Rollin’ On The River-Prologue

Prologue

A Mississippi River Cruise

July 15-24, 2025

Mark Twain

Huckleberry Finn

Tom Sawyer

 Paddle Wheel River Boats

Antebellum Plantation Homes

I don’t know about you, but for me these names have always conjured up thoughts and images of a by gone era in our country’s history, notably that of the Old South. Although that era has an overabundance of misery for slavery and man’s inhumanity to man, there also exists elements of romance, elegance and gentility during the early years of this country. I remember, in my youth, having read (and re-read later in life) the adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, and more recently a new book “James”, a telling of the Tom Sawyer tales through the eyes of the negro slave James. After reading “James” late in 2024, it got me to thinking about the unifying aspect of all those stories and an idea for my 2025 summer vacation, a cruise.

On the Mississippi River.

The Mighty Mississippi, The Big Muddy, Old Man River, all monikers for the second longest river in the United States, stretching from northern Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana, discharging into the Gulf of Mexico.

Wouldn’t it be grand to be able to experience or somewhat relive a part of that bygone time, and maybe even on a paddle wheel boat? Like a paddle wheel churning through the water, I earnestly began searching for trip ideas.

Finding ‘Vacations to Go’, a company representing American Cruise Lines, I thought a 9-day lower Mississippi cruise, from New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee would be a good fit. A full-length trip of 19 days seemed excessive.

Having traveled with Mark N., my travel companion, I cast out a line to he and his sister and brother-in-law, Penny and Stu, to see if they would bite on the idea. We three had previously cruised to Cuba and had a terrific time, so this seemed like a good fit for all of us.

All three onboard with the idea, we sailed forward in the planning.

In the days and weeks to follow I will send out story chapters of my cruise experiences on Ol’ Man River.

From the musical “Showboat” to set the tone:

 “ Ol’ man river,

Dat ol’ man river,

 He jes’ keeps rollin’,

He keeps on rollin’ along”

I’m also “dat ol’ man’ and I hope you “keeps on rollin’ along” with me.

Your feedback, comments and subscribing to my blog are encouraged and appreciated.

(I also need to give credit for stirring up this vacation idea to Roger LeLievre, a former co-worker at The Ann Arbor News who completed a Mississippi River cruise last summer. Unfortunately, the company that Roger booked in 2024 has ceased operations, but alternate cruises were active.)

• End of the LineOctober 26, 2025

  

  Rollin’ On The River

  Chapter 10

  Mississippi River Cruise 2025

  Wednesday, July 23

  Having moseyed Northward upon the Mighty Mississippi River for 7 days, our relaxing trip was drawing to a close.

  But, more was awaiting us at the end of the line in Memphis, Tennessee.

  No lollygagging, sleeping in, or otherwise not on your toes on this last day, Everyone on board were required to be up and at ’em at near the crack of dawn.

  A quick breakfast in the Sky Lounge and then time to leave the ship. Having pre-arranged transportation from the ship, we were driven to a motel near  the airport and soon after dropping our bags in our room, called a taxi and were driven to Graceland Mansion in time for our 10:30 reservation.

  

  Graceland, the home of the late Elvis Presley, musician, singer, entertainer was the focus of this last day in Memphis, TN. On a busy street, it sets back from it on well-groomed grounds shaded by tall mature trees. Elvis’s mansion sits atop a higher knoll.

  After a brief introduction at the entrance and receiving our audio headsets for our guided tour, we entered. The audio devices helped lead us through the home. My first impressions would be in the locality of “tacky”. Although the home did look comfortable and spacious, areas of the place were definitely on the wild and crazy side (and dare I say atrocious) including a totally plaid basement room and the jungle room with green shag carpeting in its entirety from floor, walls and ceiling. Weighted down in that ghastly green were heavy, oversized furniture with a definite jungle feel. Apparently, a lot of his jam sessions were in this room.

  

  It would be interesting to know, had Elvis lived, how the house would look now. Hopefully he would have had better decorators. Don’t get me wrong with my take on Graceland mansion’s interior, it really is dated and a reflection of style in the early 1970’s and could be true to the era. I just don’t remember the 70’s being so lacking in taste. Money doesn’t buy taste or style.

