“Excellent schools and a Mayberry kind of town” are what James Stidham attributes to the success of his latest subdivision, Wood Estates.
The 36-acre development is adjacent to the campus of the now-defunct Wood Junior College, which is on the market. Its tall pines and well-kept landscape enhance the appeal of the subdivision, as do the subdivision’s larger lots and covenants that ensure it will remain attractive. Lots in the subdivision range from one-half to three-quarters of an acre.
The property was formerly owned by Wood Junior College and is located in the city limits of Mathiston, which has fewer than 1,000 residents. Situated just minutes from Starkville, many of the new homes are being purchased by individuals who are relocating from the larger area. A similar subdivision is being built on the other side of town by another developer.
Stidham is a native of Mathiston who retired from Starkville Public Schools as an administrator. He says he “retired” for a year, then was ready to get back to work. His son Corey partners with him on the projects. Corey is also assistant principal at East Webster High School.
It comes naturally to them; Stidham’s father, George, was a building contractor whose sons grew up around the building business and fit easily into it. The family heritage is reflected in the Wood Estates street names. The first street is named Stidham Drive, and the next two are George Street and Margaret Street, honoring the developer’s parents.
Major draws
“We are the second-largest 2A school,” Corey explained, referring to the size of East Webster High. East Webster Elementary serves K-5 and has 400 students and is located in Mathiston. East Webster High School has 503 students in grades 6-12 and is located in Cumberland. Both schools received B ratings last year and are working hard to move to A ratings.
He cites community involvement as a major factor in the school’s success. “We have hands-on parents who want to be there to help,” Corey said. His father agreed. “Our supporters travel to ballgames; it’s always a surprise to the other team to see the following our kids draw.”
Another major draw is the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship program. One of the largest privately funded education funds in Mississippi, the fund was established by Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Sumners of Stewart, who were natives of Indiana, relocated to Mississippi and built a large timber business here. Five Mississippi institutions of higher learning are served by the grant: Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, Millsaps College, Holmes Community College and the University of Mississippi Medical School.
Scholarships are awarded from endowed funds to full-time undergraduate academically qualified students who legally reside in one of five Mississippi counties. The specific amounts for awards are determined by an annual review of available funds. Webster is one of the Sumners counties, along with Attala, Carroll, Choctaw and Montgomery.
Small-town appeal
Homes in Wood Estates begin at 1,500 square feet. As long as the house plan meets the covenants, which include brick construction and no metal roofing, it can be built there.
“We will build it for your or we’ll sell you the land and you can build it,” James said. Because it is in the city limits, water and sewer are available as well as natural gas.
One of the homes sold in the span of two hours. “We had just finished it and turned it over to the Realtor and got a call that night that it was sold,” Stidham smiles.
Lots begin at $17,500 and home construction averages $110 per square foot. With just a 20-minute commute to Starkville, extra appeal is added.
“Being close to a town like Starkville and the university but living in a small town is a great way to live,” Stidham said.
