The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1910-10-14
"HTA BFNA
THEN AND NOW
Prominent Divine From Moss Point Makes
Observations.

Rev. T. B. HolIoman, who was on a
visit from Moss Point, Miss, to friends
and relatives at Itta Jena recently, on
his return home, made the following OBJ
concerning the wonderful
growth and prosperity of Itta Bena:
eighteen inches, four square, all
heart, slanting at the top and six feet
high, looking out upon the face of the
beautiful Roebuck lake, is all hat re-
mains to tell Of a glorious past and the
home of n of Mississippi's most hon-
ored families. An old oak post with it's
strongly set hinge upon which swung
the gate to the entrance Of the Itla
Bena home, In the early ~ffties, some
years before those dark days Of fratri-
cidal carnage, Hon. BENJAMIN G. Hum
phreys, a citizen Of Port Gibson, Miss,
opened up this magnificent tract in the
heart Of the great delta. Here he err
ected the typical Southern plantation
residence, with large rooms, wide hall
ways and spacious galleries. Hewed
logs, home drawn shingles, hand planed
boards and brick from the nearby kiln
were the material in it's construction.
Here the happy family spent their win
ter months, while the bountiful harvest
was gathering into the barn aud press.
alta Bena," that beautiful and sug-
gestive Indian name of "Home in the
Woods When the tocsin of war was
sounded in 1861 the master responded
to it's call and ere the scene at Apo
mattox was enacted had won a place
among the first Of his country's leaders.
"The conflict over, to him was offered,
first of all her sons, the honor and the
task Of guiding the affairs of his bolov-
ed state. B.. @. Humphreys, general,
governor and statesman. More than all,
the chivalrous Southern gentleman.
"Upon this gnarled oaken post his
hands had rested, and could it speak
what a tale it could unfold Of quiet,
peace and lordly hospitality. 10 stalk
ed his all upon the fortunes of country.
and like thousands suffered beyond re-
covery. He who could lead men to vic
tory in the lace of shot and she'll was
unable to stem the current Of the new
regime and the magnificent home in the
woods must be linked with the name
and fortunes of others.
"Some twenty years ago the Georgia
Pacific Railroad in seeking a terminus
on the Mississippi river came by this
way. The progressive citizens seized
upon the opportunity, laid out a munich
pality and offered Inducements, which
has resulted in one of the most substan-
tial. aggressive n beautiful little cities
of this wonderful Yazoo Delta.
"If to any ono more than another
credit may be given for this consumma-
| rion, it would be to J. L. Haley, once
sheriff of Lefore county and present
owner of the home in the woods. His
| constant thought has been for the well
fare of the young city and he has spared
no means to enhance her growth.
"Ten years ago it was little more than
q way station; today it is a proud ano
prosperous city of two thousand souls
Forty and two stores meeting all the
demands of the most fastidious lady ano
the requirements Of the sturdy planter
tell of it's mercantile advantages. Three
banks with an aggregate capital OF over
100000, and an annual shipment o
10000 bales of cotton are suggestive O
her future growth.
"Within the past twelve months thu
depot has doubled it's freight capacity
and moro than forty new houses have
been erected.
IAN oil mill, a cotton compress,
prosperous bowl factory and a larg'
veneering plant are among its perman
ant industries.
"Three organized congregations witt
two resident ministers and a $4,000
brick school building with teaching
force of five, evidence the spirit Of he:
people as to morals and education. He,
postofice, banks and other building:
would grace a city of larger proper
UlOuS. I1cI SlGCUtlC liSAt SSSteu. "SSC
works, sewerage and long stretches 0
concrete pavement are suggestive Q
cleanliness and beauty. With lawyers
physicians, cotton buyers and a wei
kept hotel the work of the city is wei
equipped.
"From North, South, East and Yves
the railroad systems which center with
in her corporation bring in their hal
score trains a day. The outgoing mayor
DR.. T. B. Holman, who has been identi
fed with her interests for more thai
ten years, and has rcioiced at ever.
evidence of her prosperity, has cause o
graduation Of toe work dune by tn
city fathers, as they have sought to en-
nance her growth and beauty.
upon all this the old post looks IS
silent witness to the Latin adage ITEM
pus mutat ct omnes mutunt."