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History of A Day in the Country

A Day in the Country was born in 1979 out of the necessity to restore the nineteenth century Gothic-style Chapel before it was forever lost to decay and vandalism. The Department of the Interior offered a $50,000 grant to assist in the restoration of the church which was listed on the National Historic Register. One small catch - the congregation had to match the grant.

A dozen or so families who belonged to the mission at that time rose to the challenge, and A Day in the Country was born on October 27, 1979. Margaret Thompson and Margaret Bennett chaired an antiques booth, and Rebecca Smith and Alice Tackett chaired the baked goods booth.

Restoration proceeded in phases. Replacing the roof took the proceeds from one entire festival, while the foundation required another year's profit. A sprinkler system was required to avoid ground shifting under the foundation because moisture content is a constant problem with Yazoo clay. Then came waterproofing and plaster repair, plus sidewalks for the new parking lot.

A Chapel tradition since 1857 is the 63-Egg Cake. The recipe was created by Frances Britton, daughter of Margaret Johnstone who built the Chapel. Mrs. Britton entered the cake in the first Mississippi State Fair and won first prize. The cake is so large that a special pan had to be made to cook it.

The Festival has grown each year since its inception with new activities added, and more and more people attending.