  Writing what I just wrote gets me  to thinking. In all the antebellum homes that we visited as we cruised up the Mississippi, those homes reflected the furnishings and styles of those years. And yet, somehow, in my thinking, I did not consider those homes to be outlandish or otherwise lacking in taste. In those homes, it is what I would expect. My opinion, whatever it is worth, is that Graceland mansion, even in its day was not a decorator’s prize.

  Moving on.

  Outdoors and in outlying buildings other parts of his life were also on the tour including his family history through photos and displays. A somber part of the tour is the Meditation Garden wherein are four large gravesites of Elvis, his mother and father, Gladys and Vernon, and his paternal grandmother Minnie May Presley. Elsewhere at Graceland rests his stillborn twin brother Jesse Garon Presley, daughter Lisa Marie and her son Benjamin Keough. It is humbling that to this day Elvis Presley has loving and devoted fans who honor him with flowers and mementos.

  

  Across the street, from the mansion is the rest of Elvis’s property. A bus took us on the short jaunt and released us to the hot, humid climate. Luckily most everything to be seen is in air-conditioned buildings, exceptions being Elvis’s two airplanes, one large, the Lisa Marie, the other much smaller.

  

  

  Elvis’s Automobile Museum houses over 20 of his vehicles. It is quite a nice collection.

  Within the complex across from the mansion the ICONS collections display wardrobes, musician’s instruments and other artifacts from many other music artists and entertainers all influenced by The King of Rock and Roll such as KISS, Elton John, Dolly Parton, John Lennon, Ricky Nelson and many more. These displays were well thought out and included some videos from Elvis’s past. To think so many musicians are indebted to this remarkable man is quite extraordinary.

  By this time, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed trying to take in all of these things relating back to Elvis. But more was to be seen. Briefly, one room dedicated to his gold and platinum records displayed  those records extending high and wide upon a wall.

  

  Another mind-blowing room displayed a vast array of the jumpsuits worn by The King. Encased in displays that extend upwards of 20 feet  these stage costumes are works of art. Imaginative, colorful, vibrant and flamboyant, it was surprising to see how extensive was his wardrobe.

  

  

  

  

  

  Reportedly, a banana and peanut butter sandwich was an Elvis favorite . Since it was offered in the onsite Glady’s Restaurant, I ordered it for lunch. All I will say is, I tried it. Not something I would probably eat again.

  Despite the heat and humidity, as I had noted previously, most of the Elvis experience was indoors. It is worth seeing allowing one to better understand his life, especially, for me, his love for his family. All the other stuff is glitz and glamour – in my opinion.

  

  We had time to chill back at the motel before an Uber drive took us back to Beale Street. Not yet dark, open to pedestrian traffic, the street was alive with activity, street performers and a huge motorcycle show, bikes lined both sides of the street. I was taken with all of the neon signage, adding a colorful glow to the atmosphere, much as it was in New Orlean’s French Quarter.

  I wrote in the last chapter that the last evenings entertainer on The American Splendor, Brad Birkendahl, had invited us to hear him play at Blues City Café on Beale Street. We did just that. He had just started playing as we sat down. Ordering a half slab of BBQ ribs accompanied with thick cut French fries, baked beans, coleslaw and Texas toast. That, with drinks, covered the entire table.

  

  The dinner was great and so too Brad’s band. Not only a gifted vocalist, but he also played multiple instruments including guitar and horn. The rest of his band were perfect and in sync with all the music and songs they presented. During a break, he saw us and stopped to chat, expressing his thanks for stopping by. It was our pleasure to include this experience as a wrap up of our trip.

  

  A brief stop at the famous Peabody Hotel, just to check it out and we were then back on our way to our hotel for our last evening in Memphis.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  To enlarge any individual photo, click on that image

  If you are looking for a nice, relaxing, laid-back experience that includes some of the important history of America, a walk back in time, music and traditions, beautiful old antebellum mansions, characters who helped shaped America’s destiny and cities that grew up along the Big Muddy and their influence on this country, you cannot go wrong.

  Not to be forgotten are current characters and players who made our experiences so memorable and who will leave their personal marks on many lives.

