Within the past ten years tourists have come. They clamored for entertainment. And now, maintaining the established reputation for “hospitality of the true South”, each Spring season Natchez opens wide her gates and invites the world to come “where the Old South still lives”.
The “company dress” of great-grandparents, which has been sacredly stored away for scores of years, is brought out, and overnight the whole town, in manners and dress, returns to those halcyon days of long ago. The streets are filled with young and old in ante-bellum costumes. Sweet olive trees and magnolia trees are in fragrant bloom, flower gardens are fresh and inviting, moss-draped oaks ring with the song of native birds, the old homes are opened, treasures are placed on view, and visitors are given a Southland welcome. The “Pilgrimage” is on!
In addition to guided tours through ante-bellum houses special entertainments are planned for each evening. Confederate balls, historical pageants, and many other colorful events of the past are re-enacted. Spirituals are sung in old-fashioned Negro churches where the “pahson” is eager to greet “our white friends”. On spacious plantation grounds an old-time Southern barbecue prepared by black mammies will be served.
A custom which has long prevailed in Natchez is the placing of coins in a box for old darky beggars. On Saturdays every merchant observes “Penny Day”, as it is called. It originated as a time saver, the box being placed in a convenient location to avoid interruption of the store’s business. There are many regular “customers” for this feature and they are always welcome. “Penny Day” is a thoughtful, good-natured gesture to the needy Negro from his “white folks”.
Pictures of the old homes with accurate data and intimate stories and legends constitute Natchez, Symbol of the Old South. Most of the photographs are by Earl Norman.
A fascinating visit is given you by one who knows and loves the Southland. You will be delighted and enriched.
Uncle Wash, a Regular Customer on Penny Day
The Natchez Tribe
A bronze plaque of a handsome Indian chief has been erected in a granite wall overlooking the great “Father of Waters”, in memory of the Natchez Indian tribe from which the city of Natchez derives its name.