October 2014

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TOWN GOWN&

cypress creek ranch

Burnt Oak Lodge+ more

OCTOBER 2014

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{features}

BURNT OAK HUNTING LODGEThe Robertson Family’s Crawford Paradise

MUSSELWHITE’S BARBERSHOPMeet the Artist of Columbus’ Coolest Cuts

CYPRESS CREEK RANCHMeet a Few of Starkville’s Most Beautiful Horses

CONTENTS

18

22

40

4 | townandgownmagazine.com

october 2014 • 5

CALENDAR OF EVENTSWhat’s Happening in the Golden TriangLe

TASTE & TOASTVenison Sausage

2014 HUNTING GUIDE2014-15 Hunting Season Dates

A CUP OF LINDSAY JODIY Stone Coasters

MADE IN MISSISSIPPIMacy Carlisle Designs

LITERATUREJoe Lee’s Director’s Cut

FASHIONGatsby Glam at Whitehall

WEDDINGSLangston & Moore Weddings

EVENTSSneak Peek at Recent Events

DISCOVER THE SOUTHNatchez Trace Parkway

october 2014

52

5658

16183048 78

76

82

{departments}

Reproductions in whole or in part,without written permission,is strictly prohibited. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts,

articles or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publi-cation. Town & Gown is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in and around Starkville and the Golden Triangle area. Subscriptions are avail-able for mail customers. For subscriptions or inquiries,write Town & Gown Magazine, P.O. Box 1068, Starkville, MS, 39760, or call 662.323.1642.

A Product of Horizon of MississiPPi

P.O. Box 1068 | Starkville, MS 39760www.townandgownmagazine.com

{ staff }Don Norman | publisher - [email protected]

Sarah Vaughan | editor - [email protected]

{ account executives } Sarah Elizabeth Tyner - [email protected]

{contributors}Susan O’BryanLorie Roach

Lindsay Jo Wilkinson

{writers}Carol Gifford

Clint KimberlingJoe Lee

{photographers}Divian ConnerLaura Daniels

{ stylist }Natalie Phillips

{page design}Sarah Vaughan

{advertising design}Chris McMillen


october 2014 • 7

Townandgownmagazine .comHome . garden . Life . sTyLe . food . HeaLTH . fiTness

@townandgownmag @townandgown @townandgownmag1 @townandgownmag

A snapshot from our October fashion shoot! A special thanks to the owners ofWhitehal l in C olumbus, Miss. for al lowing us to feature their beautiful home!

discover the south...

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TOWN GOWN&

cypress creek ranch Burnt Oak Lodge+ more

OCTOBER 2014

Macy Carlisle Designs based in Columbus,

Miss. is our featured Made in Mississippi

artist. Read more on her over on page 52!

Explore this month’s Discover the South on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Read more on page 82!

on the cover...

Did you spot the hidden cowbell in our hidden cow-bell contest on page 56?! Congrats to our winner, Lydia Luther!

all has always been my favorite time of year. Pumpkin spice

lattes. Cool weather. Yes please. In this year’s October issue, we were

able to get a sneak peek inside some of the Golden Triangle’s most

amazing outdoor venues, most of which the guys will enjoy too.

In Crawford, the Robertson family has the most beautiful hunting

lodge around, and we’re taking you inside their outdoor escape for

a closer look at just how much work goes into managing a hunter’s

paradise that doubles as a bed and breakfast (page 22).

We’ve also included a guide to this year’s hunting seasons for the

outdoors lovers. We’ve only covered the basics, so head over to www.

mdwfp.com for more information on other seasons in other areas.

We also take you behind the scenes at Musselwhite’s Barbershop in

Columbus. Owner Zach Musselwhite has transformed the way men

think about haircuts. To read more about what he’s done with this

awesome downtown space, see page 32.

And who doesn’t love horses?! Cypress Creek Ranch in Starkville has

been training show and racehorses for decades. We had so much fun

getting to know the Carraway family and seeing all of their amazing

horses, but we have to admit that Romeo was our favorite. To see more

on their beautiful ranch (and Romeo), flip over to page 40.

Happy Reading!

Sarah Vaughan

FIt's Fall Y'all!


editor's note

october 2014 • 9


october 2014 • 11


WISHLISTT O W N & G O W N

fall favorites.

L.A. Green500 Russel l St. Ste 5

Starkvil le, MS662.324.6280

Susan’s Hal lmark100 Russel l St. Starkvil le, MS662.324.0810

Giggleswick200 Hwy 12 East Starkvil le, MS662.323.4438

Deep South Pout329 University Dr.

