Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1340266
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE MACONMAGAZINE.COM macon macon Celebrating the good life & great stories magazine e home received a 2020 Excellence in Rehabilitation Award from the Georgia Trust. It was a nod and heartfelt thank-you to the Wright family, who have taken this monumental Macon abode and left their own lasting legacy. In reading "Accepted Fables," Massee Jr.'s autobiography, which was later compiled and edited by Richard Jay Hutto, a particular quote was striking from 1919 in which Harry Stillwell Edwards wrote, "When you go down Cherry Street after dark, look up at the white lights that turn night into day and think of Jordan Massee. ey are the stars in his service flag; they are the unwinking stars in his wonderful dream – come true." Shining under those lights today, Theatre Macon actors pay homage to Brick, Maggie and Big Daddy of a certain famous play rooted in Macon with the backdrop of an award-winning historic restoration masterpiece. The legacy of Jordan Massee Jr. FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS, the inhabitants of 619 College St. have possessed a wide range of gifts and talents. Jordan Massee Jr. (1914-2002) had the gift of admiration. Because of this gift, he developed friendships with some of the leading luminaries of the 20th century – Truman Capote, Isak Dinesen, Arthur Miller, Marilyn Monroe, Edith Sitwell and Gore Vidal, among many others. Massee rarely fawned over them, but he did understand them and how to bring out the best of their prodigious talents. He never personally achieved literary or musical acclaim, but he had a deep and nuanced understanding of what greatness looked and sounded like. Massee's gift for friendship brought two of his closest friends to Macon: Tennessee Williams and Carson McCullers. Williams lived in Macon in the summer of 1942 and spent a lot of time with the Massee family, where he first heard sayings like, "the richest land east of the Nile," and, "cat on a hot tin roof," which he later incorporated into his writings. Massee's father, Jordan Massee Sr., provided inspiration for the iconic character Big Daddy. Williams also met other memorable Maconites like Margaret Lewis Powell, who influenced the creation of the character Maggie the Cat. e friendship I think Massee treasured most was with McCullers, his cousin. If you consult the index of Virginia Carr's marvelous biography of McCullers, you'll find Massee's name mentioned more than anyone other than McCullers herself. Massee loved her deeply. He knew she was fragile though, and it was through his relationship with her that his greatest gift became most apparent. Massee's life should not be measured by the famous folk he knew and admired. His mind was extraordinary and he had an encyclopedic understanding of numerous subjects. He was also kind – though he could display a wicked wit. Massee often lamented the loss of the balustrade at his family's former home and would undoubtedly be thrilled to see the house has been returned to its former glory. I also feel certain that he would admire Bridget and Michael Wright for continuing his family's tradition of enriching the life of this community by generously opening the doors of their wonderful home. – CAREY PICKARD FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 | maconmagazine.com 47