BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
SIGNS OF THE CITY
KEITH CUMMINS
WOODWORKER BUILDS WORKS OF USABLE ART JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
SIGNS OF THE CITY
GENERAL MANAGER Stacy Graning EDITORIAL Brett Campbell
Gracie Byrne
CONTRIBUTING Hunter Cloud Hannah Blankenship Keith Hall Lauryn Bracey
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DESIGN Rob Sigler/Gracie Byrne BROOKHAVEN Magazine is produced and published by The Daily Leader, 128 N. Railroad Ave., Brookhaven, MS 39601. The magazine is published six times a year. For additional information on this issue or other publications or for copies, call 601-833-6961. To inquire about story content, email news@dailyleader.com, or to inquire about advertising, email advertising@dailyleader.com. Copyright 2020 © The Daily Leader
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ON THE COVER: Photo by Hunter Cloud
The Gulf sign stands on the corner of South Railroad Avenue and East Chickasaw Street in downtown Brookhaven.
FEATURED
january/february 2021
A LITTLE LOUISIANA IN SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI FOOD & DRINK Page 30
SHOPPING
CASTLES OWNER CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
8
CLAIRE BEVILL WOMAN GAVE VOICE TO OTHERS
22
KEITH CUMMINS WOODWORKER CREATES ART
24
DEPARTMENTS
44
BOOK REVIEW 12
HISTORY
NOT ONE WITNESS DOZENS SEE A MURDER IN 1955
FEATURE
ARTS
DAY TRIP
CRYSTAL SPRINGS ROAD TRIP TO TOMATO CAPITAL
Page 44
Page 20
Page 12
THE BROKEN WINGS GIBRAN’S TALE OF LOVE AND LOSS
WELLNESS 20
CURVES OFFERS WOMEN A PLACE TO FEEL EMPOWERED
26
PHOTO ESSAY SOCIAL SCENES GARDEN WHY I LOVE BROOKHAVEN
34 40 49 50
BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 7
shopping JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Castles
Business owner celebrates 30 years of empowering women
“
Story and Photos By Gracie Byrne
We want to make you feel better about yourself, whether it’s your skin or your clothes.”
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Cathy Gary Oldham
Castles owner Cathy Gary Oldham celebrates 30 years of business in her hometown of Brookhaven. An area native, Oldham grew up in Ole Brook and graduated from Brookhaven High School. After graduating from Mississippi State University
with a marketing degree, she came home and opened her own business. “I wanted to live in Brookhaven, and I wanted to give back to Brookhaven,” Oldham said. “I grew up here.” She decided to open a clothing store because of her love for both
Cathy Gary Oldham, owner of Castles, has been in business in her hometown since 1991. BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 9
Castles has a cosmetics line available in store, featuring Merle Norman to help bring any outfit together. people and shopping. “I love clothes and helping women feel better about themselves,” Oldham said. “I love empowering other women.” In 1991, she opened Castles, a boutique specializing in women’s clothing, makeup and jewelry. “We specialize in unique things,” Oldham said. “We try to get name brands other stores don’t have because you need a variety to shop from. We (businesses) don’t all need the same thing.” Oldham said she tries to find brands that not only other stores in the area don’t have, but also brands department stores don’t carry as well. “I just want to give people a choice of what to wear,” Oldham said. Castles carries makeup, but specifically Merle Norman. Oldham carries a cosmetics line so she can help her customers complete their look. “It makes it easy to dress a lady and then do her makeup, to match her lipstick to the outfit she picked out,” Oldham
said. “And with the pandemic going on, we have sold more cleaner and toner because their faces are breaking out.” The store was originally downtown, but she later moved to her current space on Brookway Boulevard after having her building built. The building, like its name, is modeled after a castle. She chose the name for her business in honor of her family. “Castle was my grandfather’s middle name,” Oldham said. “And it was his mother’s maiden name.” From when she first opened her doors to now, Oldham said the community has been nothing but positive. “I was very well received by the community,” Oldham said. “Everyone in Brookhaven has always been so supportive.” Oldham has won business of the month in the past, but she believes that 2020 was the first year for her store to win business of the year. “It’s a great honor,” Oldham said. “I was very shocked and very surprised to win.”