Starkvil le, MS662.324.6055

Aspen Bay116 E. Main St. Starkvil le, MS662.320.8476

Aspen Bay116 E. Main St. Starkvil le, MS662.320.8476

october 2014 • 13

The Mil l74 Brickerton St. C olumbus, MS662.370.1030

The Mil l74 Brickerton St. C olumbus, MS662.370.1030


who we're loving lately.• our favorites on instagram •

starbucks [email protected] brewed instagrams from Starbucks in Seattle, WA. Because there’s no such thing as too many pumpkin spice lattes.

thimblepress @thimblepress • @thimbleshopwww.thimblepress.comKristen Ley, founder, owner & creative director at Jackson, Miss. based thimblepress shares snapshots of work, life, letterpress and her pup, Willow, who just happens to be the cutest dog ever.

the giving [email protected] the words on these keys, then #PayItForward to someone who needs the message more than you. By employing those transitioning out of homelessness, The Giving Keys creates beautiful jewelry and gifts to inspire.

october 2014 • 15

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26 27 28 29


OCTOBER8

12 13 14 15

19 20 21 22

Sunday MONday TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

ITALIAN PRINTS FROM THE MS

MUSEUM OF ART RECEPTION

5-7 p.m.MSU Dept. of Art Gallery

SOCCER: MSU VS. GEORGIA

SOCCER: MSUVS. TEXAS A&M

SOCCER: MSUVS. ARKANSAS

VOLLEYBALL: MSU VS. FLORIDA

VOLLEYBALL: MSU VS. MIZZOU

WOMEN’S GOLF:OLD WAVERLEY

BULLDOG INVITATIONAL

October 20-22

MEN’S TENNIS:ITA ALL-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

October 1-5Tulsa, OK

SOFTBALL: MSU VS. EMCC

2 3

24 25

4

30 31 1

FRIDAY

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THURSDAY SATURDAY upcomingevents:

ATTALA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S

CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES

December 5, 5-8 p.m.The 2014 Attala Historical Society’s Candlelight Tour of Homes will feature three

historic homes and one historic structure near the

Courthouse Square and will include caroling and refresh-

ments at the Mary Ricks Thornton Cultural Center.

Tickets for the event are $12 in advance and $15 on the

evening of the tour. Tickets can be purchased by calling 601.209.8791.

JIMMY RED PIANO BAR @

CENTRAL STATION GRILL7-11 p.m. • No Cover

PAUL BRADY @ JACKSON

SQUARE GRILL7-11 p.m. • No Cover

FOOTBALL:MSU VS.

TEXAS A&M

FOOTBALL:MSU VS. AUBURN

FOOTBALL:MSU VS.

ARKANSAS

FOOTBALL:MSU @

KENTUCKY

COLUMBUS HERITAGE FESTIVALOctober 3-4

EUDORA WELTY WRITERS’

SYMPOSIUMOctober 23-25

DECORATIVE ARTS & PRESERVATION

FORUM ANDANTIQUES SHOWOctober 30 - November 1

WELTY GALAOctober 24

SOCCER: MSU VS. LSU

SOCCER: MSU VS. VANDY

VOLLEYBALL: MSU VS. TENN

VOLLEYBALL: MSU VS. AUBURN

SOFTBALL:MSU VS.

MS COLLEGE

EUDORA WELTY WRITERS’

SYMPOSIUMOctober 23-25

Featuring well-known and emerging Southern writers in an annual symposium honor-ing Eudora Welty, this event attracts authors and readers

from around the region. This year’s theme is “‘Homesick for Somewhere’: Displace-ment, Loss and Longing in the South,” with a keynote

address by Tim Parrish, author of the memoir “Fear

and What Follows.” This event is free. On October 24,

the Welty Gala will feature Robert Edsel, author of

“The Monuments Men.”


TASTE & TOAST:

Venison Sausage

october 2014 • 19

jalapeno popper corkscrews with Jalapeno-Cheddar Venison Sausage

Recipe and photography: Lorie Roach • Mississippi Kitchen

Jalapeno-Cheddar Venison Sausage

october 2014 • 21

JALAPENO PEPPER CORKSCREWS WITH JALAPENO-CHEDDAR VENISON SAUSAGE

• 1 package (16 oz.) cavatappi (corkscrews) dried pasta

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

• 1 1/2 cups half and half

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened to room

temperature

• 1 1/2 pounds smoked jalapeño and cheddar venison

sausage, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 4 medium to large jalapeño peppers, seeded and

finely chopped (leave seeds for more heat, if desired)

• Butter for coating baking dish

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 1/4 cups panko bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large saucepan, cook pasta

according to package directions. Immediately rinse with cold water

to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

2. In a Dutch oven, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium to high heat;

add flour and whisk for one minute. Gradually whisk in milk and

half and half; continue to cook over medium to high heat, stirring

constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low. Stir in

the salt, pepper and the shredded Monterey and cheddar cheese

until melted. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth,

stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in the pasta, sausage

and the chopped jalapeño peppers. Transfer to a buttered 13 x

9-inch baking dish.

3. Stir together 1/4 cup melted butter and panko crumbs. Sprinkle

evenly on top of pasta. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden

brown on top and bubbly around edges.

MAKES 8-10 SERVINGS


CALL OF THE WILD

BY CLINT KIMBERLING • PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA DANIELS

Jack Robertson, manager of Burnt Oak Lodge in Crawford, Mississippi prefers to think of his visitors as close friends and family rather than guests. “At least that’s the atmosphere we try to provide, and I think we do a pretty good job at it,” he said. “And as a result our repeat business is very high.” Located on 1,600 acres about 20 miles outside of Starkville, Jack’s father, John, bought the property in 2001. The lodge was built a few years later in the fall of 2004, and by January of 2005, they were open for business hosting guests overnight for hunts. Burnt Oak is indeed very much a family affair- - Jack’s wife Deanne and his mother Katie do the cooking. The lodge is able to accommodate eight people and features a large living area, fireplace and pool table and has accommo-dated as many as 600 guests for corporate functions.

october 2014 • 23

Crawford, Miss.


