Echoes From The Attic and Poems, West Thomas St., Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Feb. 2001 Typed by Belford Carver Written by by Edna F. Campbell Copyrighted by Edna F. Campbell With special thanks to her family for permission to use her works. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ FEW MANSIONS ARE LEFT The residence of Mrs. Powell P. Vail is not one of the most spacious houses on West Thomas St. It is an attractive one-story home, but its lines are architecturally pleasing and, like the others on Hammond's main street, conveys a time and a way of life that are long in the past. The house also has about it an air of vulnerability, for it is one of the few remaining homes on West Thomas, once a showcase of stately mansions. The wide-spreading front veranda isn't used for entertainment anymore. In today's privacy-conscious, air-conditioned world, an open porch is a bit of anachronism. If you walk in front of these homes, which are clustered in an area fringing the downtown district, you'll understand why Mrs. Vail and others don't use their porches: West Thomas is a busy and noisy thoroughfare with too much traffic and auto exhaust. Many of Hammond's older citizens shudder at the thought of commercialism invading the Hans Schneider property on West Thomas St. The stately Schneider home is one of beauty reflecting Southern Colonial architecture that stands as a monument to the grandeur that once marked this street of grand residences. The finest of lumber, mostly long-leaf pine, was used in the construction of this mansion which was built around 1900 by E. P. Denkman of Rock Island, Ill. Mrs. Schneider, niece of the original owner, says, "none of us like what is happening, but it can't get much worse than it is now." The chief consolation for the Schneiders is that they own more land around their home than anyone else. The Schneider grounds face West Thomas, North Linden and West Charles streets, and the property covers an entire city block. Adjoining their property is the home of Mrs. Schneider's mother, Mrs. F. W. Reimers, whose property also covers a city block facing West Thomas and West Charles. Both Wilson and General Pershing streets come to an end at West Charles on the north side. This controlling interest creates a certain amount of safety from commercial invasion, but they regret the effect it has had on the street. Mrs. Schneider is pleased that the widening of the streets will not bring forth the tragedy of Morris St., where those ageless Oak trees were felled. Like a tragic ending to a fine story is the thought of the palatial Reimers home being caught up in the so-called wave of progress and overshadowed by business places. Although it is protected by its large residence groundsand the Schneider home and rental property nearby, there is still apprehension over the nearness of other rental property. This stately house was a center for musical groups and Mrs. Reimers was a leader of music in the area. Mrs. Reimers, who is hospitalized for an indefinite period, was unavailable for comment. "I don't like the stores coming so close, but I have decided to not let it worry me," says Mrs. Vail of 611 West Thomas. "The noise of the street is bad, but we're hoping it will lessen with the opening of the one-way street." Mrs. Vail is optimistic over the situation, and doesn't see any reason for concern. She says happily, "I have lived in this house for about 46 years, and have loved it. I just want to continue to have it that way." The Columbus Reid home at 602 West Thomas is in the most affected spot with business concerns just next door. The house has been rented since 1968 when Mrs. Reid left to make her home in Jackson, Miss. For a while she reserved an apartment but has given it up. Mrs. James Saxon, the former Helen Reid and daughter of the owner, says, "I hate to see the house go down as it has. This street used to be Hammond's prettiest with the finest houses. I donít like changes. The businesses have crept in with a car-wash next door and grocery and other firms across the way. Our house was the old Kerrigan home and one of the most attractive places in the block." A note of sadness creeps in as the viewer looks in on the beautiful home of the late Mrs. Walter H. Brent. Memories couple the hospitality of the late Mrs. Brent, and the spacious reception area where gaiety prevailedand where the high echelon of society met for bridge, canasta and informal parties. The numerous plants surrounding the home are signs of the many hours Mrs. Brent spent in her garden, and the carriage port at her side entrance lends a mark of time to the age of the two-story house. No member of the family now lives in the old home. A son, Dr. W. H. Brent, is in New Orleans, and a daughter, Mrs. Max Durham, lives in her home on West Charles St., directly behind. Lumberman O. C. Pantall was the first owner of the house which was built for his family. Mrs. Ben E. Pierce at 711 West Thomas doesn't like the commercial invasion at all. "I think it is a pity. This used to be one of the prettiest streets in Hammond," she says. "We have sudivisions, of course, but some people still like living in town. I suppose we should have tried doing something about it sooner. I hope nothing else changes. I would like to live here the rest of my life." The Pierces have resided in the dark brown two-story house since 1951. Their sons grew up here; one was six and other 13 when they moved in the house. This fine old structure was also build by a lumber industrialist, Fred Pantall, whose home it was originally. Mrs. Pierce feels safe as far as the block west of her go, as this is the property of the Schneiders. Next door is the home of John McBride and it is rental property. The former homes of Mayor Sam Saik and the E. E. Herrings are two other houses on the 600 block and are the property of Lloyd Engeran. The old Martin Penton home now sits in the balance-soon it'll either be dismantled or moved. According to Mrs. Ennis Penton, the family hasn't decided what to do with this old house, which was home to the Martin Pentons for over 40 years. Mrs. Francis M. Seale of 1018 West Thomas St., says, "we are already surrounded by commercialism, there is nothing we can do about it." Mrs. Seale has lived in the handsome brick home for about 15 years. It was used as the home for her parents, Mrs. Vaughan G. Oliver and the late Mr. Oliver. (From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC, VII, 1973, by Edna Campbell) (Pics of two houses)