Cotton Blossom Memories

         



         Cotton blossom clouds shrouded the moon, masking the night sky to a deep Prussian blue.  Soft rain drizzled down on the lush Louisiana foliage, collecting in low places on the ground.  It released that unique, wet earth smell, which blended with the verbena and magnolias and perfumed the air.  It’s soft pattering mingled with the croaking of frogs and the occasional hooting of an owl.

         Candlelight, multiplied exponentially by the teardrops of crystal chandeliers glittered through open windows.  And the rustle of silk petticoats and the gentle murmur of soft voices mixed with the haunting strains of a waltz and spilled out over the intricate wrought iron railing and out into the warm, damp night.

         The wistful sound of Negro spirituals wafted up in mellow tones from the slave quarters, met the notes of dance music, swirled together and then settled like fairy dust on the enchanted grounds. 

         It was a magical time, when gallant men courted their gentle ladies.  A time, long gone—but not forgotten.  The celebration continued on through the night.  The waltzes grew louder and louder, and the spirituals became rowdier, morphing into bawdy ballads. 

         Sunlight struggled through the twisted branches of live oaks, still in their youth, dripping with Spanish moss, streaking the dark velvet sky with gray.  A cock crowed.  And an eerie stillness fell on the landscape.

         The sun rose higher, back lighting a small historic marker. 

Cotton Blossom Plantation

1837-1859

Destroyed by fire which consumed the house and out buildings,

killing its owner and his family,

forty-three party guests and over thirty slaves

A number of attempts to rebuild have occurred in the ensuing century,

all ending in tragic fire-related deaths.

         And there, silhouetted in the brilliant morning light stood the crumbling remains of six Doric columns, rusted wrought iron filigree work dangling at odd angles, guarding the charred remains of what had once held so much hope.