“We feel that we are primarily in the enter-tainment business and we just happen to have a hunting lodge.”

october 2014 • 25

The unique name the Robertsons chose for the property comes from a literal burned oak tree found on

the land. The titular oak tree was located next to an old sharecropper cabin that was used for storage. During

the clean up of the land, they decided to burn down the cabin and with it an old post oak tree. Today, there

is some disagreement as to which Robertson was the first to come up with the name. But whoever was the

first to say it, Jack says, “it really seemed to fit and the name stuck.”

Burnt Oak has become a popular destination for quail hunting, their primary source of business. As they

enter their ninth hunting season in 2014, they expect to host around 150 hunters. Robertson says that 80-85

percent of hunters at Burnt Oak come from outside of Mississippi. “We’ve actually hosted hunters from 42

states and eight countries. And they tend to come to us from states that don’t have natural resources required

for hunting quail.”

The natural resources that Burnt Oak Lodge provides are part of a well-managed conservation program. Located in the Black Prairie region that stretches across east Mississippi and into Alabama, Burnt Oak and the Robertsons are heavily invested in the restoration and maintenance of this unique ecosystem.


Clockwise, from top left: 1. Owners Jack and Deanna Robertson • 2. Jack’s parents, owners John and Katie Robertson • 3. Jack with Lucy, one of his many hunting dogs • 4. Ham, one of the Robertson family’s dogs | Opposite Page: 1. A bobcat on displayin the great room of the lodge 2. The great room offers a cozy spot for guests to relax.

october 2014 • 27

The natural resources that Burnt Oak Lodge pro-

vides are part of a well-managed conservation program.

Located in the Black Prairie region that stretches across

east Mississippi and into Alabama, Burnt Oak and the

Robertsons are heavily invested in the restoration and

maintenance of this unique ecosystem. In doing so, they

have partnered with biologists at the Mississippi Depart-

ment of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parksw to ensure proper

conservation of the land, including native grass enhance-

ment and restoration.

Robertson says the effects of the preservation efforts

are evident on the land. “Our quail numbers are as high

as they’ve ever been, and they’ve been steadily increasing

every year. While we’re happy with our progress, we’re

not quite satisfied and would like to keep seeing gains.”

All conservation efforts at Burnt Oak are geared to-

wards increasing quail numbers, which requires intense

management. Secondary effects from focusing on quail

conservation include increased deer and turkey popula-

tions, plus the presence of migratory birds. In all, Burnt

Oak counts nine game species on the property. Strategic

burns take place annually, and summer and winter food

sources are maintained for the numerous wildlife. The

lodge’s pine stands are one of the most well-maintained

in the country.

Burnt Oak is more than just a business however. The

Robertsons also specialize in delivering good old-fash-

ioned fun. Numerous children have harvested their first


Burnt Oak also also operates as a traditional bed and breakfast in the summertime during the off season and invites guests to relax with friends and family.

deer, quail or dove at Burnt Oak. Catch-A-Dream, a non-profit organization

that gives terminally-ill children the chance to have their last wishes granted,

has partnered with the lodge on several occasions to host guided hunting

trips for children who might otherwise never have received the opportunity

to experience a hunt. In addition to hosting youth quail hunts with the Mis-

sissippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Robertsons also

host an annual fundraiser in May for East Mississippi Community College

called The Challenge Cup Sporting Clay Tournament.

“We feel that we are primarily in the entertainment business and we just

happen to have a hunting lodge,” Robertson says. But the entertainment

doesn’t stop when hunting season ends. Two years ago, the Robertsons built

a 24-acre bass lake at Burnt Oak. And already, Jack says the largest of the

bass are 9.5 pounds.

Burnt Oak also has a well-appointed meeting space and welcomes cor-

porate retreats. The lodge also operates as a traditional bed and breakfast in

the summertime during the off season and invites guests to visit and relax

with friends and family. Due to the proximity to Davis-Wade Stadium, Burnt

Oak is also an ideal place to stay during a Mississippi State home football

weekend. But if you’re planning to make Burnt Oak a part of your game-day

weekend, do call in advance as those weekends book almost a year and a half

out. ”At the moment,” Jack says, “there are still a few weekends left for the

2016 season.”

Bunt Oak is still growing with plans for the future. Jack says he would like

to expand, perhaps add on to the lodge and enhance the fishing lake. “Our

food and lodging accommodations are second to none. We have good dogs

and excellent guides. It’s a professional and outstanding atmosphere, really a

total package. Our family strives to make our guests feel like family and I feel

like that really makes a difference.”

october 2014 • 29

Burnt Oak Lodge manages property for Northern Bobwhite

Quail. the hunting season is from October 1 - March 31.


