LVXXI Part two – Columbus Mississippi Marina

Sunday October 26th, 2014

waverly
Ms. Melanie with her mother’s portrait watching over her

Today we had the opportunity to visit the Waverly Mansion. We met the Melanie Snow daughter of Donna and Robert Snow who purchased the house in the 60s. They moved from Philadelphia Mississippi and battled the bats, birds and critters that had taken over the house in the 50 years it sat unoccupied. The house has not been restored to as was condition but is still a very interesting historical visit. Melanie Snow makes the visit worthwhile with her engaging manner and patient delivery of the history of a house she loves. She took time for questions and her presentation went whatever direction our questions lead.

We visited the master bedroom and Melanie graciously allowed a young English couple to place their 4 week old child on the bed for a photo op. I jumped up on the bed right after and was met with less enthusiasm and Miss Melanie suggested that Gentlemen don’t do that.  The house is spectacular and has a four floor entry with dual spiral staircases. It has a chimney design for the entry foyer that helps to draw air through the house and cool it in summer.

The plantation that was Waverly in the mid 1800s was 50,000 acres. It was developed and built by the Young family, the last direct descendant died in 1913.

The house has been saved from the ravages of time and party folk, but is in need of a major effort to bring it back to original splendor. It was a highlight of our trip so far. The house and more importantly the gentle historical account by Melanie helped us time travel back to the beginnings of the house and their families restoration.

We finished the tour of the house and we were touring the gardens. We came upon this huge Oak tree. The tree was at least 6 feet  in diameter. I asked Mary Lynn to get in the picture for perspective. Peter then suggested I get in for a couple shot. Then he fumbled with settings and asked me to stay longer. I was wearing my Croc flip flops and suddenly my feet were causing me pain similar to my thumb. I looked down and my feet were covered in ants….FIRE ANTS! Sister Mary Francis, Cowlips and Tabernac. About 30 or 50 of those bastards were stinging the bejeezus out of my feet. What next? Locusts? Famine?

They built a travois out of implements around the plantation and dragged me back to the dinghy. I recovered just before Mary Lynn (with that same Christmas morning smile) jabbed me with the epi pen.

We had lunch and moved Fracas a bit down river and took a slip at the Columbus Mississippi marina. They are wonderful folks here.

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