ROSES, WATERMELON, AND CRITTERS

According to my leisure reading from, Lanterns on the Levee, The House of Percy, and Rising Tide, and talking with local people in this area, this is what I know regarding the shotgun houses on Floyd Smith Rd. previously known as Woodburn Road. They were constructed between 1890and 1920. They were built as part of the reconstruction plan after the Civil War. There were two notable plantations in this area: Centralia and Woodburn. The road now named Floyd Smith Rd was previously known as Woodburn Rd. The Centralia Plantation headquarters used to be on Hwy 49 between Indianola and Inverness close to the Baird-Rupert Rd. intersection. Woodburn Plantation Headquarters is still in the same place--and belongs to the Brewer family. It is located on the East side of the Sunflower River, 2.5 miles South of the Woodburn Bridge. After the War, the plantations were divided and new housing was built for the former plantation labor. The timber cut for these particular houses was from local forest and taken to the sawmill on the Sunflower River at Woodburn Plantation. White Deadening, South of my house and Dement Woods(also known as Little Africa/the only virgin forest left in the area) mi North of my house are the most likely places the trees were cut. The trees chosen were anything that would withstand the weather--pine, oak, and cypress. The rough-hewn boards are better than one inch thick. The house design was called “shotgun” because you could stand at the front door and fire a shotgun all the way through the house, and the buckshot would come out the back door, due to the doors all being aligned either to the left or right in the structure. (*See Note 1) The roof had a pitch angle to shed rainwater and was tin. The structure was heated by a wood burning fireplace and had no indoor plumbing. The water supply was well-water. They dug their own wells. The water was drawn up by a rope and bucket. Food was prepared on a wood-burning stove that was vented to the roof or the fireplace chimney.

In the late 1930’s and early 1940’s the federal government started a program to help the economy in the Mississippi Delta. The plantation land, originally under private ownership, was now owned by the federal government and was further divided into small parcels of land laid out in a German square. The three room shotgun houses were remodeled into family homes, with usually 6+ rooms. They were covered by asbestos siding. (This is not the harmful type of asbestos and stands up well to the weather in the area.) Two or three of the shotgun houses would be dragged to a new location and combined by knocking out the inner walls, adding kitchen cabinets, and combining the roof. Screened porches were added. New brick wood burning fireplaces were constructed for heat. There was electricity but no indoor plumbing. Each owner drilled for his water supply, and the pumps were powered by the old lever-type handle and had to be primed with additional water. Later, the pumps were powered by electricity. The walls were covered with paneling, usually oak, cut in the design known as “tongue and groove.” Dairy barns were built for each farm, these were used to milk the cows, and the land was fenced for pastures. Each farm had another large barn for livestock. The upper level was used to store hay. Some had smoke houses, chicken houses, and, of course, the outhouse. When we moved on to the property, I also had a small building which I used for a playhouse. The owners raised livestock to eat, milked the cows, and sold the milk to the government(standards for cleanliness and quality were high). The owners had vegetable gardens, and planted cotton and corn. The farms are small--50 to 60 acres each. On the West side of Woodburn Rd. (Floyd Smith Rd.), the land belonged to Woodburn Plantation and was still under private ownership. The shotgun houses for plantation workers were left alone. When I arrived in 1954, there was at least five single shotgun houses for field hands on the West side of the road. They disappeared, one by one. The houses, constructed of cypress, were torn down and the boards used for paneling in new homes.

When the Veterans returned home after W.W.II, programs were made available to them at favorable terms and rates, and they could buy the dairy farms. My Dad served in the Navy and bought this one in 1954.

In the late 50’s, he had the walls sheet-rocked, cement blocks for porches were added, the plumbing updated, all the windows were replaced, and the popular pine kitchen cabinets were installed by Inverness Lumber Company. The house size is approximately 1065 sq ft plus the porches and storage. In the 70’s, my Mother paneled the living room, dining room, hall, and master bedroom. She installed the storm windows and blown fiberglass insulation. In 1991, I had all the wiring, except the back porch, replaced. In 1995, I replaced the hot water heater. As time passed, all the other buildings, on the site, were torn down, one by one. I had the dairy barn buried, on it’s site, using a backhoe, in 2001. It was an eyesore due to lack of repair.

