Kentwood Museum Redevelopment Committee Tours the Amite Genealogy Library and Archives

Ronald Harrell looking at photographs with
Bill Dorman
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Genealogist Antoinette Harrell arranged a tour of the genealogy division and the archival room at the Amite Branch Library for the committee. Several members of the committee attended the tour. Bill Dorman, the department staff gave us a very informative tour. He explained the process of accessing historical records and the importance of the library's digital resources. The committee members were particularly impressed by the extensive collection of maps and photographs available for research. There were some very useful tips offered during the tour.

Researchers and family historians will find photographs, booklets, and other papers in the old museum that Ronald Harrell, Christian Mounger, and Antoinette Harrell discovered while packing the artifacts, documents, and other research materials. The materials can provide valuable insights into the lives and experiences of Kentwood natives, offering a glimpse into the cultural, social, and economic conditions of the time. Photographs can reveal details about Kentwood, the town, and community events. The booklets and papers can contain firsthand accounts, genealogical information, and historical records that enrich our understanding of Kentwood's history. Together, they serve as primary sources that help us piece together the narratives of Kentwood and the people who call Kentwood home.

It was interesting to see the photographs of Kentwood. One of the old ice houses and some from the logging company. The logging company played a crucial role in the development and growth of Kentwood, providing employment opportunities and driving the local economy. 

Bill Dorman
Amite Genealogy Department
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Selecting the right materials for storage and display is important to the committee. The choice of materials can significantly impact the longevity and condition of stored items. Acidic or unstable materials may lead to deterioration, discoloration, or damage over time. Using appropriate, archival-quality materials ensures that artifacts and documents are preserved in their original state for future generations. One of the things we notice was the growing need of space. This is one of major concerns for all museums and libraries. The committee is carefully taking space and storage into consideration for the new museum. During their meeting, the committee discussed the need to form a standing committee to handle incoming donations in the future. By establishing a dedicated standing committee, the organization can assure that future donation management is handled consistently and efficiently. 

The Town of Kentwood Historical Museum Redevelopment Committee tour West Baton Rouge Museum

Kentwood Museum Historical Redevelopment Museum
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Kentwood Historical Museum Redevelopment recently visited West Baton Museum in Port Allen. The tour was attended by several members, including Irma T. Gordon, the Town of Kentwood, and others.  Our sincere thanks to Amanda Moak, Curator of Collections, and her staff for providing us with the tour and all the information about museum preservation. We were particularly impressed by the extensive collection of artifacts that showcased the rich region's history. The interactive exhibits provided an engaging experience, allowing us to explore West Baton's cultural heritage.

West Baton Parish was built on the sugarcane industry. The West Baton Rouge Museum is the only museum to preserve the history of sugar in Louisiana from the colonial period to the present day. We proceed to the plantation store and Juke Joint after watching a ten-minute documentary.  The site includes eight historic buildings. Although we didn't visit each building.

Monthly postcards containing all the monthly programs and events were equally impressive to me. You can find out more about the exhibitions during the Historical Happy Hour. The Historical Happy Hour is a monthly event that combines education with entertainment, offering visitors a chance to enjoy themed talks, live music, and refreshments while exploring the museum's exhibits. It's an excellent opportunity for history enthusiasts to engage with experts and learn more about specific topics related to the region's past. Attendees can socialize and network in a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular gathering for both locals and tourists.

Ronald Harrell-President
Antoinette Harrell-Vice President
Kentwood Historical Museum Redevelopment Committee
Photo Credit: Connor Lacoste

Kudzu: The plant that ate the South

The infamous Kudzu
Kentwood, Louisiana 

Sometimes you will see vines covering trees and other vegetation in the South like a blanket. The vines are called kudzu. In the late 19th century, it was introduced from Asia. It soon became a real nuisance to the southern states. It will claim whatever is in its path, whether it's a tree, a telephone pole or bushes. Some researchers claim that kudzu covered millions of acres in the south. The southern landscape is under threat from these invasive vines. Kudzu grows rapidly and can smother native plants by blocking sunlight, which is essential for their survival. This leads to a significant reduction in biodiversity as native species are outcompeted and die off.  The dense mats of kudzu can alter soil composition and disrupt local ecosystems. Many people may not be aware of this. 