Castles specializes in women’s clothing, jewelry and cosmetics. Oldham prides herself on having a unique selection. Her favorite thing about her business is the people she meets that come into her store. “You meet someone new every day,” Oldham said. “During Christmas, you meet all kind of people from everywhere.” With Lincoln County having an influx of out of state hunters, Oldham said she meets a lot of their wives who come into town to shop. “Louisiana has shut down because of the pandemic, so a lot of women come here and shop,” Oldham said. The biggest challenge for Oldham in her 30 years of business has been the coronavirus pandemic. “We’ve had to learn how to sell with Facebook and Instagram,” Oldham said. “People have been very supportive or else I wouldn’t be here. With the government shutting us down has been the biggest obstacle I’ve ever faced in my entire life.” Oldham said the pandemic hasn’t stopped Castles from succeeding because her customers still find ways to shop with her.
“The people that want to support Castles and see us thrive are finding a way to shop,” Oldham said. “They’re coming in, they’re calling, we send pictures every day. They get on Facebook and Instagram. If they don’t have social media, then we send pictures to their cell phone.” The biggest lesson she has learned in business is how to treat others. “Just be kind to people, be a nice person,” Oldham said. “In the end, God’s gonna take care of you.” Oldham wants people to know that she and her staff are here to serve people. “We want to make you feel better about yourself, whether it’s your skin or clothes,” Oldham said. “We’re here to serve and help you and we love doing what we do.” /////
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day trip JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Crystal Springs The town is known as “the tomato capital of the world.” Story & Photos By Gracie Byrne
You may be wondering why the day trip is to Crystal Springs of all places. You may be thinking that Crystal Springs isn’t far enough for a daytrip, and that in order to have a successful day trip you and your family have to pack up and drive for a couple of hours on end. Normally, I would agree with this idea. But due to the pandemic, I felt like exploring somewhere a little closer to home. So in this instance, my brother, my boyfriend and
myself loaded the car up and drove to Crystal Springs to see what we could find.
affectionately named, is surprisingly teeming with activity despite its size.
The drive wasn’t terribly long and only took about 25 minutes up Interstate 55. It was cold that day, so we made sure to dress for the weather.
We saw people out and about shopping and working in the downtown area. To start the day trip, we found a local restaurant to dine at. Because of the pandemic, we were unable to sit inside and eat, but that was alright with me.
Once we arrived in Crystal Springs, we spent time walking around the downtown area and explored. Tomatopolis, as it is
Our crew found our way inside Pappa’s Pizza Pi, an area pizzeria BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 13
Crystal Springs, known as the “tomato capital of the world,” has tomatoes all over town. known for its Greek delicacies. While there was no tiropita or spanicopita, we each ordered a personal pizza and split a dessert among the three of us. During the wait for our food, we wandered into a store called The Perfect Piece, which had all sorts of antique items. In the store, we looked with our eyes and our hands at the 14 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
various tomato themes pieces the store had in stock. I almost bought a lot of things if I hadn’t been stopped. I’m sure I could haved used the Christmas themed deviled egg tray I had my eye on. We walked back over the Pappa’s and picked our lunch up and we
ended up at the town’s marketplace by the railroad tracks. We sat under the pavilion and ended our pizza with fervor. After lunch, we found ourselves in The Refuge, which is both a thrift store and a coffee shop. During our visit, we looked around at what the store had to offer and even left with
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The town has its own state park, Lake Chautauqua. The park is located on Hwy. 51. some cool thrift store finds. Once we were checked out, we continued walking around downtown and admired the architecture. After that, we drove around and checked out more of the area. Our last destination was
Crystal Spring’s very own state park, Lake Chautauqua. We drove around the park and made our way to the back where we could admire the wildlife and the lake. Lots of ducks and geese were out, and the waves were rolling across the water BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 15
beautifully. We reflected on our day for awhile before getting in the car and going home. Despite the pandemic, I think we all had fun. While there would have been more to do if we weren’t in a pandemic, I’m sure we’ll be back once the Robert Johnson blues museum and Tomato museum reopen. I’m quite sure of that. /////
Fishing and other activities are available at the state park.
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history JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Not One Witness
Dozens would not admit to seeing a Brookhaven man killed Story By Brett Campbell Art submitted
Lamar “Ditney” Smith, 62, was a World War I veteran and a Lincoln County native. He was a farmer, a voting rights activist and a member of the Regional Counsel of Negro Leadership. On Aug. 2, 1955, Smith had voted in the county’s primary election and helped get 20 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
others out to exercise their right to vote. A runoff was scheduled for Aug. 23. Smith was at the courthouse on Aug. 13, helping other black voters fill out absentee ballots so they could vote in the runoff without having to physically show up at the polls on the voting date, to avoid exposing themselves to anticipated violence.
