Perfect harmony: the town of West Point strikes a chord with visitors while celebrating the life of homegrown bluesman Howlin' Wolf.Howlin' Wolf Howlin' Wolf, 1910–76, African-American blues singer and composer, b. White Station, Miss., as Chester Arthur Burnett. Exposed to blues performers from childhood, he sang locally and organized his first band in West Memphis, Tenn., in 1948. . The very name evokes an era and a kind of music that grew out of dusty Mississippi fields and soulful poverty, love gone wrong and hope lost. And Clay County Clay County is the name of 18 counties in the United States. Most are named for Henry Clay, U.S. Senator and statesman:
1 The simplest of the musical instruments employing free reeds, known also as the mouth organ or French harp. It was probably invented in 1829 by Friedrich Buschmann of Berlin, who called his instrument the Mundäoline. for us." Each Friday evening before Labor Day Labor Day, holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada on the first Monday in September to honor the laborer. It was inaugurated by the Knights of Labor in 1882 and made a national holiday by the U.S. Congress in 1894. , the Howlin' Wolf Blues Festival attracts artists to play blues in downtown West Point. They come to share their music with young and old and to celebrate Howlin' Wolf and other great Mississippi blues artists. Out of that annual celebration grew the determination to establish a museum honoring Burnett, who died in 1976 at age 65. Ramsey enthuses, "We've been strongly supported by Wolf's family, who furnished us memorabilia. Brian Smith Brian Smith is the name of:
Inspiration, then action--this is the West Point spirit. Lying 50 miles south of Tupelo and near a 1541 campsite of explorer Hernando DeSoto, West Point is home to parks and churches, museums and good shopping, musicians and artisans, national sports heroes and nationally recognized entrepreneurs, century-old homes and a world-class golf course. A handsomely landscaped four-mile hiking path, built in honor of Kitty Bryan Dill, traces the original railroad tracks through the middle of town, now rerouted to avoid the downtown area. "West Point is the best-kept secret in Mississippi," says Louise Campbell Chief Superintendent Louise Campbell was a fictional character in the ITV police drama The Bill. She was played by Sarah Winman. She was the Borough Commander of Canley. , executive director of the Clay County Economic Development Corporation. Campbell proclaims that belief everywhere her blue sport-utility vehicle sport-u·til·i·ty vehicle n. Abbr. SUV A four-wheel-drive vehicle with a roomy body, designed for off-road travel. goes with a tire cover stating, "I love West Point." Over the years, buildings fell into disrepair as their businesses failed or were abandoned, but many have been revitalized by young entrepreneurs like Carter Fraley. Fraley owns Anthony's Market, a restaurant specializing in foods with a taste of New Orleans New Orleans (ôr`lēənz –lənz, ôrlēnz`), city (2006 pop. 187,525), coextensive with Orleans parish, SE La., between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, 107 mi (172 km) by water from the river mouth; founded . Anthony's Market is located in the middle of "Murff Row," built in the early 1930s as the first strip mall strip mall n. A shopping complex containing a row of various stores, businesses, and restaurants that usually open onto a common parking lot. Noun 1. in Mississippi. From its modest beginning in 1997, Fraley's explosively successful restaurant has enlarged into three adjacent buildings on Murff Row. "This town is a great location for business," says Daley. "We are in the middle of the Columbus Air Force Base Columbus Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base in Lowndes County, Mississippi, treated for statistical purposes by the United States Census Bureau at a census-designated place. and two universities. We draw customers from Tupelo, Columbus, Starkville, and Tuscaloosa, as well as artists who come to entertain at Mossy moss·y adj. moss·i·er, moss·i·est 1. Covered with moss or something like moss: mossy banks. 2. Resembling moss. 3. Old-fashioned; antiquated. Oak or Mississippi State. We have fed musicians like Greg Allman and Tracy Byrd Tracy Byrd may refer to:
