 am - 12 pm.

Just a sample of the homemade goodies

Friends President Maria Bowser thanked everyone who had contributed to purchasing paint and repairing shutters on the building. She expressed gratitude to the Library staff for being "Johnny on the spot" and all the Friends members who had brought delicious homemade goodies which were enthusiastically enjoyed by all!

If you are not a member of the Friends of the Library, it's easy to join. Just stop by and fill out a membership form, or print it out from our website. Individual memberships are only $10, Family memberships are $15 and Contributor memberships are anything over $25.

Next stop for the Friends: Christmas Tour of Homes, Sunday December 2, 2-5 pm.

We love our Friends - a Library can never have too many!

Annual Gathering of Friends

Every September, the Friends of the Library gather together to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and announce the goals for the upcoming year. Usually we meet at the home of a member, but this year we decided to have an Open House at the Library to show it off to the community.

So please join us on Monday, September 17, 5:30 - 7 pm for this special Open House @ your Library, 220 South Commerce Street. Refreshments will be served. It is free and open to the public, although we hope you will become a member of the Friends of the Library. Be sure to bring your children - no one benefits more from a Library than children.

Most people have NO idea of all the services the Library provides. What better way to find out than to visit and see for yourself. Staff will be available to demonstrate all services and answer any questions. Here's a sample of what you may see:

• Of course, we have books! And magazines, newspapers, audio books, DVDs. It's all listed in our online catalog which you can access from anywhere - to search, renew, request materials. And if we don't have what you're looking for, we can probably get it for you.
• You can find out almost anything at your Library. Ask our Reference Librarian and she'll either answer your question or tell you how to find it. Although we have a large assortment of printed reference materials, most resources are online now. Many of these expensive resources are available for free through your Library.
• One of the most valuable resources is Learning Express Library, which has over 770 practice tests and tutorials for ACT/SAT, GRE, certification and licensing exams, and just about anything you need. We also have a special online course to learn a new language.
• We have lots of computers - including 3 that are just for young children, 2 just for teens, and 2 that are designed for reading newspapers online. We have copying and fax machines. We even have a typewriter!
• We have a genealogy and local history section that people from all over the country come to visit, including our microfilm collection and free access to expensive genealogy databases.
• The Children's section is wonderful and includes furniture and other fixtures designed for kids. There's a special section just for the very young child with a much used rocking chair. Of course, we have unbelievable programs for kids.
• Teens have their very own room that just has to be seen. Take a teen in there, and she may never leave!
• We also want to show off all the renovations. Our HVAC renovation is complete, so for the first time in years, we can guarantee it will be comfortable in the Library. You can see the progress of the exterior renovations, which is being funded by contributions from the community.
• Of course, there is much more, but you really have to come and see it for yourself. Even long time library users find stuff they never knew we had.

All you need to access all this is an absolutely free Library Card - and we'll happily give you one at the Open House.

See you @ your Library on Monday, September 17, 5:30 - 7 pm!

Tour of Homes Preview: Stratton Chapel (Refreshment Center)

The Friends of the Library annual Christmas Tour of Homes is Sunday, December 4, 2 - 5 pm. Admission is $15 for one ticket or $25 for two tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the Armstrong Library, Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, or at any of the homes the day of the event. You can tour four beautiful homes in any order and have refreshments at Stratton Chapel. This is the final preview of the Tour of Homes. Two homes were previewed last week, and the two more were previewed earlier this week.

Stratton Chapel
(Refreshment Center)
405 State Street
Located in the First Presbyterian Church

Located behind the Federal style First Presbyterian Church downtown and across from City Hall is an outstanding collection of photographs taken from as early as 1840 and offering a grand depiction of life in Natchez over the course of its early history. The collection boasts over 500 photographs of steamboat activities along the river, the families and homes of Natchez, and downtown Natchez as it once looked in the days of old. The collection for viewing is made possible through the generosity of the late Dr Thomas Gandy and his wife Joan who spent many years restoring the photographic works of Henry and Earl Norman.

Refreshments will be served to the accompaniment of organ music.

Tour of Homes Preview: Staniforth House

The Friends of the Library annual Christmas Tour of Homes is Sunday, December 4, 2 - 5 pm. Admission is $15 for one ticket or $25 for two tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the Armstrong Library, Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, or at any of the homes the day of the event. You can tour four beautiful homes in any order and have refreshments at Stratton Chapel. This is final preview of one of the homes. The first two homes were previewed last week, and the third was previewed earlier this week. Later this week, we'll preview Stratton Chapel, where the Refreshment Center will be.