Smith was shot and killed in front of the courthouse that morning about 10 a.m. Records at the time show at least 30 white citizens witnessed the homicide, in-cluding Sheriff Robert E. Case, and said they saw a white man covered with blood leaving the scene. Though prosecutor E. C. Barlow spearheaded a
public effort to obtain testimony from the witnesses, not one would come forward on the record. Smith’s murder was one of many racially-motivated attacks in the state in 1955, including the murder of teenager Emmett Till. Three white men were arrested in connection with Smith’s death — Noah Smith, Mack Smith and Charles Falvey. On Sept. 13, 1955, an all-white Brookhaven grand jury failed to return any indictments. The district attorney reported that Sheriff Case witnessed Noah Smith leave the scene of the crime with blood on him, yet failed to arrest the suspect. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division closed the civil rights case in 2016, noting that all of the accused were then deceased. “Ditney” Smith is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Caseyville. His wife, Annie Clark Smith, who died in 1984 at age 94, is also buried there.
From USDJ: “Lamar Smith — Notice to close file,” April 12, 2010
The victim had worked on the campaign of a man running against the incumbent in a county supervisor race … According to an August 17, 1955 Daily Worker article, a state Coroner’s Jury heard testimony for four hours on the night of August 16 and then Harvey Johnson ruled that the victim had died as a result “of a gunshot wound in an altercation with Noah Smith, Mack Smith and Charles Falvey and probably other parties unknown.” In September 1955, a state grand jury reportedly heard from 50 to 75 witnesses but adjourned before taking any action. According to media accounts, the witnesses denied seeing anything. In January 1956, Mike Carr, the newly elected District Attorney, empaneled another grand jury and subpoenaed several witnesses but no new evidence was developed to support an indictment, despite indications that numerous people would have witnessed the murder.” … During [the FBI’s] investigation, Brookhaven Police Department [NAME REDACTED] “volunteered” that the victim had been selling African-American absentee ballots to the campaign of the challenger for
the county supervisor office and that the subjects, who supported the incumbent, argued with the victim and then shot him. After the shooting, the victim ran about 30 yards and then collapsed. According to [NAME REDACTED], [NAME REDACTED] was the first person to examine the victim’s body at the scene and found a .32 caliber pistol in the victim’s right pocket. The witness told the FBI that Noah Smith et al had argued with Lamar (Smith) then shot and killed him. All three subjects are deceased. The FBI also contacted officials at the
Circuit Clerk’s Office at the Lincoln County Courthouse in Brookhaven, Mississippi; the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk’s Office; the 14th Circuit Court District Attorney’s Office; the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; the Brookhaven Police Department; the Lincoln County Coroner; the Mississippi Department of Public Safety; (and) Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and determined that none of these offices had records pertaining to the shooting. ED. This article corrects the name of the Sheriff in 1955. /////
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arts JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Claire Bevill One woman gave a voice to those who couldn’t speak Story By Keith Hall Photos by Daily Leader Staff
Bevill formerly worked at Boswell Regional Center in Wesson, where she taught art to the residents living there.
“I have always felt a call on my life as a missionary, yet I have never traveled to a foreign country, wherever God has me is my mission field. God took me from one of my saddest points in my life and raised me up to be a missionary to a particular group of people that is largely ignored, neglected, abused and cast aside. A group of people that often do not know their own rights and often get taken advantage of due to that fact. Yet, with the right influences can have great potential for wisdom, goodness, friendship, spiritual intelligence, artistic expression, and solid work ethics. I am speaking of people who are intellectually disabled or mentally ill, often treated as America’s Untouchables.” That passage is from a moving speech written by Claire Bevill, daughter of teachers and musicians, and mother to five children, all of which have spread their wings and their degrees and are making their marks on the world elsewhere. 22 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
Bevill says they get together about two or three times a year, but it doesn’t look like that will happen this year. She is a former Director of Expressive Arts at Boswell Regional Medical Center, a job she held for a little over 10 years. (All names of students/ clients have been removed to prevent HIPAA Violations from occurring) Bevill’s storied career did not start at Boswell however, she spent 1971-1998 in various classrooms teaching music,English, and drama across Tennessee and Mississippi before finding her calling providing a guiding hand for challenged individuals in 1998 when she landed on the doorstep of the Badoor Center in Senatobia, MS becoming the Expressive Arts supervisor of the facility and rediscovering her love of art in the process. One of the highlights of her experience teaching there was a performance of the play “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” which
was so memorable for one of the students that he still carries around a picture from performing the program with him in his wallet to this day. She directed summer camps (and more) with over 175 people attending in Tunica, Mississippi, for the recreation commission, taught in the special education program in Magee, MS, and performed all the duties of a general music teacher for Piney Woods Schools in Piney Woods, MS. One of her favorite stories to tell from that period of her life, is the story of a student who started their musical career by singing from a seated position behind the piano and slowly but surely the student gained confidence and worked her way around the room to her place in the choir procession. Although the first few performances in front of a crowd for this student were performed
Many of the pieces Bevill’s students have created have been featured in art shows in Brookhaven.
