6/1/2005 6:00:00 PM VICKERS/ John Risher recounts a lifetime of memories
By OVID VICKERS
Recently, a friend suggested that I read a book by Neshoba Countian John Risher, and I did. Mr. Risher has written what I consider to be a fascinating account of his family, but the book embraces much more than the genealogy of the Risher and allied families.
Risher titled his book “A Lifetime of Memories,” and it is the kind of story one can read and enjoy because it is divided into chapters that can be read separately without losing the continuity of the story. He writes in an interesting manner concerning the lives of his many friends, including a host of state and national political figures. He also has some keen insight concerning the history and development of Neshoba County and East Central Mississippi.
I was particularly interested in the reproduced posters advertising the Neshoba County Fair in 1924 and 1925. The 1924 poster touts the fair as “The Biggest Country Frolic in the World.”
A host of well-known figures were scheduled to make appearances at the ‘24 fair, including Theodore G. Bilbo, Fred Sullens, Mike Conner and Ross Collins. The 1925 poster lists an interesting event. It seems that a free movie was offered each night. (One can assume that the movie was shown at the pavilion.)
Risher won his first fair cabin at a drawing which was held 42 years ago. He sold this cabin in 1976 and purchased cabin No. 55 on the square. The purchase price in 1976 of Cabin 55 was $4,300. In the year 2000 he was offered $100,000 for the same, although improved, cabin.
Cabin 55, it seems has become a mecca for Mississippi political figures to visit during the Fair. The guest book includes such recognizable figures as John C. Stennis, Bill Waller, Ross Barnett and J.P. Coleman. In his book, Risher carefully recorded stories, anecdotes and observations related to the political personalities who have been guests at his cabin.
If you are interested in the people, places, language and customs of this South in which we live then “A Lifetime of Memories” is a most interesting read. Most of us who are over 65 will remember the list of home remedies he discusses. Risher says of one cure, “Wearing asafetida around the neck drove away some illnesses.
I guess it worked. The person wearing it seemed to be healthier, but lonesome.” A drop of turpentine is recommended for the sore throat, and a few drops of kerosene in a spoon of sugar is supposed to cure the croup.
Risher says of Southern speech, “We in Mississippi have a vocabulary all our own. It is used by the pulpwood hauler, preacher, doctor, lawyer, school teacher and bootlegger. Anyone who does not understand it, does not fit into the Southern way of life.”
The author has an ear for Southern dialect. Here a few examples from the many given in the book. “Arshtater” for Irish potatoes, “thang” for thing, “argys” for argues and “crine” for crying.
The book is not limited to people, places and events in Neshoba County. Many of the tall tales, legends, myths and humorous stories are known throughout the South. A great deal of the material comes from those counties which form the East Central section of Mississippi. Those interested can find material such varied topics as the Leake County String Band and the Sciple’s Water Mill in Kemper County.
This book is also a testament to coping with tragedy. John Risher and his wife, Mildred, lost both of their children. Daughter Donna passed away on Oct. 30, 1987, and son Steve succumbed to leukemia on June 30, 1994. Steve left two children, Celeste and Jonathan. Jonathan, Celeste and their mother, Laurie, have made every effort to fill the void created by the deaths of Donna and Steve.
It is obvious when one reads “A Lifetime of Memories” that John Risher spent a great deal of time gathering information on the South, Neshoba County, the Risher family and his wife Mildred’s family, the Madisons.
I must say that although I did not personally know many of the people mentioned in the book, I thought the information was so well presented that it held my interest and was a pleasure to read.
John Risher has left a rich legacy for his grandchildren and for the people of Neshoba County by recording the events relative to his family and to Neshoba County over a span of more than 80 years. Copies of “A Lifetime of Memories” are available at Risher Wholesale Co., 314 West Main St., Philadelphia, MS.
