One of our favorite posts for lots of reasons, that we felt was worth a re-visit of sorts today. Such a fun way to visit the subtle interiors of the past and imagine things just like they were… we find ourselves doing that often. Enjoy!
Have you ever driven by one of those charming old homes in the countryside, and wanted to go inside? Maybe stop, and knock on their front door, and just ask if you can poke around for a look see?
Yeeeeaaaah…In the real world, that might be a little creepy. {a-la texas chainsaw scary whatnots} For both parties. In the real world, I secretly obsess over those houses… is there such a person who just knocks on doors and then photographs interiors for history’s sake? I guess I’m a curious person. Old homes fascinate me. They always have. I’m not really sure it’s possible to be a lover of interiors, without a real appreciation for where they’ve been with styles throughout history, after all.
So when my friend Andrea told me that they make an annual trip for their family reunion to an old family home in Mississippi, I was begging her for photos…which wasn’t a problem since she’s married to the brillz Britsnap photog, who did some fabulous documentation this time around. Accompanied by, of course, a history lesson on the house. And when they sent them my way, I couldn’t wait to share.
So without further ado, words by Andrea in italics {with brief intermittent freakout sessions via me, of course.}
The old home place that sits on McAlister Road in Monroe County, Mississippi, is lovingly referred to by the family as simply “The Big House”. The house was built in the late 1800s and was home to my grandmother and her siblings. Her parents, my great-grandparents, married in 1908 and most of my grandmother’s siblings were born in the house.
The house is surrounded by farmland, on which today, cattle and soybeans are raised. The house is somewhat in its original shape, but a few things have changed. The location of the kitchen along with additions in the bathroom and electric lights are really the only major changes to the house in its history.
New porches were added years ago and are now adorned with five porch swings! The house is comprised of four main rooms…”the girls’ room”, “the boys’ room”, “Nannie and Nandad’s room”, and the kitchen.
{Be still my heart those planks and that blue (!!!!!) and the window…Old homes like this simply have that handmade character that makes me swoon.}
There is a foyer that acts as a breezeway between the front and back porches. There is also a vegetable porch off of the kitchen. Most of the furniture in the house has been there as long as I can remember.
Yep. Even that crate. On casters. Used as a coffee table. What goes around…If I were able to accompany Andrea to said house, the crate would most definitely mysteriously disappear…into my living room.
There is a crib in the corner of one room that countless babies have used. My grandmother used to tell me that my dad’s teeth marks are all over that crib!
My grandmother remembers chores she had around the house as a child. One of the jobs of the younger children was to churn butter on the back porch or place the kerosene-soaked corn cobs in the fireplaces.
This house, though very old and in need of repairs, is simply “home” to the entire Baker family. Every year, the descendants of Robert and Mary Etta Baker ascend on the property for an annual reunion.
Though only two of the Baker siblings remain, there are now dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Each generation enjoys watching the next generation play at the house as they did as a child. Two old wagon wheels are in front of the house every year. Countless hours have been spent by at least four generations of children playing on them.
There is electricity at the house, but no air conditioning. We laugh every year that one of our favorite places to be in the world is at the Big House, hanging out on the porch with family, sweating like pigs. As a child, I remember two enormous oak trees that flanked the house. The oak tree at the back of the house held a tire swing and was a childhood favorite of ours. Unfortunately, lightning struck both trees several years ago and they are nothing more than stumps now. It is common to see people in the kitchen shelling peas, peeling peaches, and baking pies. This house remains empty for most of the year except for the one weekend of the reunion. We laugh and say that so much love and laughter is brought to the house for that one weekend, that the house can survive without us for the rest of the year.
When discussing houses recently, Andrea made an interesting point about older kitchens: the tables were in the center of the kitchen. It’s something I’ve always known, but never thought about or observed. There were no eat-in areas. It was in the heart, in the middle. And it has very much, I believe, become a foreign concept to us today. Instead of an island, there was the kitchen table, in all it’s glorious simplicity. Maybe they should bring it back. Her suggestion…and I’m warming up to the idea.
Oh. Those floors. We’re considering the smaller planks in our new home redo, just as a nod to the past.
And the chairs…
On the front porch of the house is a special post that each child is “measured” on year after year. This is one of our most favorite things. Each year, the children can see themselves getting taller and taller. The weekend of reunion each year is filled with visiting, eating, porch swings, hayrides, fishing, and the occasional slip n slide made from a tarp. Despite all of our hectic lives, during that one weekend, we all relax, enjoy each other’s company, pick up where we left off, and simply enjoy being “home.”