facing away from the audience, Bevill was proud to tell me the student recently performed at her wedding, showing that special something Mrd Claire knew she had inside all along. Bevill credits her ability to look into her students eyes and see the potential inside them even if said student doesn’t believe they have it inside them. She will work with them and draw it out of them nonetheless, because she believes God has given her the ability to see the gifts in other people. Her husband spoke highly of her teaching and told me that walking down the hallways while she was teaching really made him appreciate just how much she was doing for
her students, “she just brings out so much joy out of them, you can tell she truly loves and cares for each and every student, and is willing to work closely with them to help them understand it better. She’s a beautiful human being and a wonderful teacher.” The Boswell facilities were Bevill’s recent employers and she spoke very highly of her experience working there and the people worked with. One of her favorite stories from there is about a student who was exceptionally gifted and got to take part in a program that took him to Jackson, Mississippi to learn from another Mississippi artist and develop his skills even further. Bevill went with him and acted as a trans-
lator of sorts and learned alongside the student. His artwork went on to collect quite a bit of interest when it was time for the gallery to be displayed at the Brookhaven Public Library. Nowadays Bevill is attempting to start up an after school Arts program for her local community in Simpson County, which this author believes is something we could use here in Brookhaven as well. “Brookhaven people seem to really care about other people, and seem to have a real passion for the different creative outlets of other citizens,” Bevill said. ///// BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 23
book reviews JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
The Broken Wings
Kahlil Gibran tells a story of love and loss Review By Lauryn Bracey Art submitted
I recently came across a book recommendation while watching a booktuber on YouTube and decided to check it out. The Broken Wings is a poetic novel written in 1912 by author Kahlil Gibran. This is a telling of a tragic love story between a family friend that Khalil 24 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
modeled after himself and the daughter of a religious nobleman. Selma Karamy is forced to betroth to the nephew of a Bishop who is an evil yet well known man. Gibran’s character meets Selma when he visits his late fathers friend Farris who is Selma’s father. The two have an subtle yet immediate
connection between them and begin to spend time together while falling deeper in love until Farris announces that he has had no choice but to agree to marry Selma off to the nephew of the bishop in order to keep his status quo. Following this marriage, Selma continued to secretly meet with her true love but overtime lost her self worth to
during childbirth along with her child. Selma wanted nothing more than to have a child to love that would love her back. She fulfilled her wish as she passed on into the next life, with her child on her chest. This story was a beautiful telling full of unending love, beauty, loss, pain, religious corruption and greed.
Kahlil Gibran
the evilness of the marriage. Kahlil describes this love as an awakening that breathed life into his dying soul and compared this love to the beauty of nature. In the end, love could not save Selma and she died peacefully
I enjoyed this book so much because of the beautiful way that Kahlil described the love and pain he felt in his relationship. Lauryn Bracey is a Brookhaven native who enjoys reading. She currently resides on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. /////
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wellness JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Curves
Debbie Smith has created a place for women to feel empowered Story By Hannah Blankenship Photos by Gracie Byrne
Curves physical fitness center of Brookhaven has been helping women work off the extra pounds of the holidays for over 20 years. But Curves isn’t just any ordinary gym. It’s a judgment-free, encouraging workout space that features a training circuit tailored specifically for women “You can just come in, no makeup, with your hair all over the place,” said Curves 26 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
owner Debbie Smith. Curves members quickly become a family, celebrating every pound lost and milestone reached with each other. Longtime Curves member and Brookhaven native Robyn Aker described it as a sisterhood. “If somebody comes in and weighs and measures and you have lost some
weight, everybody just cheers you on and everybody is so happy for you,” Aker said. The Curves workout circuit is a 30-minute class that combines strength training through hydraulic weights, cardio, and stretching, all to the backdrop of upbeat music and the chatter of friends. Curves also offers various fitness classes, including walking,
Curves is located at 122 East Monticello Street in Brookhaven.
