Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2021

COAST NOTE OLDFIELDS
Walter Anderson’s Former Home to be Restored
story by Jae Schifano photos courtesy of the Mississippi Heritage Trust
The former home of beloved Coast artist Walter Anderson will not be demolished! The Gautier home that was constructed in 1845 has been purchased
by the Mississippi Heritage Trust thanks to an anonymous donor. The home was originally built for Civil War o cer, merchant and politician Alfred Lewis and his family. It was later purchased by the Grinstead family. Agnes “Sissie” Grinstead later married artist Walter Anderson. The couple and their children lived at “Old elds,” the nickname for the home, for many years. Due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Old elds received signi cant damage. It was among the few antebellum-style homes left along the Mississippi Coast, and the Mississippi Heritage Trust felt it needed to be saved. “The porch was very badly damaged. It needs a new roof. Some of the interior
oorboards were washed out. We’re looking at complete restoration of the property,” said Lolly Rash with the Mississippi Heritage Trust.
Regarding the restoration, Rash says, “We plan to work with neighbors and stakeholders to determine the future use of the house. I don’t believe the overall character of the house has changed much since it was built.”
Even though the structure is not as visually appealing as it used to be, much history has taken place over the years inside this home. Walter Anderson created some of his most signi cant work while residing at Old elds. “This is where he launched
his boat to head out to Horn Island, where he created so many beautiful works of art.” Rash said.
This home, which has been listed as one of the 10 most endangered historic places in the state, is in good hands.
16 | February 2021
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