There is detailed information on the landscaping, appliances, and remodeling. I kept a supply of the remodeling material for cost-effective use. I started remodeling in Nov. 2001. I remodeled with the idea I would eventually add on to the structure and live in it. The living space is approximately 1,065 sq ft. The carpenter, Kenny Hester, started with the foundation. He put in seventeen+ cement blocks with 4 x 4 treated lumber posts to stabilize the foundation. He installed 4x4 treated lumber supports where the buildings were attached: one north and south, the other east and west. I added 10,020 lbs of concrete(quikrete) and 600 lbs of gravel to the house foundation.

Kenny and I removed the wall between the kitchen and dining area. The window in the dining room was removed and replaced with two single-paned glass French doors opening to the back porch. Kenny built new kitchen cabinets designed for a cook. It is the second kitchen he and I have remodeled. Every inch of space is incorporated for utility and storage. The lower cabinets are fitted with pull-out shelves and lights. The upper cabinets all have lights underneath which give plenty of light for the large countertop work space. The pantry cabinet goes from floor to ceiling and has adjustable shelves. It is perfect for spices, canned goods, and candles, etc. The black glass-cooktop is Whirlpool. The black, ceramic tile back splash makes cleaning easy. The vent-a-hood is 24” black enamel, and made by Broan. It is lighted, and the fan speed is adjustable. It is vented to the attic. The dishwasher is black, Whirlpool with several cycles and options for cycles. The countertop is Formica and includes colors of black, brown, and gold. The garbage disposal is Kitchen-Aid hp. It is the largest they make for residential use. The sink is a black, cast-iron double made by Kohler. The faucets are brass, swan-necked made by Price-Phister. The plumbing is new with cut-off valves and an ice-maker portal. All the walls and the floor were replaced with top-grade wood. The North wall was insulated with fiberglass insulation. A vertical, double-casement, hinged window, made by Andersen, replaced the kitchen window. The interior of the house is painted the same color--a soft cream. The kitchen cabinet hardware is brass. The cabinet shelves all have plate grooves. Crown molding accents the ceiling in the kitchen/dining and living room areas. The kitchen light is a drop down, fluorescent and finished with the crown molding. The garbage can is a pull-out wood frame, on special hardware glides. The bottom corner cabinet has a special hardware lazy-susan for ease of access. It has a cookie-sheet rack and a shelf. The light over the sink is from Stuart-Irby. It was chosen for style and it’s delicate light enhancing design. It is controlled by a dimmer switch. Two full-sized black, self-cleaning, Whirlpool electric ovens were installed. Below the ovens is a large, deep drawer. The drawer can be compartmentalized.(That is, it has plywood dividers that can be put in grooves to divide the drawer.) It is for larger kitchen utensils and small kitchen appliances. There are four additional drawers in the kitchen cabinets. The kitchen features a four drawer desk with telephone and internet access. A striped designer wallpaper completed our efforts. All the appliances were purchased Jan. 2002 except the refrigerator, and it is not for sale.(11’5”x21’)

The dining area has a wine rack and mini-bar modeled after one at “The Olive Garden” in Jackson. The mini-bar has special hardware, due to the weight of the liquor, to support the pull out shelf. The light fixture is a (5) frosted globe brass chandelier with a dimmer switch.

The living area has a floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall bookcase with adjustable shelves. A trac light with a dimmer control highlights the built-in fireplace. The well-used fireplace was purchased from an antiques store in Harahan, La. It is now a faux fireplace with traditional styling. It is built-in on a raised platform, and Kenny finished the base with tile that we used for flooring. (13’3”x13’) There is a view thru the oval paned front door thru the living and dining area and thru the double French doors into the backyard. During Christmas I outline these doors with clear lights and there are (5) deer with clear lights in the back yard. It makes a pretty drive-by display for the Holidays.