Zumba, Pilates, kickboxing, yoga, and balance. Since opening Curves 24 years ago, Smith said she has seen thousands of women lose over 100 pounds after participating faithfully in the Curves workout circuit. The satisfaction Smith gets when she sees the positive effect Curves has on her patrons is unmatched. “Oh my word. (It’s) the best feeling ever. I just rejoice with them when they lose the weight. It’s just great. I can’t even describe it. It’s a blessing,” Smith said.
Smith said she believes she was always meant to own Curves. “I just knew that I got it because of the Lord, and it is my ministry. I had ministered to my daughter and helped her lose the weight she did, so that inspired me to do it. Anyways, so I knew it was right when I did open it because it was the easiest thing I’d ever done. I didn’t fear what was going to happen,” Smith said.
Smith’s inspiration for owning a gym came in part from her daughter’s weight-loss journey. Her daughter, who is now an aerobics instructor at Curves and P.E. teacher at Brookhaven Academy, lost over 100 pounds when she was a teenager. After helping her through the process, Smith saw a small ad in the newspaper for buying a women’s workout center.
Within three months of opening, the new fitness center had 575 members. “Now that’s in Brookhaven,” Smith said. “So it did really well and kind of always has. It works. Curves works.” Smith’s faith is and always has been an integral part of her passion behind owning Curves, as working out has positive effects not only on the body, but also on the mind and spirt. Aker, who used to lead a Bible study at Curves, said Smith uses Curves as her ministry.
“I read it. I liked the idea of it. My husband and I looked into it and within about a week we had bought a franchise for Curves,” Smith said.
“She listens to people all day long and sometimes she’ll ask one of us to pray for another member right there. We’ll do it right there in Curves”
Curves is no exception to the stereotype of gyms being flooded with new patrons in January. “People are making New Year’s resolutions and they’ve had the holidays and they’re ready to get in shape and get ready for spring break, or get ready for the beach, so New Years definitely tends to be a busy time of people enrolling,” Aker said. The first month of the year is Curve’s biggest month. Smith said this is a response to the weight gain that typically happens toward the end of the year and around the holidays. “The statistics say that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s the average American gains seven pounds. And that’s true— I mean I see it all the time,” Smith said. Smith said this year is even worse, as she has seen women gain as much as 25 pounds since the onset of COVID-19 and quarantining. “If you pack seven-10 pounds onto 25 pounds then by January these women were going to be up 35 pounds. So BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 27
just think about that and how it hurts your health and brings on illness,” Smith said. The new patrons normally last for about three months before slacking off around the time of spring break. Aker encouraged these new members to keep up their hard work and said the key to this was in developing healthy habits and in thinking long-term. “Focus on longevity of life and quality of life later on to stick with it,” Aker said. 28 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
Smith said she does not expect COVID-19 to affect the typical membership increase in January, as Curves has not seen much of a reduction in business due to the pandemic and is taking all necessary safety precautions to prevent spread of the virus. Smith said gyms actually prevent the virus through maintaining a healthy body, and that there have been no documented cases of outbreaks due to gyms.