Yes, kudzu is here in Kentwood. Residents can help manage kudzu growth by regularly cutting back the vines to prevent them from spreading. They can also use herbicides specifically designed to target kudzu, although they should do so with caution to avoid harming other plants. Additionally, organizing community efforts to remove kudzu and restore native vegetation can be an effective long-term solution.

It is said that kudzu roots have 10 amazing health benefits. It has several additional names, including Japanese arrowroot,Chinese arrowroot, kudzu vine, kudzu roots, and kudzu herb. One of my friends from New York taught me how to make tea from kudzu leaves. To make kudzu tea, you start by harvesting fresh kudzu leaves, ensuring they are clean and free from pesticides. Next, wash the leaves thoroughly and steep them in boiling water for about 10-15 minutes. Finally, strain the leaves out and enjoy your tea either hot or chilled, adding a bit of honey or lemon for extra flavor if desired. You can also use the flowers to make tea. 

Link to learn more about Kudzu: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kudzu-root

Sweet Home Baptist Church History

Old Sweet Home Baptist Church
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

In a humble way, the Sweet Home Baptist Church members began to shape their destiny by adhering to the great Biblical guidelines. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6.

They believed in God and with this belief the first Church was organized in the late 1880s. The name Sweet Home could have been chosen because the first meetings took place in a home located northeast of town, on the east side of Cook Creek. Mrs. Hazel Kinzy recalls here step-father, Mr. Willis Bates, talking about the church being held in Buck Town in a field.  The Church existed for years in this location. Some of the pioneer families are buried there. Although a majority of those pioneers could neither read or write, they were possessed with and innate intelligence by which they were able to carry on successfully. It was such a faith and devotion that brought them through those trying years of the reconstruction era.

The building also served as a school consisting of primary through fourth grade. Mrs. Ruby Hookfin and Mrs. Inez Hookfin recall having to cross Cool Creek to attend School in the frame building. Mrs. Emma Buckhalter was the only teachers.

Some of the casualties from the terrible train wreck of November 1903 were buried in the Sweet Home Baptist Church area. In 1904 Hon. William H. Scanlon came to Kentwood as head bookkeeper for the Brooks-Scalon Mill. He arranged a building to be erected, with the debt to be satisfied by deducting $1. 00 from each church members employed at the mill. After sometime, the mill owner decided this would take too long and declared the bill paid in full for the building only. 

Sweet Home Baptist Church Cemetery

As time moved on the church, as we know it today, was organized by Reverend Mose Barnard in June
1910. Reverend S. Howard served as pastor from 1911-1916. His deacons were Benjamin Hook and J. B. Williams. In the mid 1920s the building was m moved west across Cool Creek. Older members remember the men using six or eight horses to skid it across the creek which took approximately six to eight weeks. During the time the church was in transit regular services were still held. After the building was moved to the west side, it continued to serve a dual purpose-church and school. With grades five and six added.  The Church ceased to be used as a school in 1940. 

Other pastors who have served are: Bradley (1916-1921), Bolivar (1921-1926), B. Robertson (1926-1935), Tobias (1935-1951), John Thompson (1951) to present. Second and fourth Sundays were service days, with Sunday School  being conducted every Sunday.

Thanks to Ms. Della Mae Wilson, a cash deed int eh amount of thirty-five dollars was paid to the Estate of J. H. Ellis for one acres of land. Witnesses were: Aquila Sibley, T.G. Womack, James H. Brumfield, Mrs. Emily. E. Owens, Mrs. M.K. Ellis, and Herbert Broyles, Notary Public.

The original frame building was first improved with concrete blocks, then bricked under the leadership of Reverend John Thompson. Interior improvements have also been made. We have come from torches to the comfort of electricity, air conditioning, drinking water fountains, carpets and comfortable pews. The pastor and choir have been robed, new collection plates and communion set have been purchased.

Deaconess who served are: Hazel Kinzy,  Grace Andrews, Vetra Brumfield, Emily Ware, Emma Taylor, Katie Brumfield, Beatrice Brumfield, and Annie Mae Strickland. 