  

  (An unsolicited plug: American Cruise Lines did a great job. I would recommend them and look forward to experiencing another river trip in the US).

  Early the next day, Thursday, we were soon on our way back home, bracing for re-entry into the Phoenix furnace where temperatures rose to nearly 110°.

  Don’t fall for that “but it’s a dry heat” line. Even with lower humidity HOT is HOT!

  As I conclude this narrative of “Rollin’ On the River”, I’ve taken pleasure in sharing it with you. May all my stories enlighten, entertain and encourage you to get out and experience this awesome world.

  I encourage readers of these blog stories to share with others.

  Don Kline.

  

• Memphis, Tennessee – Blues City, Elvis Presley & GracelandOctober 6, 2025

  Rollin’ On The River

  Chapter 9

  Mississippi River Cruise 2025

  Tuesday, July 22

  

  As noted in Chapter 8, for those who had early morning Memphis shore excursions, they were still able to complete those tours. This was accomplished by adding an unplanned docking at Tunica, TN allowed those people to board buses, waiting at the dock, to take them the 40 miles to Memphis for their tours. Those folks then would meet up again in the afternoon at the boat when it was docked at Memphis.

  Though we did not leave the ship, the dock area of Tunica was impressive – modern/futuristic looking and the most remarkable of the stops on the trip. Perhaps the casino there has helped influence the towns prosperous looking waterfront.

  

  By early afternoon we docked at Memphis on a rough concrete landing that sloped off into the river. Walking out on the gangway onto the landing and up to a parking lot, we boarded buses. Those buses ran a loop drive from the boat to Beale Street, an auto museum, and the Memphis pyramid originally planned as a sports and entertainment center, but it now houses a massive Bass Pro Shop store, a hotel, restaurants, and other attractions.

  The day was hot and muggy. The first stop was at the Elvis Presley statue on famous Beale Street, known for is many music venues, neon signs, restaurants  and upbeat atmosphere.

  

  Mark and I went to stop 2, the Auto Museum. It was interesting with a small collection of mostly sports cars.

  

  Just up the street was Sun Studio known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll”. It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50’s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n’roll. We did not enter the studio, opting instead to walk to the active and lively part of Beale Street. However, we both misjudged how far it was from where we were. It was a long walk, at least 1 mile.

  

  

  Sweaty in the hot and humid weather, we found that this end of Beale Street was not the best of neighborhoods where weed gorged lots, scattered trash, abandoned scooters laying on the sidewalk, closed businesses, shabby houses and a few unsavory looking people were all we saw as we trudged along toward Beale Street.

  

  Tired and overheated, we headed to the first bus stop to catch a ride back to the boat. We were too hot to bother with going inside the Pyramid. Opting instead, we just stayed put in the air-conditioned bus. Besides that, the pyramid didn’t hold much interest for either of us to go inside. Its distinctive outer appearance was enough. Been there, done that.

  

  Aboard ship, we enjoyed dinner and the half portions ending the day attending our last onboard entertainment, The Brad Birkendahl Band, outstanding musicians, playing a variety of blues, rock and roll, rock-a-billy and Dixieland all very upbeat, foot tapping, energetic music. Brad has played extensively in the US and Europe. In the movie “Walk the Line” about Johnny Cash, he played the part of Cash’s guitar player.

  

  After the performance he invited passengers who were staying over in Memphis to come see he and his band play at Blues City Café. I approached him as they packed up and got more information, telling him we would try to stop by. Blues City Café also serves up the best BBQ ribs he told me. Well, how could we NOT pass on that opportunity – Blues music, Memphis BBQ ribs, and Beale Street?

  Following the evening’s entertainment, a disembarking announcement informed us to have our bags packed and outside our doors before bed to facilitate everyone a timely and orderly departure in the morning.

  Bags packed, set in the hall, it was our last night sailing on the Mississippi River onboard The American Splendor.

  As others thoughts were of their returns home, Mark and I were thinking about another night and day in Memphis, Tennessee – Beale Street at night, BBQ ribs, music and visiting the home of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

  

  Ah yes, Elvis Presley and Graceland.

