Resources
4 Tell Films is proud to be associated with Shoemaker Homes in providing the behind the scenes documentary of the Extreme Makeover Home Edition recently filmed in Brandon, MS. Visit Jef Judin at his website www.4tellfilms.com for more information.
4ABC Extreme Home Makeover requested our assistance in building a new home for the Jones Family. The show aired Easter Sunday, April 8th, at 7 pm. This link www.abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/bios/419.html will take you to the Extreme Home Makeover website so you can gather more information about the family and the show.
Brandon was established as a town on December 19, 1831, and was named after the first native-born governor of Mississippi, Gerard C. Brandon. The big trees and cane were cleared from what we now call the square and the courthouse was erected in the center. Brandon quickly became a flourishing town with businesses, schools and hotels and it even printed and minted its own money.
In the 175 years of its history, Brandon has established itself as a small town with southern charm, yet modern amenities.
Although Brandon is known for its rich history, it has become a town also known for its resilience, a community that comes together and welcomes new residents like old friends and provides a safe, stable environment for families to learn and grow. Brandon has a 5A-classification school system, one of the largest recreational facilities in the state and has a new state-of-the-art library and playground. Brandon also recently became a Mississippi Certified Retirement Community.
Among the large, cedar trees and antebellum homes lies a monument of Brandon’s history. During the Civil War most of the town was burned by the Yankee soldiers and most private homes were looted or burned. The site of the monument is historic because on that exact spot, General Sherman had his soldiers stacked arms while he occupied the town.
Despite war, fire and yellow fever, another historical marker that still remains is the original bell at Brandon’s First United Methodist Church which has survived 170 years. Brandon’s church bells have rung out as a call to worship, a warning of fire and the toll of honor for parishioners being carried to their final resting place. The bells have been pulled from the ashes after churches burned to the ground and have for generations floated peals of music toward heaven.
Brandon has proudly sent three citizens to Jackson to serve as governor.
In 1959, Mary Ann Mobley, a Brandon native was crowned Mississippi’s first Miss America.
Susie Blue Buchanan, also a Brandon native, was the first woman sworn into law practice before the Mississippi Supreme Court.
And Jerious Norwood, who played football for Brandon High School and Mississippi State University, now plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
It has been said that Brandon has furnished the state of Mississippi with more governors, senators, congressman, judges, district attorneys, physicians and teachers than any other town its size in the state. Brandon has often been called the “City of Red Hills Laden with Golden Opportunities”.
Source: City of Brandon, Brandon ads printed by the 175th Anniversary Committee and a summary compiled by Mrs. Marjorie W. Murry- September 1997.
Liquid Creative, a full service media and public relations firm, was completely and totally responsible for all the work done on behalf of Shoemaker Homes before and during the building of the Extreme Makeover Home Edition home. We are indebted to Elizabeth Stephens and Langston Moore for their invaluable knowledge in assisting us to bring this event to the entire state of Mississippi. Liquid has agreed to be the agency of record for the Jones Family for life. Any inquiries regarding the family can be directed to Elizabeth or Langston @ 601-982-9194. Please visit them at www.liquid-creative.com.