Thank you Andrea + Martin, for sharing your sweet family traditions in such a beautiful way. I love it. If anything, for the heartwarming story, a glimpse at simpler times, beautiful color inspiration, and an entertaining look at how we seem to be stepping back and trending towards this era, with our current day interior inspiration. Anyone else want that blue, and those awesome floors? I want to recreate a few of those doors. That little red shed alone is enough to get me rolling through the paint samples. Oh the places that inspiration will occur…
Here’s to hoping your week is filled with sweet tea, fried chicken, and a dash of comforting childhood memories surrounded by loved ones.
Happy Friday, Y’all. ;}
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
Isn’t it amazing how something so old and beat up can look so beautiful! Jessica (aka nucheysmommy)
Amy Hightower says
Ashley, absolutely loved the pics and the stories. I also adore old homes and history. Our house is newer, built in 1940, but I love it’s character and I’m constantly wondering about all of the people who lived here before us. Thanks for such a cool post!
J Jackson says
I live in a small town in North Carolina and love to ride around on Sunday afternoons just to look at houses like this. Aboout 10 years ago my mother was lucky enough to be asked to move into one of these homes. The house is the oldest house in our county; it was built in 1729. There are no realatives of the last owners that live close by and it was stated in the will as long as there is a male family member left the propery can not be sold. There is a nephew and he has two sons so the property is not going anywhere soon. My mother will be moving in the spring next year and if all works out I will be the proud inhabitant of the house. I currently live in the “tater house” that sets on the propery now. I will keep you posted. Are you interested in pics?
ashley @ the handmade home says
are you kidding me? ABSOLUTELY! [email protected] 😉
Mary Crabtree says
Please share with us all-thanks!
Krista Peterson says
These photos are amazing, what kind of camera do you use?
KrissyV says
I adore this house and the story behind it. It reminded me of my Granny. We lost her several years ago and the house was sold. My sister recently drove by and told me that the house had burned and then weeks later, she noticed the house was gone and a new one built near to where it stood. My cousins and I were sad to know that it was gone. This story has made me want to get together pictures and archive the house and how much we loved it and the people in it. Thanks!!
Betty Green says
So I’m reading & drooling looking at all the pictures of this old house….and then realize it’s the old “Baker” home I visited as a young girl. It was the house of my best friend’s grandmother, and I attended several of those reunions with her. I hardly recognized it after nearly 45 years…..and without the wonderful old trees that used to surround it.
I have good memories of a kitchen full of people and food (the best pies!) and the floor covered at night with all the kids sleeping. I loved the sound of rain on that tin roof. The reunions were in hot August, but I still remember a wonderful breeze sweeping through the foyer at night. Thanks for taking me back to some good times!!
Andrea says
Betty, how neat that you know this beloved house! Who is your friend? My grandmother was Pauline, the fourth Baker sibling. Andrea
Betty Green says
My friend is Billie Sue Alexander. Her Mom, Dot, who I guess was your great Aunt, recently passed away. It is so nice that the house is so beautifully documented with such great photos!
Betty Green says
Dorothy Baker Lyle
Jerry Lyle says
Betty what do you mean when you were a young girl. I still consider us as young. When I saw your post I was trying to figure out who this was Wrong color for last name.
Kim says
Wow! How amazing! I chuckled at how she describes the post all the kids are measured on each year. We had one of those in my grandparents’ basement. When the house was sold my uncle cut that post out (put in a new support post) and one of us grandkids has the post now – we’ll share it over the years. It’s such a special memory for us – so simple, but so special. Just like this farmhouse!
Aubrey says
what a beautiful old house! who would think from the outside there would be such gems inside! i love mixing old and new and this is inspiration for the beauty of older things.
Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl says
Ashley, normally I sit here all hidden enjoying your posts. But, today I was pulled out from hiding by this post. Absolutely beautiful! And the age and simplicity of the home are so fun to look at and imagine the scenes and stories that go on in that home. I feel like there is some story behind the “Hello I’m…” stickered fridge.
Thanks for posting. I enjoyed the eye candy.
Brittany
Michelle Flowers says
I find this fantastic! I am completely envious. Not just the house and interior but the history itself. We live in a time where people move so much and sell belongs regularly, we lose some our family history. Here is a place that radiates it for many generations and many more to come.
Amy Baker McGinnis says
This old house is sooooo loved!! The story behind the stickered fridge is simple. After we all return from the “Big Reunion” on Sunday, we peel off our nametags and stick them on the fridge. This started many years ago. My dad died in 91 and there are “Red Baker” stickers on the old fridge. When a replacement fridge was purchased, we couldn’t throw the old one out so we put it in the washroom. The new fridge has carried on the tradition.