2014-15 HUNTING SEASONS

MIGRATORY GAME BIRD SPECIES

CANADAGEESE

SEPT. 1 - 15 &NOV. 13 - JAN. 25

WHITE-WINGEDMOURNING DOVESEPT. 1 - 21, OCT. 4 - NOV. 9 & DEC.

15 - JAN. 15

DUCKS &MERGANSERS

NOV. 27 - JAN. 25

YOUTHWATERFOWL

DAYSNOV. 22 &JAN. 31

RAILS & GALLINULES

SEPT. 13 - NOV. 21

october 2014 • 31

small game

raccoonjuly 1 - sept. 30

opossum, raccoon, &

bobcatoct. 1 - Feb. 28

trappingnov. 1 - mar. 15

squirreloct. 1 - feb. 28

youthsquirrel

sept. 24 - 30

turkey

visit http://www.mdwfp.

com for more info on open & closed 2014

hunting zones.

fall:oct. 15 - nov. 15

spring:mar. 14 - may 1

Youth:mar. 7 - 13

MDWFPWWW.MDWFP.COM

1505 Eastover DR. Jackson, MS 39211

601.432.2400

DEER HUNTING (HILL ZONE)

ARCHERY:OCT. 1 - NOV. 21

YOUTH GUN:NOV. 8 - JAN. 31

GUN (WITHOUT DOGS):

DEC. 16 - 23

GUN (W/ DOGS):

NOV. 22 - DEC. 1& DEC. 24 -

JAN. 21

PRIMITIVE WEAPON:

DEC. 2 - 15 &JAN. 22 - 31

EARLY PRIMITIVE WEAPON:

NOV. 10 - 21


Columbus, Miss.

FEATURE:

Musselwhite’s BarberShop

october 2014 • 33


october 2014 • 35

musselwhite’s barber shopby joe lee • photography by laura daniels

Zach Musselwhite cut hair at Profiles in Columbus for 13 years and discovered something very important over time. “I did men’s and women’s hair, but I couldn’t get my hair cut there by a barber,” he said. “I realized I could open a barbershop and do really well with it.” The Attala County native launched Mussel-white’s Barbershop at 301 Main St. in Colum-bus three years ago, right in the middle of the beautiful downtown area. An avid outdoorsman, Musselwhite decorated the waiting room and the barbering area with mounted fish and deer heads.

And he takes walk-in customers only, meaning no appointments. “Guys really appreciate that,” he said. “There are some people who live by a schedule, but the majority of my clients appreciate walk-ins. They may wait 15 minutes, but they aren’t bound by an appointment they scheduled two weeks earlier. It’s male camaraderie here – we can tell a joke if we want to, or discuss sports or hunting and fishing.” “I think it’s more of a throwback barbershop than we’ve had around here,” said Kyle Mc-Connell, a friend and loyal customer who moved

local barber zach musselwhite is taking the barbershop business to a whole new level


with Musselwhite from Profiles to the shop on Main Street. “Zach is very personable, very professional and makes you feel welcome. It’s not uncommon to run into a friend or two in there and get caught up on what’s going on. You see a lot of young moms bringing in their young sons to get their hair cut. It’s relaxed, definitely not a mall- or chain-type environment.” Andy Brown is another friend and Mussel-white regular who moved with Zach to Main St. “The community has responded well, and guys are pouring in left and right,” Brown said. “The atmosphere is great: couple of TVs play-

ing, deer heads on the walls, a large-mouth bass, an aquarium. It took my 12-year-old son only one time getting his hair cut to want to go back.” Though many small business owners have been hit hard in recent years by the slow economy, Musselwhite has seen steady growth and no signs of a drop in traffic since opening his doors.His shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, and he can be reached by phone at 662-328-0221. “Getting haircuts is like brushing your teeth,” he said. “It’s something you have to have done. It’s a form of maintenance, and the economy hasn’t hurt us at all.”

october 2014 • 37

1. Josh Fedrick and Zach Kennedy 2. The rustic decor of Musselwhite’s is a hit with regulars. • 3-4. Just a few of the products used at Musselwhite’s | Opposite Page: Jake Brown, Eddie Meek, Boomer Brown and Chaz Brown relax in the waiting room.

1. 2.

4.

3.


musselwhite’s barbershopowner zach musselwhite

october 2014 • 39


Starkvil le, Miss.

FEATURE:

Cypress CreekRanch

october 2014 • 41

Cypress Creek Ranch

r Tucked away on 53 acres near the Craig

Springs community of Oktibbeha County,

Cypress Creek Ranch has been in Janet

Hamill Carraway’s family for generations.

Known as a top resource for champion-

ship caliber show and racehorses, Cy-

press Creek was also where it all started

for Janet, whose first horse, 30-year-old

Chantilly Lace, still lives at Cypress Creek.

“After graduating from Mississippi State

with a degree in accounting, I moved to

Jackson,” said Janet, who has spent the

last two decades working in the account-

ing profession. “I met Mike there when I

put my horse in training with his father,

Doyle Carraway. Mike was raised on the

first Arabian farm in Mississippi – located

south of Jackson – where his dad was a

trainer, so he grew up showing horses and

traveling to endurance rides.