• Unplanned, Unexpected and DelayedSeptember 30, 2025

  Chapter 8

  

  Rollin’ On The River

  Mississippi River Cruise 2025

  Monday, July 21

  What could possibly go wrong on a leisurely cruise on the Mississippi River? Luckily nothing crucial or destructive.

  Upon my arising at 6 AM, we were still secured to the rocky shore. Those renegade barges must still be straying somewhere ahead of us. No worries, I was content to just read and accept whatever the day had in store for me.

  

  Breakfast was interrupted by the captain’s announcement that the Coast Guard had lifted the stay order and that we were free to proceed on to Cleveland, Mississippi. But with the forced landing, we were about 12 hours behind schedule, so, the captain further announce that we would bypass Cleveland, MS and sail on to Memphis, Tennessee, our final destination, arriving approximately 8 AM.

  I, and several others, went forward to deck 4 looking down at the crew as they worked to untether the ship. Once that task was completed, we came about and headed north once again.

  

  Shortly after passing beneath a beautiful bridge across the river carrying US Highways 82/278 traffic, I thought I sensed The American Splendor was again heading toward shore. The time was 9:30 AM, we had only been sailing for about 3 hours. Was I imagining this and that the engines had quieted also?

  No.

  We WERE headed directly toward a sandy beach. What now?

  Already on deck 4, reading my book, I watched as the crew made ready for another unplanned landing. Closer and closer, the ship slowly inched ahead directly onto the sandy shore. In the distance, on shore, several vehicles awaited, including ones with red flashing lights. What other than a medical emergency would warrant THIS stop? By now, the deck was crowded with other passengers leaning over the railing, the ship gracefully sliding upon the beach with a slight sandy sliding sound, not the rocky scraping as on the night before.

  

  Lowering the gangway, to the ground, several of the shore-side men made their way to the ship including EMS personnel. I overheard a crew member say room 314, where there was a medical emergency. In time, the EMS returned with a man in a wheelchair. On land he was able to stand and then lie down on a gurney, which then was wheeled up to a waiting ambulance. A woman also accompanied him, most likely his spouse.

  The crew, working deliberately, released the ship as the captain slowly backed into the main current and, again, headed forward.

  I believe the captain of The American Splendor and his crew deserve huge kudos for safely maneuvering the boat during the unforeseen circumstances on the river, all the while with the safety of the passengers foremost in their efforts and minds.

  With these two unplanned diversions, our cruise was nearly a day behind schedule. It was already established that we were bypassing the Cleveland, MS stop, but the emergency stop further altered morning shore excursions to Memphis. We, Mark, Penny, Stu and I, had already cancelled our Memphis, TN early morning excursions, so we played several rounds of 5 Crowns in the morning and again in the afternoon. In between I read, finishing “The Sun Also Rises”.

  To manage those who still had morning tours in Memphis, TN, new plans were announced. A brief, unscheduled docking at Tunica, Tennessee the next morning was to allow those passengers affected to board buses that would transport them 40 miles to Memphis. That group, then, could still enjoy tours they had chosen. By late morning The American Splendor with the remainder of the passengers would have docked at Memphis, and those early tourers from the Tunica stop would again rendezvous with the rest of the guests.

  And so, with the new plans, cruising up the river all day without stops allowed us to just kick back and go with the flow. None of us were perturbed by the altered plans. It was what it was. The crew and company had made necessary adjustments to help fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to the passengers.

  That evening, after dinner, we had a repeat performance from Mississippi Marshall. Because of bypassing Cleveland, Mississippi, the scheduled musicians for this night could not board and they were cancelled. Likewise, because we skipped the landing in Cleveland, MS, Mississippi Marshall could not disembark. Therefore, he stayed onboard and put on another wonderful performance for the guests.

  We enjoyed the ease of staying aboard, just going with the flow. No need to rush, no worries. And so, we, and the river kept rolling along.

  https://videopress.com/v/7N1duCT5?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

• Antebellum Vicksburg, MississippiSeptember 24, 2025

  

  

  Chapter 7

  Rollin’ On The River

  Mississippi River Cruise 2025

  Sunday, July 20

  Antebellum: Occurring or existing before the American Civil War

  Early Sunday morning, The American Splendor deviated from the Mississippi River onto the Yazoo River where we docked in Vicksburg, MS.

