Echoes From The Attic and Poems, In Early Era, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Dec. 2000
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.

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IN EARLY ERA

WILCOMBE HOME REMINISCENT OF VERY EARLY HAMMOND ERA

Reminiscent of the very early days of Hammond is the old Wilcombe home which was 
located on the Corner of West Morris and South Magnolia streets, widely known as the 
family residence of Mr. And Mrs. John E. Wilcombe, and supposedly built by Mr. 
Wilcombe's parents, Mr. And Mrs. Joseph Wilcombe in the mid-1860s.

Mr. Joseph Wilcombe came to Hammond from Pittsfield, Mass., several years after the 
Charles Emery Cates settled here, to manage the Cate shoe factory.  The photograph 
paints a vivid vision of memory for many persons who wended their pathways to attend 
school in the old wooden building faintly seen at the corner and later to the brick 
structure, housing the (Annie Eastman), Hammond High School.

The wide verandas completely encircling the front section of the house, featuring railed 
bannisters and large columns.  Old fashioned French wooden blinds flanked the windows 
of both stories.

Reflected in the interior were interesting period and antique furnishings, and of particular 
note was a living room suite covered in red velvet.  A winding staircase in the front foyer 
and some of the wainscoting are present reminders of the early structure of the house.  
The spacious rambling house faced West Morris street and the grounds extended the full 
length of the block.  Oaks and shrubbery formed background interest.

Striking traits of Mr. And Mrs. John E. Wilcombe were suggestive of Southern 
aristocracy and Mrs. Wilcombe graciously greeted her friends and neighbors with a 
smiling contenance.  Her delight was in slowly treking about the gardens of the estate 
daily.

In recent years, the front portion of the old home was moved to the end of the block, 
having been purchased by Mr. George Rossie.  It has been the home of Mr. And Mrs. 
Vincent Brocata for 16 years.

Sharing the original home with the Wilcombes were their eight children, Lawrence, Arthur, 
Adrian, roy, Erick Douglas, (sons), and Lucille, and Marguerite (daughters).  Both 
Marguerite and Eric died while still young.  The only one surviving today is Adrian.  
Adrian is married to the former Miss Dora Maude Johnson.  A former Hammond 
postmaster, they now reside in Franklinton.  Their only son, died while serving in World 
War II.

Mr. And Mrs. Douglas Wilcombe were the parents of four children, Jimmie, who resides 
in Baton Rouge, Douglas, who was killed in service in World War II, and had special 
honors commemorated to his memory in the dedication of the National guard Armory in 
Hammond; Lydia, now Mrs. Pete Wickwire, of Denham Springs, and Dolly, now Mrs. F. 
A. Barner of Baton Rouge,  Mrs. Wilcombe (Corrina) lives in Denham Springs.  Their 
former farily residence is now the home of the Henry Mays, located next to the Brocato 
home on Magnolia Street.

Mrs. Roy Wilcombe, the former Miss Bernice Settoon resides in New Orleans

Mrs. Malcolm B. Wright, Jr., the former Helen Wilcombe, is the daughter of Mr. And 
Mrs. Arthur Wilcombe.  Her mother was the former Miss Eva Muncy.

Lucille became the wife of Mr. Leroy McGee, and they lived at their home, 309 South 
Magnolia Street, where now their son, John L. McGehee, his wife, the former Evelyn 
Stout and daughter, Jeane, now live.  Other children of the LeRoy McGees' are Helena, 
now Mrs. Clifford Walker of New Orleans, and Katherine, (deceased).

The Lawrence Wilcombes resided in Ponchatoula.  She was the former Miss Rose Cook 
of Brookhaven, Miss.

(From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC AND POEMS, II, 1967, by Edna F. Campbell)

(pic of Wilcombe Home)