Deacons have been: V.O. Brumfield, I.V. Kinzy, Willie Joe Ferdinand, Paul Robertson, Leo Andrews, Conrad Wyre, Wallace Brumfield, Ike Strickland and Henry Mercelous. Founding Father and Board of Trustees: Betty Perkins, Della Roman and Willis Bates.  The Willing Workers Club composed of women who raised the money to move the church. The Women's Amite River Baptist Association had its birth at our church in the year 1948. Two members, the late Lois Marcellus and Fochia V. Wilson has served as president of this organization. Elmira Wilkerson was one the first musicians in later years. Others who have followed are: Fannie Ard, Amos Addison, Yvonne Brumfield, Jerry Marcellus, Rev. Crosan, Rev. Michael Williams, Fannie and Emma McClendon. 

Sweet Home Baptist Church Cornerstone
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Source: Reprint from an article written and submitted by Mrs. Fochia V. Wilson

The History of Schilling Drug Company in Kentwood, LA

Schilling Drugs
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

In the small town of Osyka, Mississippi, three brothers were born and raised: Clyde Leroy, Frank Charles, and Henry Leonard Schilling.  It was in 1891 that Frank was born. In 1893, Clyde was born, and Leonard, affectionately called Eaph, in 1901.

Clyde worked in the Osyka Drug Store in 1908 as a soda clerk and a clean-up boy. He studied pharmacy at the Atlanta College of Pharmacy in Georgia for six grueling months and graduated in 1914. Frank, his brother, took the course and failed twice. Afterwards, he earned a degree in business administration. After attending college in Atlanta, Leonard received a degree from the college.

Clyde decided to expand his business into Kentwood. The two became business partners while Leonard served as their druggist.  There is no exact date, but many people recalled the early 1940s. In 1946, Leonard, Natalie, Bettye, and Fran moved to Kentwood and settled on Avenue H., a short distance from Main Street, where the drugstore is located.

The store was filled with beautiful cases which were originally built in the 1930s for a model drugstore. The wall shelving had inlaid wood carving with lots of glass. The high ceiling of the room was adorned with fans and lighting fixtures. Ice cream and cokes were served at marble top tables and wooden chairs. In the early days, Schilling Drug Co. had a soda fountain that the local shopper enjoyed.

Leonard carefully measured and weighed compounds and powder behind the prescription counter using an old manual typewriter and scales. He then mixed them in large mortar with a pestle. (You can still see the mortar and pestle at Schilling Drug today). After a family dispute, Clyde gave the store to Leonard in 1959. Leonard brought Natalie, Fran, and Bettye into the business.

Natalie sold the store in 1970 to her son-in-law and daughter, Harold and Betty Fussell. Schilling Drug Co. had operated on Main Street until 1977, when it moved to its new location on Avenue G. In an ironic twist of fate, all three brothers died within nine months of one another. Leonard passed away in June 1969.Frank died in March of 1970 and Clyde in January of 1970. In May of 1988, another member of their small family became a pharmacist.

Reprint from the "Schilling Drug Co." Kentwood Historical Cultural Museum

Town of Kentwood 2023 Inaugural Ceremony

Left to Right: Councilman Gary Callihan, Councilman Paul Stewart, 
Mayor Irma T. Gordon, Councilwoman Jakoiya Wilkerson, Councilman Xavier Diamond,
Councilman Micheal Hall
The Town of Kentwood
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

On December 31, 2022, the newly elected officials were sworn in. Irma T. Gordon has been elected mayor. In addition to her role as mayor, she served on the town council. Incumbent Rochell D. Bates pulled 49.4% of the votes, while she led by 50.6%. There was no doubt that the election was tight. 

Jakoiya Wikerson, Paul Stewart, and Michael Hall, newly elected town council members, were sworn in. Before the previous administration, both Michael Hall and Paul Stewart served on the town council. As members of the board, their experience of local government will be an asset. Council members Xavier Diamond and Gary Callihan were re-elected to serve another term. Michael Kazerooni, the current Chief of Police for the town, was unopposed in the election. 

Mayor Gordon seized the moment to speak about some of the issues she would address as mayor. She pointed out that she would be at City Hall on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 to start working. In addition, she stated that she would be available for all matters pertaining to town business affairs. She acknowledged her family, friends, and supporters.

The evening was moderated by former police chief James Rimes, followed by several local ministers and pastors. All elected officials pledged to uphold the laws, policies, and status that govern the town. Thursday, January 5, 2023 will be the first monthly meeting for this year and the new administration. 

As part of  her campaign promise, she promised to be very transparent and that city hall would be open to everyone. She said, "Yes, we should hold each other accountable." She promised to work with residents, businesses, and attract new businesses too Kentwood.