historic mississippi homes

There is something so charming about historic homes built before 1965, and homes built before 1900 are especially lovely. They often feature stained glass windows, decorative corbels, gables and cornices, wraparound porches, relief panels, pretty paint colors and working shutters. We could stare at them for hours. 

The owners of these homes clearly take a great deal of pride in them, ensuring they are painstakingly preserved and also making sure they are as welcoming and as timeless as Southern homes should be -- rockers or adirondack chairs on the porches, lush vegetation blooming, and flags and wind chimes everywhere. These are all so delightful that it is impossible for us to pick our favorite. Which is yours? 

Note: All of these homes are located in Oxford, Mississippi. Among them is William Faulkner's Rowan Oak.

the hardin family in kodachrome

I love these Kodak Kodachrome photos of Gerald and Sadie with their only son Greg from the late 1950s. At this time, Gerald was in the army, so the young family lived in Georgia. I love that Sadie is wearing full makeup with her pajamas. Aren't they the perfect example of a 1950s couple? Their bedroom suite and curtains are so typical of the time. I especially love their floral garbage can. Jonathan and I have a similar one in our bathroom today.

Our Kodachrome obsession isn't a new one. You might remember these Kodachrome images of my great-grandmother Elsie and my mother Julie from the same period. Our Christmas card collection featured Kodachrome images from the 1940s, and we also shared these Kodachrome images of Ohio in the fall.

Want to learn more about our film preservation services? Click here for more information.

one year ago...

One year ago, Gerald & Joan played a part in this wedding. A simple twist of fate made it possible, and the experience was truly life-changing. Thank you, Lauren and Chris, for allowing us to help create your dream wedding day. It launched our own small business dreams...

Happy (early) anniversary, Lauren and Chris!

Vintage props, styling, LOVE letters, bunting, menus and programs by Gerald & Joan. 

Photography by Amy Hutchison.

on the road: oxford, mississippi

In the heart of northwest Mississippi is the small town of Oxford, home of the University of Mississippi.

Other than the University, the crown jewel of Oxford is the historic town square. It has been painstakingly preserved and is home to the beautiful courthouse and many of the best restaurants in the city. The smells alone are worth a visit. After a meal, visitors and locals alike enjoy people watching and strolling through the many quaint, locally owned shops. Square Books, Off Square Books and Neilson's Department Store are our personal favorites, and we rarely leave town without a new book or three. 

A short walk from the square leads to Ole Miss where the Lyceum, Ventress Hall and the Grove are the most well known and photographed landmarks. While we are partial to Oxford in the spring and early summer, everyone should experience football season in Oxford at least once. Tailgating is an art form, the people watching is off the charts and of course SEC football is the best in the country. 

Oxford is distinctly Southern with a rich literary history and a growing reputation as a mecca for food and the arts. April is a great time to visit -- there's the Double Decker Arts Festival on April 25 and 26 and plenty of Ole Miss sports to enjoy the rest of the month.

I want to have a picnic in the Grove before the summer heat sets in....