Published: November 14, 2009 05:39 pm      

Parade of homes for Christmas Pilgrimage

PICAYUNE — Have you ever seen a house and wished you could go inside and see what it looks like — to stroll through the living room and see how it is decorated, stop in the kitchen and study the color scheme and layout, poke your head in the bedroom and wonder what it would be like to sleep there?

Well, you may not be able to pick out the home on your wish list, but with the Civic Women’s Club annual Christmas Pilgrimage, you will have the opportunity to tour through three area homes, a church, and a not-for-profit organization this year.

Darlene Adams of the CWC said that each year they try to find homes for the tour that have historic value, are architecturally unique, or are stunningly modern. “Some are historic and some are more modern,” said Adams. “Every year we try to get more homes to tour.”

Sponsored by the GFWC-MFWC Civic Women’s Club of Picayune, the Pilgrimage gives participants a chance to step inside of the homes and have a guided tour.

On the day of the Pilgrimage, participants will travel to each place at their own pace and present their ticket at the door to be stamped. A Civic Club lady will then give the participants a full tour of the home, unless a particular room or area has been cordoned off.

The first home to be featured this week is the “Buckley’s home” at 59 Checker Mitchell Road in Nicholson.

Built in 1930 by C.H. “Checker” and Etha Mitchell using reclaimed lumber from Mitchell’s parents’ original home, as well as heart pine harvested on the homestead, the home features a low-slung porch that wraps halfway around the house.

Sitting on property that has been owned by the Mitchell family since the Civil war, the home was renovated in 1985 by Colleen Mitchell Buckley, daughter of Checker and Etha.

The house still maintains its original tongue and groove walls and ceilings in the living room, dining room, library and kitchen. The master bedroom was extended to include a sitting room, a large walk-in closet and a dressing room.

The original porch swing and rocking chairs welcome friends and family year round for coffee and conversation and the front and side porch with lower deck are shaded by established trees and camellias planted by Etha Mitchell.

Previously featured as one of the homes on the 1992 Pilgrimage, the Buckelys are excited to begin this holiday season with the opportunity to welcome the public into their home.

Tickets for the Pilgrimage are pre-sold for $10, but can be purchased at any one of the featured sites on the day of the tour for $12. All proceeds from the tour go towards yearly scholarships for both Picayune Memorial and Pearl River Central High Schools. Tickets may be purchased from a CWC member or at the following locations — Checkered Lily, The Glass Porch and MeLinda's Fine Gifts and More.