Southern hospitality is 'real and tangible'

TO THE EDITOR:

Your warm welcome all over town last week to Ex-President Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the Confederacy, was something to behold.

As the recipient of your hospitality I will never forget it. Although New Yorkers (which I am presently) have a crusty reputation, your spontaneous smiles, hugs, and heartfelt greetings brought me back to my southern roots as a Chattanooga, Tennessee, boy. Southern charm is not a public relations ploy to entice northerners to the warmer parts of this great country. It is real and tangible. Your warmth made me feel I had come home.

My two nights of rest at both the Holly Court Inn and then the Lafayette Manor reminded my inner being that there is a place of peace away from the glaring headlines and TV news of the day. Although people may carry that environment of joy and peace within them, one still does appreciate the nurturing atmosphere. It is easy to understand why so many expatriates from the north "chose" Washington for their home. They felt what I so quickly felt.

Of course, it was thrilling to work - to act - with your dedicated Washington Little Theater Company, along with co-sponsors, the Washington Historical Foundation and the Civil War Roundtable.

"Little" may be in the title, but everything else about it is huge. Nora Dukes, your very professional president, is the perfect hostess, showing me around town and to and from the Augusta Airport and the theater. And what a professional crew for our show, "Unconquerable Heart, a Life of Jefferson Davis:" Stage Manager Angelynn Price, who filled in at the last moment, was a perfect assurance to an actor; Bradley Barber for his expertise in each phase of our needs (as well as the official photographer for the show); and Hannah Sifre who brought to the lighting a painter's eye. The good services of House Manager Buzzy Randall and his wife brought overall harmony to the production.

So many more were supportive of our show: Mel, Kenny, Libby, dear Bolton, and our talented radio interviewer Mel; and Larry Hyde, one of the first to rally around the flag. Really too many to mention, but each one appreciated for making the show a success.

You do have a beautiful town filled with very special people. I look forward to returning to your town. As Jefferson Davis says in our show, "Southerners are lovely people!" How true!

DORIN SEYMOUR

aka Jefferson Davis

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