And business is booming in West Point. Gayle Scott, owner of Wisteria wisteria (wĭstēr`ēə) or wistaria (–târ`–), any plant of the genus Wisteria, , an interior design, antique, and gift shop, has been in business in West Point for 18 years. "I love living here," she says. Being located in a small town has not kept news of her talent from traveling far and wide. "I have clients in Atlanta, Nashville, Jackson, Gulf Shores, and Fairhope." Nearby, Steve Barnett's Fine Guns is not just for gun lovers. Inside, stuffed birds and animals in every nook and cranny--hanging from the ceiling, on the walls, perched behind display cases--entrance young and old alike. The walls are covered with old sporting art--19th-century advertising posters valued at $2,500 to $3,000 each. "Those are mine," Barnett says emphatically. "Not for sale. I am a gun collector and have over 400 antique, historic, and high-end pieces." One of his prized possessions is a weapon formerly owned by General Billy Mitchell Noun 1. Billy Mitchell - United States aviator and general who was an early advocate of military air power (1879-1936) William Mitchell, Mitchell , given to Mitchell by the men in his command. Selling primarily on the Internet, Barnett says he ships guns to customers all over the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , Europe, Africa, and Australia. Mossy Oak is another phenomenon that burst from West Point roots. Owner Toxey Haas started experimenting with camouflage in his teenage hunting years, working on colors and variations in his mom's kitchen. Now his expansive Mossy Oak outlet mall An outlet mall (or outlet centre) is a type of shopping mall, in which manufacturers sell their products directly to the public through their own branded stores. Clothing, sporting goods, electrical products, cosmetics, and toys are among the types of items sold at outlet on Highway 49 Alt. south of town carries just about everything for men, women, and children that can be made or covered in camouflage material--clothing, boots, furniture, and a host of other unexpected items. "Men die of happiness when they enter these doors," exclaims a shopper. The Bryan family is virtually synonymous with synonymous with adjective equivalent to, the same as, identical to, similar to, identified with, equal to, tantamount to, interchangeable with, one and the same as West Point. Bryan Foods Bryan Foods is a meat company that started in West Point, Mississippi and is now a brand of Sara Lee. , a division of Sara Lee
Sara Lee Corporation (NYSE: SLE) is a global consumer-goods company based in Downers Grove, Illinois, USA. , began as a meat market on Main Street (now Anthony's Market) and today has a work force of some 2,000. Brothers John and W.B. and their descendants have given generously to the town, including the Bryan Library and the adjacent Bryan Reading Park, an oasis for leisurely enjoying a good book. The third generation of Bryans now runs 2 Brothers, selling barbecue sauce and a dry seasoning mix based on old family recipes. Mike Reilly Michael Eugene Reilly (born July 2 1949 in Sioux City, Iowa) is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the American League from 1978 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. , president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , boasts, "Our sauce is versatile and can be used in every phase of the cooking process. At the moment, our products are on many grocery shelves, and we have been officially licensed as the barbecue sauce of NASCAR NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), organization that sanctions American stock-car races, est. 1948. It held its first race in Daytona Beach, Fla. ." 2 Brothers is now taking its product to another level by forming a relationship with Mario Batali of the Food Network, who is also closely associated with NASCAR. But West Point is not all about business. The town nurtures artistic as well as entrepreneurial instincts. Several large murals, some painted by professionals and some by high school students, cover walls of businesses. Critz Campbell, a West Point native and furniture maker who perfected his craft at the Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Chicago, museum and art school, in Grant Park, facing Michigan Ave. It was incorporated in 1879; George Armour was the first president. Since 1893 the Institute has been housed in its present building, designed in the Italian Renaissance style by and the Parnham School in England, sells his wares on the Internet. Culin-Arts on Commerce Street carries a large selection of pottery, art, and jewelry by local artists. Owner Valeda Carmichael, something of an artist herself, creates and sells her own handmade bath and body products in