Michelle Flowers says
Aww that’s the type of thing that makes it special and evokes happy memories. Family ties and history are easily carried on, you guys are blessed in that way.
Amye says
Amzazing photos!
Marcia says
Thank you for sharing these heartwarming photos and the well-written story of your annual family reunions at your old lovely farm home. I was fascinated and took note of the qualities that make this such a very special place. AWESOME! Thanks for posting!
Erin says
What a fantastic post, Ashley! Our beach cottage was built in 1888 and I just LOVE the history of the place: http://www.rareandbeautifultreasures.com/2011/10/beach-cottage-update-october-2011.html
I am going to have dreams about the Big House tonight after reading this right before bed . . . sweet dreams for sure! 🙂
mom taxi julie says
“If these walls could talk”
Brought to life 🙂 So cool 🙂
Jennifer T. says
My heart melts. My home is disappointingly lacking in character. Sigh. I need some of this good stuff!
Mary Lil West says
Thank you, Ashley, for this great blog about my grandparents’ house. And thank you, Martin and Andrea, for the amazing photos and comments. My mom and most of her 8 siblings were born in this house. And, yes, indeed, once a year we open it and come from all over the country and have an amazing family reunion. You could do another complete blog on the PEOPLE and the FOOD. There are 24 grandchildren in my generation. There are so many of us now that we have a big chart that covers the wall in one of the bedrooms that has our family tree continuing on from my grandparents. We all have a number so we know how we are connected. (Though most of us know anyway.) We all still love getting together and getting to know our new arrivals. When we get together next year, we will have added 7 new babies since our last reunion and we love each and every one of them!
So, Ashely, I think Andrea and Martin should bring you next year so you can experience it yourself! The Lord has, indeed, been really blessed us with a wonderful family and heritage.
Mary Lil, 4B (My mom was the 4th sibling and I was her second child)
Kyle McGinnis says
Ashley, while these pictures are amazing. I agree with mary lil that you must experience the weekend for yourself. Oh and the red shed is an old chicken coop that has been converted to two showers with a curtain seperating them. Its not paint but red shingle like paper covering the side. Still an amazing and wonderful place we of the baker family call home. 5b1 Kyle
lee says
I absolutely loved this post and fabulous photos, it makes a change from architect designed homes and designer furniture. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful post. It would be nice to see inside more older homes that have not been renovated. I inherited a kitchen once that had tongue and groove wall boarding and the first thing we did was tear it all down, insulate and put up plasterboard. In hindsight it would have had more character by sanding and painting the boards to create a cottage look.
Lee
Seraphina says
I can’t tell you the number of old houses, cabins, sheds, and crumbled down structures that I’ve wanted to sneak into for a good peek. Glad to know I’m not the only one gawking from within the safety of a car as I pass by 😉 Unfortunately, most of the places I find look like they’re home only to poison ivy and critters unknown, and I’m so terrified of bugs that I itch and swipe stray hairs away for fear they’re cobwebs for hours after an encounter of the creepy-crawly kind.
Thank you (and your friend and her spouse) for the pictures and stories. I’ll be mulling over the kitchen table vs. island idea for a while. I instantly loved the kitchen featured here, so there must be something to it. Our house has two kitchens which are both meant to be “eat-in”, but neither are homey enough to want to stay in long enough to cook a meal, let alone eat one.
Denise says
What a lovely post…and such wonderful photos ! Funny how we strive for all the beautiful niceties in life…and this Big House offers all the beauty one needs in a home.
I love, love, love the table in the kitchen, not to mention the wood walls, floors, the details and all the great color!
Thank you for this wonderful post…I’m going to pour my morning coffee… and go back to slowly look through these heart warming photos again.
Billie says
Thank you for sharing this great story about my grandparent’s home. We all have lasting memories. Can’t wait until June when we will be together again.
Tori says
Oh goodness this is amazing! I also wonder about older homes like this, my husband thinks I am crazy for wanting to go in them and look around. Such a good reminder or simpler times, and a simpler way of life.
Mary Crabtree says
The picture of the front of the house reminds me of the house my mother was born in in North Carolina, which I have only seen one picture of. Thank you so much for the wonderful tour of an incredible home. Dreamy, just dreamy! MaryC
Ginger says
These photos take me back to my childhood “family reunion” country home, which belonged to my Aunt Evie and Uncle Henry. Evie and Henry had two children, but sadly, neither survived to inherit the place. It was a working farm and they were dirt poor (Uncle Henry had a stroke when he was fairly young), but I had no idea because Aunt Evie had made the place into such a loving and warm home, always the first place I wanted to stop after the eight-hour journey from our house. Their house was situated next to a one-room schoolhouse, and Uncle Henry was paid a small stipend for caring for the schoolhouse during the summer months.