The master bedroom is paneled, and Kenny installed two double closets with louvered doors. The closets include four drawers, constructed to be compartmentalized.(Same as the large kitchen drawer above) The closets were built to my specifications regarding pegboard siding to hang hair dryers and accessories. The drawers, at the bottom, dictate the area for suits, blouses, dresses, and there is an area for formal attire. The shelving and closet rods were constructed so as not to be a nuisance to clothes hangers. The room has a ceiling fan and large windows, for lots of light. The sunsets are magnificent. (13’x13’2”)

The Southeast bedroom has a large double closet which is also constructed so as not to be a nuisance to clothes hangers. It has pegboard siding. This room has large windows and gets the morning light.(11’5” x 9’5”)

The hall features paneling, a wall-mounted light, and pull-down stairs for the attic. The attic is partially floored with room for more flooring. It has a safety post at the top of the stairs, fluorescent lighting, and electrical outlets.

A three ton central air and heating unit by Trane is installed. It is the energy-saving model. It really saves on the electric bill. The attic is ventilated by turbo and wood vents. I have stored remodeling material and repair supplies in the attic. They are: ceramic tile, wallpaper, roof tiles(shingles), floor tile, asbestos shingles, formica, and molding. There is extra paint in the outside storage.

The bathroom is outfitted with a red Formica vanity cabinet with a lighted pull-out drawer and black Kohler sink. The vanity faucet is Delta, swan-necked, chrome and brass. The toilet is black Kohler. The plumbing is all new with cut-offs. For overhead lighting, there is a ceiling light-exhaust fan combination. Over the vanity is a vintage-style, frosted tulip bulb, (4) light fixture mounted on a brass bar. The tub and shower enclosure are made of fiberglass. Accessing the tub and shower are sliding, frosted, tempered-glass doors. The bathroom has striped designer wallpaper.

The Northwest bedroom has a single closet, ceiling fan, and plenty of light from large windows. It has a 220 electrical outlet. This room views the sunsets. (13’x 9’)

The back porch is a large, painted concrete slab, screened. It has two access doors from the house--one from the kitchen and the other from the dining area. The walls are wood and asbestos. It is painted white, with open rafters, and has a ceiling fan. It has a storage room--lighted, well-insulated, and it has duct-work in place, for the central air and heat, addressing future remodeling plans. It features shelving and pegboard for storage. It contains a 40 gallon, gas-fueled, hotwater heater. (48 sq ft) The washer and dryer hook-ups are on the back porch. There is an outside electric outlet and doorbell by the back screened door. The porch looks out over the farmland and the brake. Sago palms outline the east wall. There is a water supply available for a water fountain, lily pond, or a koi pond. The porch faces East. The sunrises are inspiring.(136 sq ft) Painted 10/07.

The front porch is a painted concrete slab with a ceiling fan. It has a flower box by the front door. The front door is wood with a large, clear, oval glass pane and brass traditional style hardware. It has a doorbell and outside electrical outlet. (96 sq ft)Painted 10/06. A lattice trellis holds up lavender Japanese wisteria.

The drive and parking area was put down Dec. 2003. A foundation was prepared by bulldozing. A base powder was laid to harden. Grey rock was added. A white lattice fence was added 5/25/2007. An evergreen--Confederate jasmine was planted along the fence 2008. A concrete(quickrete) walkway was added to the front yard, and concrete(quickrete) steps was added to the back yard. I added an 8’x10’ pre-fab metal building(Home Depot) for outside storage August 2002.

For emergencies, in case of electric power failure, the central air and heat unit's thermostat has a back up battery. In addition for a heat supply, (2) gas outlets were left for a temporary infared gas heater. Only one heater will be needed. The outlets are needed because the thermostat on the central air and heating unit is electric and I do not know the life of it's battery. There is a regulator on the gas line to keep the fuel flow stable.

PVC pipe lines are installed underground to drain the house foundation and washing machine. The water lines under the house were raised, replaced with pvc, and insulated. The kitchen drain has a trap installed for unclogging. The septic tank has three traps, and the line from the bathroom has one trap. The plumbing and water have never been a problem. Septic tank cleaned 1/08.

