The Cottage

Chapter 38

Savannah
2022

The little Arts and Crafts cottage on the 200 block of Maupas Avenue in Savannah had been owned by the Wilder Family for generations. It was a home of beginnings and of transition.

Almost every Wilder bride began housekeeping in the cottage since Fannie Barnes and Lawrence Wilder were married in 1915. Her father had bought the house as an investment property. It served as the couple’s home until their Arts and Crafts house was completed on the 600 block of the same street. As a honeymoon cottage, it was idyllic. The white picket fence not only provided a sense of boundary but it was the perfect foil for the riot of color from the yellow Banksia roses. The fragrant floribunda blooms were started from cuttings from the old growth roses from Fannie’s childhood farm on the outskirts of the city. Regardless of the external color changes or interior décor, they remained the one consistent feature.

A blue flagstone pathway led to the front door. Fannie had chosen yellow for the door to match the roses.

The cottage was simple in design. The living room captured the inviting southern exposure. The sun would flood the room and kitchen with the first lights of day. The living-room was simple with a wooden faced fireplace and built-in bookcases flanking the sides. They all had been painted white. No one remembers when this happened, but most felt sure it was done so in an effort to give the cottage a more up to date feel. Oak hardwood floors ran throughout the house. The exception was the kitchen and bath. The kitchen originally had yellow and blue patterned linoleum. It was cheerful. The kitchen also served as the breakfast area. The only furniture in the room were two chairs and a small table that butted against the window to catch a view of the back perennial garden. However, as the future would show, there was enough room to add a single highchair on the other end. There was a small built-in pantry that had held its share of jars of Tomato Conserve over the decades. The recipe for the condiment came to each the bride from her mother-in-law.

The original wallpaper had cherries. Over time, a wide array of papers took it place. In the 1960’s there was an unfortunate covering of purple and yellow peace signs and doves. Most speculated when they saw it, the marriage would not last. The marriage did, but the paper did not.

The front bedroom opened to the front porch via double French doors with exterior screens. In earlier years, the doors would be open and the soft breezes would gently blow the lace curtains. Sounds of the late night could be heard from the tree frogs calling for rain or the incessant humming of the cicada. The back bedroom (the quieter of the two) was most often employed as a nursery.

The cottage would be used until one or more children came on to the picture. Then, the houses would flip. The parents would move into the cottage and downsize their living arrangement. The younger family would move into the larger home and raise the burgeoning family. It was actually very ideal. Given the fact the homes were only a few blocks away, each family had their space but were close enough to retain a sense of unity. Also, it gave the new family an opportunity to start their own traditions. Holidays were held at the main house.

The newest inhabitants for the cottage were to be Addy Wilder and soon to be husband, Preston Henry. In just a few months the couple would be moving in to start their new life, but as tradition, the new bride was expected to put her sense of style and taste into the home.

Addy had contacted the Georgia Historical Association to determine original paint colors and to see if any photographs or information about the house existed. There she found descriptions and a photo! The picket fence was painted white and there was a reference made to a yellow door. The now lush spray of banksia roses were only two feet high.

There you had it.

The cottage was to be given a fresh coat of white and the door returned to its original yellow color. Inside, the interior was to be painted in all white. White was Addy’s signature color. Now many would think that white would be safe and even boring. However, she knew it would be a perfect background for any artwork they would choose. Also, it was her plan to use a riot of color in fabrics and accessories. She loved the idea of traditional and fresh merging.

Today, Addy’s father and Preston’s Uncle were at the house working. Both were quite handy. They were replacing the light fixture in the living room. Addy had chosen an Arts and Craft fixture to replace the 1980’s chandelier.

The two men were putting it up when Preston entered the room. The guys were discussing what was wrong with the wiring. The fixture simply would not work. They tested the circuit and saw it was good. They concluded the fixture must be defective.

Preston looked at the fixture on the ceiling then looked at his uncle and future father-in-law.

He said, “Guys, do you think it would work better if it had a light bulb in it?” The two men fell silent. They looked at each other and laughed.

Mr. Wilder gave the young man a sly smile and said, “Preston, don’t you need to go and trim the roses?”

Tomato Conserve

The New Staple For Every Home

If you open your pantry and there is not a jar or two of our signature condiment, then something is just plain wrong!

Our Tomato Conserve has become a primary staple in any kitchen. Its adaptability and range of use makes it perfect to add to any meat, fish, fowl or pasta. Grab some cream cheese or chevre and dollop the Tomato Conserve on top for a perfect quick appetizer for unexpected guests.

Psst, we also heard it is fantastic in Bloody Mary’s! Just sayin’…