By Joe Lee • Photography by Laura Daniels


“Mike and I moved to Starkville in 1990 after we got married. He was a farrier and I went back to school. We slowly started establishing this ranch and the horses and bloodlines we love. Mike works full-time at the ranch training outside horses, giving lessons and training our own horses to sell. Doyle is 77 now and lives at our ranch. He still rides every day and is what I would call a true cowboy.” The couple has sold horses for show and en-durance as well as for trail riding and pleasure. They recommend the Arabian or Half-Arabian for long distance or endurance races, while Quarter horses have the quick burst of speed that’s necessary to win barrel events. However, there are individuals in both breeds that have excelled at both of these sports. “Between 1999-2009 we were showing a great deal at Arabian shows all over the coun-try,” Janet said. “The economy has reduced the number of horse shows available, and we have found that more people just want to get out and enjoy their horses with nature than get in the show ring. We’ve recently sold horses to Utah, Colorado, Ohio and California. We have Ara-bians, Half-Arabians, Quarter horses and some unregistered rescue horses. Quarter horses are by far the most popular breed in this area of the country.” Mike Carraway has seen a little bit of every-thing when it comes to training horses. “We start handling foals at birth,” he said. “They are halter broke as weanlings. We start putting saddles on them at 2-3 years old with some light riding. Then, if possible, we like to turn them out in the pasture for a couple of months to just ‘be a horse’ before bringing them back in to begin training. “I have specialized with problem horses that have ‘issues’ others have been unable to resolve. We usually work through them if the patience is there with the owners and they are willing to commit the time and money. There are indi-vidual horses within all breeds that respond better to training than others, although there is no horse that can’t be trained with the necessary time, experience and patience.”

october 2014 • 43


Mike also gives lessons to youngsters who

are looking to ride competitively as well

as folks who want to enjoy the great

outdoors on the back of a friendly horse. “Age four is the youngest I have taught riding lessons, and there is no one too old,” he said. “We had one person who wanted to complete a 25-mile endur-ance ride – this was on her bucket list. We trained and conditioned her horse and helped her realize this dream. We’ve trained several kids who have gone on to win regional and national honors with their horses.” The Carraways have also rescued a few horses of their own. “Last Christmas, I saw a starved little quarter horse on an online auction and told Mike I wanted her for Christmas if we couldn’t get a rescue organization to get her in time,” Janet said. “So he paid $100 for Skinny Minnie and picked her up in Union, Mississippi. We are getting ready to start her under saddle. It has taken quite some time to gain her trust.” One horse in particular holds a special place in the hearts of those at Cypress Creek Ranch. After being kept in a stall with no exercise or human contact for six years by his previous owners who were afraid of him, Heat O' The Night (also known as Heater) is now one of the most gentle horses in the stables thanks to his new owners. In the past five years, he has even gone on to win championships in Native Costume, English Pleasure and Most Classic shows. Janet said that word of mouth is largely responsible for their reputation in the horse world. She and Mike can be reached at 662-312-7220 and [email protected]. Visit online at www.cypresscreekranch.net and look up Janet Carraway – Cypress Creek Ranch on Facebook.

Janet with Chantilly Lace • Opposite Page: Romeo, a miniature teaser stallion, is used to indicate when

the mares are ready to breed.

october 2014 • 45


The carraway family: michael, janet, toby, annabelle, mike, doyle

october 2014 • 47

Clockwise, from top left: 1. Owners Mike and Janet Carraway • 2. Annabelle and her dog Angel • 3. Michael with his registered half-Arabian gelding This Buck’s for You (aka Buck) • 4. Annabelle with her half-Arabian mare Lotta Zandy Bars (aka LZ)


I have been eyeing gilded agate everywhere – jewelry,

art, home décor. While I love the natural look of incorpo-

rating agate into a home or an outfit, it often comes with

a hefty price tag. Recently, I came across a set of agate

coasters perfect for my own eclectic home that double as

a great hostess gift! Once again, the price was a little more

than I wanted to spend. However, after a little online re-

search, I found a great recommended DIY that doesn’t

even require gold leafing!

H O M E F A S H I O N D E S I G N L I F E

10.1.2014

2014

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

• Oldie but Goodie

• Graphic

• Skirtin’ the Issue

• Scooter

• Antiquing

February

January

2013

2012

2011

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t

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B L O G A R C H I V E

C O N T A C T

facebook

twitter

instagram

bloglovin’

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DIY gilded agate coasters

october 2014 • 49

I found agate slices for approxi-

mately $4 a slice at a craft store in

all shapes and colors. I picked out

4 slices and with the help of a bottle

of gold nail polish, I had achieved

the look in under 20 minutes and

$20! The craft doesn’t have to stop

there though – these would look

great matted and framed as wall art

in sets! You can even find pieces you

can easily turn into jewelry. The pos-

sibilities are endless!

subscribe today! 662.323.1642

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The Mansfi eld Home:An Old Waverly MasterpieceCommodore Bob's Yacht Club

The Eudora Welty Home

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T G&GGT && OWN OWNAUGUST 2014

The Historic WaverleyPlantation MansionThe Lofts at Central Station Grill

The Biscuit Shop

only $48for 12 issues!

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G&TSEPTEMBER 2014

The Football Issue

tailgating 101

OWN OWN


Announce your wedding with Town and Gown Magazine!