Staniforth House
315 North Rankin Street
Home of Kirk Bondurant & Bruce Zabov

Built in 1852, the Staniforth House is a classic Greek revival brick cottage. Thomas Staniforth, its builder, was a Natchez contractor/builder who lavished extra attention on what was a comparatively modest house for the time and neighborhood, probably because it served to advertise his business. Original casings highlight the large windows across the front, and fireplaces grace several rooms.

Large antique salvaged windows have been added to the kitchen, providing a lovely view across the back gallery and walled garden toward Holy Family Church. Other particularly attractive touches are the decorative painted paneling restored in the dining room and the faux stone walls in the entrance hall. Beautiful cypress cabinets complete the kitchen. The modern and handsomely upgraded baths make this home truly comfortable.

Many Natchezians will remember a previous owner repainting the bricks. An article in the Natchez Democrat in 2001 indicated that he had found photographs in Dr. Thomas Gandy’s collection including one taken by Marshall Gurney in April 1865, showing the front and northwest sides of the house. The walls were brick with a white cornice along the side.

The people staffing the house on the day of the tour include some of the people who did the actual restoration work on the house.

The Staniforth house is the home of Kirk Bondurant and Bruce Zabov. They have restored it carefully. Furnishings include antiques as well as interesting artifacts and memorabilia from years of living in Key West and Costa Rica.

Tour of Homes Preview: Maples House

The Friends of the Library annual Christmas Tour of Homes is Sunday, December 4, 2 - 5 pm. Admission is $15 for one ticket or $25 for two tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the Armstrong Library, Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, or at any of the homes the day of the event. You can tour four beautiful homes in any order and have refreshments at Stratton Chapel. This is the third preview of one of the homes. The first two homes were previewed last week, and the fourth will be previewed later this week.

Maples House
506 Orleans Street
Home of Lisa & Ken Maples

This property has links to several families with long histories in Natchez, including the Pattersons, Reeds, and Brandons. In 1882, James William Henry Patterson and his wife Sarah Love Reed bought the property on Orleans Street from Rachael O’Conley. He borrowed money on the property in July 1885 to build the house. James was owner of Chamberlain & Patterson Dry Goods Company on Main Street with his partner James Chamberlain.

Ken and Lisa Maples acquired the house in 2008. They have updated the swimming pool and added a spa and landscaping to the backyard. They recently restored the front porch to its original period style and are in the process of adding an outdoor kitchen and living space to the rear of the house.

Tour of Homes Preview: Doyle House

The Friends of the Library annual Christmas Tour of Homes is Sunday, December 4, 2 - 5 pm. Admission is $15 for one ticket or $25 for two tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the Armstrong Library, Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, or at any of the homes the day of the event. You can tour four beautiful homes in any order and have refreshments at Stratton Chapel. This is the second preview of one of the homes. The first home was previewed earlier this week, and the last two will be previewed next week.

Doyle House
704 State Street
Home of Chesney & Marc Doyle

One of three, almost identical, two story houses built by J Foggo Dixon in 1880, 704 retains its original front porch and Victorian gingerbread. In 2007, Marc and Chesney Blankenstein Doyle undertook a complete renovation. In Spring 2011, they finally moved in with their twins.

Keeping the original footprint of the house, the Doyles created a three bedroom/three bath home with all modern amenities. Seven roofs were removed to install new architectural shingle. Central air and heat were added for the first time.

The family has been in the home since 1939. Her mother (Kathie Boatner) lived there until she married Rawdon Blankenstein in 1957. Their four children knew 704 as “Gram and Biggie’s house.” Their grandmother and great aunt had always run a tight ship, evidenced by the typewritten “Privileges and Rules of this Playroom” from 1942 that Gram created for Kathie and her playmates, including “P.S. When grown-ups want to use the front gallery please vacate!”

Wednesday was Gram and Biggie Day. Sliding down the banisters was allowed with adult assistance. Wooden blocks tied to socked feet with string were ice skates for sliding across the wool rugs. Gram even convinced the children that wire brushing the mildew off patio bricks was fun!

