Call It a Comeback
Raymond is on the Rise
By Amanda Wells | Photos by Cole Furlow
Isla Tullos moved to the sleepy town of Raymond in the early 1990s where, by chance and persuasion, she threw her hat into the ring for mayor in 1997. She won and has continued to lead her town forward since. What was once a town in need of change is now a town that people flock to for a change. Infrastructure upgrades, like water line extensions and sewer line upgrades, dominated the first part of Isla’s tenure, but beautification and historic preservation have followed. Her efforts have included revamping Raymond’s iconic water tower that sits in the middle of the town square. Made in 1905 by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, the town centerpiece is surrounded by lush plantings – an Isla trademark.
Raymond is rich in history, including being home to the once-famous health resort Cooper’s Well. In 1837, when Methodist minister Preston Cooper built his home on a hill in Raymond, he found himself in need of an increased water supply. Water from the resulting well became known for its medicinal benefits and people came from near and far to partake. Home to a plethora of historic churches, including the “Raymond Church,” where all denominations gathered in the days before the Civil War, Raymond’s places of worship offer insight into days gone by.
It was history that brought Isla to Raymond. She was born and raised in Starkville and has lived in Jackson and Madison County. In 1992, Isla and her husband Max were seeking an antebellum home to relocate to their land in Madison County, but weren’t having much luck. It was during this search that Isla found an old building on Raymond’s town square. The oldest part of the two-story brick building was built in the 1850s and served as a mercantile store until 1926, when it was converted to a print shop. The Tulloses were smitten with the property and decided to make Raymond their home. Working with architect Chuck Barlow, Isla and Max transformed the dilapidated building into a beautiful home complete with a courtyard and stunning garden.
A champion of repurposing older buildings, Isla is proud of the efforts of so many people to preserve Raymond’s special historic character. “Friends of Raymond, Inc. was established as a local preservation group to preserve, manage, and promote significant historic sites in Raymond,” explains Isla. “This group has been in existence for 21 years and has acquired and interpreted about 160 acres of Civil War battlefield in Raymond, which it plans to give to the Vicksburg National Military Park, where it will be operated as a significant part of the park and help tell the story of the lead-up to the Siege of Vicksburg. That will be a big economic boost to the area.” Isla also touts the new zoning and land use ordinance, former MHT Director David Preziosi’s survey of all of the structures in town, the creation of a Historic District and a Historic Preservation Commission, and the establishment of Raymond as a Certified Local Government.
Isla has seen much progress over the years and finds herself particularly excited about the opening of The Raymond, a new event venue on the square. “Of course I love the name,” says Isla. “The renovation of the old Ford Motor Company, the grounds around it, and complete overhaul of the small concrete block building on the property has been by far the most exciting thing to happen here.” The building has had many former lives, including a restaurant, office space and a movie rental store.
Constructed c.1920 as a garage and warehouse, The Raymond is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restoration preserved the barrel ceiling, handcrafted light fixtures, factory windows, and exposed brick walls. “It’s smack dab in the middle of the square and is hands-down my favorite site that has been brought back to life recently,” says Isla.
“This warehouse has sat empty on our historic town square for over 30 years,” says Leah Pinnix, one of the owners of The Raymond. The nearly 6,000 square-foot warehouse now houses event space, a kitchen, The Yellow Feather retail store, a bridal suite, and three restrooms.
One of the reasons Leah and her partners chose Raymond as home for their new business is the strong historic character of the town. “The cool thing about Raymond is that it hasn’t ‘evolved’ much over the years,” explains Leah. “It’s like going back in time. Our mayor, Isla Tullos has done a phenomenal job preserving our town and most of our residents consider it a best-kept secret. We have so many people that share a love for our town and the desire to keep it special.”
Leah has been told that The Raymond is the biggest thing to happen to the town since the Hinds County Courthouse was constructed in 1857. “We are so thankful for the overwhelming response we have received,” she says. “People are excited to have a modern day mercantile and venue option tucked away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. The location of Raymond is just far enough away without being too far.”
“There are so many things that make Raymond special,” says Isla. “A warm, loving, diverse bunch of people would be at the top of my list along with being a safe place to live. Those two things go together, don’t they? We have a wonderful police department to handle any disputes but have very little crime. Having ten or more churches within a bit more than one square mile may account for our harmony and goodwill. The convenience of being located in the center of Hinds County with easy and quick access to Jackson or any other place in the county allows us to have all the wonderful assets of a large city and still offer the peace and quiet of small-town-in-the-country living.”