  Vicksburg was a key port in the American Civil War and crucial for the North to gain control of it. Constant bombarding forced residents to carve out caves and there they lived during the siege. An example of such a cave allowed us to get an idea of how they were thus able to survive in relative safety. Residents brought items from their homes to furnish with the intent of making the living quarters as comfortable as possible.

  

  In a quiet, shaded tree lined residential neighborhood, we toured the Duff Green house, now operated as a B&B. Upon entering the house we were offered another libation. I could get very accustomed to this Southern hospitality. After a lengthy dialogue concerning this Antebellum home, we were allowed to wander about on both floors, where, of notice, was an open grate from the upper hallway looking down to the first-floor hallway. This may have help facilitate ventilation.

  

  A short walk took us to Christ Episcopal Church founded in 1828. During the 47-day siege of Vicksburg by the Union Army, all but one of the stained-glass windows were destroyed. Later, two of the destroyed windows were replaced with Tiffany windows. The minister at the time of the Civil War continued daily services despite the bombardments.

  

  

  

  

  At the dock, on the river side, the flood wall is colorfully decorated with “Welcome to Vicksburg” and on the opposite side are murals representing aspects of the city, past and present. Of note, also, is a marker as tall as the flood wall with markings of flood water depths over the years, 1927 being the highest (at that time) which brought devastating destruction all along the river. That flood and resulting carnage prompted revamping flood control measures to avert/avoid future devastating flood  destruction. One cannot underestimate the staggering power of Ol’ Man River!

  Our stop in Vicksburg was brief allowing everyone to enjoy lunch onboard. The 4 of us sat at a side table away from the main, more crowded area. Sitting at the next table a sizable personage of a man sat straddling a dining room chair. Looking over at him, I knew by then who were passengers, and he was not.

  

  

  So, who was this gigantic person?

  

  I spoke to him saying “you look like an entertainer”. His response was yes indeed, I’m Mississippi Marshall, a blues singer, the evening’s entertainment. Marshall had boarded in Vicksburg and would be spending the night onboard (and longer as it turned out). He told us more about Blues music, history and the changing course of the Mississippi River. We looked forward to attending his performance in the evening.

  As we sailed on, the remainder of the afternoon was spent playing a fun card game, “5 Crowns” that Penny brought with her.

  We played until dinner and after left to the Sky Lounge hoping to get seats next to the stage for Mississippi Marshall’s performance. From our lunch time conversations, he remembered something Penny said and so dedicated a song to her. That was very thoughtful and sweet. It was obvious that Marshall was passionate about his music and songs, as his whole body was as involved as his fingers on the guitar. Unlike the previous evening, this performance was a delight and uplifting.

  

  Upon leaving the lounge, we learned that the Coast Guard had ordered all river traffic to make toward shore. Apparently, a barge tug (boat that pushes the barges) had run aground on a sandbar and the barges got away, drifting along with the current. To avoid any collisions to other ships on the river, clearing the waterway would be the safest maneuver. 

  

  

  Returning to our room, the ship sailed on. I read for a while until about 10:30 when I heard a loud scraping sound, as in running upon rocks. Looking out the patio window I saw we HAD beached on a rocky shore.

  Intent on investigating the situation, I went out and forward on the boat, I looked down at the crew who were busily securing the ship to the shore. Spotlights helped them negotiate in the darkness. Calling down to the crew, they reiterated about the Coast Guard orders to clear the river due to the wayward barges. They were well trained, as they told me, and handily completed their tasks to secure us.

  Returning to the room, shortly thereafter, I turned in for the night. The ship also, seemingly, turned in for the night, remaining still, resting against the shore.

  A couple more unanticipated surprises awaited us the following day.

  

  

  https://videopress.com/v/HtaVxWEM?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&posterUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fvideos.files.wordpress.com%2FHtaVxWEM%2Fpaddle-wheel-in-motion-img_0567_mov_std.original.jpg&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

• Legends and LibationsSeptember 19, 2025

  

  Cotton Bolls & Mansions,

  Natchez, Mississippi

  Chapter 6

  Rollin’ On The River

  Mississippi River Cruise 2025

  Saturday, July 19

  By the next morning, we had arrived in Natchez, Mississippi where more interesting tours awaited us.

