Smoke Signals and other news
Byhalia area residents are grateful to Northcentral Electric employees for their dedication to restoring power during this week of sleet, snow, and freezing rain.
I can see one major limb broken on a favorite tree and some on the cedar trees in the yard and pasture. Neighbors have reported many limbs and trees down. I stood on my porch listening to the unmistakable sound of limbs and trees snapping in the pasture. Then as the sun began to shine and the ice started to melt and drop from the trees, it created beautiful showers of diamonds falling to the ground. I am also grateful for District 3 employees coming through with graders to remove trees from the road.
About two weeks ago, while I was getting things from my truck, I found a gallon jug that was originally Milo's tea on the back seat of my truck. It contained what appeared to be water. It was not a serious issue but a mystery just the same. I have never purchased Milo's tea, so I know it did not come from my house. My house is on a hill and not exactly close to the road. I've asked the few people who regularly come to my place, and all claim to be innocent. My truck is usually locked if I go anywhere.
To save money on the cost of printing and the rising cost of postage, the Town of Byhalia will discontinue sending out late notices for your gas, water, and sewer bills. You know you have a statement due approximately the same day each month. I know of one local business that has not received a bill for these services for six months but still paid the bill on time each month.
I am aware that the town of Byhalia has an ordinance passed to enforce Christmas decorations being up too long to be taken down by a specific date. I'm not exactly sure what the deadline is, but if you still have decorations out, you probably need to take them down.
Little Moo's Burgers and Treats will have a ribbon cutting Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. At 73 Highway 309 in Byhalia.
The Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street celebrates 35 years of service this year. The Chamber is happy to have the support and many that joined them on their journey. They are excited to be a part of Byhalia's continuing growth and success.
Planning for the new year has been a busy few months for the Chamber. They have been working on upgrades to their systems to enhance your member benefits. They are tentatively planning to launch a new website and member software program loaded with benefits. They have added a new monthly networking event, “Coffee & Commerce,” held on the third Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. Currently held at their office, this is an opportunity to mingle with other members and community leaders in a casual atmosphere while enjoying coffee and donuts.
On Saturday, Feb. 11, our local author, Levi Bronze, will be at Carriage House Coffee of Thistledome from 8 a.m. To 11 a.m. To sign his first book, The Red Brick Road. Books will be available for purchase. His second book, “Two Yellow Cabooses,” will be released on April 13.
Also, on February 11, the Byhalia Area Art Council will hold its first Super Saturday of the year. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. At the Old School Commons, you can learn to paint with acrylics. There is limited space for ages 16 and over. The cost is $35 per person, with supplies provided. Call or text 419-8068615. If painting is not your thing, check out the cupcake decorating class from 10 a.m. To noon. The cost is $65 with supplies provided, and you take your cupcakes home! Email TrinaSocle@gmail.com for reservations and payment.
The fun continues later that day. Experience downtown Byhalia for shopping and chocolate and a chance to win a Valentine's gift basket from Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street and merchants. From 4 p.m. To 6 p.m. Just spend $35 in any participating shop and get a ticket to be entered into a raffle to win a bouquet of roses and a $20 gift card from each participating business. The drawing will be at 6:15 p.m.
Now for your history lesson on the town of Byhalia.
The Mississippi territory began to see more frequent arrival of settlers from North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, with some later moving to Arkansas and Texas. Marshall County's census returns in 1860 showed a decrease of some 3,000 whites from the 1850 census. Unfortunately, very little is known of many of these early pioneers. People of good moral character settled in Byhalia; many were considered wealthy. Some known early settlers included Josephus Cook Babb and his wife Emily N. (Rogers), who came to Byhalia in the late 1840s from Greenville, South Carolina, where he had conducted a school. He taught in the early schools in Byhalia and was a land surveyor and a farmer. When the Civil War began, he enlisted in the Confederacy, returned home after the war, and resumed teaching. He died November 11, 1866, and the local Masonic Lodge financed his daughter Catherine’s education at the Byhalia Female Institute in his honor. Josephus and Emily had six children.
A. L. Chalmers said to be from South Carolina, built one of the finest homes in Byhalia that still stands. He built a small structure about 1840 facing north. This home was bought in 1906 by a local merchant, E. B. Horn, and extensively remodeled, enlarged, and named Thistledome. The front of the house was changed to face an easterly direction. Bought in 1938 by Mr. and Mrs. Deaton McAuley, the home continues to be one of the most attractive in Byhalia. Currently owned by Todd and Jill Maxwell, it has a unique history.
Please share your news with me at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901-246-8843. Please do not message me on Facebook.