The dining table, a favorite gathering spot, was on the steamboat Springer when it sank near Rodney. The table was rescued and sold to Chesney’s greatgrandfather, Alfred Vidal Davis of Tacony Plantation in Vidalia.

Tour hostesses include Kathie Boatner Blankenstein’s childhood friends, all of whom were subject to the 1942 Rules.

Tour of Homes Preview: Callon House

The Friends of the Library annual Christmas Tour of Homes is Sunday, December 4, 2 - 5 pm. Admission is $15 for one ticket or $25 for two tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the Armstrong Library, Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, or at any of the homes the day of the event. You can tour four beautiful homes in any order and have refreshments at Stratton Chapel. This is a preview of one of the homes. Others homes will be previewed in later posts.

Callon House
400 South Pearl Street
Home of Katherine & Lindsey Callon

This Greek Revival cottage was built for Thomas and Elizabeth Mackin. The construction and cost are documented in an 1852 lawsuit. A deposition filed by the Mackins states they built a "Dwelling House" valued at $3,000 and "Fencing & Out Houses" valued at $1,000, after buying the property at a sheriff's sale in 1841. Andrew Brown Sawmill Papers record sales of building materials, including a large amount of interior plastering lath, indicating that the house was completed in 1843.

The 1850 census shows both Thomas and Elizabeth were born in Ireland. The quality of Mackin's house indicates that he was probably a levee contractor who boarded his levee workers on the property. Levee building was a common profession for Irish immigrants in river towns.

In 1858, the Mackin’s sold their residence to Ansel H Kendrick for $3,200 who sold to Cade L Holden in 1877, and it remained in the family until 1901. It was last the property of Eulalie Holden Reed and husband Richard F Reed, who published the pamphlet, The Natchez country; from the settlement by the French to the admission of Mississippi as a state.

The house sold frequently until Lindsey and Katherine Callon bought the house in 2009 and created the attractive historic cottage. Its restrained Grecian simplicity features a simple portico sheltering the doorway set within sidelights and transom. Well detailed dormers light the upper half story. An original two room dependency was later relocated to the rear of Pleasant Hill.

Why should you be a Friend (of the Library, that is!)?

What do the Friends of the Library do? Well, for one thing, they raise money for the Library! Each year the Friends of the Library hosts an Annual Christmas Tour of Homes. Homes on this tour are not open to the public during Pilgrimage. These are private homes, whose owners agree to decorate for Christmas (early) and open their doors to the public for one reason only – they recognize the importance of the Library. They are Library users and are happy to help in a way that benefits the Library! This year’s Tour information may be found here on the Library's website.

The goal for this year is to raise enough funding to get the (much needed) exterior repairs – let’s just say, SHUTTERS – and painting of the Library completed. In addition, the Friends of the Library also pay for our subscription to Ancestry Library Edition, a much-used database genealogy advocates just love! They also help provide funding for programs, such as our Summer Library Program for Children, Teens, and Adults. They help with book purchases, as well as lots of other extras!

The Friends is a wonderful support group, without whom we would not be able to provide many of the services people just take for granted. So, if you are NOT a Friend, please be a Friend (of the Library)! And join us for this year’s Library Tour of Homes, Sunday, December 4, from 2-5 pm. And, if you ARE a Friend, thanks!

A Gathering of Friends

You really ought to join the Friends of the Armstrong Library. It is a private nonprofit 501(c)3 organization of enthusiastic library supporters who believe in the importance of libraries and are dedicated to the support of the Armstrong Library through fundraising and advocacy. Not only would you be helping your Library, but you'd meet some great people and have a lot of fun.

You can see what I mean by coming to the annual Gathering of Friends. This serves as their annual meeting, but it's not a meeting at all - it's a party with good food and drink - always held at the home of one of their members. This year it's being held on Tuesday, September 12, 5 - 7 pm at the home of Bradley, Genny, and Christi Harrison at 708 Orleans Street. Please join us - and bring your friends.

And mark your calendars. The annual Christmas Tour of Homes is always on the first Sunday of December, which is December 4 this year.

Community Support in Action

Natchez Little Theatre's 64th season kickoff production of the musical Hairspray has been the talk of the theatre for months now. The huge cast and dance filled musical numbers make Hairspray a high energy show that will fill theatre seats during its run from Thursday through Sunday, August 24-28.

