Travel South Magazine Travel South low (kasey daleo's conflicted copy 20 | Page 124

Mammy’s
Cupboard
Jim Henson
Exhibit
Puppeteer Jim Henson grew up in the swamplands of Le-
land, Mississippi, which is now home to a permanent ex-
hibit for the icon and his creator. Born in 1936, Henson
spent his childhood like many of us, playing outdoors. His
inspiration for Kermit came to him long after, but it was
those early days that sparked his beloved dream.
When Leland officially recognized itself as the birthplace,
there was a celebration in which the town was
given three of the original Muppet figures to
display: Dr. Teeth, Chester the Rat, and The
Swedish Chef. The puppets, of
course, had to be given
back after the celebra-
tion came to an end,
but later one, Henson’s
wife donated the origi-
nal Kermit the Frog
puppet to the town’s
exhibit. Today, you can
go visit the birthplace
of this iconic character,
view a plaque created
in his honor, and even
the original ppet
pu
Kermit the Frog
Leland
Mississippi
take pictures with the giant stuffed frog himself.
Another obscure tourist attraction that is worth a look is
Mammy’s Cupboard. Mammy’s is known for being a “po-
litically incorrect” building that still serves up lunch and
desserts today. The building itself is a large red brick
structure in the shape of a hoop skirt, with a single door
in the center of the brick. Atop the brick sits a sculpture
of the torso and head of a maid holding a serving tray,
and if that isn’t enough to raise an eyebrow, the
fact that her skin color used to be 3-4 shades
darker, will.
The building was built in
1940, but after the Civil
Rights Movement of the
60s, Mammy’s started to
get some unwanted atten-
tion, so it was decided that
her skin tone be lightened.
Now in full “swing” with a
gift shop and all, Mammy’s
is one piece of history you
won’t want to miss.