Call 662.323.1642 for pricing info.

october 2014 • 51


MADE INMISSISSIPPI:

Macy CarlisleDesigns

Columbus, Miss.

october 2014 • 53

Making jewelry is a way to relax for Macy Walker, a young designer in Columbus with big ambition and a lot of drive. Her creations include earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets, all natural stones set in 24k gold overlay, inspired by nature. She didn’t plan to sell it. She started making jewelry for herself. Soon, she was making jewelry for friends, relatives and other customers. In July, she celebrated her first year in the jewelry business. Her pieces are available in her shop, the Mill: Design + Home, located at 74 Brickerton St. in Columbus, on the site of her family’s Columbus Brick Company and online (Macy Carlise Designs) at Etsy and Facebook. “It’s a reflection of my own style,” said Walker, who graduated from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., with a degree in studio art and design. “Each piece has a thought behind it and is one of a kind.

“It is my own creative outlet that I do on my terms. When I’ve had a hard day at work, I like to sit and design jewelry. It’s very relaxing and calming.” The 25-year-old designer started the Mill after working for Postcard from Paris, a design firm in Greenville where she managed interior sales, e-com-merce and the opening of a retail division. The Mill is a home furnishing and accessory boutique offering design and furniture refinishing, antiques and DIY workshops. Walker is also the cofounder of the family business. “We offer accessories in neutral and natural colors, helping customers mix materials and add natural ele-ments,” said Walker. “Our shop is so calming that we have customers who stop in to sit down and relax.” Kenzie, Walker’s soft gray Great Dane, is also the store mascot and loves to greet customers.

MADE IN MISSISSIPPI

MACY CARLISLE DESIGNS

by carol gifford • photography by laura daniels

>>>>


“She’s color-coordinated to the store,” joked Walker. “That was inten-tional!” Walker wears mainly neutral colors - gray, black and tan - and uses her jewelry –– a Drury wrap bracelet, geo stud earrings, a quartz point ring and a black obsidian necklace to accessorize. She describes her jewelry as “chic and edgy, with its own vibe.” Her jewelry includes stones from countries around the world including crystal quartz, drury (a type of crystal forma-tion), agates, geodes, amethysts, shark teeth and black obsidian.

Most stones come from mines in India and Africa. She designs the jewelry around the shape of the stones. Prices range from $56 to $350 and her customers run the gamut from high school to wom-en in their 50s and 60s. So far, her social media marketing and word-of-mouth has driven jewelry sales. For future growth, Walker plans marketing jewelry as a small boutique producing a catalog from which cus-tomers can place orders. She plans to add jewelry to retail stores. “It’s great to start in a small town because talk spreads quickly,” said Walker. “I have high school girls who were customers now in their first year at MSU, and they came back to me to get accessories for their Bid Day outfits for sororities. I think it’s the start of a larger audience in Starkville.”

october 2014 • 55


LITERATURE:

Director’s Cut

Author Joe Lee has a macabre imagination. Anyone who has read

his novel series about the fictional town of Oakdale will appreciate

the first statement for the compliment that it is. For anyone who

hasn’t read the novels, they should.

With that said, let’s talk about Lee’s latest entitled Director’s Cut. The big question is where

does he come up with this stuff? This is his seventh novel (not all are set in Oakdale), and he

keeps coughing up solid characters, some with good intent and others with murder on their

minds.

“Some novels – including most of mine – take years to write and complete. Director’s Cut,

however, poured from me the way water spews from an open fire hydrant,” Lee says in the

novel’s acknowledgement page. “I’ve never had an entire plot unfold so visually in such a short

period of time, but out it came …”

Lee has taken us back to the college town of Oakdale, Miss. The community is a cross between

Oxford and Starkville, drawing upon both the positive and negative points of small-town living

where it’s true everyone knows your name – and your business.

Joe Lee’s Director’s cut

By Susan O’Bryan

october 2014 • 57

Tripp Kelly would rather be di-

recting Hollywood films instead of

teaching at the nearby college. But

at least in Oakdale, he’s somewhat

of a star. His students, especially

one named Alexis, and his young

wife, Dana, idolize him. He can do

no wrong in their eyes.

A former classmate has a differ-

ent take on him. Rachel Green is

convinced that Tripp had something

to do with the disappearance of her

best friend, Martina Donovan. Marti

texted her friend, who then lived in

Florida, to say she was stopping by

Tripp’s as she traveled through

town.

Several months with still no word

about her friend, Rachel, now di-

vorced, returns to her college town

to play sleuth. She draws handsome

investigator Steve Miller into her

quest for the truth.

As tensions from many direc-

tions mount, Tripp’s wife begins

losing her grip on sanity. With her

husband’s help, they put an end to

a meddling mom, but not without

consequences.

In the meantime, Rachel pursues

the truth about Marti’s disappear-

ance. She takes matters into her

own hands when she meets Larry

Wayne Gipson, a reclusive pedo-

phile who lives in the woods near

the Kellys.

As the plot thickens, readers will

realize that few characters are what

they seem. Life is full of secrets,

regrets and “if only I’d …” conse-

quences. Innocence is taken over by

sex. Divorces are nasty, addictions

are strong, and most importantly,

what we desire today may not be

what we want - or need - tomor-

row.

