Picture Frames
From MUW's Callaway Hall
in Columbus, MS
Made by John T. Black of Greenville, MS
In the 1960s extensive renovation was done to Callaway Hall
on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. Callaway Hall ,
which was originally known as Main Dormitory when M.U.W.'s precursor, the public
Mississippi Industrial Institute and College, opened in 1885. During this rnovation many
of the original doors were removed and were aquired by Backstrom Glass Co. of
Cloumbus, MS. Mr Backstrom did nothing with the doors, but he continued to store
them at his warehouse.
My brother-in-law, W.Reeder Smith, also of Columbus, MS, had items stored in the same warehouse. In 1991, Mr. Backstrom sold the warehouse and asked Reeder if he would like to have the doors. Since retiring from the telephone company, Reeder was engaged in woodworking, primarily building outdoor furniture. He used most of the wood from the salvaged doors, but had the bottom rails from eight doors remaining.
Click to view larger image
In late 2008 he asked me if I could use the remaining door parts. I am retired from the banking business and an amateur woodworker, so I immediately responded that I did want them. It occurred to me that former students might like a momento from Callaway Hall. What better way to do this than to make picture frames with the wood in which you can put a picture that holds significant meaning to you.
This is to certify to you the authenticity of the origin of the wood.
/s/John T. Black
1611 Genie Fairway
Greenville, MS 38701
If you would like to order one of these unique and momentous picture frames
Click Here
If your would like more information, please contact:
John Black
Cell Phone: 662-394-0179
Home Phone: 662-334-6821
The frame will contain the Provenance shown above to certify the origin
of the wood. It will be printed on parchment paper. The frame may be used to display the
Provenance, or you may insert your own picture and just leave the Provenance behind your picture.
With salvaged wood there are sometimes blemishes which serve to give interest to the piece.
You may place your order for a 5" x 7" picture frame made from wood salvaged from part of
the original doors used in Callaway Hall at the time it opened in 1885.
A donation of $5 from each purchase will be made to the general scholarship fund of MUW.
All photos and content property of Clay Black
No reproductions without express written consent
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