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Full Text (PDF) - Mississippi Library Association

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PAGE 64 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIEStors fleeing in fright and confusion (23, 25,27, 29, 31).Each photograph is accompanied by acaption that provides useful informationabout the photograph. However, it wouldhave been more helpful if the captions identifiedthe names of the leaders shown in thepictures.The introductory material seeks to setthe historical context, but contains toomuch irrelevant information about the1960s. Not until the end of the introduction,does Hubbell finally focus on theplanned march as it pertained to Marks,specifically. For example, it is noted thatMayor Langford arranged for the demonstratorsto have a place to camp out and alsoprovided “lights, water, and outdoor toiletsat the city’s expense” (vi). However, otherhistorical information, such as why the protestorsin Marks and other places chose touse mule trains, is omitted.Hubbell is a minister who does not havea background in historical writing or scholarship.Other works, such as Robert Weisbrot’sFreedom Bound and Civil Rights: AnA-Z Reference to the Movement that ChangedAmerica give detailed descriptions of themarch and look at the march from a broad,national perspective.However, the unique contribution ofGoldman’s Gold is found in its intimate portrayalof the Civil Rights Movement at thelocal level. The book is an excellent visualdocument of how the Poor People’s Campaignbegan in Marks, and thus shows howthe local community played a role in anevent of national historical significance.Goldman’s Gold is recommended forreaders who are interested in learning moreabout the aspects of civil rights history thatare not normally covered in texts on thesubject. The book would also be suitable forinclusion in public and school libraries, particularlyin the <strong>Mississippi</strong> region, but inother parts of the nation as well. AlthoughGoldman’s Gold has certain flaws as a workof historical scholarship, it has educationalvalue because of its visual treatment of aspecific aspect of the Civil Rights Movement.William L. BahrDirectorMarks-Quitman County Public <strong>Library</strong>— ◆ —Cole Hunter. The Legs Murder Scandal.Jackson: University Press of <strong>Mississippi</strong>,2010. 382 pp. $30.00 (hardcover)In 1934, Laurel, <strong>Mississippi</strong> was like anyother small southern town. People went towork and church, entertained family andfriends, greeted their neighbors, and didtheir best not to become the center of smalltown gossip. Unfortunately, on January 25,1935, the world of Laurel would changeforever. It was on this day that Ouida Keetonwas arrested in connection with themurder of Mrs. Daisy Keeton, her very ownmother. It was on this same day, that Ouidaruined the life of W. M. Carter, her formeremployer and possible lover, by implicatinghim in the crime of the decade.Author Hunter Cole leaves no stoneunturned in telling the story of the LegsMurder Scandal. His character development,descriptive writing, and use of primarydocuments enable the reader tobecome a part of the story. By recountingthe trials of Ouida Keeton and W. M.Carter and the effects it had on the individuals,families, friends, and townspeople ofthis once quiet town, the reader can grievefor the loss of Mrs. Keeton, judge the adulterousacts of Mr. Carter, and question themotives of Miss Keeton. The readers findthemselves just as intrigued as the thousandsof people who would arrive at thecourthouse daily for a chance to see theonce beautiful Ouida and to hear the testimonyrecalling the happenings of January19-23, 1935. Such testimony includes theman that, while walking with his huntingdogs, came across a set of butchered legs,cut from the knee to the pelvis. While theuse of legal jargon can be confusing attimes, the author does a relatively good jobof explaining the terms. It is, however, ashame a glossary was not provided.Hunter Cole leaves nothing out of thisintriguing story about love and betrayal.Readers will enjoy The Legs Murder Scandalfor the twists and turns the story takes. Theprovided timeline keeps the dates andevents in order so as not to confuse thereader. Also the afterword, written by Cole,explains the author’s process of investigatingthis historic trial giving the context of whythe story was told. This book is recommendedfor public and academic libraries.Pamela WilliamsonCurator of Visual CollectionsUniversity of <strong>Mississippi</strong>— ◆ —Wildmon, Allen. The Wildmons of <strong>Mississippi</strong>:A Story of Christian Dissent. Denver:Outskirts Press, 2010. 395 pp. $24.95(hardcover)Allen Wildmon says that life was like asmall country gravel road, lined on eachside with trees of different shades of green.The road gets smaller as it fades into thedistance and makes a sharp bend in a curve,passing out of sight. Allen’s autobiographytakes the reader along on his journey downthat road. It begins with his childhoodmemories of growing up in rural <strong>Mississippi</strong>and ends with his retirement from theAmerican Family <strong>Association</strong>.Each of the 55 chapters recalls a detailedstory of the struggles and joys of daily lifethat came with growing up in the south.His simplistic style of writing, actual familyphotos and detailed recollections put thereader in a setting among the Wildmonfamily. Allen has a remarkable memory. Herecalls the names, places, and mannerismsof many acquaintances throughout his life.Some of these were just acquaintances,while others became life-long friends. Manyoffered encouragement and sometimesmade impacts on important choices in hislife. His personal retellings of these encountersleaves the reader enveloped in a sense ofbelonging, rejoicing, laughing, and sometimeseven brokenhearted.This book would be an enjoyable readfor those who love to soak up southern culture,nostalgia buffs, historians, Christians,and those concerned about the break downof society’s morals and decency. For over 30years, Allen and his family have been wellknown for their relentless efforts to “fightthe good fight” in the cultural war. TheWildmons’ undeniable integrity andaccomplishments will inspire readers, notonly to acknowledge the ongoing decline ofsociety’s standards and beliefs, but also totake action against companies that sponsorprograms that attack and distort traditionalfamily values.Ginger MattoxKossuth Middle School LibrarianAlcorn School District

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