Dogtrot House

The dogtrot, also known as a breezeway house, dog-run, or possum-trot, is a style of house that was common throughout the Southeastern United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Sometimes I dream of owning a dogtrot in rural Mississippi. Welcoming visitors to sit in the breezeway while we drink ice lemon tea and have long conversations.

This dogtrot is located in the Grand Gulf Military State Park.

Love the porch and breezeway.

Come inside one of the big rooms, rest your feet.

On the backside

Dying to Ride

Seeing these hearses reminded me of a story one of my elderly cousins shared. Uncle John Markham was working in his field when he saw a hearse and funeral procession. Curious, he later asked a neighbor about the funeral. The neighbor told him, "Man, that was your Ma."

John's mother, Mary Byrd Markham, died 28 Oct 1937. A wake was held in the home of the deceased, buried the next day. Twenty miles was between the residences of the son and mother and I suppose his siblings thought one of the others told him. There was a rift between John and his parents, which likely didn't encourage anyone to notify John of his mother's death.

These hearses were from New Orleans, circa 1875-1890.

Hearses seen at Grand Gulf Military State Park.

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church

The church was built in 1868 in the town of Rodney, Jefferson County, MS. Members of my family lived near Rodney, which in its early days was a flourishing river town. Today, Rodney is a struggling ghost town. The church was moved to Grand Gulf Military State Park in 1983. It has been restored to its original condition.