credit: Suzi Altman
Nestled along the Blues Highway, historic U.S. Route 61 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Margaret’s Grocery stands as a vivid testament to the rich tapestry of Black culture in Vicksburg and Southern folk art at large. This landmark, with colorful towers, messages and murals, reflects resilience, redemption, creativity, faith, and the African American experience in the South.
Watch this incredible video from Driven By Vision, and then read on to learn about how you can help bring this priceless piece of Vicksburg history back to life.
The Creation of a Folk Art Masterpiece
Margaret’s Grocery was originally a simple country store owned by Abie Lee and Margaret Rogers where the Kings Community could get basic household essentials. Margaret and Abie Lee enjoyed a long, happy marriage until one fateful day in the late 1970s.
“He went to the South Pacific…to fight, and come back without a scratch,” Margaret said. “And then one day robbers come in the grocery store and killed him.”
About five years later, she married Reverend Herman D. Dennis, known to many simply as ‘Preacher’. He swore to Margaret that if she married him, he would build her a castle. Inspired by a divine vision and promise, Rev. Dennis transformed the grocery into a vibrant example of vernacular art, repurposing everyday objects as symbols of broader cultural and spiritual significance.
Trained as a bricklayer in WWII, Rev. Dennis crafted a fantastical environment using found materials like bricks, cinder blocks and vibrant paint that evolved and grew over the years. The site blends biblical references, masonic symbols and personal messages, serving as worship, art, and social commentary in one.
Every detail of the site holds meaning. Dennis chose the bold, bright color palette to remind people that “you can’t have a bouquet of flowers without different colors. We’re all God’s children.”
A Symbol of Inclusivity and Community
Margaret’s Grocery is more than just an artistic endeavor; it is a powerful symbol of culture and community. Rev. Dennis messages of love, peace and unity painted across the site reflect deep spiritual roots and strong communal bonds in the South.
Through their love, Rev. Dennis and Margaret transformed the grocery store into a work of art and a ministry. The chaotic and fanciful space drew in curious travelers, and Preacher would welcome each one and enthusiastically share his message of hope and salvation.
Preserving a Cultural Landmark
Though Margaret and Rev. Dennis have passed, their legacy endures through ongoing efforts to preserve Margaret’s Grocery. Photographer Suzi Altman was drawn to the site in 2001. Like so many others, she fell in love with its creators. Over the next few years, Altman befriended Preacher and Margaret, and took every opportunity to photograph the remarkable landmark. After their passing, she created the Mississippi Folk Art Foundation to fulfill a promise.
“I promised Dennis I would look after his castle, having no idea what I was promising,” Altman admits. “It was a very large promise, I came to learn.”
The site has faced numerous challenges, including vandalism, erosion and the harsh Mississippi weather. However, Altman is determined to keep her promise. Efforts are ongoing to restore the site, and much of the art and installations have been moved into storage.
Currently, the site is closed for repairs, but Altman is available for private tours upon request.
Looking ahead
“Our dreams and goals are to revitalize this site as an outdoor attraction for the community,” Altman said. Once restored, Altman believes the site could help spur more development in the Kings community by drawing tourism to the area.
“This still site draws tourists from around the world,” Altman said. “Even in the state it’s in.”
There is a long journey ahead to restore Margaret’s Grocery and the good Reverend’s legacy. Altman needs the support of the community to keep her promise and save Margaret’s Grocery.
“We are committed to making this a roadside attraction again,” Altman says, “and making it more beautiful for the Kings Community, and so people from around the world again will be happy to have a place to stop. That’s my whole thing, is to honor Margaret and Dennis. They were a huge part of that community, and what they have done needs to be remembered.”
Not just an example of Southern folk art; Margaret’s Grocery is a symbol of perseverance, creativity and love in the face of adversity. It tells the story of a couple who transformed their corner of the world into a place of wonder and reflection. Now, we need to rally around this beautiful space and save it before it’s too late.
If you can, please donate money or materials, offer a few hours of your free time, or lend equipment to the cause. Together, we can save this sacred site.
To help, follow the Mississippi Folk Art Foundation Facebook page or contact Suzi Altman at [email protected] or call (601) 668-9611.
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