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Godfrey proud to reign as NGC king
Published Saturday, March 15, 2008
Natchez — The grandeur and history of the Historic Natchez Pageant is nothing new to Will Godfrey. The 21-year-old Natchez native grew up wearing the confederate soldier’s uniform as a page and will again button up the gray jacket when he reigns as 2008 Natchez Garden Club king.
“I’ve grown up playing many different roles in the pageant,” Godfrey said. “Working backstage for years helped me to learn a lot about the pageant and Natchez.”
“He has always been a part of pageant,” said Godfrey’s mother, Laura Godfrey. “He has always enjoyed it and was always enthusiastic about it. When he served as page as a boy, the first thing he said was, ‘does this mean I get to be king?’”
From Little Maypole participant to Showboat wheelroller, Will has done it all. His pageant résumé includes The Indian, Frontiersman, Picnic, Polka, The Hunt and American Flag bearer. It seems there is very little about the pageant that Will isn’t familiar with and that may be one reason he was chosen as king.
“I’ve been involved pretty much every year with pageant,” he said. “That, and my mom being so active in garden club is probably why I was chosen. It’s such a great honor to be king.”
The University of Mississippi junior said he loves Natchez and takes pride in representing the Natchez Garden Club in the pageant.
“I enjoy doing all of this,” he said. “Pageant is a big deal for this city and I’m honored to be able to come back and serve as king.”
Like most of the court, the Historic Natchez Pageant is a family affair for Will. His cousin served as king and his aunt was once queen. His father, Ed Godfrey, also served in the pageant court.
“It just runs in his blood,” said Laura, who will celebrate her 25th year with the garden club this year.
Along with his pageant lineage, Godfrey also brings an authentic Civil War era sword to the pageant. He will carry the sword his great-great-great grandfather used in battle during the Civil War. Will will also wear the general’s uniform that his cousin wore while reigning as pageant king.
“His great-great-great grandfather fought with that sword,” Laura said. “Dad has had it all these years and told me about it when Will was chosen king. He told me that Will had to carry this sword.”
Laura took the sword to an expert to inquire about cleaning it, but was told it was more valuable in its original condition.
“It doesn’t look very good,” she said. “But it’s a real sword.”
While pageant will keep Will busy for the next week, most of his days are spent in the classroom at Ole Miss. The political science major said he wasn’t sure exactly what he will do after graduation, but hopes to work in politics.
Will has gotten an early start on his political career, working for Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama in Chicago last summer. He served as a finance intern for Obama’s campaign and regularly met with the Illinois senator.
“I loved doing that work,” he said. “I was able to attend several campaign events and really learned the ins and outs of running a campaign at that level.”
Regardless of where the world of politics takes him, Will said he would like to move back to his hometown one day.
“Natchez is such a different and unique place,” he said. “I just love this place and I hope to return one day to do what I can to make sure this unique way of life stays the same.”
Will’s love of Natchez is obvious and Laura said he promotes the city everywhere he goes.
“No matter where he is, he tells people about this city,” she said. “He really loves Natchez. He always has that Natchez pin on.”
Comments
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 16, 2008 at 12:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats Will! Your picture sure looks good with President McCain!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 16, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not so cool with Obama, though.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on March 16, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
true dat!!
Posted by naturegirl (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just can't believe the family let that picture be published!
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Are you jealous?
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on March 18, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW, doesn't he look all dudded up in his Confederate garb? I always say, better to know where someone stands, than to have to guess.
Posted by reb1843 (anonymous) on March 18, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, no 'true' Confederate general would be caught dead by Yankees in that farby outfit. It is not very historically accurate, it's merely for show under the lights. It is a costume, not a uniform, but I'm sure young Mr. Godfrey doesn't know or care about the difference.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on March 18, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whoa.
Posted by CHall1229 (Christina Hall) on March 19, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Reb1843 - You don't know Mr. Godfrey at all, do you? I don't think so or you would not say "I'm sure Mr. Godfrey doesnt' know or care about the difference." If anyone one young person cares about this town or the way things are done it is Will Godfrey. He is never seen without his Natchez pin on and he is always encouraging people to come to our town. He is a fine young man and he is participating in a play. A play where he wears a costume. Will Godfrey is young man with a bright future and one that I hope involves him living and working in Natchez.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 19, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Teach, I guess we all know where reb stands. We never have to guess with him, and in this instance I agree with him.
Posted by reb1843 (anonymous) on March 19, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Folks, I do not wish to cast dispersions upon young Mr. Godfrey at all. I am sure he is an upstanding / outstanding member of the Natchez community. I was in Pilgrimage many, many times myself, even serving in the King and Queen's Court a couple of years. I was merely making an observation of his 'costume' and that it was not very accurate. The Pilgrimage 'costumers'are not always correct in their portrayal of what was worn during that period, but come up with designs, patterns, and color schemes to please the crowds, not the historians. And, the way American history is NOT taught in today's school system, I was also making the point that (unless Will happened to be a student of that time) he wouldn't be expected to know the difference between what a general or a captain wore.
Poor Miss Sentas is always on my case. However, my sincerest apology to all those who thought I was 'sniping' at Godfrey, including her.
Posted by CHall1229 (Christina Hall) on March 19, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not sure who Miss Sentas is and I have never written a comment to you. I do however object when people say things such they "are sure someone doesn't know or care" when they don't know that for a fact at all.
Posted by reb1843 (anonymous) on March 19, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sentas, you're just green with envy you didn't get Trace's autograph. And, it was 2003. You're getting the years mixed up, along with your chiding me for having pride in my Confederate ancestry. Pay attention, please. At least I back up my info with facts, not bovine scatology. But, some folks just can't handle the truth, can they?
Posted by reb1843 (anonymous) on March 19, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, I like green people, particularly those of Irish extraction. Actually, I have to clear things up after your ramblings. Sensas, give it up. You spin the subject matter as much as a politician.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 19, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(Reb1843) "Hang in there)!
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on March 20, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps that someday when he returns to Natchez, he can run for mayor.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 20, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does it irritate you!
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 20, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
?
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 20, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(Sentas) Apparently you have nothing to talk about but my !'s! I have used other markings even on this article! You have to see past your nose! Everyone can see where you come from? Your logic has been shown again! I know that you have been back to this posting, so I really hope you enjoy my !'s and that they irritate you, along with this article on Mr Godfrey and President McCain!
Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Will Godfrey is a good kid with parents who care about him. They have all worked hard for Natchez and he has prepared himself for a bright future. It's a pity to see grown adults being snarky about him.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He is adorable! Great guy! Great photo!
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