But you can get a sneak peek and at the same time support the Armstrong Library by reserving your discounted $10 ticket to the Preview Performance on Wednesday, August 24 at 7 pm. The Friends of the Library has been designated by the Natchez Little Theatre as the recipient of all ticket sales.

For anyone not familiar with the show, Hairspray debuted on Broadway on August 15, 2002 at the Neil Simon Theatre. It won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It ran for 2,500 performances closing on January 4, 2009. With music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity with many community theatre groups nationwide.

The story is reminiscent of the early days of American Bandstand but is set in Baltimore and instead of Dick Clark, we have Corny Collins (Eric Barbato.) To be a featured dancer on the Corny Collins Show is the dream of every high school girl in Baltimore. Plus size teen Tracy Turnblad (Emily Ham) is the lovable heroine who surprises everyone by winning a spot on the show. The prized role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother, traditionally played by a man, is being played by NLT favorite Bo Allen. The outrageous story and characters are based on the 1988 John Waters film. The story provides gentle lessons in inclusion and tolerance.

The cast of approximately 50, under the direction of Layne Taylor, has been in rehearsal for many weeks and are very excited about performing the show for Natchez audiences. To see a full cast list, check the NLT website (www.natchezlittletheatre.org.)

We are very grateful to Layne and the Natchez Little Theatre Board for once again designating the Library the recipient of Preview ticket sales. This a great example of community support at its best: worthy causes helped by other community members - and everyone gets entertained!

To reserve your ticket for Wednesday's performance, call 601 442 2233 and leave a message. You can pick up and pay for your ticket the evening of the show. The Box Office opens at 6 pm, and the performance is at 7 pm. Friends of the Library will be providing refreshments, and Library staff will be ushering. Come out and enjoy this great home grown entertainment - it's a fun way to love your Library!

Christmas Tour of Homes 2010

Christmas in Natchez is becoming a very special time, with so many activities, so many events competing for our time. The Friends of the Library Annual Christmas Home Tour on Sunday, December 5, 2-5 pm is special among these community events. Not only is it an opportunity to celebrate the great homes of Natchez, but it is a chance to show your support for your Library. It is particularly meaningful this year since so many people have inquired as to how they can support the Library during our budget crunch. Well, this is one great way - participating in the Friends' largest fundraising event of the year. The homes selected are not on other tours and present a special opportunity to see real Natchez homes all decorated for the holidays. The four homes featured this year are each outstanding in their own way:

PERKINS ADAMS HOUSE
(The Stockton House)
307 North Wall Street
Home of Margaret Perkins and Rene Adams

This Greek Revival home on the corner of Wall and Jefferson Streets was once the home of  the widow Ann Stockton and may have been built by Nathaniel Carpenter, the patriarch of the Carpenter family.

CAVIN HOUSE
(formerly King's Daughter's Home)
32 Cemetery Road
Home of Renee and Kenny Cavin

This spacious home provides a magnificent view of the river from the bluffs at 32 Cemetery Road. Built in 1911, it was originally used as a home for unwed mothers. The extensive renovation was completed in 2008.

STAHLMAN CONDOMINIUM
205 North Commerce Street
Home of Cappy and Judy Stahlman

This antebellum building on Franklin Street suffered extensive damage in the storm of 1998 but has been rehabilitated into apartments, commercial space, and a luxurious condominium with an entrance on Commerce.

WILBOURN HOUSE
411 North Commerce Street
Home of Dr Linda Wilbourn

This 1880's home exhibits typical Italianate features. It has been totally renovated, including restoration of the full width gallery, and expanded. It is also this year's refreshment center.

TICKETS for this year's Friends of the Library Christmas Tour of Homes are currently on sale at the Library and Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, and may also be purchased at any of the homes on the day of the event.. Tour all four homes for only $15, or purchase two tickets for $25.

For over ten years, the Friends of the Armstrong Library have worked tirelessly to provide a unique experience for those touring these fascinating homes. We appreciate those opening their homes, the Friends members and Board, and all who purchase tickets and participate.

Hope to see you on Sunday, December 5, 2 - 5 pm!

One Can Never Have Too Many Friends

The Library is looking even better now that we have our new stands for the “card catalog” computers. For a long while now we have been needing replacements for the old ones which did not match our beautiful light colored Circulation and Information counters. Our warm thanks go out to our Friends of the Library for purchasing all seven of the stands.

