Event highlights history, importance of Jefferson
Staff Reports
The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club takes great pride in presenting our 78th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage “Remember When…” May 1-4. Jefferson sits on the banks of the Cypress River, romanced by our wonderfully and lovingly restored historic homes and buildings while reveling in all of our events and attractions.
We revere our rich history while living enthusiastically in the present, looking forward to the future with hope and promise. We encourage you to enjoy our 78th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage and everything that Jefferson has to offer during this special weekend.
Diamond Bessie Murder Trial. The 71st Diamond Bessie Murder Trial kicks off Pilgrimage with the first of five performances beginning Thursday evening, May 1, at 7:30. Other performances of the play are on Friday, May 2, at 7:30p, Saturday, May 3, at 5:30p and 8:30p, and Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m.
This captivating drama is based on the true story of a murder and a subsequent trial which occurred in Jefferson in 1877. All performances of the play are held in the Jefferson Playhouse at the corner of Market and Henderson streets. Tickets for the 71st Diamond Bessie Murder Trial may be purchased by calling the Diamond Bessie ticket-line 903-665-0737. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly advised. Tickets are non-refundable.
Home and Garden Tours. Four beautiful homes, Dotson-King House, Spellings House, Angell Manor, and Eanbeorht Home, will be open for visitors between the hours of 11a-5p Friday and Saturday. Docents, dressed in period costumes, will greet visitors to the homes, giving the history of the homes and the Jefferson families who built and lived in them through the years. See Tour Homes beginning on page 8.
Garden Tours: Four gardens, Lisa’s Garden, Stacy Mills’ Garden, Laura Omer’s Garden and Moore’s Garden will be open for visitors to enjoy between the hours of 5-7:30p on Friday and Saturday.
Home and Garden Tour Tickets may be purchased at Pilgrimage Headquarters in front of the Excelsior House, 211 W. Austin Street, beginning at 9:30a each day. Cost is $25 each. Tickets are non-refundable.
Parade. At 10a on Saturday an array of floats, old cars, buggies, bands and horses will make its way through town.
Pilgrimage Grand Ballroom & Courtyard Luncheon. After the parade, lunch will be served in the Grand Ballroom and Courtyard of the Excelsior House. The delicious salad luncheon is provided and served by Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club members from 11a-1:30p at a cost of $20. Reservations for this luncheon are encouraged. Tickets are non-refundable.
Heirloom Plant Sale. The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club’s plant sale is located on the porch of the Excelsior House. The sale contains many reasonably priced plants, some of which have been started from cuttings of local heirloom plants by the members of the club. Take time to browse from 8a-4p on Friday and Saturday.
Craft Fair and Sale. Stroll through and shop the Craft Fair Sale set up in William Perry Park adjacent to the Excelsior House. The Craft Fair and Sale will be open 9a-4p on Friday, and Saturday, and 9a-3p. on Sunday.
Heritage Quilt Exhibit. The quilt exhibit will be held in First Methodist Church, 305 W Henderson Street. This outstanding collection of quilts is free and open to the public Friday and Saturday, from 10a-4p.
Jay Gould Railroad Car. Located on bustling Austin Street across the street from the Excelsior Hotel is the Atalanta, the private rail car of notorious railroad baron, Jay Gould, of New York City. Visit this uniquely furnished car built in 1886 and discover how it came to Jefferson. Tour tickets are $7.50 and can be purchased at the Excelsior House or online at jeffersonpilgrimage.com or theexcelsiorhouse.com.
For more information, visit our website: jeffersonpilgrimage.com, Email jeffersonpilgrimage@gmail.com, or call 903-452-3836.