MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Turner-Ford, Barnett, Browning, Chassaniol, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jolly
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF THE ROBERT AND MADONNA SNOW FAMILY AS PIONEERS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN MISSISSIPPI ON THE OCCASION OF THE 165TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAVERLY MANSION IN WEST POINT, WHICH IS LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.
WHEREAS, Robert Allen Snow, Jr., and Madonna Guthrie Snow of Neshoba County, Mississippi, were pioneers in preservation in Mississippi. Along with their children, they rescued, restored and have been guardians of Waverly Mansion in West Point, Mississippi, for 55 years. For 165 years this National Historic Landmark has belonged to the West Point Community, to the State of Mississippi, to the nation, and to people from all over the world; and
WHEREAS, built by Colonel George Hampton Young of Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Waverly rests on a gentle knoll on the Tombigbee River, halfway between Columbus and West Point, Mississippi. Although construction spanned several years, 1852 is the accepted year that Waverley reached full magnificence. Waverly's architectural style is Greek Revival, built in a rectangle with a central octagonal opening rising 65 feet to the dome. The H-shaped floor plan has an Italian Palladio influence. Iconic capitals on the round, fluted columns are decorated with carved dogwood blossoms. The plantation was a self-sustaining community complete with gardens, livestock, a brick kiln, a cotton gin, ice house, a marble-lined swimming pool, and bath houses. Gas for the chandeliers was produced by burning rich pine wood in a copper-domed brick retort near the house and Colonel Young experimented with growing silkworms. From its octagonal cupola to its self-supporting balconies and curved stairways, Waverly is unique; and
WHEREAS, the plantation's decline began in 1913 at the death of the last-surviving son, Captain William Young. For the next 50 years Waverly stood vacant, enduring summer sun, winter rains, occasional vandalism, and the steadily creeping riverine forest that tried to reclaim the hill on which Waverly stands. In 1962, Robert and Madonna Snow of Philadelphia, Mississippi, purchased Waverly and began a remarkable labor of love to restore the mansion and its 40 acres. The restoration was complete in 1991 just before Donna Snow passed away. Waverly stands as a fitting memorial to Mrs. Snow. During her service as Waverly's generous hostess, Donna Snow developed a reputation for presenting Mississippi's cultural heritage and many described her as a practicing historian. In addition to her contributions to history and community, Donna was a Christian gentlewoman who always responded wholeheartedly to those in need, as evidenced by her loyal support of the Palmer Orphanage in Columbus, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the Snow family members are: Robert Allen Snow, Jr., Madonna Guthrie Snow, Robert Allen Snow, III, Melanie Ann Snow, Cindy Snow Henson and Gage Hampton Snow; and it is with great pride that we acknowledge and pay tribute to the preservation efforts of this Mississippi family who have restored Mississippi's architectural heritage and are leaving an educational and artistic legacy for all in Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the legacy of the Robert and Madonna Snow Family as Pioneers of Historic Preservation in Mississippi on the occasion of the 165th Anniversary of Waverly Mansion in West Point, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Robert Allen Snow, Jr. family, forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.