Study Club focuses on Mississippi celebrities
Clinton Study Club members are continuing their year of discussing the lives of Mississippians who have made contributions in a variety of fields and received acclaim for their efforts. The theme for the year is “Mississippi Celebrities: Talent Abounds.”
“Our speakers each month are offering interesting aspects about the lives and work of these personalities,” said Lynda Williams, program chair.
The January focus was on Sunflower native Craig Claiborne, restaurant critic and food journalist. Study Club member Doreen Moore discussed “The Man Who Changed the Way We Eat,” the life of the longtime food editor for The New York Times, who wrote over twenty cookbooks. She pointed out that Claiborne grew up with cooking experience in his family’s Indianola boarding house.
Claiborne began premed studies at Mississippi State University, but transferred to the University of Mississippi to major in journalism and graduate with a B. A. degree. Serving in the U. S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War, he discovered his passion for cooking, studied in Switzerland, and started his food-related career as a contributor to Gourmet magazine. He joined The New York Times in 1957 and has been credited with broadening the newspaper’s coverage of new restaurants and innovative chefs. Initiating the four-star rating system for restaurants, Claiborne’s reviews highlighted a variety of ethnic foods, particularly Asian and Mexican cuisines. He died in 2000 at the age of 79.
The December subject, “Simple Wisdom for Rich Living,” featured the life of Oseola McCarty, a philanthropist from Hattiesburg, who made international news when she donated her life savings for scholarships to the University of Southern Mississippi.
Mary Lundgren shared details of the petite laundress who saved her money over the years and donated scholarship funds to the University of Southern Mississippi to provide funding for students who could not afford to attend college. Lundgren told members about how McCarty, as a child, had to quit school in the sixth grade because of family health complications. Honored throughout the state and nation, she saw her first scholarship recipient, Stephanie Bullock, graduate in May 1999. Lundgren said that McCarty, who died in September 1999, listed her only regret as not having more to give.
The club’s year opened in September, with members learning details from Robin McCormick about “A Legend of the Metropolitan Opera: Leontyne Price.” October’s program featured Carolyn Cannon speaking on “Hometown Author,” covering the life and works of Terri Blackstock of Clinton, Christian suspense author. In November, Sharon Feaster discussed “A Quarterback Dynasty: The Mannings.”
Future programs will focus on B. B King, Jerry Clower, Jim Henson and Conway Twitty.
