Natchez — Mimi Miller of the Historic Natchez Foundation will present “A New Look at Some Old Houses….Gone, but Not Forgotten,” a program on historic buildings in Natchez that are no longer with us during the February meeting of the Pilgrimage Garden Club.

Miller’s presentation will be at 6:30 p.m. today at the Carriage House Restaurant.

“I’ll show photos of both commercial buildings and historic houses that were once in Natchez and also a photo of what is in that location now,” Miller said. It’s kind of sad, but it’s very interesting and it makes a very dramatic statement about preservation.”

Miller has been working on the presentation for several years matching archived photos to 19th century insurance and army maps of Natchez.

“The bulk of the images were provided by Joan Gandy, the late Bill Stewart and Sim Callon,” Miller said.

The presentation, she said, illustrates the demolition that occurred in the 1950s and 60s. Although many buildings were lost to fire, many others were demolished because of their neglected condition.

“These days we don’t think twice about saving these buildings that are in the same condition of those that were demolished,” Miller said.

The spirit of preservation in Natchez, said Miller, began with a battle to save the outdoor market in 1924 which stood where The Market Place is today. That battle was lost, but shortly afterward the Pilgrimage began which helped to raise awareness and appreciation for Natchez’ historic buildings.

The presentation includes dinner in the main dining room. Husbands and guests are welcome.

Points are available for attendance.

Please make reservations by calling the Carriage House at 601-445-5153 or e-mailing the club office at pilgrimagegardenclub@yahoo.com.

The cost of dinner is $18 which includes tax and tip and that there will be a cash bar.

Program chairmen are Georgeanne Brakenridge and Genny Harrison. Decorations for this program are by Carrie Iles and Sharon Sharp

The mini program will be in observance of Arbor Day. The Junior Gardners will plant a native tree on the grounds of Longwood.