The art of deception has been

fine-tuned in Lee’s latest novel. It’s

an approach that he’s used before,

but he hones his skill to a sharper

point with each work of fiction he

pens.

Lee says it best in his own words.

“I can’t think you enough for read-

ing my work. If nothing else, you’ll

be left with the awareness after

reading Director’s Cut that the peo-

ple around you might, just maybe,

be a little like Tripp Kelly. After all,

those who appear to be the most

stable and rational among us aren’t

always what they seem…”


october 2014 • 59

location: whitehall • circa 1843

607 3rd St. south

columbus, ms

clothing: Deep south pout •

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models: elizabeth biddle •

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a little

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october 2014 • 61


october 2014 • 63

october 2014 • 65


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october 2014 • 69



october 2014 • 73


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Katherine Elizabeth Brown of Starkville, Miss. and Kevin Van Langston of Madison, Miss. were united in marriage at five o’clock in the evening in the presence of family and friends at First United Methodist Church in Starkville, Miss. on March 15, 2014. The service was officiated by Rever-end Robert Whiteside of Starkville. The bride is the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Lavell W. Brown, III and Julie Womack Brown of Starkville, MisS. She is the granddaughter of of Mrs. Erline Pogue Brown and the late Lavell Wheeler Brown, Jr. of Starkville, Miss. and General James Edwin Womack and the late Jeannie Crowe Womack of Albuquerque, N. M. The groom is the son of Mr. Terry Van Langston and Denise McMullen Langston of Madison, Miss. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Austin Eugene (Gene) Langston of Salem, Ark. and Mrs. Shirley McMul-len Sims and the late William Edward (Bill) McMullen of Hazen, Ark. Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a Tara Keely ivory tulle bridal gown with sweetheart neckline and Alencon lace off-the-shoulder overlay with three-quarter sleeves. The gown featured a rose appliqué belt handmade in Belgium and a horsehair border surrounding the hemline and chapel-length train. The bride’s ivory, chapel-length illusion veil was decorated with matching appliques around the scalloped edge. Her bouquet of spring and white roses was adorned with a corsage made from her grandmother’s wedding dress. Attending the bride as her maid of honor was the bride’s sister, Carolyn Anne Brown. Matron of honor was the groom’s sister-in-law, Sarah Crumbley Langston. Bridesmaids were Katie Acy Aldridge, Danielle Barrier Atchley, Jessica Johnson Bland, Meagan Jordan Fahrenkopf, Mary Kathryn Nichols, Whitney Hobby Pleasant, Morgan Elizabeth Self, Marla Evan Waldrop, Lauren Nicole Whitten, and Mary Wu. Attending the groom as his best man was his father, Terry Van Langston. Groomsmen were Matthew Forrest Bell, Bradley Allen Futch, Thomas David Landrum, Cory Benton Langston, William Kyle Langs-ton, Kevin Eugene Laxson, Justin Daniel Laxson, Milton Horton Nash, Andrew Patrick Shapley, and Kirtley Duvall Whittington. Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the The Stables, where guests dined on an array of southern foods created by Fresh Cut Catering and danced the night away to a live band from Birmingham, Ala. The bride’s cake featured alternating layers of tradi-tional wedding, carrot, and red velvet cake. A cake topper that the bride’s grandparents used sat amongst edible petals adorned with edible pearls and sparkles. The bride’s cake was created by the Cake Diva of Jackson, Miss. The groom’s cake was a chocolate and peanut butter combination with chocolate-covered strawberries specially made by his cousin. Keith Winchester created the handmade floral arrangements featured at the ceremony and the reception, which included a variety of roses, hydran-geas, and seasonals with hanging crystals. All guest enjoyed the creative and unique photobooth set up by “Amu-rica Photobooth” of Memphis, Tenn. Photography was provided by Adam + Alli Photography, and videography was provided by Brian Flint. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal din-ner in honor of the bride and groom at The Historic State Theater. After honeymooning in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the couple is at home in Starkville, Miss.

