BY GENE COLEMAN

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ —Saturday’s third annual Reveille at Historic Jefferson College, 16 Old North St., in the Washington community, will take visitors back to the World War II era, complete with live swing music, original themed-games, homemade pies and local history.

This free event begins at 10 a.m. with a live-action game fashioned after classic spin-and-move board games.

Throughout the west wing of the college, players will move toward the finish as they spin to land on spaces that either propel them toward graduation or give them a temporary setback.

Robin Seage Person, site director for Historic Jefferson College, said the game is one exciting part of an event that sheds light on the history of the college, which was established in 1802.

“Most of the spaces have something to do with the life of a cadet — ‘You received a letter from home. Move ahead 2.’ or ‘Can’t get a date for the dance? Lose a turn.’ This year the focus is on World War II, and there are many interesting stories on the kids that were here and the events in this area,” Person said.

A scavenger hunt-style game in which contestants search for cards bearing silhouettes of World War II German fighter planes also is part of the fun.

Young visitors may test their coordination with jump ropes and hopscotch or take part in life-size games of checkers, dominoes or pick-up sticks.

History will take the forefront at 10:30 a.m. when Air Force veteran and filmmaker Mark LaFrancis presents his documentary “In Their Boots: Voices of Our Soldiers.” The film tells the story of United States armed forces of World War II through interviews with male and female veterans, including the late Natchez native and World War II POW Bob Mims.

Visitors who have a connection to the school can contribute to historical archives by recording their stories during the Reveille. To participate, contact the college and reserve a time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Driving the 1940s pulse of the event will be live swing and big band music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by the CG Jazz Quartet of New Orleans. For a bit of local flavor, a pie contest will see local pie makers having their baked goods judged by Natchez chef Regina Charboneau, Vicksburg baker Heather Burns and The Natchez Democrat News Editor Ben Hillyer. Samples of the entries will be available. To enter the contest, call 601-442-2901 or email info@historicjeffersoncollege.com.  

Free visits to the college’s popular mystery room will let guests search for clues and solve a whodunit mystery between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Guided tours through the east and west wings of the college will be conducted. Reservations are required for participation in those events by calling 601-442-2901 or emailing info@historicjeffersoncollege.com.