  

   I chose to join the group visiting a working cotton farm, Frogmore Plantation and Gin  where our tour began in an aged log cabin that had been a school and church. There, a descendant of slaves spoke to us and played videos depicting the hardships faced by slaves and how music helped them overcome their suffering with Gospel and spiritual songs. Slaves longed to go “home” and songs helped them, such as “Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home…”.  This educational and entertaining presentation ended with an old spiritual that included audience participation playing tambourines.

  

  Continuing our tour of Frogmore Plantation, we were shown how cotton seeds were separated from the cotton bolls. Each person was given a cotton boll (the pod that holds the cotton fiber). As we all discovered separating the seeds by hand was a tedious chore but made easier by pulling and stretching the cotton fibers and then picking out the seeds.

  This would have been a labor-intensive chore, but in 1793, that changed when American inventor, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin which quickly separated the seeds from the fibers. This earliest version of the gin (engine) was hand cranked.  With this invention, cotton thus became a profitable crop and helped shape the economy of the Antebellum South. King Cotton, as it became known, developed into a dominant economic force from Georgia to Texas both as European exports and to the textile mills in the New England states. Further, because cotton was then a profitable crop, the Cotton Gin helped prolong the institution of slavery.

  

  

  In time cotton gins became mechanized and were operated by steam engines, thus even more profoundly affecting the profitability of growing cotton. On display was a cotton gin relic of the steam era, its mechanics explained as we walked from the start of the process to the ending where cotton bales would have been bundled for export.

  

  

  To further expand our knowledge of cotton growing and processing, our buses drove through a modern computerized cotton gin operation, which can now accomplish the job in minutes – nearly hands free.

  Over the years Frogmore Plantation has acquired ancient antebellum buildings from other farms including slave quarters which they have restored and are also on display for all guests to visit.

  

  My understanding was that, after slavery was abolished, the Frogmore Plantation owner offered his slaves a portion of his land for them to start their own farms which may be where the expression, 40 acres and a mule originated.

  In the afternoon Mark, Penny, Stu and I continued our Natchez tours which included two fine old  Natchez, Mississippi homes.

  Linden House, our first house has a long history starting in the late 1700’s after the American Revolutionary War. It was modified, renovated, modernized and added on to over its history. Now it operates as an upscale bed and breakfast.

  The impressive columned front entry led into a  bygone era. To help set a mood, guests were treated to Milk Punch, a popular Southern cocktail consisting of milk and brandy or bourbon, a sweetener, vanilla extract and sometimes topped with nutmeg.  As we sipped our refreshments, our host spoke about the home’s history and interesting details.

  

  

  Jib windows, an architectural feature, were introduced to the guests. What is that? Jib windows were along the front porch and allowed entrance into the home without going through the formal front entry. The lower portion was a short two-part swing out pony door, that allowed the double hung sash to rise up, permitting entry into the home. We were told, former owners  who had business with others could allow them direct entry into their home office through the jib window. As likely, they also allowed more air flow in the summertime and/or for slaves to enter as they were not permitted entry through the front door.

  

   
  Enjoying our milk punch, seating available around the long oval dining table, our guide relayed more about some of the furnishings, including another Punkah (the shoo fly fan) over the table. Continuing the tour, we learned that one of the former female owners (who had 10 children) added a wing that included a kitchen and a laundry room, the kitchen shown as it would have been around 1850. She also schooled her children in another wing added to the house.

  

  Not to forget old car enthusiasts, a 1948 Packard graced the front drive helping rekindle yet another period in Linden’s long and distinguished past.

  The day not yet complete, our next home tour was a show-stopper – The Towers of Natchez.

  Built in 1790 in the West Indies Architecture style, its appearance was distinctly different than those seen in previous days.  Other architectural styles have also been incorporated during 3 different construction phases. It was striking with two towers that rose up from the well-manicured grounds. Three re-constructions occurred over 100 years including removal of the towers after a fire in 1927. Current owners, Ginger and James Hyland meticulously rebuilt the towers in 2019 in full detail.