the store. "When the men come to see Mossy Oak or to play golf at Old Waverly, their wives come here to shop," Carmichael says. The warm way of life, the small-town atmosphere, the good shopping, and the fine medical facilities provided by North Mississippi Medical Center make West Point a prime location for retirement, and in fact, the town has been designated as a Certified Retirement Community by the state. The historic Henry Clay Hotel, built in 1928, was purchased by Mississippi Methodist Senior Services, refurbished, and in 1995 converted into an independent living facility. Reasonably priced apartments and an active social life keep the hotel at full capacity. Polly Drane, the very first resident, calls the Henry Clay "a family of friends." Rev. Dr. Charles Brvan Owen, rector of the 1887-built Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, one of the many town buildings on the National Register of Historic Places This article is about the U.S. Register. For the National Register of Historic Places in Canada see Canadian Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places , emphasizes that it is not only business that strengthens this town of 12,000. "We are a family- and country-minded place." Owen says. "The church holds us together, gives us our sense of identity and purpose." Worship places of Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, and other denominations are all within two blocks of the Church of the Incarnation, witnesses to the accuracy of Owen's observations. Townspeople are proud to speak of their efforts over many years to repair decay and to keep crime in check, the downtown area landscaped, and the town improved and moving forward. Susie Calvert, a native of West Point and retired Mississippi University of Women professor, explains their success: "For the past quarter-century, we have had forward-looking public servants supported by progressive-minded citizens. It has made for a great place to live." west point wondering WHAT TO DO Friday House Museum Oldest building in Clay County. 307 E. Westbrook St. 662/494-5121 Howlin' Wolf Museum By appointment only. ?07 E. Westbrook St 662/605-0770 OM Waverly Golf Club Host of the 1999 U.S. Women's Open One Magnolia Dr. 662/494-6463 www.oldwaverly.net Waverley Plantation Mansion Built in 1852 lovingly restored. Off Hwy. 50. 662/494-1399 Wilhite Transportation Museum Features the West Point transportation story from earn Native Americans through space exploration Main St. 662/494-6385 Howlin' Wolf Blues Festival Blues music in downtown area Friday night before Labor Day. 602/605-0770 Prairie Arts Festival Arts and crafts arts and crafts, term for that general field of applied design in which hand fabrication is dominant. The term was coined in England in the late 19th cent. as a label for the then-current movement directed toward the revivifying of the decorative arts. , food, music, and more the Saturday before Labor Day at Sally Kate Winters Park. 662/494-5121 WEST POINT'S NOTABLE NATIVES Chester Arthur Burnett: aka Howlin' Wolf, blues musician, Rogers Stevens and Brad Smith: Members of the band Blind Melon. Barrett Strong: Singer/songwriter; collaborated on "Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and others. Tom Goode: NFL NFL abbr. National Football League NFL (US) n abbr (= National Football League) → Fußball-Nationalliga center for Houston Oilers, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Colts; named to Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame is located in Jackson, Mississippi. It is currently located in a modern museum setting that displays the achievements of Mississippi athletes. in 1990. Malcolm Portera: Chancellor of University of Alabama system The University of Alabama System encompasses three wholly independent universities in Alabama, USA: the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. . Lenore Prather: First female Mississippi Supreme Court Justice. west point wanderings WHERE TO DINE Anthony's Market New Orleans-style cuisine. 116 W. Main St. 662/494-0316 Cheung's Garden Chinese lunch and dinner buffet. 127 Hwy. 45 Air. S. 662/494-9720 Hoover's Bakery Sweet rolls, breads, cakes, frozen casseroles. 608 W. Main St. 662/494-1442 J & S Little Pig Businessman's plate lunch and dinner. 