Friends groups support libraries in very special ways. Public libraries are forbidden by law from fundraising, so the Friends are frequently true life savers. By raising funds through book sales and the annual Christmas House Tour, items are purchased which fill needs that are not part of regular Library budget expenditures. Sometimes it might be a special set of books, a display unit, or in this case a much needed upgrade to our fixtures.

Come by the Library and see some of the improvements our Friends group has provided us, including the cozy glider rocker in the Children’s Department. And if you would like to join the Friends of the Library, we can help you with that, too.

After all, one can never have too many Friends.

Don't forget the Friends Christmas Tour of Homes on December 6, 2 - 5 pm.

It's Time for the Christmas Tour of Homes

On the first Sunday of every December, the Friends of the Library sponsor the Christmas Tour of Homes - an extremely popular event. Why is it so popular? You get to tour four homes that are not included in other tours. These homes are not necessarily the typical antebellum homes seen on other tours. Instead they are homes that are unusual or beautiful for any reason. These are homes owned and lived in by local Natchezians. And the best part is that they are gorgeously decorated for Christmas.

This year's Christmas Tour of Homes will be on December 6, 2 - 5 pm. Tickets are $15 for one ticket and $25 for two and can be purchased at the Armstrong Library or at any home on the day of the event. Four houses will be on the tour this year.

Riverview, 47 New Street

Home of John Miller

(Refreshment Center)

Hess House, 314 Linton Avenue

Home of Richard Hess

Coyle House, 207 Wall Street

Home of Marcia & Lem Adams

Benoist-Stier House, 410 South Union Street

Home of Ginny & Paul Benoist

For more information, including descriptions.

Christmas Tour of Homes: White Wings

White Wings

311 North Wall Street
Home of Sallie Ballard

White Wings was built between 1833 and 1835 as the home of Sarah Robinson. It was originally a simple late Federal cottage with small portico. After her death in 1853, the house was acquired by Charles Meeks, a native of New York. Meeks was a banker in Natchez and was engaged in the grocery business at the time of his death. Meeks owned the house from 1854 until he died in 1902, during which time he made two major enlargements. Between 1864 and 1886, Meeks added an addition with master bedroom at the rear and between 1892 and 1894, another bedroom with bay window was added. The wing additions to the house were the source of the name White Wings.

White Wings and neighboring Choctaw have a family connection. Stephen Kelly, the nephew of Charles Meeks of White Wings, married Julia Davis, the daughter of George Malin and Elizabeth Davis who lived at Choctaw. Before his death in 1883, George Malin Davis also owned three other great Natchez mansions: Cherokee, Concord (burned 1901), and Melrose, which remained the home of the Davis family until 1976.

After Meeks’ death, White Wings remained in the family as the residence of a niece, Abbie Clark Sanford. In 1928, the Sanford heirs lost the property, which was sold at public auction. In 1929, the house was purchased by John R. Junkin, late Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives. The house remains in the Junkin family and is today the home of Junkin's daughter, Sallie Junkin Ballard. Sallie inspired and worked tirelessly to raise the money for the citywide planting of 2000 crepe myrtle trees as a millennium project for the year 2000.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 5 pm

$15.00 one ticket ($25 two tickets)

Christmas Tour of Homes: The Van Court Town House

Van Court Town House

510 Washington Street
Home of Benny Riddle & Cliff Davis

The Van Court Townhouse was built in 1835 for James Ferguson by the Natchez contracting firm of Neibert & Gemmel. It is a rare combination of Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Both styles blend at the front entrance, where a beautiful Federal style fanlight crowns the front door, which is framed by Grecian pilasters. The lacy cast iron porch was probably added in the 1850s. The rooms are arranged in a side hall plan. Note the graceful hallway staircase extending with unbroken handrail from the first to the third story.

Present owners, Cliff Davis and Benny Riddle, have created a new and original ambience with their careful renovation of this historic townhouse at the corner of Washington and North Union. Respectful nods to the history of the original 1835 house are seen throughout, with such touches as the handsomely framed black and white renderings by architect Hayes Town, discovered through Cliff’s research. Also of note is the lovingly restored 1850 carved rosewood grand piano in the front hallway, which displays photographs of the original owner. Throughout the interior are many antique furnishings and accessories that showcase Benny and Cliff’s love for collecting, as well as Benny’s many years as a visual artist.

Come see Van Court in all her glory. See the Italian marble mantels festooned with magnolia and magnificence, as well as the uniquely beautiful banister draped for the holiday from the first to the third floor.

