Mrs. Molly Barr of Oxford, Mississippi.
Molly Barr was a local legend. She is a memory with myth mixed in. She had landholdings, reported to be a fairly good size tract, in the area of town now forever marked with her name. More than a street sign can convey, her story is one worth publishing as part of what we all know makes Oxford special. History is seasoned by folklore and Mrs. Molly Barr left her name in both those local books. Her picnics were legend.
Molly Barr would beat her big bass drum and its deep rhythm sounded through the black community of Freedman Town sending out the word to all to come on. The crowds indeed came and feasted on bar-b-qued hog and goat, fried chicken, and all the fixings. But it wasn’t just the picnics. She was known to all for her graciousness to anyone of any stripe that came looking for a hot meal.
There were railroad hobos in those days and many knew to jump off as close as they could to Miss Molly’s. And then there were the big raccoon and possum suppers. Molly believed in haunts and spirits and some fearful-minded folks hinted at New Orleans Voodoo. And while she claimed to know that ghosts were real, the lore of Cajun magic is all wrong. What is right about Molly Barr is best stated in an old article I found saying, “She lived with a smile on her face, and a song in her heart.”
About the Author
Hello I am related to the Vaughn Barr Oliver and Hill family. Thank you for this wonderful news.