French Camp’s March 13 Historical Highlight speaker will be Rev. Allen Baswell who looks forward to sharing the enlightening history of the Drane Home in French Camp’s Historic District and the person who lived in the house, Col. James Drane.
Allen is a native of Ackerman, a graduate of Booneville High School and has a degree in Journalism with a minor in English from Ole Miss. He is currently the pastor of Fentress Baptist Church where he has been since July 2014. Prior to accepting God’s call to enter the gospel ministry, he spent more than 20 years full time and part time in journalism, working for newspapers, magazines, online publications as well as radio work - including two separate stints with the Choctaw Plaindealer. It was during his first stint with the Plaindealer that he found out about French Camp’s Drane Home, made numerous visits there and decided to write a piece for the Plaindealer about it.
Allen has always had a fondness for old homes, especially antebellum homes and has visited many of them in Natchez and Columbus, but there is something special and tangible about the Drane house that has stuck with him all these years.
The April 10 speaker will be Dot Ward who will be talking about medical care in French Camp in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Historical Highlight Luncheons are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at French Camp Presbyterian Church, featuring a speaker who shares some aspect of French Camp’s history and a delicious, home-cooked meal for a $2 donation. The public is invited.
RSVP for the luncheon by contacting Mary Nell Coblentz at marynellcoblentz@gmail.com or 803-984-0679.