“They knew that we don’t get (the virus) here. We help you not get it here,” Smith said. For those looking to start a Curves membership in January, the cost of a membership monthly is $59. If patrons sign up for a whole year, they get 20% off this price. Additionally, Curves is now offering a MyCurves on Demand feature to combat
quarantining and social distancing. For only $20 more a month, Curves members can have access to all kinds of classes and workouts through an app on their phone. Curves is open every
weekday from 5:30-6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m.12:00 p.m., and 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. For Brookhaven women looking for a way to shed those pounds put on during the hectic year of 2020, look no further
than Curves for challenging workouts— and even more than that— faith, encouragement, and friendship. ///// BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 29
food & drink JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Da Cajun Shack A little Louisiana in Southwest Mississippi Story & Photos By Hunter Cloud
Da Cajun Shack Owner Chris Douglas has brought his Cajun roots from Houma, Louisiana and planted them in McComb opening a restaurant and store. Da Cajun Shack sells everything from fresh seafood to black iron pots and Cajun authored cook books. Cajun spices and other traditional Cajun foods that are not seafood are sold by Da Cajun Shack as well. “We wanted to have everything you need to cook Cajun foods,” Douglas said. 30 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
Douglas said he didn’t want a business named after him but instead had a cajun name. The name has a Cajun spelling for The because that is how cajuns talk Douglas said, and their restaurant is in a shack where they make the food. Da Cajun Shack’s logo features a Cajun man in shrimping boots. Much like Da Cajun Shack sells fresh seafood that is caught and sold the next day and not frozen like other restaurants. Iodine isn’t put into the shrimp to keep them fresh because they are fresh. Douglas said this makes a huge difference in the taste
and quality of the seafood. Shrimp, Crawfish, Crab, Oysters and fish are all sold by Da Cajun Shack. Douglas first opened the business after moving to McComb from Louisiana. “I tried to eat seafood at a couple of locations locally and I could not get the quality of seafood we had down south,” Douglas said. “I decided to bring a little taste of home up here to Mississippi with us.” Da Cajun Shack is not just a store but also a restaurant which had to be closed after COVID-19 affected staffing and Douglas wanted to give the best quality of food and service. The restaurant will reopen in January and will be open until July. Douglas said that is the season for seafood. Serving Cajuns displaced by Hurricane Katrina and teaching the Cajun cuisine to Mississippians is something Douglas takes pride in. “Since Hurricane Katrina a lot of Cajun people have moved up here,” Douglas said. “I’m wanting to bring that Cajun food up here because there is a lot of Cajuns. Also now we are starting to get a lot of people from Mississippi on the same page and cooking the same way we do.” The restaurant and store is just a small portion of what Da Cajun Shack does as they deliver wholesale seafood to 180 markets across Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama. Those delivery trucks run almost around the clock Douglas said. People can cook Da Cajun Shack’s meat themselves which is inspiring to Douglas. He said the Cajun food is teaching people about the Cajun heritage and culture. Douglas’s 13 year old son helps out with the shrimp boat and Douglas said his son lives for it. His other son delivers products establishing a family business. “It is really establishing a business where my kids can take over and carry on Da Cajun Shack name,” Douglas said. Doors have continued to open for the business to grow especially for the Wholesale side of the business which was first opened by Rouses. Douglas said Da Cajun Shack is a distributor for Lil Butchers Shoppe’s Sausages. When Douglas first moved to Mississippi and decided to start the business he never thought he would have a restaurant, a retail business or a wholesale delivery of seafood. Yet here he is with a Cajun business opening doors for him and his family. “If you would have told me three years ago I would be in the seafood business I would have never dreamed of it,” Douglas said. “It is something we brought over here to try and see how well it would make it. When we started it, it took off and we was fortunate. A lot of people liked our foods and we kept growing.”
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Da Cajun Shack is located at the southern border of Lincoln County.
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Da Cajun Shack sells seafood and cooking products.
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photo essay JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Signs The objects that keep us on our path Photos By Hunter Cloud 34 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
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In Brookhaven, signs not only lead the way, but serve as landmarks to help residents get around as well.
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In Brookhaven, signs not only lead the way, but serve as landmarks to help residents get around as well.
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social scenes JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Belles & Beaus The first annual Belles & Beaus was held in November at Butterfield Mansion. The charity event helped raise money for cancer research. Betty Ann Perkins, Cappie Monroe and Tom Monroe
Reed Jones, Kaitlin Cooksey, Rebecca Simmons, Angie Davis and Rebecca Dodd
Harlie Blauw, Josiah Blauw, Lori Perkins, Becky Doty and Dr. Don Doty
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social scenes JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Belles & Beaus The event was held to benefit the American Cancer Society and helped raise more than $106,000 alone. Chris Wolfe, Sabrina Wolfe, Gemi Misner, and David Misner
Emily Cray, Madeline King, Owen King, Beth King, and Barbara Watts
Brad Jones, Kristi Jones, Charlie Magee, Coney Lea, and Bobbi Fay Lea
BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 41
social scenes JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Christmas Open House The Christmas Open House is hosted each year by the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. Area businesses partner with the chamber to showcase their Christmas merchandise and get Brookhaven residents ready for the holiday season.
