It's Special, All Right.

While doing some research on the history of Fondren, one of Jackson’s neighborhoods this morning, Elisabeth ran across this photo in Jackson: A Special Kind of Place by Carroll Brinson (1977). I think it’s apparent that based upon this photo, Jackson is very obviously special in many ways.



The photo is undated, but the caption says that the Jackson library system conducted an “educational campaign” to remind folks to return their library books. I’m sure it was an inexpensive project; the only thing is cost was the costume-wearer’s dignity.

Here was my train of thought as I examined the photo:

• The book is scandalously short! Look how much tights-covered leg is showing! I feel certain there is a leotard involved as well.

• The book’s cat eyes are very stylish, but I’m concerned that there’s no mouth hole.

• This is happening in front of the Governor’s Mansion. (North Congress is the cross street just past the tree. The future home of the downtown Keifer’s is almost in view.)

• The ladies in the background are SCANDALIZED. Is it the concept of a walking book? The amount of shapely leg hanging out? The nerve of the photographer for taking her photo? (I’m not sure, but I covet her gold shoes and fur stole.)

• I would like to see quantitative data on the effectiveness of this project.

If anyone has additional information on the book, its legs, or if this was an ongoing campaign, please let us know!