Yes, I like old things saturated with history and heritage. My husband says this fact makes him happy since he’s an old thing, a dear old thing I must quickly add. I seem to gravitate toward historical markers, old cemeteries, nostalgic settings, crumbling buildings, documented battlefields, collectible books, Bibles, and maps – then as I throw in a few museums, historic homes, and old photographs, I’m one happy Mississippian.



Suqualena Settlers Day



The second annual celebration of Suqualena history and heritage takes place on Saturday, September 27 beginning at 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Come out to enjoy a unique and well planned celebration uplifting Mississippi heritage. In addition to gospel quartet singing, yummy food, and the exciting wares of 30 plus vendors, enjoy historic exhibits, including but not limited to: David Sessum’s collection of black powder guns, see a reproduction of an encampment typical of Civil War time including the dress of the era, and enjoy apple butter as cooked in a big black pot over an open fire demonstrated by the ladies of the group. The community of Suqualena supports a proud heritage and the organizers of this event are some of the best in our area.

For more information: Call Ken Turner, (601) 626-8001.



Blues Trails in Meridian



The Mississippi Blues Trail, created by the Mississippi Blues Commission, is a project to place interpretive markers at the most notable historical sites related to the growth of the blues throughout the state of Mississippi.The trail extends from the border of Louisiana in southern Mississippi and winds its way to Memphis. In Meridian we are fortunate to have one marker with the definite planning of two others in the near future. The first one commemorates our famous native Meridianite singer/songwriter, Jimmie Rodgers, known worldwide as The Father of Country Music. His marker is placed at The Singing Brakeman Park located at historic Union Station on Front Street in the historic district – part of the downtown renovation. The National Endowment for the Arts provided a grant for partial funding for the Blues Trail project.



Meridian City Hall



The restoration of City Hall to its original 1915 elegance will ensure that this beautiful, historic building will continue to serve the people of Meridian. In 1915, the architect of this magnificent structure was the same architect, G. M. Torgenson, who in the latter 1890’s designed The Grand Opera House. Meridian City Hall proves to be another architectural jewel as renovators uncover mahogany doors, terra cotto tiles, columns of scagliola (an artisan-made imitation marble which is more valuable than real marble since the process of producing it is unknown only by a few in today’s market). The floors will be restored to their original terrazzo, the ceilings raised to original heights, and the grandness of a living, working house of government made available once again to the people. Additional plans include an adjoining park and promenade – all to come together in time for Meridian’s 150th anniversary, February 2010.



The Dentzel Carousel at Historic Highland Park



Made in the 1890’s, The Dentzel Carousel, a national landmark in Meridian, is already famous, and it is not just for exhibition but for actual riding for the young and the young at heart. ‘The Around Town Carousels Abound project offered many companies and organizations fiberglass carousel horses measure approximately 5′ x 4′ 11″ for $2,500 per piece. It is a public art project. Popular local painters and art groups painted the horses and put them in front of the sponsors’ buildings. They make the city very beautiful. The carousel building plays host to several significant events such as the December 2007 Santa’s Special Sleigh Ride sponsored by Atlantic Southeast Airlines.



Threefoot Building



The Threefoot Building is a historic building located in downtown Meridian. The building is the tallest building in the city, standing 16 stories and remains a grand landmark for the Queen City. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was built in 1929. The 16-story brick structure is named after the Threefoot family, Jewish-German immigrants. Just before the beginning of the Great Depression, the family business built the Threefoot Building in downtown Meridian on 22nd Avenue adjacent to the Marks-Rothenberg Department Store and the Grand Opera House. Construction was finished in 1929, and as history records, shortly thereafter the nation and community suffered the tragic stock market crash and the Great Depression and as to so many businesses, the family was forced to cease operations, however the Threefoot Building remained a historic landmark in the city. The building is currently awaiting renovation by Historic Restoration Inc., a New Orleans developer credited with the restoration of King Edward’s Hotel, Jackson Mississippi. The renovation plans detail the transformation of the vacant building into a 200-room upscale hotel complete with conference rooms, a restaurant or coffee shop, and retail shops. The restoration should begin soon and the renovation is estimated to take 15 to 18 months, again in time for the Meridian Sesquicentennial Celebration, February 2010.

On a personal note, and as a native Meridianite, I look forward to the completion of the remaking of Meridian’s most famous landmark – that of the Threefoot Building. I need to overcome the shudder and memory of my visiting the family doctor, Dr. Hackett Bennett, or family dentist, Dr. Price, both located at the art-deco style building – those are among my clear childhood memories and experiences of the Threefoot Building as I rode the elevator with a knot in my throat and a queasy stomach while holding tightly to my mother’s hand.

History and Heritage in Meridian Mississippi – there’s so much more. Please take the time to support your community – a community who values the legacy and character of a city, a city with a proven history filled with outstanding citizens and a bright future.

Stay tuned dear readers as in the weeks to come I will bring to you the history and heritage of our neighboring communities, including: Decatur, Dekalb, Union, Newton, Philadelphia, Enterprise, Quitman, and Stonewall. If your community is not listed, please let me know so that I can highlight all areas.