Amy Waldon, Katie Sproles, JoAnna Sproles and Lucy Shell
Denise Kent, Deedra Bales, and Devan Kent
Madelyn Smith, Jaylynn Goss, Jan Douglas, Jessie Lofton, and Hailey Malone
Patricia, Amber, Deilia, and Jae Morrison
LeAnn McEwen, Angie Ivey, Carol Hall, and Brandy Herrington
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Sandra Martin, Paige King, and Kathy Case
Riley, Kassidy, and Kristi Watts
Kaitlin Wallace, Mary Kate Wallace, and Teresa Allred
Jillian Ricceri, Kellye Sicks, and Heather Smith
Bea Teasley, Anita Smith, Sherilyn Givens, and Natalie Givens
BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 43
feature JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Keith Cummins
A Lincoln County builder creates works of art Above, Cummins’ canoe that he built in 2020. The canoe is made primarily out of cedar and is 12 feet long.
Story by Brett Campbell Photos submitted
“I’ve always considered myself a woodworker,” says Keith Cummins. The 46-year-old Lincoln Countian is employed in bank security systems, in electronics and electrical work. With 25 years of experience making electronic and electrical repairs to welding equipment, Cummins is no stranger to this type of work. But his heart is more akin to heart pine than soldered circuits. 44 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
What started as just a hobby nearly 20 years ago quickly became more as friends and family saw the wooden items Cummins was crafting and asked him to build more for them. “I let it kind of turn into a second job because I had so many small jobs people were interested in me doing,” he said. “But I backed off of that because it was taking too much time.” Then along came 2020 and the coronavirus. The welding industry was one of many that took a hard hit, and
Cummins found himself without a job. Rather than sit around, he took it as an opportunity to challenge himself. “When this COVID thing hit, I saw the opportunity to do something I’ve wanted to do for a while — build a canoe.” Made primarily of cedar, the 12-footlong canoe uses wood that was almost exclusively harvested in Mississippi. The cedar came from Vicksburg, bought roughcut from a logger who was doing work there. The oak came from one of Cummins’ customers who cut the wood
Above, a bench that Cummins built.
on his property in Lincoln County. “The cherry on the bow and stern was cut across the road from my house in Lincoln County,” Cummins said. The only part that was not cut in-state was the oak used in the gunwale, the top edge of the hull. He had to purchase that from a big-box lumber supplier to find pieces that would reach the full length of the vessel. It took about three months to complete the canoe, but Cummins was happy with the end result. “It’s pretty cool.” But the canoe was just a stepping stone project. “It was really just a practice thing because I’ve always wanted to build a wooden boat,” Cummins said. “I figured if I could build a wooden canoe without plans I could build a wooden boat without plans. I don’t like using plans. I build as I go.” The no-plans method is something Cummins applies to all of his projects. “That’s one thing that makes it more enjoyable, because when I get done with it I know there’s not another one like it in the world.” BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 45
Cummins’ business KC’s Woodworks gets business from happy customers by word of mouth and through social media.
As he has time, Cummins does woodworking projects for people who request them, selling to customers who know what they want ahead of time, rather than building an inventory of items to offer for sale. “I’ve done specialty cabinets, wooden bowls, different things — there just about isn’t a limit on it, I guess.” Most requests Cummins gets are from people who have seen his work and trust him to make something they know already they are going to love. “I’ll ask what color? Type of wood? Style? And they’ll say, look, just build it because I trust you,” he said. “Whatever you build, it’ll be what I want.” 46 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE
When he first started woodworking, Cummins said he had no idea anyone would ever want anything that he had built. But after several people had asked him over the years to make things, he finally got up the courage to agree to do it. His business, KC’s Woodworks, is located on his home property in a woodshop he built about three years ago to replace an older, smaller shop. The business continues to grow by word of mouth and posting on social media. “You build a reputation,” he said. The most popular items he’s asked to make are wooden bowls or solid wood specialty cabinets. All are one-of-a-kind. Several times the customer provided the
wood for their project because it was sentimental, cut on their property or special to them in some other way. “One lady brought some cypress and wanted a prayer altar made and a specific Scripture verse carved into the top of the altar,” Cummins said. “Those are special and you have to be very careful to get it just right.” Three projects Cummins made are particularly special to him. One was a cherry wood box, made as a Mothers Day gift for his mother Gwen Cummins, from wood cut across the road from his home. Another was a cedar armoire he made for his daughter. The third is also the most complicated thing he’s made — a grandfather clock.
Cummins takes requests from customers and builds objects however they request.
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“That’s the piece everyone makes a big deal out of — that and the armoire for my daughter.” /////
bankoffranklin.com Meadville | Bude | Brookhaven | McComb
BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 47
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garden JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Photo by MSU Extension/Gary Bachman
Dianthuses are a good choice for someone planting a large landscape.
