Mississippi folk art environment in McComb

Montay's (spelling?) Mississippi folk art world near McComb

May 30,2006 update - he now introduces himself as Bernard Smith
and he does have a few objects for sale
and his address is 1045 Oakdale, McComb MS -
this you can Mapquest

If you do go visit this place, please let me know how the visit went,
I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Also, please donate money to him, he is very poor. - John Preble john@abitamysteryhouse.com

I am not sure how to spell this guy's name, Montay, Montaye, Montae. He is very nice. The place is a few minutes southeast of McComb Mississippi on Oakdale Road. He works mostly with dark paint and white; plus mirrors and paving stones and whatever. The "fanlite" motif seems important to him. When asked about how it all started he states that he was hanging out one day on the streets and then the next day he started his hobby of fixing up his house. A lot of work went into it.

McComb, Mississippi is a one and half hour's drive north of Abita Springs, Louisiana,
home of the The Abita Mystery House at the UCM Museum

Also while in the McComb area go see the Gingerbread House in McComb, Mississippi
Bette Mott, (601) 684-9636, 601 W Georgia Ave, Mccomb, MS 39648
This is a few minutes away on Hwy 51, but call ahead if you want to tour the inside
She does charge admission; it is very odd - lots of plushies and twinky lights.

Bernards, aka Montay's front yard carpeted and painted plastic chairs.May 29, 2005
These photos were taken on May 29, 2005 and October 28, 2005 -- John Preble

Note mirrors near roof line - and roof line with loose bricks.May 29, 2005

Climbing into the front door can be challenging; note the mirrors are there but hard to see. May 29, 2005

Painted fence boards. May 29, 2005

Painted pavers May 29, 2005

Note the black storm door with a doll display behind the glass. May 29, 2005

The man had been busy. May 29, 2005

The man had been more busy. Photo taken October 28, 2005 (improved steps, columns, etc.)

Photo taken October 28, 2005

DIRECTIONS TO THIS PLACE
1045 Oakdale, McComb MS - this you can Mapquest

UPDATE from DFC, Memphis - I read the directions and there's actually an easier way. If you take the Fernwood Road exit off of I-55 between McComb and Magnolia and follow it as it goes over the railroad tracks and then winds around for a couple of miles, you will come to Oakdale Road. Take a left and the house is only about 1/4 mile on the left.

OLD INSTRUCTIONS
From the Interstate Hwy 55 in McComb, Mississippi, turn East on MS Hwy 24 (part of US Hwy 98 AKA Presley Blvd. W )
Drive through McComb and cross the RR tracks
After the Tracks you will be on MS Hwy 24 (it becomes US Hwy 98)
HWY 98 bends to the right and after a few blocks you will see the Health Clinic on your right
Here will be a traffic light and this is where you will turn right onto Old Industrial Road.
The next large intersection after turning on Old Industrial Road is a 4 way stop.
Take a left here onto "Old Hwy 24"
The second or third road on the right is Oakdale Road
Take a right onto Oakdale Road.
The Montay Mirror House is on the right about a mile or so.

NOTE: Be prepared to park almost in a ditch because Oakdale is narrow and has fast traffic.
Montay has a video camera for surveillance - don't disrupt anything.

Sponsored by the Abita Mystery House, Abita Springs, Louisiana's Most Eccentric Museum

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Terms and Conditions. © copyright 2006 John Preble. All rights reserved. Credits/contact info.