Delta History

A DELTA STORY: SHERARD PLANTATION

The singular story of the Sherard Plantation, just outside Clarksdale, Mississippi offers a snapshot of plantation life in the Delta in the mid- twentieth century. Some may recall the unique events that brought national attention to this farming operation as an anomaly to normal plantation experiences of the day. Others may view it as a celebration of typical plantation sentiments that were often overlooked or misrepresented by the media or outsiders. Regardless, the story is unique and by many accounts, remarkable.

Sherard Plantation was established in 1874 when, as an article in the March 8, 1967 Memphis Press-Scimitar stated, "the first John Holmes Sherard, then 18 years old, left the ante-bellum home of his parents in Alabama with six mule wagons, four ox wagons, 50 head of cattle and many colored families, who had 'belonged' to the Sherard family before the Civil War, to found his own Mississippi plantation."

Eventually, the plantation included not only tenant homes, but several churches, a post office, general store, railroad station and school. The 6000-acre operation produced cotton primarily, but also began a pecan grove in 1890 when cotton prices nearly bottomed out creating financial straits for farmers throughout the region. The plantation still produces "Sherardized" pecans today as well as a variety of nuts, and other food items.

On April 30, 1950, the Sherard Plantation was thrust into the spotlight by a unique event, described as an "appreciation hour" in honor of Mr. Holmes Sherard and his sister, Mrs. Mallie Rawles, owners of the plantation. What made the celebration unique was that it was conceived, planned and performed entirely by the African-Americans living on the Sherard plantation – a fact that was given emphasis in most of the media coverage. As a testament to the unprecedented nature of the event, an account was published not only in Memphis' Commercial Appeal, but also in newspapers from Birmingham, AL and Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA and Washington, DC.

Both black workers and white friends, alike, gathered into the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, one of four churches built by the Sherards for the tenant farmers. The Appreciation event consisted of singing, performances by the Coahoma County Agricultural High School's "negro" band, and many tributes to the "boss-man." According to the Commercial Appeal's May 1, 1950 article, the event was conceived by Mrs. Ida Mae Jackson, the wife of Mr. Sherard's African-American cook who was actually born on the plantation in 1905. In the article, she explained her idea by saying, "We colored people here thought it was about time to do something to show our appreciation to Mr. Sherard and Mrs. Rawles for the many nice things they have done for us, so we worked up this meeting in their honor and invited them to come."

The Coahoma County Agricultural High School's "negro band" played to greet Mr. and Mrs. Sherard and Mrs. Rawles as they walked to the Mt. Zion M.B. Church on the grounds of the Sherard Plantation.
Photo courtesy Sherard Family.

Holmes Sherard's comments at the event express not only his appreciation and affection for the workers, but also offer a window into the close-knit relationships between families (both black and white) that often developed over generations living on a Delta plantation:

"I have lived a happy and most interesting life. I have had more than my share of earthly blessings and honors; however I do not believe I could possibly appreciate any of them more than I do this demonstration of confidence and affection coming from you Colored people; you who know me better than others; you who I have lived and worked with all my life. It would be impossible for me to put into words my true feelings and appreciation for all this kindness."

"We are all dependent upon each other, and here we all seem to have taken our obligation to each other for granted. I am wondering could this LACK of obligation to our fellow man, be the trouble with places where we hear of this unrest."

"Why people cannot live and work together, treat each other fairly, iron out their differences and be happy while doing it, I just a cannot understand. Neither can I understand how they can legislate character, morals and a sense of honor into a human being."

As the face of farming in the Mississippi Delta began to change with greater mechanization, and the racial unrest found in other areas of the country began to slowly but surely seep into the deep South, the plantation way of life began to wane. Only a fraction of the family-owned farms still exist today, including Sherard Plantation, now run by fifth generation descendants of John Holmes Sherard. However, the plantation has left its mark on the Delta way of life, not only in its influence on the region's music and food, but also in the relationships that still exist between families entwined by the unique experiences of the plantation community.

Source: Article by Haley Montgomery, Personal accounts, correspondence, newspaper clippings and photos of event provided by Holmes Pettey for the Sherard Family.

Mr. and Mrs. Holmes Sherard and Mrs. Mallie Rawles receive Certificates of Appreciation
Photo courtesy Sherard Family.

Mr. Holmes Sherard enjoys some of the Appreciation event's food
Photo courtesy Sherard Family.

The lyrics of traditional folk songs were modified to honor the Sherards and sung during the program
Photo courtesy Sherard Family.