A visit to this home and its lovely garden will truly give you an early Christmas treat!

Christmas Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 5 pm

$15.00 one ticket ($25 two tickets)

Christmas Tour of Homes: Myrtle Bank

Myrtle Bank

408 North Pearl Street
Home of Barbara & David Haigh

This Spanish Colonial style cottage predates 1817, with later additions through the1870s. Named for the high bank where it stands, it has a raised basement encircled by brick pillars. In 1835, Alfred and Eliza Cochran bought Myrtle Bank from George Overaker for $3000, enlarging it to its present classical one and a half stories with a wide front gallery.

Among later owners were Anna Dunbar Postlewaite and Benjamin Wade. In 1858, The Natchez Young Ladies Institute occupied the house. A gazebo built about 1875 was moved to a neighboring yard but returned in the 1970s. In 1957, Thomas Gandy bought Myrtle Bank, restoring it to its 19th-century state. He designed and built brick patios, walkways, raised flower beds, and a fish pond. He saved thousands of glass negatives of three Natchez photographers, developed and enlarged the pictures in his dark room at Myrtle Bank, and hand tinted the pictures. He and his wife Joan published several books of these images.

Current owners, Barbara Gilbert and David Haigh, have changed little. The cast iron mantels, imposing Cornelius Baker parlor gasolier (originally at Brandon Hall), and traditional punka are significant features. Visitors will see antiques inherited by Barbara from her Peck and Gilbert ancestors. The library showcases the Haigh’s collection of McCarty pottery and Southern images. On the third floor, the boys’ room displays collectibles from the Miller Brothers’ 101 Ranch and Wild West Show, and the girls’ room has a vintage doll house and dolls.

Myrtle Bank will be splendidly decorated for Christmas. Guests may walk the grounds as well.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 5 pm

$15.00 one ticket ($25 two tickets)

Christmas Tour of Homes: Maywood

Maywood

1 Elm Street
Home of Barbara & Ed Colwell
(Refreshment Center)

Maywood, located on historic Elm Street between Airlie & Riverview, was built by Fredrick and Marian Brown, circa 1928. Although new by Natchez standards, this home incorporates many recycled architectural elements in its Colonial revival style. These include the front entrance, interior stairway from the foyer, fireplace mantles, and some windows. Over the years, the home has been expanded to add a master bedroom wing, an enlarged kitchen, and family dining area. Beautiful granite counters grace cabinets and large cooking island alike.

This home, often referred to as The Dupre House, was owned by the original owners’ daughter and son-in-law, Mimi and Charles Dupre for years. In 2000, Barbara and Edward Colwell moved to Natchez from Chicago, purchased the house, and renamed it Maywood. Rather than alluding to trees on the property or the time of year the house was bought, this is a name in Barbara’s family, stretching back for generations. The Colwell’s daughter carries the name as a middle name now.

Interior renovations reflect Edward’s skills as a gentleman carpenter and woodworker. Projects both small and large have kept him busy and happy since buying the house. Also, he is an expert cook, and the family entertains often, showcasing his culinary mastery.

The Christmas season is a favorite here because Maywood lends itself to traditional Christmas decorations in every room. Look for at least five Christmas trees, a beautiful wreath on the front door, and various other decorations throughout the house. Enjoy the centerpiece on the dining table where refreshments will be offered by The Friends of the Library.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 5 pm

$15.00 one ticket($25 two tickets)

Christmas Tour of Homes is Soon!

On the first Sunday of December of every year, the Friends of the Library sponsor the Christmas Tour of Homes. Everybody loves this tour. The tickets are only $15 for one or $25 for two tickets, and you get to tour four beautiful homes not usually open to the public. Tour the homes in order you wish - and remember that one is always a refreshment center. Plus, they are all decorated for Christmas.

You can buy your tickets at the Library anytime we're open - or at any of the homes on the day of the event. Listed below are the homes on the tour this year. In later posts, I'll feature each house including a picture.

Maywood

1 Elm Street

Home of Barbara & Ed Colwell

(Refreshment Center)

Myrtle Bank

408 North Pearl Street

Home of Barbara & David Haigh

Van Court Town House

510 Washington Street

Home of Benny Riddle & Cliff Davis

White Wings

311 North Wall Street

Home of Sallie Ballard

Hope to see you there!