I've Always Quacked on the Kindness of Strangers

The American south is an interesting dichotomy of life. Strong in Baptist tradition, it also produced artists such as gay playwright Tennessee Williams. Both can be seen on the road to Columbus, Mississippi.

Columbus is the birthplace of Tennessee Williams, noted for such plays as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and The Glass Menagerie. 

However, nothing is as simple as it seems. While it is his first home, it's not his first yard. The house was preserved, and picked up and moved to it's present location.

Now it serves less as a literary inspiration as a symbol of southern hospitality: It now serves as a Mississippi Tourist welcome center, welcoming the myriad people (and ducks) who visit the Magnolia State.

Those who visit, however, are lucky to make it. Dire warnings exist along the way, including this admonishment in Reform, Alabama. 

Unfortunately for Russ (left), that's not an angel on his shoulder. It's only a duck. 

But then again, a angel wouldn't be hanging around such establishments in Columbus, MS.

Photos by J.J. Kwashnak

Last Updated March 2001