I made my first visit to the Charles Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival on the last weekend in March at Mississippi State University in Starkville. This festival is perhaps unique in that it’s held on a large college campus while school is in session.
It kicked off with a Gatsby-themed fashion show on the lobby of Mitchell Memorial Library, which also houses the extensive and outstanding Templeton collection of antique phonograph players and vintage sheet music. When I inquired what relationship the fashion show had to the music, I was told that it’s intended to involve more of the college in the festival. The fashions modeled were designed and made by MSU students. Taking an expansive view, I can see that as an all-around benefit, but these were by no means Ragtime-era styles. The 45-minute show was accompanied by Jeff Barnhart, the festival’s musical director, on piano with his wife Anne on vocals.
Prior to arriving, I learned from the festival’s website that MSU also houses the U.S. Grant Presidential Library. I arrived early enough on Thursday to pay a visit. How did Grant’s archives wind up in Mississippi? They were relocated from Southern Illinois University due to a personal connection between the former head of the U.S. Grant Association and his successor, who taught at MSU. An addition to the Mitchell library was made to house the exhibits and documents, and a be