717 W. Main St. 662/494-0013 Old Town Grill Lunch menu with sandwiches, steaks, chicken, and fish. Mossy Oak Outlet Mall, 1429 Hwy. 45 Air. S. 662/492-4006 Old Waverly Golf Club Four dining areas from the elegant Magnolia Room to the relaxed atmosphere of Murphy% One Magnolia Dr. 662/494-6463 The Point Lunch menu with sandwiches, salads, soups. Henry Clay Hotel, 133 Commerce St. 662/494-8989 Sopranos Cafe & Billiards billiards, any one of a number of games played with a tapered, leather-tipped stick called a cue and various numbers of balls on a rectangular, cloth-covered slate table with raised and cushioned edges. Pizza and sandwiches. 113 E. Main St. 662/494-0520 Tin Lizzie Cafe Good old home cookin'. 1115 Hwy. 45 Alt. N. 662/494-0006 WHERE TO STAY B. Bryan Preserve Updated 1845 authentic log cabin in a virgin cedar forest. www.bbryanpreserve.com Days Inn 1025 Hwy. 45 Alt. N. 662/494-1995 Holiday Inn Express 1190 Hwy. 45 Alt. S. 662/494-7090 Old Waverly Golf Club Cottages and conference facilities. One Masnolia Dr. 662/494-6463 www.oldwaverly.net Town Creek Campground 100 sites, swimming, fishing, nature trail. Off Hwy. 50 W. on Tenn-Tom Waterway. 662/494-4885 WHERE TO SHOP Annabelle's Antique Mall 1125 E. Main St. 662/492-0473 Artex Factory Outlet Table linens, towels, sheets. 124 W, Main St. 662/494-2043 Critz Campbell Handmade furniture. www.B9furniture.com Culin-Arts Indoor and outdoor cooking supplies, plus pottery, art, jewelry, and bath products. 111 Commerce St. 662/494-8969 Fore Seasons at Old Waverly Antiques and gifts. 1802 Magnolia Dr. 662/495-5487 Mossy Oak Outlet Everything for the hunter and more. 1247 Hwy. 45 Alt. S. 662/494-9092 www.mossyoak.com Steve Barnett's Fine Guns Antique, historic, and high-end guns. 127 Commerce St. 662/494-0779 www.stevebarnettfineguns.com Windmill Antique Mall Good variety of glassware and furniture. 415 W. Main St. 662/494-0098 Wisteria Interior design, antiques, and gifts. 411 E. Main St. 662/494-4205 WEST POINT'S NOTABLE NATIVES Chester Arthur Burnett: aka Howlin' Wolf, blues musician, Rogers Stevens and Brad Smith: Members of the band Blind Melon. Barrett Strong: Singer/songwriter; collaborated on "Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and others. Tom Goode: NFL center for Houston Oilers, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Colts; named to Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. Malcolm Portera: Chancellor of University of Alabama system. Lenore Prather: First female Mississippi Supreme Court Justice. west point wanderings WHERETO where·to adv. To what place; toward what end. conj. To which. DINE Anthony's Market New Orleans-style cuisine. 116 W. Main St. 662/494-0316 Cheung's Garden Chinese lunch and dinner buffet. 127 Hwy. 45 Air. S. 662/494-9720 Hoover's Bakery Sweet rolls, breads, cakes, frozen casseroles. 608 W. Main St. 662/494-1442 J & S Little Pig Businessman's plate lunch and dinner. 717 W. Main St. 662/494-0013 Old Town Grill Lunch menu with sandwiches, steaks, chicken, and fish. Mossy Oak Outlet Mall, 1429 Hwy. 45 Air. S. 662/492-4006 Old Waverly Golf Club Four dining areas from the elegant Magnolia Room to the relaxed atmosphere of Murphy% One Magnolia Dr. 662/494-6463 The Point Lunch menu with sandwiches, salads, soups. Henry Clay Hotel, 133 Commerce St. 662/494-8989 Sopranos Cafe & Billiards Pizza and sandwiches. 113 E. Main St. 662/494-0520 Tin Lizzie Cafe Good old home cookin'. 1115 Hwy. 45 Alt. N. 662/494-0006 WHERE TO STAY B. Bryan Preserve Updated 1845 authentic log cabin in a virgin cedar forest. www.bbryanpreserve.com Days Inn 1025 Hwy. 45 Alt. N. 662/494-1995 Holiday Inn Express 1190 Hwy. 45 Alt. S. 662/494-7090 Old Waverly Golf Club Cottages and conference facilities. One Masnolia Dr. 662/494-6463 www.oldwaverly.net Town Creek Campground 100 sites, swimming, fishing, nature trail. Off Hwy. 50 W. on Tenn-Tom Waterway. 662/494-4885 WHERE TO SHOP Annabelle's Antique Mall 1125 E. Main St. 662/492-0473 Artex Factory Outlet Table linens, towels, sheets. 124 W, Main St. 662/494-2043 Critz Campbell Handmade furniture. www.B9furniture.com Culin-Arts Indoor and outdoor cooking supplies, plus pottery, art, jewelry, and bath products. 111 Commerce St. 662/494-8969 Fore Seasons at Old Waverly Antiques and gifts. 1802 Magnolia Dr. 662/495-5487 Mossy Oak Outlet Everything for the hunter and more. 1247 Hwy. 45 Alt. S. 662/494-9092 www.mossyoak.com Steve Barnett's Fine Guns Antique, historic, and high-end guns. 127 Commerce St. 662/494-0779 www.stevebarnettfineguns.com Windmill Antique Mall Good variety of glassware and furniture. 415 W. Main St. 662/494-0098 Wisteria Interior design, antiques, and gifts. 411 E. Main St. 662/494-4205 |
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