Billups-Garth Archives mentioned on “Whad’ Ya Know?” Show

This past Saturday the “Whad’ Ya Know?” show with Michael Feldman came to Columbus live from Rent Auditorium on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. 

Over 800 people attended the show filled with humor, interviews, history, and quizzes.

One of Feldman’s guests was Rufus Ward, attorney and local historian.  During his interview, Ward discussed numerous historical facts about Columbus including Andrew Jackson’s creation of Military Road on his march from Nashville down to New Orleans. Ward also talked about his efforts in the creation of a Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Museum in Columbus.

Michael Feldman (right) interviewing Rufus Ward (left)

During the interview Feldman read from an article from this very blog!!  In honor of Ward’s work with the Archives last year, we celebrated his dedication and time with us with a surprise party.  Feldman asked him about this celebration and Ward discussed his association and work with the Billups-Garth Archives.

The name of the Billups-Garth Archives reached all across the nation! Archivist Mona K. Vance said, “I was thrilled that the Archives was mentioned and that listeners heard about the numerous preservation efforts going on here in Lowndes County and Mississippi.”

The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library was also mentioned on several occasions including when children’s librarian Mother Goose sang Feldman an impromptu song on air.

Other locals that Feldman interviewed included Birney Imes, editor and publisher of the Commercial Dispatch newspaper, and Helen Karriem, owner of Helen’s Kitchen in Columbus.

Feldman talking with Mona Vance and Mike Lowery after the show

Feldman was joined on-stage by Announcer Jim Packard & the “Whad’ Ya Know?” Jazz Trio: John Thulin on piano, Jeff Hamann on bass, and Clyde Stubblefield on drums. 

The show is approaching its 25th anniversary and is normally broadcast in Madison, Wis. Feldman does eight shows from the road annually.

The National Public Broadcasting program is aired on nearly 300 public radio stations nationwide with over 1 million listeners. To learn more about the “Whad’ Ya Know?” Show visit www.notmuch.com.