Mississippi Moments Podcast

Built in 1918 between Mendenhall and Magee, the Mississippi State Tuberculosis Sanatorium provided care and isolation for those afflicted with this terrible disease.  Dorothy Nunnery of Brandon recalls living on the grounds of the Sanatorium during the 1930s. Nunnery also explains the purpose of the Preventorium and remembers a family who came to stay.    

Former Mississippi Supreme Court, Armis E. Hawkins, served as a district attorney in Chickasaw County in the early 1950s. He looks back on his early career.

Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, Armis E. Hawkins, joined the service in June 1942 with ambitions of becoming an officer.  The Marine Corps had other plans. Hawkins recalls his service during WWII.

The first African American Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, Reuben Anderson, remembers the racial climate of 1960s Mississippi. At Tougaloo College, he was inspired by the activism around him. He looks back on his career and his beginnings as a civil rights lawyer.

Senator Thad Cochran nominated Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Michael Mills for a Federal Judgeship in 2001. Mills recounts a getting phone call from the Oval Office. Justice Mills’ confirmation hearing before the Senate was just two days after 9/11. Mills remembers the patriotism and resolve of Americans to overcome the tragedy in the immediate aftermath.

One of Justice Michael P. Mills’ fondest memories from his tenure on the Mississippi Supreme Court was his friend and colleague Justice Michael Sullivan. He shares some of his favorite memories of his friend.

Retired Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Robert Sugg has fond memories of his days on the bench.  He remembers of some of his fellow judges. Sugg also recounts a fishing trip with fellow justice Francis Bowling.

Retired Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Sugg wanted to be a pilot during WWII.  He recalls how a perforated ear drum prevented him from serving. He discusses his early career.

In World War II, all-black combat units such as the Tuskegee Airmen gained widespread recognition for their service. However, most black soldiers served in support units away from the front line. Lee Spearman of Bay Springs describes the frustration of being assigned to such a unit. Spearman details the close proximity of the Pacific island battles and the death of American war correspondent, Ernie Pyle.

Many stories surround the naming of the town of D’Lo.  Long-time resident Chrysteen Flynt attempts to set the record straight. She also shares her memories of growing up there.

Many Italian immigrants settled in the Mississippi Delta bringing their culture and traditions with them.  John Bassie of Cleveland, MS recalls how his family celebrated the 4th of July, Italian style.

Growing up during World War II, Lynn Cartlidge of Hattiesburg found plenty of ways to earn money as a boy. He talks about his paper route, which ended up taking him to Camp Shelby.

Lee Davis of Hattiesburg shares his memories of growing up in a large and fun-loving family. He recalls practical jokes and holiday moments shared with loved ones.

This September marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. George Schloegel of Hancock Bank and now Mayor of Gulfport, discusses being prepared for the next disaster. He reflects on the real lessons of Katrina.

Greg Osaneha is a Nigerian who immigrated to the United States. He talks about what led him to leave his home.  Osaneha explains what he feels are the strengths of the United States.

During WWII, the war with Japan was fought over tiny islands most people had never heard of.  Truman Ellis of Jackson recalls joining the Navy and his time in the Pacific.

In World War II, Alton Patterson’s unit was days from invading Japan when the country surrendered. He remembers the Japanese prisoners of war and his complex feelings toward the atomic bomb.

For Ellen McCarley of Port Gibson, some of her most cherished childhood memories are of Christmas.  She recalls how her mother made the season special.  

During the early 20th Century, Biloxi was home to more than a dozen seafood processing plants.  Retired fisherman Tommy Schultz, Jr. recalls how each plant had its own unique work whistle.

Gordon Nanney reflects on the 50 + years he spent helping to bring electric power to the people of Mississippi.