Katherine Elizabeth Brown & Kevin Van Langston

3.15.14

Wedding Announcements

october 2014 • 77

Eva Katherine Richardson and Nathan Alexander Moore were united in the covenant of marriage at three o’clock in the afternoon of Novem-ber 23, 2013, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Starkville. The bride is the daughter of The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Guy Lipscomb Richardson of Jackson. The grandfathers of the bride are Mr. Thomas Wesley Richardson of Montgomery, Ala., and Mr. Paul Gaston White of Birmingham, Ala. The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. James Elton Moore of Starkville. The ceremony began with a medley of hymns provided by Mrs. Sharon Gilder on the piano and Mrs. Rae Shannon on the organ, both of Yazoo City. Mrs. Gena Everitt of Jackson sang the solo “I Know Whom I Have Believed”, arranged by Paul S. Jones. The bridal party processed to the bride and groom’s favorite hymn, “Praise to the Lord the Almighty.” After a call to worship, the congregation joined in singing “The Church’s One Foundation.” The ceremony was led by Rev. Dr. Joseph Wheat of Jackson, a long-time friend of the couple. The ceremony concluded with a glorious rendition of “Allegro con brio” by Craig Sellar Lang, arranged with the hymn “Now thank we all our God.” The bride, escorted by her father, wore a strapless candlelight satin gown with tulle overlay and delicate beadwork. The dress featured a chapel-length train and a champagne satin band at the waist. Her elbow-length veil and blusher were accented with quiet pearl beading along the edges. She carried a soft bouquet of flowers prepared by The Flower Company in Starkville. The maid of honor was the bride’s sister, Joy Fleming Richardson. Bridesmaids were Deanna Nicholson Kieffer, Lindsey Brunson Manick-avasagam, Lindsey Nicole Oswalt, and Sara Ball Robertson. The program attendants were Mary Rose Vaillancourt and Sarah Ellen Vaillancourt, cousins of the bride. Dr. James Elton Moore, father of the groom, served as the best man. The groomsmen were Joshua Oliver Blades, Jonathan David Cole, Jermi Dan Coleman, Sebron Wood Harrison, Robert Casey Plummer, and Hos-sein Kash Razzaghi. Following the ceremony, a joyful reception was held at the Hewlett Barn. The bright jazzy swing music provided by the Ray Reach Band from Birmingham, Ala., provided the perfect backdrop for hours of dancing and laughter. The reception was deliciously catered by Magnolia Catering of Clinton and the bride’s cake was made by The Cake Box in Starkville. The groom’s cake reflected his love of Mississippi State University and was made by Amy Prisock of Starkville. The entire event was photo-graphed by Paul White Photography, based in Pensacola, Fla. On the eve of the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at the Hewlett Barn, featuring dinner by Harding Cater-ing. The bridal party was treated to brunch the morning of the wedding prepared by the groom’s extended family. Following a festive Thanksgiving honeymoon in New York City, the Moores now reside in Jackson and Starkville.

Eva Katherine Richardson & Nathan Alexander Moore

11.23.13

Wedding Announcements

1. Noelle and Stephen Foster • 2. Reid Patterson and Clay Atkinson • 3. Sherri Jones and Liam and Haley Teasler • 4. Lonnice Fields and Levi and Marle’ Murphy • 5. Bryan and Faeh Reese • 6. Madison Moore and Matt and Heather Lehr

Sprinkles for ColeOn September 6, The Biscuit Shop in Starkville, Miss. hosted the Sprinkles for Cole event, where 100 percent of the proceeds from sprinkle

biscuits were donated to Cole Elam, a 2-year-old battling Hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer. More than 1,100 biscuits were sold.Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Groundbreaking event at Columbus Orthopaedic • 2. Scott Jones, MD, Russell Linton, MD, Chad Altmyer, MD, Kenny Edwards, MD, Amy Sharp, PT, Dustin Smith, PTA, Jase Abraham, PT,DPT, W.D. and Lynn Jones and Ed Hauser of Brassfield and Gorrie • 3. Dustin Smith, PTA, Amy Sharp, PT, Jase Abraham, PT,DPT • 4. Chad Altmyer, MD, Mayor Robert Smith and Russell Linton, MD • 5. Jenny Edmondson, Tiffany Young and Sarah Parish • 6. Dustin Smith, PTA, Jenny Edmondson, Amy Sharp, PT, Tiffany Young, Sarah Parish and Jase Abraham, PT, DPT

COC GroundbreakingOn September 3, Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic broke ground on a new state-of-the-art physical therapy facility. The new addition will add 8,000 square feet to its 18,000 square foot clinic. Columbus Orthopaedic has provided the team physicians for Mississippi State University

for over 30 years and are proud to be able to provide the university and surrounding Golden Triangle area with excellent care.

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october 2014 • 79

1. Geneva Nelson, Carolyn Wofford and Max Arnett • 2. Larry and Ava Moore and Lorraine Blount • 3. Ruth and ArmandoDe la Cruz • 4. Suzanne Dressel, Fairfax Montgomery and Patsy Stuart • 5. Suzy Turner and

Dave and Ellen Boles • 6. Wanda Thorne and Honoree John Robert Arnold

Denim & DiamondsOn August 23, the 3rd Annual Denim and Diamonds benefit for the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum took place

at the Starkville Country Club. The event included dinner, square dancing, Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Cindy and Paul Ruff with Frankie • 2. Connie and Chip Templeton with Zez (left) and Fletch (right) • 3. Tim and Lydia Allison with Mazzy • 4. Donna and Ellie Rupp with Dexter (left) and Stella (right) • 5. Fletch (front) and Zez (back) • 6. Dexter

PugarittavilleOn August 28th, the cutest Pugs in town were invited to the Pugarittaville party at Bin 612.

Canine guests were dressed in their best Jimmy Buffet attire.Photography by Laura Daniels

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october 2014 • 81


• Photo Credit: National Park ServiceThe “Old Trace,” the historic trail commemorated by the Natchez Trace Parkway today, still survives in seg-ments. The Old Trace was the main road through the “Old Southwest,” connecting Natchez to Nashville via Chickasaw and Choctaw lands.

DISCOVER THE SOUTH:

The Old Historic Trace

Documents

October 2014