The suppliers I used are: Price-Phister, Kohler, Whirlpool, Andersen, Broan, Delta, Kitchen-Aid, and Trane. The floor tile, throughout the house, is new. I bought it at Home Depot, and it has a life-time warranty. This is not a complete listing of suppliers. I have a folder which has the manuals, warranties, and small tools supplied with some appliances. I have diagrammed the drain pipes, telephone lines, water line, gas lines.

All the electrical wiring and box were inspected by a licensed electrician, Leroy Bowlin, when he installed the central air and heating unit, April 2002. It was Mr. Bowlin’s decision to add extra voltage at that time, for an addition. Delta Electric Power Company did the work. The water supply is from Inverness Water Association. They drilled a public well. The water tastes great, and does laundry and personal hygiene well. The gas supply is propane, and my distributor--Gresham.

While the physical address is 102 Floyd Smith Rd., Indianola, MS 38751, the phone is listed as Inverness with a (265) prefix.

The house faces West. It was painted a white satin August 2004. The roof is gray and was replaced Dec. 2000.

In remodeling, I have accented natural light inside the house and the view of the outdoors. In landscaping, I did not plant anything at the parameter of the house lot to block the view of the land except to the North. My Dad was a hunter and outdoorsman. I grew up eating wild game. He installed the windows, which were the largest available at the time, 40" x 54", for the view. It is quiet except for the birds. There are woodpeckers, whip-o-wills, doves, and bob-whites. I can identify their calls. There are hawks, herons, cardinals, blue-jays, black birds, red-winged black birds, sparrows, owls, starlings and many more. There are armadillos, porcupines, squirrels, raccoon, possum, fox, cottontail rabbits, snakes(good and bad), coyotes, and deer. The animals have made a crossing on the back of the farm. It is a shortcut for them to travel at night from the Sunflower River to White Deadening and back to the Sunflower River over at Kinloch. In August the hummingbirds visit. In January, for a short period, the migratory bird arrive. They are a delight. I am very protective of the animals. 

There are post offices, grocery stores, fire stations, and hospitals within 7 miles. Waste Management picks up the garbage on Wednesday morning. Daily, rural mail pickup is available. Fedex and UPS delivery is available. Emergency facilities are available and ambulance service. There are several Home/Health nursing services in the area. Moorhead Jr. College is 12 miles. Delta State University is 40 miles.

The rose garden is planted with Jackson & Perkins roses--hybrid teas, floribundas, and climbers. I have a diagram with the names of most of them. A permanent white lattice trellis was installed for the wisteria 9/07. There are daylillies, ivy, and jasmine. There is a fig tree--”Celestial” is it’s common name. There are redbuds, a dogwood, pecan, oak, and magnolia trees. I planted Leland cypress trees as a windbreak, from the North-wind, on the North side of the house lot. I planted a few flowering, Bradford Pear trees South of them. In addition, I planted a few light, pink, dwarf, crepe myrtle trees South of the Bradford pear trees. (see note 2) There are dwarf crepe myrtle trees(10’-12’), two white, dwarf, crepe myrtle trees(10’-12’), two light pink crepe myrtle trees(can grow to 20') and four purple crepe myrtle trees(20’). Various bluestar and green juniper bushes, cedar trees, and mugo pines were used for landscaping, due to their hardiness and varied forms. There is gardenias, nandinas, wisteria, monkey grass, hyacinths, hydrangeas, cannas, red oleander, four-o-clocks, fern (several types), aspadestrea, hostas, sago palms, marlow hibiscus, azaleas, elephant ears, and Japanese maples.

The ground surrounding the house site was leveled by bulldozing before landscaping. I have information on suppliers and most of the plants. There is room for more plants. They grow well in the sandy loam soil. There is space for a large garden, a small fenced pasture, or more plants. The  house lot is (1) acre.

I am in the process of remodeling the NW bedroom and making energy related improvements.

I am a CPA by profession. I have a license in real estate.

JudyLee

*Note 1: I have heard of licentious adventures connected with the term “shotgun. house.”

Note 2: These are to be used in case of casualties on the western boundary.

Note 3: This brochure, if downloaded, plays to Cajun music and has (6) sound bites.