DeSoto Magazine â Southern Girl Afield - Ann Yungmeyer

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Natchez and the Pilgrimage with her half sister, Charlie Cromartie Compton. Published in 1935, three years after the famous Pilgrimage home tours began, the book is prefaced by Ruth Macrae, who writes that the authors give “a description of antebellum glory and charm as we find it carefully preserved in its original dignity and beauty. In making the Pilgrimage, one steps unexpectedly out of the shadow of material concern into the radiance and intimacy of life in the ‘deep south’ to be found in its completeness only in Natchez, Mississippi.” As the Pilgrimage tradition approaches its 80th year, broadly expanded and stronger than ever, I was curious to read the book, not only for the architectural portrayals but also for the context in which it was written. The book features the original homes on tour with illustrations and descriptions of the varied styles, furnishings and history of grand manors such as D’Evereux Hall, Linden, Lansdowne, Auburn House and Melrose. The authors include musings on the mission of the Pilgrimage tours and bits of Natchez history pre- and post- Civil War, providing a reflection of the regional culture and tone of the 1930s. I couldn’t help but imagine that, perhaps, the Natchez ladies who founded the Pilgrimage in 1932 introduced one of the earliest fundraising concepts of the modern-day Home and Garden Tour as we commonly know it today. Throughout her 88 years, Georgie continued to pursue her love of the outdoors and instilled an appreciation for nature in those whose lives she touched. She led annual trips in June for Garden Clubs and friends to see the famous Rhododendron Gardens at Roan Mountain in northeast Tennessee. She was prominently associated with the Girl Guide Brigade and organized the first Girl Scouts 26 DeSoto
Ladies in period costume are photographed among the iries on the grounds of Hope Farm, which dates back to 1775. program in Chattanooga. At home in her cottage garden on Signal Mountain, Tennessee, Georgie would invite friends and family for badminton and croquet. The family spent winter months at their rustic fishing cabin in Homosassa, Florida, and at their apartment residence in downtown Chattanooga, now a landmark building in the redeveloped Bluff View Arts District. Quail and pheasant were featured at Georgie’s Thanksgiving table along with her signature English trifle and always a glass of sherry. But unlike many women of her era known for their cooking and home skills, Georgie is remembered for her pioneering ways that helped promote opportunities for women, historic preservation efforts and discovery of the outdoors. To me, her granddaughter, she is best remembered relaxing in an Adirondack chair with a bird dog sleeping at her feet.■ Ann Newell Yungmeyer is a freelance writer in Kingsport, Tennessee. Contact her at ayungmeyer@gmail.com. DeSoto 27
Page 1: Exploring the South November 2010 L
Page 9: ■ editor’s note Here in Mississ
Page 14 and 15: ■ living well Antibiotics: Six Wa
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Page 19 and 20: started talking about doing a shack
Page 21 and 22: DeSoto 19
Page 23 and 24: The effect is a colorful mixture of
Page 25 and 26: and his friend John Hendrix helps w
Page 27: The May 1903 issue of Field and Str
Page 31 and 32: Heartstrings embossed monogram pend
Page 33 and 34: DeSoto 31
Page 35 and 36: His Garden Still Grows Text and Pho
Page 37 and 38: Left: A vintage photo of Claude Mon
Page 39: DeSoto 37
Page 42 and 43: Landry said protecting the trees ha
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Page 50 and 51: ■ local flavor National Associati
Page 52 and 53: the program’s inception an estima
Page 54 and 55: Mix together eggs, sugar, corn syru
Page 56 and 57: ■ pot luck HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS Pump
Page 58 and 59: For Cream Cheese Topping: COMBINE 4
Page 60 and 61: ■ november events
Page 62: ■ reflections The Snippet Society

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DeSoto Magazine â Southern Girl Afield - Ann Yungmeyer