Many of us went to the Visitors Center for an orientation to the city. Natchez is the county seat of Adams County. In the past visitors came by steamboat, now visitors come from all over the world, lured by the city's reputation for a unique collection of houses representing architecture of the long ago South. The houses represent the time when cotton was king and money flowed freely. The cotton is gone but tourists continue to visit.
Stanton Hall is one of the larger mansions in Natchez. Built in 1857 for cotton magnate Frederick Stanton with no expense spared. Five levels, with 17 foot ceilings on the first floor. Stanton died in 1858 but his family remained there until 1894. The house was purchased by the Pilgrimage Garden Club in 1938 and is now an elegant and majestic setting for weddings and special events.
Magnolia Grill, where we had lunch, is "under the hill" on the waterfront, known in the 1800's as a region of debauchery, gambling and rough living. Now, it is quite respectable. The paddle boat dock is right across the street.
Bob McKenna's car parts arrived in the overnight express from Morgan Spares. We set out to replace the clutch slave cylinder to see if the symptoms improved. Didn't help! So the gang gathered and the clutch master cylinder was replaced. Five guys working as a surgical team, wrenching, holding flashlights, fetching tools etc. The car was transformed and drives like new now. Thanks to Andy Leo and Reg Hahn for doing the surgery, with Bruce Foster, Bob McKenna and Gary Kneisley assisting.
Before heading off to our pre-arranged banquet for the entire entourage we lined up all the cars present in front of the hotel for a portrait. Seeing so many Morgans and one MG in a row drew smiles and admiration from many passers-by, so many we had trouble getting a clear shot of the cars.
Beth and Charlie Miller (below), our tour organizers and genial hosts are ready to party.
Cocktails and dinner at Monmouth Hall. A beautifully decorated plantation home which now is a bed & breakfast, special events facility.
We rolled in via convoy and filled their front parking area with our unique cars.
The Mog 8 crew, Sally and Gary.
The Texas gang is finally all here. The Kampschafer's having arrived moments before dinner in their Solstice, explaining their Morgan failed 60 miles out from their Malone Texas home.
This shot from the balcony of the Monmouth Plantation.
All in all, a very memorable day.
Tomorrow we are out early for a 260 mile journey up the Natchez Trace to Tupelo, Ms.
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