It is no secret that Natchez is home to some incredible women. The Natchez Historical Society will introduce you to three of these women at our next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Two are very much alive, Mary B. Eidt and Mimi Miller. One is gone, but certainly not forgotten, Miss Charlie Compton.

Eidt will narrate her interesting life. Miller will illustrate with a collection of HNF slides, including many taken of Miss Charlie before her death in 1944 at age 68.

Eidt has thoroughly researched Miss Charlie, using many letters from George M.D. Kelly of Melrose who often mentioned her in his correspondence, including describing a supper at Trinity Church attended by Miss Charlie and her dogs. Annoyed at many of her antics, she was definitely his “number one nuisance.”

Her dedication to all things regarding Natchez resulted in many firsts. Known as the first “tour guide,” she was known to “highjack” visitors for her unique tours. In 1935 she wrote “Natchez and the Pilgrimage” and sent the book to Eleanor Roosevelt before the first lady visited to Natchez. Afterward, Mrs. Roosevelt wrote glowingly of local women who “built up the town financially…. with the great advantage of displaying houses which are really homes.” 

That still rings true!

Numerous early Natchez writings cite Miss Charlie’s front and center attendance at events, including the Court of Honor when President Taft visited here in 1909. She even has an oak tree variety named for her.

Stories are legendary, including her suits against a streetcar company and against the A&P grocery that had accused her of shoplifting. Kelly reports in a letter that she “had a nervous breakdown” from the strain of the ordeal and was found walking “clad only in a nightgown and barefooted” on Rankin Street. He also notes she won the suit.

In honor of her preservation efforts, the HNF established an annual award for preservation in her name. Fittingly, Eidt received the award this year. 

Eidt and Miller need no introduction.  Their contributions to the history and preservation efforts of Natchez are well-known to all our citizens. Thankfully, neither has as colorful a history as Miss Charlie, but together they bring us a vivid portrait of this early preservationist.

Please join us on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the Historic Natchez Foundation, 108 South Commerce Street. The meeting, free and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. with a social gathering, followed by the program at 7 p.m. 

Maria Bowser is publicity chair of the Natchez Historical Society.