Echoes From The Attic and Poems, SHANNON HOME, 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.

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"SHANDOM" A HOME THAT GREW IN SPRING'S WILDWOOD ACRES

In a natural setting and designed to look as if it "grew here" is "Shandom" the 
home of Mrs. and Mrs. James Shannon, located on the middle bend of the horseshoe 
land in Pleasant Ridge subdivision.

Twenty-two years ago, the Shannons, who hailed from Kentucky, became Hammondites 
by choice and selected this plot and staked new roots.  They completely cleared 
the land from its heavy growth of trees and bushes, and they said, "they planted 
the surroundings by'guess and by gosh' as they were unfamiliar with this section."

The rolling ground today resembles a fairyland garden.  For a homey effect they 
planted winter huckleberry trees, along with azaleas, camellias, wild azaleas, 
magnolias, dogwood, English dogwood, crape myrtles, red buds, pyracanthas, peach 
trees, not in blossom, Japanese plum and climbing yellow jasmine.  To off-set the 
scenery are oaks draped in Spanish moss.

A member of the high school teaching faculty, Mr. Shannon utilized his time on
weekends and holidays to landscape the yard.  After completing the term this year, 
he is looking forward to devoting more time to his love of nature, as he 
relinquishes more of his teaching duties.  Mrs. Shannon has been on leave this 
year, but she has decided to give up her career and enjoy the homesite she and 
her husband have created according to their own taste and desire.

Neighbors have cited Mr. Shannon's success in cultivation, and his "green thumb".  
They have gone as far to say that they believed if he planted anything upside down 
it would flourish.

Mrs. Shannon who drew the plans for the home has added it was geared to express 
welcome, and hospitality.  For added emphasis, the coffee remains on tap at all 
hours for friends who call.

Of special interest is the Penny vine embracing the front window.  The Shannons 
have been told this brings wealth to planters but in their case they say it is 
sheer supposition.  This couple observed a custom of exchanging trees at Christmas 
time.  One of their trees is a pear and Mrs. Shannon says it is well on its way to 
Heaven, so great is the height.  Other special features include a winding driveway 
outlined in blossoming plants and greenery.

The naturalists also harbor a bird haven; they advocate bird feeding and provide 
bird baths and feeders for their feathered friends.

(From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC, V, 1970, by Edna Campbell)

(Pic of house)