Dianthus — beautiful and adaptable By Gary R. Bachman MSU Extension Service
I don’t think you can go wrong with some dianthus in your landscape in 2020. I love the flower colors that include pink, red, lavenders, white, and bicolors. The foliage of these plants ranges from being grass-like to broader strap-like linear leaves. Plus, the foliage provides contrast with colors ranging from bright green to steely blue-gray. There are some great selections that will do a fantastic job in our Mississippi gardens and landscapes especially in the cooler months of the year. The first one I want to highlight is the Bouquet Purple selection, which was selected as a Mississippi Medallion winner way back in 2001. Don’t let the fact that this was selected 19 years ago mislead you. Bouquet Purple is a fantastic selection with 24-inch-tall plants and big, brightly pink flowers that are softly scented just like that perfect bouquet.
Another cool-weather, go-to plant for me is Telstar dianthus. Telstar is the perfect choice with a wide range of colors for mass planting in the landscape. These plants are uniform growing, have a sturdy habit and grow to only about 10 inches tall and wide. Always plant in the full sun in well-drained soil. Telstar dianthus is susceptible to root disease problems if the soil is consistently wet, which is always a concern in our cool and wet fall and winter seasons. I grow my Telstar dianthus in containers or raised beds, which eliminates the worry about having the soil overly saturated. Breeders have been busy producing new coleuses, impatiens and begonias that tolerate the full sun. Now, dianthuses can be included in that club. Amazon dianthus, which tolerates summer temperatures and looks great in the landscape, will grow to over 2 feet tall in a garden. They are perfect for the backyard cutting garden, and the blooms have a long vase life. The colors Neon Purple and Neon Cherry shine like bright beacons in the landscape.
Rose Magic flowers start out white and transition to pink and rose with all three colors appearing in each flower head. The round flower heads are composed of many small single flowers. I really enjoy taking a close look at these flowers. The individual petals have a serrated edge and a subtle fragrance. The bright and vibrant colors are produced continuously from spring to fall. It may be one of the most perfect cut-and-flower-again plants you can grow in the garden and landscape. It’s a butterfly magnet throughout the flowering season. Also, if home gardeners are interested in a more compact variety compared to Amazon dianthus, the Jolt series is the perfect choice. Jolt will continue blooming into the summer season. Along with the striking bloom colors of cherry and pink, Jolt dianthus has excellent dark-green foliage that provides additional pop to the bloom color. Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an Extension and research professor at Mississippi State University. ///// BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 49
voices JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21
Why I love Brookhaven Brookhaven has that small town atmosphere, that really has grounded me in want I was searching for later in my life! Not realizing all the changes Brookhaven would instill on my life & my families! Living here gives me a great sense raising both my children! I wouldn’t want to live in any other town, because this is the place I call home. Strangers are friendly and helpful! Neighbors are passionate for their surroundings & protecting each other! That good old fashioned Southern charm, but still keeps up with the modern times. I enjoy how well kept our town is, for its cleanliness to the landscapes at every business. Not to mention all the beautiful Christmas window displays! One of our favorite things to do this time of year is drive around to look at the lights & windows at local businesses “dressed” for the holidays! It brings so much joy for the kids & makes it so magical! The Chambers has done a outstanding job bringing new traditions this year! Sadly this year we had to miss out on a lot due to Covid, but the town is truly making it magical for everyone to enjoy! I really enjoyed growing my business as a photographer being able to use the beautiful props set out for everyone to enjoy! Brookhaven has many hidden gems I love to use while doing a family session to a senior photo shoot! Something as simple as a lit ally way to the stunning property at Reeds estate, the hideaway! Too many neat spots to list, but for sure spoiled for my profession!
I knew that I needed God, but I didn’t know how to bring Him into my life when I was overwhelmed and lost. When I started my faith with First Baptist, I didn’t realize my journey was starting. I now feel God’s presence in everything I do, and for the first time in my life, I don’t feel weighed down with questions of hope! Brookhaven is called “Homeseekers paradise” for a reason, it fulfills all your thoughts of a small town in the Deep South should be!
Not such a hidden place I would call my second home, would be First Baptist Church. Not being able to attend all the extra activities our church host, I still fill up with joy knowing my church family is always willing to be here for me!
Jess Kleeman is a mom to Adeline and Logan and a wife to her husband Darris. She works as a photographer, specializing in family and children. The Kleemans located from New York more than two years ago.
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