The Easter Miracle on Bull and Oglethorpe

Mar 26

Written By Don Holland

Chapter 33

Savannah
Easter 1961

It was the rage.

Every woman wanted one.

Fine’s Department Store on Broughton Street in Savannah had a full window display devoted to pill box hats.

They were pre-dimpled.

Addy’s Grandmother Wilder had watched the inauguration of John Kennedy with her 7-year-old son on their black and white Zenith television.

In Washington that day, six inches of snow was falling. But the new first lady, Jacqueline was the model of warmth, radiance and sophistication.

She transcended the weather.

Halston had designed her ensemble for the day. It was a duck egg blue suit and pill box hat. They chose the millinery based on the idea they wanted to make a statement of something fresh and also something no one else was thinking about wearing. It was to usher in a new era in Washington and ultimately the world.

As Jackie’s husband was being sworn in, a gust of wind blew the hat and she grabbed hold. In doing so, it caused a dimple in the back. The new first lady was unaware of the dimple, but the press seized onto it. The hat and the dimple became a rage.

When Mrs. Wilder and her son were shopping at Fines for the year’s Easter ensembles, there in the window was a blue pill box with pearl accents and without a dimple! It spoke to her. The clerk placed the purchase on her account. The weather for the holiday was predicted to be in the 40’s. The hat she saw was felt, so it would be perfect.

Easter morning came and the family prepared for church. Along with the traditional hot cross buns, Mrs. Wilder prepared a ham with fig glaze. All was in a quiet and perfect timeliness.

As they were getting in the car and leaving for Independent Presbyterian Church on Bull and Oglethorpe, Mrs. Wilder discovered that her hat sat too tall for her to travel in it. Also, she noticed that one of her white gloves was soiled. She removed her hat and rushed back in the house in search of a new pair.

By this time the family was now running behind schedule and Mrs. Wilder hurried back to the car. Off they motored to the church.

Along the way, the family noticed everyone staring at the car and pointing. They were puzzled as to why this was happening. Mr. Wilder reached the church and parked on the corner of Oglethorpe and Bull. Families had already started to congregate on the commons to place flowers in the Easter cross. However, they stopped and all turned to look at the Wilder family.

As they exited the car, Mrs. Wilder noticed that her hat was on the top of the car! She had forgotten she had taken it off in the rush to gather a new pair of gloves. It was truly miraculous that the wind had not blown it off during the fifteen-minute drive.

Mrs. Wilder could only chuckle about what had happened. As she went to put on her hat, she noticed something strange.

There was a dimple in the back.

Just like Jackie’s.

Fig Glaze for Ham

INGREDIENTS

1/3 c. honey
2/3 c. very hot water
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
1 c. Southern Conserve Fig Preserves
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 c. shallots, diced
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh rosemary or marjoram, chopped (or 1 tsp. dry)
Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

In a bowl, combine honey, hot water, vinegar, Fig Preserves and cloves. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, sauté the shallots in oil over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened. Add the honey-fig mixture. Bring to a simmer; add the herbs and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

If desired, purée in a blender or food processor until smooth.

As a glaze or basting sauce:

Brush or spoon the warmed glaze over the roast or ham during the last 30 to 40 minutes of roasting, basting every 10 minutes or so.

Remaining glaze can be simmered to thicken and served as a side sauce.