  

  Within the surrounding five acre gardens the owner Ginger Hyland, and her husband James, have included elements of former places Ginger lived including bronze sculptures of grizzly bears and elk from her years living in California and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Interestingly, her life began in Michigan. We also learned she was a well accomplished equestrian having owned horse stables in California and New Mexico. It was also intriguing to know that her father was president of Hughes Aircraft Company and credited as one of the men that invented radar.

  Both Ginger and James greeted our entourage as we departed the bus. Outdoors, with introductory explanations about the house and its history, we were led into their stunning home.

  Oh, what surprises awaited us upon entry inside!

  Split into two groups, James, leading ours, displayed a flamboyance and exuberance that made his telling colorful and entertaining.

  What was so astounding about The Towers were the extensive and varied collections that populate every room. We were not allowed to take photos, so it is almost impossible to describe the extent of Ginger’s collections. Suffice it to say the varied collections filled every room. Period furniture and antiques abounded in all spaces, decorative art objects, antique laces, beaded purses, crowns and tiaras, Moser glass, Vaseline glass, inkwells, gentlemen’s watch fobs, mother of pearl gaming counters, and unusual objects used in everyday Victorian life. She also has collected many movie props including the cigarette case that Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) handled in the movie “Gone with the Wind”.

  It seems, Ginger spares no expense and goes to great efforts to acquire those items that she admires and desires to include in her massive collections.

  

  We also learned that Ginger and James host their annual “Jeweled Christmas” wherein, the entire home is transformed into an even more sparkling display of thousands of pieces of vintage costume jewelry that cover every tree, every table, every mantle, every deer – anything that shimmers and shines – which must be the most fanciful, glittery Christmas display in all of Natchez.

  Not to be left without mementos, we then were treated to another Southern libation and invited to browse fantastic shiny things from their Christmas shop. A glass jewel studded river boat ornament caught my eye. Of course, I had to have it as a souvenir of my Mississippi River Cruise and will be prominent on my Christmas Tree.

  

  So, I have to say, while I was not initially impressed with the appearance of The Towers, I left with a much different perspective and impressed with Ginger as an avid collector and host who delights in sharing her life’s story and collections for others to see and admire. She truly is a remarkable lady.

  Wow, the Natchez, Mississippi “Legends and Libations” tour was Awesome!

  Some of Ginger Hyland’s collections in The Towers Mansion (internet photos)

  

  

  

  

  Back onboard the evening’s entertainment, Dixieland Band, was very good, with upbeat Dixieland  and Cajun music.

   Unfortunately, this Dixieland Band was also very disrespected by an oblivious couple who continually carried on a loud conversation at the bar at the rear of the room. It almost seemed as though, the louder the band played, the more those two spoke louder. Several people, angry scowls on their faces, tried to catch their attention, some standing up from the audience, turning toward the usurpers in an effort to quiet them and many, many other angry stares from others, me included, did not phase them. An otherwise great performance was disrupted by two impertinent selfish people They  should have gotten a room!

  Some people!

  

End of the Line

Rollin’ On The River Chapter 10 Mississippi River Cruise 2025 Wednesday, July 23 Having moseyed Northward upon the Mighty Mississippi River for 7 days, our relaxing trip was drawing to a close. But, more was awaiting us at the end of the line in Memphis, Tennessee. No lollygagging, sleeping in, or otherwise not on your…

by azdon120 October 26, 2025

Memphis, Tennessee – Blues City, Elvis Presley & Graceland

Rollin’ On The River Chapter 9 Mississippi River Cruise 2025 Tuesday, July 22 As noted in Chapter 8, for those who had early morning Memphis shore excursions, they were still able to complete those tours. This was accomplished by adding an unplanned docking at Tunica, TN allowed those people to board buses, waiting at the…

by azdon120 October 6, 2025October 6, 2025

Unplanned, Unexpected and Delayed

Chapter 8 Rollin’ On The River Mississippi River Cruise 2025 Monday, July 21 What could possibly go wrong on a leisurely cruise on the Mississippi River? Luckily nothing crucial or destructive. Upon my arising at 6 AM, we were still secured to the rocky shore. Those renegade barges must still be straying somewhere ahead of…

by azdon120 September 30, 2025October 1, 2025