A few years ago, while visiting that area, I drove out to see the house, but I couldn’t locate it. I finally found almost-hidden remains of the one-room schoolhouse and discovered that the old house had been torn down and replaced with a mobile home. I wish – sometimes – that I would have left this place safely tucked away in my memories, but it is done. Your friend is very lucky to have not only the house to go back to, but folks who remember who did what and when. Lovely photos and narrative! Thanks for sharing.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Oh wow Ginger. How sweet. Seriously a lovely story. And I feel your pain on wishing you could keep certain places tucked away. I recently saw a photo of my grandmother’s home. It’s the place where I grew up visiting…the place where Jamin proposed to me. It has changed, and I desperately have the same wishes.
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Oh how totally fascinating this house is! I have been known to stop and photograph old houses too. Nothing like them!
John Johnston says
I’d love to know where this house is. A friend is working on a movie in Greenwood and they may need a location similar to this. Can you forward my contact info on to your friend?
John Johnston
Location Manager
Jackson, MS
New Orleans, LA
Los Angeles, CA
Deborah Moss says
I have got a picture just like the one on the mantle above the spot where the fireplace was.I love the house in the picture .My husband declared he is going to build me a dogtrot house and I want it to be exactly like the one in the picture.Thank you for bringing back memories of my fathers childhood dogtrot home.
Megan says
I love old homes too. We have a few in our family, but maybe not that old. Close, but not quite. As for the table in the middle of the kitchen – I’d love it, if my kitchen were a bit bigger. I’ve noticed with old homes that they use tables more for food prep than counter tops. Some old kitchens barely had counters. They had stoves and sinks but sometimes as stand alone options only. And then the fridge came in and took up more space once people could have electricity.
I love history like this house. I hope they can provide the needed upkeep so that it can withstand the elements for future generations!
Rose L. says
I can remember my grandma’s old house in Missouri. She had a claw foot tub in a small room off the “master” bedroom (small) but no running water in the house! She would heat water on her old stove to slowly fill the tub. She bathed once a week, standing in it to use a pot of warmed water, washcloth and soap to clean the rest of the time; It drained outside through a pipe. She had an outhouse, or at night used the chamber pot on the screen in back porch. No A/C, old wood burning stove for heat. Propane gas operated her “new: stove. Her indoor plumbing was the old pump (which you had to prime) moved from outside to the huge kitchen sink indoors one year! We grandchildren always felt like we had stepped back in time because we had all modern things in our home in Calif.
This was in the 60’s! I always felt that the outhouse moved even further away from the house at night! We 4 kids all slept on the fold out couch in the living room, mom and dad sharing a double bed in the one “guest” room (dad is 6 ft. 6 in). The house had planked ceilings like this one, and wood floors, and wallpaper.
It has long since collapsed, as is most of the buildings in the little town, Triplett, Mo.
Linda says
omgosh !! I LOVE this post ! The home is awesome, the story behind it, everything !!!! Thanks for sharing !!
Anna says
This house is very striking. It seems like a truly “handmade home”!
It reminds me of all the best of a section of houses in Portland, Oregon, which is so much where all the modern, upbeat young people like to live, that I forget about the old grace that it all has. Spending time in those structures, whether a house or a restaurant in an old house puts you in touch with all those details from 100+ years ago that silently hold in the background. Old doorknobs and wood-on-wood meeting spots… Seems like the skeleton of the place is visible, in a transparency sense. Old Robin’s Egg Blue interspersed and the way the light languishes in those old spaces – as if to show a relic of when that *was* the main light, or even only light possibly, when the house was first inhabited. Those houses are made of real wood, warbily glass, cotton trimmings (especially flour sack cotton), and light gently moving through. Time seeps through, and the grass outside and any surrounding trees show the up and then down pattern of a repeating summer-winter continuum it cannot escape. The main notion these houses seem to radiate is evidence of a pace that gives a kind of peace.
Thanks for posting about this house and reminding me of these things!
Anna says
And maybe I don’t mean “languish”, but possibly, lingers sweetly. Though languish could also be an element, as these houses can be sort of sunset boxes holding the dimming spectrums of evening on the walls and in the air for the quieting evening… which I have to say, then can turn sparkling, as the activities take on a restful enjoyment after dinner, into the late night.